DRAFT PROSPECTS HOCKEY

Tag: NHL

  • Michael’s Monthly: September

    Michael’s Monthly: September

    Welcome to Michael’s Monthly—a monthly report that goes over all the prospects and games I’ll cover in a given month.

    Sudbury at Kingston (Pre-Season)

    First game of the year was a neutral site pre-season game in Newmarket, ON. Here are the players I felt had an impact.

    Genc Ula, D (Sudbury Wolves):

    Ula had a rough start to his game, taking two bad penalties in the 2nd period and instigating Pobezal for the duration of the game. Fortunately, his antics eventually resulted in a power play for Sudbury. The power play ended with a shorthanded goal before Ula scored a rocket from the point, finishing the game with 1 goal and 1 assist. He is a violent defender with a strong slap shot and a temper that often lands him in the penalty box. His play style reminds me of Radko Gudas.

    Kingston Harris, C (Sudbury Wolves):

    Before this game my knowledge of Harris was limited, but his skill tonight really put him on my radar. He is a fast skater and hits everything that moves. From the moment the puck dropped Harris was dialed in. He ended up scoring Sudbury’s first goal on the power play. He even had a bit of penalty-kill time, which was Sudbury’s bread and butter as they killed off all five of Kingston’s power plays. He currently reminds me of Seth Jarvis, but only time will tell if he has similar potential.

    Aleks Kulemin, C (Kingston Frontenacs):

    Despite not getting on the score sheet much at the Hlinka-Gretzky Cup, Kulemin impressed me with his 200-foot game. After getting to watch him in person, he has some good offensive skills, scoring on a breakaway quickly into the game. He reminds me a lot of his father, Nikolai Kulemin, who I grew up watching.

    Matthew Henderson, D (Kingston Frontenacs):

    Henderson got to work right, away putting up 2 assists on Kingston’s first two goals of the game. His speed, good breakout passes, and ability to step up to stop the rush are all factors that contributed to why he was my player of the game. It is clear why Frontenacs fans are excited to see him play this year.

    Windsor at London (Home Opener)

    Attending London’s home opener was incredible. Especially knowing that it is one of the OHL’s most historic franchises. The home opener was a mad house. There was not a single empty seat and the fans were as loud as ever. This game was a slow boil, but by the end of the third, the tea pot was screaming. London had a failed challenge on Windsor’s controversial and late tying goal, resulting in Windsor receiving almost a full power play for overtime. In the end the Knights found a way to make everyone go home happy after a wonderful night of hockey. Let’s go over the standouts.

    Cooper McAslan, D (London Knights):

    McAslan had a bumpy start to the game and looked nervous in the 1st period. As the time passed you could see his confidence grow with every shift. A big block on the penalty kill, a good pivot out of danger, and a great stick lift to stop a high danger shot. In the 3rd his offense came to life. A good rush up the ice, and a shot on goal. He made some mistakes reaching for pucks off the rush, but he improved thus far. In overtime he made a huge block that could have gone in and scored the game winner off a tip from Barch. If he can learn to settle his nerves and be more patient he could be a 1st round talent in this year’s NHL Draft. So far he reminds me of Brian Campbell.

    Kane Barch, F (London Knights):

    Barch immediately caught my eye with his defensive reads and offensive skill set. He was already where he needed to be both offensively and defensively. Always succeeding at the little things; Slot passes, puck battle wins, holding the puck when no lane was available, hitting his teammate full speed with a crisp pass. He was on his game, and was rewarded with assisting on the OT winner. Number 10 in London has caught my eye, and I’m sure others will begin to watch him very closely.

    Ty Bergeron, C (Windsor Spitfires):

    Despite being held off the score sheet, Bergeron had a nice game. He made several good offensive plays including driving the net, good forecheck, and a nice reverse hit to keep the cycle going. I was impressed by him at Hlinka and I believe he will adapt to the OHL very quickly. However, for right now I have him sitting in the late 2nd round.

    Luca Santala, C (Kitchener Rangers):

    I’m glad I was able to see Luca live in London before he was traded. He had a solid game making good moves to enter the zone, and good passes to teammates. Everything except a point. I’m not too worried as he’s already on the score sheet with Kitchener. His play reminds me of James Neal.

    Sarnia at Peterborough (Novotný’s Return)

    Man did the Petes come to play in this one. Led by their returning superstar, Adam Novotný, who put up 2 goals and 2 assists for 4 points. Although Sarnia scored first, the Petes quickly took over the game. Sarnia only scored again during the power play.

    Matthew Perreault, D (Peterborough Petes):

    Even though he did not end up on the score sheet, he impressed me with a +3 and 5 shots on goal. He quarterbacked the power play well and was a key part in getting the puck out of the defensive zone and into the offensive zone. A late birthday for this year’s draft, Perreault still has lots of room to grow, but I’m excited to see him develop. Overall, I really enjoyed his performance.

    Easton Walos, F (Sarnia Sting):

    Easton was one of the four Sarnia players that I had my eye on, and he did not disappoint. He continued his hot start to the season by getting two power play goals. However, he will need to show off more than just his powerful shot if he wants to climb the draft ladder.

    Adrian Sgro, D (Sarnia Sting):

    Sgro isn’t eligible for this year’s draft but it is no surprise why he was taken #4 at the OHL draft this summer. He moves well, has an active stick and doesn’t shy away from being physical. He made two terrible mistakes, but he was still impressive. Adrian Sgro might be a name to remember when the U18s come later around later in the season.

    Brantford at Oshawa (Battle for the East)

    The top two teams in the East Division competed on Sunday. Unsurprisingly, it was an excellent game of hockey. Oshawa has had a hot start going 3-1, and Brantford one of few remaining undefeated teams (4-0). The game however, really opened up in the 2nd period and Brantford scored 4 straight goals. Oshawa tried to fight back but couldn’t make up for it, losing 5-3.

    Kaden McGregor, C (Brantford Bulldogs) :

    The former OHL 1st overall pick has shined so far with Brantford this season. Back to back goals in this game, one on the power play and one 5-on-5. Playing 2nd line with Němec gives him a speedy option on his wing, helping him get off to a hot start with 6 points in 5 games. I would like him to support the defense a bit more but there is no denying his skill and IQ. A late 1st or early 2nd rounder for me personally at the moment. You can read more about him in Stuart’s weekly three stars article here.

    Adam Němec, LW (Brantford Bulldogs):

    Němec really caught my eye at Hlinka. His speed and shot are a deadly combo. He has struggled to score in the OHL but with 4 assists in 5 games he is still putting up points. Once he gets one I am sure the goals will start flooding in, but for now he is still doing his part both 5-on-5 and on the power play. He will need to do more to cement himself as a projected 1st rounder.

    David Buchman, D (Brantford Bulldogs):

    Buchman had a very solid game, I can see why he is playing first pair minutes for Brantford. He has good speed, good hockey IQ and strong playmaking abilities. While he only had 1 assists on the power play, he leads all Draft Eligible defenseman in the OHL with 6 points in 5 games. He also did a good job taking the puck away and tying up players in front. Just like McGregor, a late 1st or early 2nd rounder for me right now.

    Tyler Hinde, LW (Oshawa Generals):

    Due to Hinde receiving a fighting major and an instigating misconduct, he was out for majority of the game. I may not have seen much of him but sticking up for your teammate is a great first impression. Excited to see more of him this year.

    Sam Roberts, D (Oshawa Generals):

    The youngest Roberts brother did not disappoint. He shot out of a cannon right out the gate with a nice shot and a good hit. He did take a delay of game penalty which resulted in the games first goal, however, he got an assist after some hard work in the offensive zone later on in the 2nd period. If Sam can find the scoresheet more he might be hearing his name come draft day in June.

    Outside the OHL

    Players outside the OHL that have caught my eye this month.

    Max Calce, C (Alder Mannheim, DEL):

    Calce is by far the largest jump in my rankings. He’s had an incredibly hot start. With good skating, IQ and tenacity, Calce doesn’t quit when he steps on the ice. He steals pucks on the forecheck and creates scoring chances out of thin air. His early highlight pack speaks for itself as does his production. He has entered my top 10 but will need to be consistent to get in the top 5 by June.

    Sergei Skvortsov, LW (Torpedo Nizhny Novgorod, KHL):

    Skvortsov has been the talk of the town thanks to his elite skating. Many others have him in the top 3 of their rankings. It’s hard to disagree after watching him in the KHL. There is some concern with his defensive play but with limited viewings, it’s hard to say exactly where he is this early in the season. That being said, he reminds me of a young Leon Draisaitl.

    Paul Sintschnig, F (Halifax Mooseheads, QMJHL):

    Sintschnig has had my eye for a while now, going all the way back to last year. I’m glad to report he has adjusted to the QMJHL very well. He continues to develop his game of getting the puck and passing it to teammates in the slot or just driving the net with it himself.

    Michal Hartl, LW (HC Kometa Brno, Czechia):

    I really like Hartl at Hlinka and I’m pleased to say he has been doing well to start the year. He forechecks well and wins puck battles with his use of an active stick. He is a good skater and competes well. I would like for him to hit more on the forecheck but a good start none the less.

    Andrei Pustovoy, RW (Lokomotiv Yaroslavl, KHL):

    Pustovoy has been making quite the noise in the KHL thanks to his high IQ and compete level, he’s making quite the noise in the KHL. Despite being pointless in 9 games, he is doing all the little things very well. If he can find a way to start scoring, he might be an underrated candidate for the top 10. He reminds of Andrew Ladd.

  • The Blackhawks have placed two forwards on waivers

    The Blackhawks have placed two forwards on waivers

    The regular season starts in just a couple days and the Chicago Blackhawks need to trim down their roster. Beyond just intense roster battles, they just simply have too many bodies.

    With the flood of young talent arriving in the NHL, there are going to be some casualties. Today, it’s possibly Landon Slaggert and Dominic Toninato.

    Toninato is a 32 year old veteran pro who spent last season playing for the Rockford IceHogs. Toninato has had a few call-ups to the Blackhawks, and has always been a reliable fourth line veteran who plays a safe game.

    Landon Slaggert is a player who has been a part of the Blackhawks organization since 2020, when he was selected in the third round. Slaggert is a speedy winger who plays a reliable 200-foot game, and can kill penalties.

    The problem for Slaggert is that he doesn’t excel in any particular aspect of the game. He is passable as a fourth line checker, but isn’t much beyond that.

    The Blackhawks of course hope that both players clear waivers and remain in the organization, but they need to start trimming down their roster and make room for more prominent young pieces of the rebuild.

    This move also suggests that the Blackhawks will carry eight defenceman to start the season. Alex Vlasic, Bowen Byram, Wyatt Kaiser, Artyom Levshunov, Sam Rinzel, Ian Cole, Kevin Korchinski, and Ethan Del Mastro.

  • Ryan McGregor Ranks the Blackhawks Top 10 Prospects

    Ryan McGregor Ranks the Blackhawks Top 10 Prospects

    While many of the Chicago Blackhawks’ prospects have now graduated to full-time NHL players, they still have a loaded pipeline with a ton of talent spread across many leagues. As we approach the start of the 2026-2027 season, I thought it would be fun to take a look at what I think are the top 10 prospects in the Blackhawks system.

    On my list, for a player to qualify as a prospect, they must be under the age of 23, with fewer than 50 NHL games played. For goaltenders, they must be under the age of 25, with fewer than 25 starts in the NHL.

    1. Anton Frondell

    Anton Frondell is easily the Blackhawks’ highest-upside prospect. After being taken third overall in 2025, scoring 20 goals in the SHL as an 18-year-old, and putting up nine points in 12 games with the Blackhawks, Frondell is expected to take on a big role this upcoming season.

    The 6”1’ Swedish center is a highly skilled, two-way forward with a cannon of a shot. In his 12 games with the Blackhawks, Frondell shot the puck 93.5 miles per hour (MPH), ranking in the 94th percentile. However, it’s the smaller details of his game that really impress me. Most notably, his board work. Frondell is skilled along the wall; he can win battles, protect the puck, and he can make plays off the wall in all three zones.

    The only part of his game that didn’t impress me at the NHL level was his speed. Last season, Frondell reached a top speed of 21.1 MPH, ranking in the bottom 50th percentile. However, Frondell plays a mature, 2-way game that doesn’t require him to be one of the fastest players in the NHL.

    2. Roman Kantserov

    In years past, Roman Kantserov wouldn’t have ranked this high on this list. However, after putting up a league-leading 36 goals in the KHL last season, Kantserov has Blackhawks fans and management very optimistic about what he can do at the NHL level. Kantserov was drafted in the second round of the 2023 Draft and signed his entry-level contract with the Blackhawks this summer. He is set to open the season with them. The 5”9’ center may be undersized, but he plays a big game. Kantserov is a goal scorer. He has a good shot, but it’s his ability to find the open ice in tight spaces that makes him so dangerous. Last season, Kantserov scored 36 regular-season goals; 31 of them came from the middle of the ice, below the faceoff circles.

    3. Nick Lardis

    Nick Lardis made himself one of the most compelling Blackhawks prospects after scoring 71 goals in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) in 2024-2025. Turning pro this past season, the biggest question around his game was whether or not his scoring ability could translate to the professional game. Lardis’ first year pro was successful. Scoring 28 goals in 76 games between the AHL and the NHL. Beyond his lethal shot, Lardis is a relatively fast skater, and he developed his defensive game at the NHL level last season. After his second call-up in March, Lardis spent seven games on the fourth line, where he showed the coaching staff he can play a responsible two-way game. His reward: top-six minutes, where he showed he can be a dangerous offensive option. With more internal competition this season, there is no guarantee Lardis cracks a spot on the Blackhawks roster.

    4. Vaclav Nestrasil

    Vaclav Nestrasil is another guy who seemingly came out of nowhere as one of the Blackhawks top prospects. After being drafted 25th overall out of the United States Hockey League (USHL) in 2025, Nestrasil went to the University of Massachusetts – Amherst (UMass). As a Freshman, Nestrasil had a great season, putting up 13 goals and 31 points in 34 games.

    At the World Juniors, Nestrasil represented Czechia, where he dominated. Putting up eight points in seven games, Nestrasil showed off his skill, playmaking ability, and lethal shot. Nestrasil will play out the 25/26 season at UMass, where he looks to build on last year’s success. Nestrasil is a big body (6”5’, 187lbs), skilled forward who loves to crash the net. 11 of his 13 goals last season came from below the hash marks. One of his biggest strengths is finding open ice in front of the net.

    5. Sacha Boisvert

    Sacha Boisvert has had a few ups and downs since being drafted 18th overall in 2024. Most notably, his Sophomore Year at Boston University (BU), where he not only underproduced but also fell into bad habits, leading to disciplinary action by the team. Boisvert put up three goals and 17 points in 26 games last season with BU and was a healthy scratch in an elimination game due to being late to a team workout. Boisvert joined the Blackhawks late in the season,
    where he played seven games and put up one goal and one assist. In my opinion, Boisvert looked just fine at the NHL level. My only critiques were his lack of physicality and his foot speed. This summer, Boisvert added significant muscle, which he’ll need if he wants to be a premier power forward in the NHL. Boisvert will likely start next season in Rockford, but watch for him in camp; he has something to prove.

    6. Xavier Villeneuve

    The Blackhawks have a potential draft steal in Xavier Villeneuve, taking him early in the second round at the 2026 NHL Draft. Villeneuve is an undersized (5’11″, 162 lbs) offensive defenseman who was slated as a potential first-rounder before the draft. The Quebec native put up 35 points in 37 games last season with the Blainville-Boisbriand Armada of the Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League (QMJHL).

    It’s hard not to compare Villeneuve to a guy like Lane Hutson, or even Cole Hutson, for that matter. They all play small, fast, skill games, which make them all so dangerous in the offensive zone. This upcoming season, Villeneuve will be taking a page right out of the Hutson brothers’ playbook, as he is set to play for the Boston University Terriers in the NCAA. Villeneuve’s decision to play college hockey was a smart one. He’s shown he can dominate the blueline in junior hockey. Now the undersized, offensively gifted defenseman will have the opportunity to learn how to play against older, bigger competition.

    7. Drew Commesso

    I contemplated including goaltenders on this list; they are very hard to project, and they have very different timelines than most skaters. However, I felt that Drew Commesso deserved to be on this list. Commesso is currently 24 years old and had a small taste of NHL action last season. If you recall, the Blackhawks were hit with a bug in January; both Knight and Soderblom were unavailable. Commesso had to come in and play in both games of a back-to-back.

    The second game was a shutout on the road against Nashville. Commesso looked solid in his three NHL games last season. Posting a .917 save percentage and a 2.31 goals-against average. Commesso has spent the last three seasons in the AHL, where he put up a .901 save percentage or better every year. Going into his fourth professional season, Commesso hopes to earn his spot in the NHL. Spencer Knight is going to be the starter, but there is a good case to be made for Commesso for the backup role.

    8. Marek Vanacker

    Marek Vanacker is a prospect who fell in many rankings due to a lackluster, shortened draft +1 season. Vanacker was coming off of a 36-goal, 82-point season when he got drafted, and followed up with only 42 points in 45 games. This season, however, Vanacker led the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) in goals with 47 and finished with 82 points in 60 games.

    Vanacker plays a team-focused game, not too often taking matters into his own hands. Vanacker led the OHL not only in goals last year, but also in scoring chances with 321. This upcoming season will be Vanacker’s first taste of professional hockey, likely with the Rockford IceHogs. With a loaded pipeline and limited roster spots, watch for Vanacker to make a push for a full-time NHL spot in the 2027-2028 season.

    9. Ryan Roobroeck

    Ryan Roobroeck was selected immediately after Xavier Villeneuve in the second round of the 2026 NHL Draft. Like Villeneuve, Roobroeck had been considered a potential first-round pick going into his draft year. Roobroeck’s draft stock started to drop as the season went on. His goal total dropped from 41 to 30, and his point total from 87 to 58. Beyond just his production, scouts began to question Roobroeck’s engagement.

    Some nights, Roobroeck is fully engaged, physical, and a scoring threat. Other nights, he lacks physical intensity and pace. Standing at 6’3 “, 209 lbs, Roobroeck has the tools to be an effective power forward at the NHL level. Roobroeck is an adequate skater when he reaches his top speed. However, his acceleration leaves a lot to be desired. This upcoming season, Roobroeck will be staying in the OHL, playing for the Guelph Storm.

    10. Mason West

    In 2025, Kyle Davidson traded back up into the first round to take the 6’6”, 207 lbs center out of the USHL, Mason West, at 29th overall. A massive swing for the Blackhawks, but if West hits, he could be a huge piece of the rebuild. West is a dual-sport athlete (football) who recently fully committed to hockey. Putting up 25 points in 38 games with Fargo Force last season, West demonstrated his impressive skating for his size, as well as his intelligence and creativity with the puck. Next season, Mason West will be going to Michigan State University, one of the best NCAA programs. He will have the opportunity to play with players like Ryker Lee, Ethan Belchetz, and Chase Reid. West is certainly a project, but could pan out to be a solid middle-six center.

    If you liked Ryan McGregors article, make sure to follow him on X at https://x.com/RyanmcgregorCHI

  • NHL All-Star Replacement Concept For 2029

    After 4 Nations it became apparent to me that the All-Star game needed a change and with my background in event creation and tournament organizing from working in esports, I decided to give it a shot myself. I originally finished my idea around late March of this year, but only put it all down in a PowerPoint pitch deck. After some free time over the summer I decided to put it into an article style format. For those wondering I will be talking about the new All-Star changes at the end of my article. Please enjoy.

    The Idea: Split NHL players into 8 teams based on birthplace. (4 NA & 4 EU) in a Winner Takes All tournament. Starting roster sizes: 8F, 4D, 2G.

    Team Makeup:

    • Canada East & West 
    • America East & West 
    • Europe East (Belarus, Latvia, Russia) 
    • Europe Central (Czechia, Germany, Slovakia, Switzerland)
    • Sweden-Denmark
    • Finland-Norway

    Format:
    A Group Stage will be held to determine seeding. Stating with two groups one in  North America and the other in Europe. Games in the Group Stage will be 3-on-3 with 10 minute periods until the end of the Group Stage. Once the Group Stage ends, elimination games begin. The winning teams will pick 2 forwards and 1 defenseman from the losing the team. Semi-Final games will be 4-on-4, with 15 minute periods and a roster size of 10F, 5D, 2G. The Final game will be a full 5-on-5 game with normal 20 minute periods and a full NHL roster size of 12F, 6D, 2G. All games are best of 1. Ties at the end of regulation will be determined by 5 Min OT and a shootout if needed, except for the Semi-Final and Final.

    Group Stage LocationsQF and SF LocationsFinals Location
    NA (Seattle, Calgary)NA (Detroit, Buffalo)Toronto or Montreal
    EU (Bern, Prague, Budapest)EU (Riga, Copenhagen)
    • Climate Pledge Arena (Seattle), Scotia Place (Calgary)
    • PostFinance-Arena (Bern), O2 Arena (Prague), MVM Dome (Budapest)
    • Little Caesars Arena (Detroit), KeyBank Center (Buffalo)
    • Xiaomi Arena (Riga), Royal Arena (Copenhagen)

    As you might have already put together, we start out West in North America and move East. In Europe we start in Switzerland and move East before going North to Latvia and finishing in Denmark. Know lets take a look at a possible schedule.

    Trade Freeze: Jan 30st 2029 –  Feb 12th 2029.

    Dates:

    Feb 1st
    – NA Media Day & Travel day for EU players

    Feb 2nd
    – EU Media Day & Game Day 1 NA (1v2,2v3,3v4)
    – Final Travel Day For EU Players

    Feb 3rd
    – Game Day 1 EU (1v2,3v4)
    – NA Travel to Calgary, EU Travel to Prague after

    Feb 4th
    – Game Day 2 NA (1v4,1v3,2v4), EU (1v3,2v4)
    – EU Travel to Budapest

    Feb 5th
    – Game Day 3 EU (1v4,2v3)
    – EU Travel to Riga, NA Travel to Detroit

    Feb 6th
    – Day Off

    Feb 7th
    – Game Day 4 NA (S1vS4,S2vS3), EU (S1vS4,S2vS3)
    – EU Travel to Copenhagen, NA Travel to Buffalo

    Feb 8th
    – Game Day 5 NA (SF1vSF2), EU (SF1vSF2)
    – EU Travels back to NA, NA Travel to TOR/MTL

    Feb 9th
    – Day Off (maybe Skills Comp)

    Feb 10th
    – Final Game

    Now I know what you’re thinking. What would some potential rosters look like for these teams? Well I threw some together for you just for the sake of seeing what they could be in 2029.

    Eastern Canada All-Stars

    F: Nathan MacKinnon, Connor McDavid, Mitchell Marner, Brad Marchand, Sidney Crosby, Wyatt Johnston, Mark Scheifele & Beckett Sennecke.
    D: Matthew Schaefer, Evan Bouchard, Thomas Chabot & Noah Dobson.
    G: Scott Wedgewood & Jet Greaves.

    Western Canada All-Stars

    F: Brandon Hagel, Brayden Point, Seth Jarvis, Macklin Celebrini, Connor Bedard, Jordan Eberle, Gavin McKenna & Dylan Cozens.
    D: Devon Towes, Cale Makar, Josh Morrissey & Travis Sanheim.
    G: Darcy Kuemper & Joel Hofer

    Eastern American All-Stars

    F: Kyle Connor, Jack Eichel, Alex Tuch, Matt Boldy, Jack Hughes, Clayton Keller, Trevor Zegras & Ryan Leonard.
    D: Quinn Hughes, Adam Fox, Jackson LaCombe & Zach Werenski.
    G: Jake Oettinger & Joey Daccord.

    Western American All-Stars

    F: Matthew Knies, Auston Matthews, Jason Robertson, Brady Thachuk, Tage Thompson, Matthew Thachuk, Jake Guentzel & Troy Terry.
    D: Jacob Slavin, Seth Jones, Jake Sanderson & Neal Pionk.
    G: Dustin Wolf & Jeremy Swayman.

    Central European All-Stars

    F: Leon Draisitl, Martin Necas, David Pastrnak, Kevin Fiala, Tim Stutzle, Juraj Slafkovsky, Marco Rossi & Dalibor Dvorsky.
    D: Roman Josi, Moritz Seider, Filip Hronek & Simon Nemec.
    G: Karel Vejmelka & Philipp Grubauer.

    Eastern European All-Stars

    F: Kirill Kaprizov, Aliaksei Protas, Nikita Kucherov, Matvei Michkov, Danila Yurov, Ivan Demidov, Pavel Dorofeyev & Vitali Pinchuk.
    D: Alexander Nikishin, Aytyom Levshunov, Dmitri Simashev & Alberts Smits.
    G: Ilya Sorokin & Arturs Silovs

    Finland-Norway All-Stars

    F: Artturi Lehkonen, Aleksander Barkov, Mikko Rantanen, Michael Brandsegg-Nygard, Sebastian Aho, Kaapo, Kakko, Benjamin Rautiainen & Anton Lundell.
    D: Miro Heiskanen, Henri Jokiharju, Esa Lindell & Emil Lilleberg.
    G: Juuse Saros & Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen.

    Sweden-Denmark All-Stars

    F: Ivar Stenburg, Leo Carlsson, William Nylander, Nikolaj Ehlers, William Eklund, Lucas Raymond, Oscar Fisker Molgaard & Anton Frondell.
    D: Philip Broberg, Rasmus Dahlin, Victor Hedman & Erik Karlsson.
    G: Filip Gustavsson & Mads Sogaard.

    Now lets tie everything up with a Q&A and address the new All-Start format for 2027.

    How are teams made?

    Teams are made up from players’ birth location or hometown. For Canada and the USA it would be best to define a line that splits the population of NHL players so that East and West side represent 50-50 of their NHL player populations. Exceptions may apply to a player like William Nylander who was born in Calgary but is known to play for Sweden so he may be a part of the Sweden-Denmark team. And if a player outside of NA or EU is voted in we can make adjustments to the teams requirements. Fans can vote from a list of player who they want to see play. A captain will be assigned to each team, they will choose the players they take from the other teams during the elimination games.

    Will PWHL players participate?

    This entirely depends on if schedules align. I for one think the PWHL should have its own All-Star game, but for the sake of the argument let’s say they do. I think each team would get 1 player with the same rules applying for selection  based off birth place.  However, they would only play in the group stage so that
    1) They aren’t away from their PWHL teams for too long. & 2) So final rosters remain 12F, 6D, 2G.

    Why are so many games in the EU?

    There are equal amount of games in the EU so that the NHL can generate more revenue and grow the game more in Europe by showing off its European talent. It would do good to spread the game as much as possible while the NHL seems to plan on expanding again very soon.

    Are Russians allowed to play?

    Yes, Russian players are allowed to play as this isn’t an international competition representing a single country, this is an All-Star game representing NHLers from  all over the world and those from Russia are welcomed to play.

    Why can’t European teams be made up of one country?

    The simple answer is that it makes representation from more European countries easier. Both Sweden and Finland could have their own teams but it’s about celebrating as many NHLers as possible. On top of making it easier to have 8 teams participating.

    Skills Competition?

    I think after 4 Nations it really showed that the Skills Competition is a really outdated concept and with NHL Edge we can see all the interesting aspects of fastest skater and harvest shot. That being said you could host it on the day before the Final Game.

    What do the winners get?

    This is TBD maybe a large sum of money (maybe even a charity donation to the winners choosing) but the 4 Nations trophy could be used for this event.

    Finally the NHL announced on June 2nd, 2026 that a new format for the All-Star will be introduced. At a first glance its a good step in the right direction. They are capitalizing on the success of the 4 Nations event by using 5 Nations (1 being the Rest Of World). However, I think if they are obviously playing it safe. I want them to go a step further, it needs to expand. An All-Star Weekend isn’t going to get the same amount of engagement and attention. Expanding to 8 teams and playing games across NA & EU, they will be able to sell more tickets and make the event more worthwhile. All while keeping it a similar length of break in the season that the Olympics causes to keep the schedule consistent every year would be a good thing. That being said, I’m excited to see how the 2027 All-Star event goes.

    That concludes my concept for the 2029 All-Star game. Thank you for spending the time to read it if you made it this far.

  • Landon DuPont Dominates Beyond the Scoresheet

    Landon DuPont Dominates Beyond the Scoresheet

    Landon DuPont had a game that was indicative of his entire tournament, finishing with only one point despite being by far the most dominant player on the ice. Canada was in rough shape early, being outshot 10-1, but DuPont never let that get to him and continued making plays on every shift even while the players around him were struggling. Earning the C on his jersey, he dragged Canada back into the game with a slap shot from the high slot to tie it late in the first period.

    While he didn’t find the scoresheet again, DuPont remained dynamic in the offensive zone, whipping the puck around and controlling play. His second point of the night nearly came when he set up Maddox Schultz in the dying seconds of the first period, but time ran out. He didn’t receive a point on Malik L’Italien’s goal to give Canada a 3-2 lead either, but the play couldn’t have happened without him. DuPont caused havoc in the offensive zone, crashed the slot and drew all the attention away from L’Italien, giving him the time and space to score.

  • 2026 NHL Draft Pacific Division Preview: The Biggest Need and Storyline for Every Team

    Anaheim Ducks 

    Primary Need: Top-six scoring winger 

    Secondary Need: Offensive finishing consistency 

    Storyline: Turning a long rebuild into real NHL production 

    Anaheim’s rebuild has been one of the longest-running in the league, but also one of the most methodical. The Ducks have accumulated an impressive collection of young talent at nearly every position, particularly on defense and in the middle of the ice. What remains missing is high-end offensive finishing ability on the wing. 

    The organization generates enough young puck-moving talent to drive possession, but the next step in their evolution is converting that control into consistent scoring. That is where elite wingers become essential. Without them, progress remains theoretical rather than tangible. 

    The Ducks’ front office now faces a shift in philosophy. The question is no longer whether they are rebuilding, but how quickly they want to transition into competitiveness. Drafting for upside rather than safe depth may be necessary at this stage. 

    The broader storyline is conversion. Anaheim has spent years building the foundation. The draft now becomes about turning that foundation into a roster capable of producing results. 

    Calgary Flames 

    Primary Need: Franchise center 

    Secondary Need: Long-term offensive identity 

    Storyline: Searching for the player to define the next era 

    Calgary enters the draft at a crossroads. The organization has retooled its roster and accumulated respectable depth, but it still lacks the most important piece in hockey: a true franchise center. 

    Without that player, long-term contention becomes significantly more difficult. The Flames have enough complementary talent to remain competitive at times, but not enough elite offensive drivers to consistently dictate games. 

    The draft represents one of the most important opportunities in years to change that trajectory. The challenge is that franchise centers are rare, and drafting one often requires both luck and conviction. 

    The broader storyline is identity. Calgary is still searching for the player who will define its next competitive window. 

    Edmonton Oilers 

    Primary Need: Goaltending future stability 

    Secondary Need: Defensive prospect pipeline 

    Storyline: Winning now while quietly addressing long-term uncertainty 

    Edmonton is fully locked into its current championship window, led by two of the most dominant offensive players in the league. As a result, the organization’s priorities are heavily weighted toward the present. 

    However, even elite contenders must address long-term structural questions. Goaltending consistency and defensive depth remain the most persistent organizational concerns. 

    The Oilers’ draft strategy is therefore less about immediate impact and more about long-term insurance. Developing a future starter or reliable defensive contributor could help extend the window beyond the current core’s prime years. 

    The broader storyline is balance. Edmonton is built to win now, but the draft is where tomorrow is quietly shaped. 

    Los Angeles Kings 

    Primary Need: High-end offensive talent 

    Secondary Need: Game-breaking skill in transition 

    Storyline: Breaking through a competitive ceiling 

    The Kings have built a strong, structured team that consistently competes in the Western Conference. However, despite their defensive stability and depth, the organization continues to search for elite offensive game-breakers. 

    Without high-end skill capable of changing playoff series, the Kings risk remaining competitive without taking the next step into true contention. 

    The draft becomes a critical opportunity to add dynamic forwards who can elevate the team’s offensive ceiling. Los Angeles has depth, structure, and experience, but still lacks enough top-tier scoring talent. 

    The broader storyline is evolution. The Kings must decide whether to continue relying on structure or take more aggressive swings at offensive upside. 

    San Jose Sharks 

    Primary Need: Top-pair defenseman 

    Secondary Need: Defensive foundation building 

    Storyline: Completing the rebuild from the back end out 

    San Jose’s rebuild has been defined by patience and asset accumulation. The organization has already made significant strides in building out its forward pipeline, but the defensive side remains the final major piece of the puzzle. 

    A top-pair defenseman is essential for long-term balance. Without one, even strong forward depth can struggle to translate into sustained competitiveness. 

    The Sharks are now in the stage where drafting is about shaping structure, not just collecting talent. The emphasis shifts toward long-term roster construction and identity formation. 

    The broader storyline is completion. The Sharks are no longer starting their rebuild. They are finishing it. 

    Seattle Kraken 

    Primary Need: Elite offensive star 

    Secondary Need: Franchise-defining scorer 

    Storyline: Searching for a true identity driver 

    Seattle has built a balanced, competitive roster in a relatively short period of time. The organization is strong in depth, structure, and team play. What it still lacks is a true superstar. 

    Most successful NHL teams eventually rely on at least one elite offensive driver capable of dictating games and carrying playoff series. The Kraken are still searching for that player. 

    The draft is the most realistic path to acquiring that level of talent. Seattle has enough supporting pieces already in place to take a swing on high-end offensive upside. 

    The broader storyline is identity creation. The Kraken are competitive, but still defining what kind of team they ultimately want to be. 

    Vancouver Canucks 

    Primary Need: Center depth and long-term sustainability 

    Secondary Need: Prospect pipeline reinforcement 

    Storyline: Protecting a competitive window 

    Vancouver has worked hard to return to competitiveness after years of inconsistency. The current roster has shown it can compete, but sustaining that success requires continued investment in the prospect pipeline. 

    Center depth is particularly important. Without it, teams often struggle to maintain consistency over long NHL seasons and playoff pushes. 

    The Canucks must balance present expectations with future planning. Drafting well will determine whether this current competitive phase becomes a sustained window or a short-lived peak. 

    The broader storyline is sustainability. The Canucks are no longer rebuilding, but they must ensure they do not stall out after returning to relevance. 

    Vegas Golden Knights 

    Primary Need: Organizational depth replenishment 

    Secondary Need: Long-term prospect sustainability 

    Storyline: Can the model keep working indefinitely? 

    Vegas has built its identity on aggressive roster construction and constant pursuit of high-end NHL talent. That strategy has delivered immediate success, including a Stanley Cup, but it has also consistently reduced draft capital and prospect depth. 

    The organization does not have many glaring NHL roster weaknesses. The concern is more about what the system looks like three to five years from now. 

    Drafting for depth and sustainability becomes increasingly important, even for a contender. Maintaining a steady pipeline of contributors is essential to avoiding long-term stagnation. 

    The broader storyline is sustainability versus aggression. Vegas has mastered winning now, but the draft will determine how long that approach remains viable. 

  • 2026 NHL Draft Central Division Preview: The Biggest Need and Storyline for Every Team

    Chicago Blackhawks 

    Primary Need: Elite offensive talent to complement the core 

    Secondary Need: Long-term top-six winger depth 

    Storyline: Building properly around a franchise cornerstone 

    Chicago’s rebuild is no longer theoretical. With a franchise center already in place, the Blackhawks are now in the phase every rebuilding team dreams about: building support around a true cornerstone player. That shifts the draft conversation away from “who might become a star someday” toward “who can help maximize the window of a generational talent.” 

    The organization still lacks enough high-end finishing talent on the wings. While there is promising depth in the system, there remains a gap between potential and elite offensive production. That gap becomes more noticeable when projecting playoff-caliber hockey, where scoring depth is essential. 

    Chicago’s front office must also decide how aggressive to be in accelerating the rebuild. There is temptation to supplement the roster through trades or free agency, but long-term sustainability still depends on internal development through the draft. 

    The broader storyline is alignment. The Blackhawks finally have a direction again, but success will depend on how effectively the rest of the roster is built around their central piece. This draft is less about discovery and more about optimization. 

    Colorado Avalanche 

    Primary Need: Cost-controlled depth forwards 

    Secondary Need: Defensive prospect pipeline replenishment 

    Storyline: Staying elite while the salary cap tightens 

    Colorado remains one of the NHL’s premier contenders, anchored by elite top-end talent and a proven championship core. However, sustained success brings a familiar challenge: cap pressure and thinning depth. 

    The Avalanche no longer draft from a position of need at the top of the roster. Instead, the focus has shifted toward maintaining a steady flow of affordable depth players who can step into NHL roles without disrupting the salary structure. 

    Defensive depth is also an organizational priority. While the top of the roster remains strong, the pipeline behind it requires continuous reinforcement to ensure long-term stability. 

    The front office dilemma is straightforward. Do they continue targeting safe, NHL-ready players or take higher-upside swings that may take longer to develop? 

    The larger storyline is sustainability. Colorado has already proven it can win at the highest level. The challenge now is ensuring the window remains open as long as possible. 

    Dallas Stars 

    Primary Need: Goaltending succession planning 

    Secondary Need: Defensive depth development 

    Storyline: Preparing for the eventual transition in net 

    Dallas has built one of the NHL’s most complete rosters, combining high-end offensive talent with strong defensive structure. The organization is firmly in win-now mode, but even contenders must plan ahead. 

    The most pressing long-term concern is goaltending succession. While the current roster remains competitive, the organization must eventually identify a future starter capable of maintaining that standard. 

    The Stars also need continued defensive depth development to support long playoff runs. Depth at all positions becomes increasingly important as postseason expectations grow. 

    The challenge for Dallas is timing. Drafting for the future while competing in the present requires disciplined roster planning. 

    The broader storyline is stability. The Stars are built to contend now, but the next great team is always being shaped in the draft. 

    Minnesota Wild 

    Primary Need: High-end center depth 

    Secondary Need: Right-shot defensive stability 

    Storyline: Breaking through the playoff ceiling 

    Minnesota has been a consistently competitive team, but the organization continues to search for the final pieces needed to become a true contender. Center depth remains the most important gap. 

    While the Wild have strong veteran leadership and defensive structure, the lack of elite center talent limits offensive ceiling in high-pressure playoff environments. 

    The organization also continues to seek right-shot defensemen who can complement its existing blue line structure. 

    The front office must decide whether to maintain a patient approach or become more aggressive in acquiring elite talent. 

    The broader storyline is progression. Minnesota is no longer rebuilding, but it has not fully broken into the league’s top tier either. The draft remains the most reliable path toward that next step. 

    Nashville Predators 

    Primary Need: Dynamic offensive skill 

    Secondary Need: High-end forward creativity 

    Storyline: Shifting identity toward skill and speed 

    Nashville has traditionally built its identity around structure, defense, and work ethic. While that approach has produced consistent competitiveness, it has not always translated into elite offensive production. 

    The organization is now in a phase where adding high-skill forwards is essential to modernizing its lineup. Without more dynamic offensive players, the team risks remaining competitive but limited. 

    The draft provides an opportunity to inject creativity and offensive upside into a system that has often prioritized safety over explosiveness. 

    The larger storyline is evolution. The Predators are attempting to adapt to a league that increasingly rewards speed and skill over structure alone. 

    St. Louis Blues 

    Primary Need: Top-pair defenseman 

    Secondary Need: Long-term defensive stability 

    Storyline: Rebuilding without fully resetting 

    The Blues find themselves in an interesting middle ground. The organization is not undergoing a full teardown, but it is clearly in a transition phase. 

    Defensive structure remains a key concern. A top-pair defenseman would provide long-term stability and help anchor the next competitive iteration of the roster. 

    St. Louis must also balance competitiveness with development. The challenge is avoiding the pitfalls of remaining “in between” contending and rebuilding for too long. 

    The broader storyline is direction. The Blues are reshaping their identity while attempting to remain relevant in the standings. 

    Utah Mammoth 

    Primary Need: Franchise offensive talent 

    Secondary Need: Identity-defining skill player 

    Storyline: Establishing a new hockey identity 

    Utah is still in the early stages of defining its long-term organizational identity. Expansion-era teams often face the challenge of turning depth into star power, and that is where the Mammoth currently stand. 

    While the roster contains promising young pieces, the organization still lacks a clear offensive centerpiece capable of defining the franchise’s direction. 

    The draft is critical in shaping not just the roster, but the identity of the team moving forward. A true high-end forward could accelerate that process significantly. 

    The broader storyline is establishment. Utah is not refining an identity yet. It is still building one. 

    Winnipeg Jets 

    Primary Need: Top-six center 

    Secondary Need: Forward depth sustainability 

    Storyline: Maximizing a shrinking window 

    Winnipeg has remained competitive through strong drafting, development, and elite goaltending at times. However, maintaining that level of success requires continuous reinforcement at key positions. 

    Center depth remains the most important long-term need. Without it, sustaining offensive consistency becomes difficult over the course of a long season. 

    The Jets face a familiar small-market challenge: maximizing current competitiveness while ensuring the pipeline does not thin out over time. 

    The broader storyline is urgency. Windows in the NHL are rarely permanent, and Winnipeg must ensure it continues to refresh its roster with impactful young talent. 

  • 2026 NHL Draft Metropolitan Division Preview: The Biggest Need and Storyline for Every Team

    Carolina Hurricanes 

    Primary Need: Elite finishing winger 

    Secondary Need: Power-play scoring consistency 

    Storyline: Can structure alone win in the playoffs? 

    The Hurricanes have built one of the NHL’s most analytically sound and structurally dominant teams. Year after year, they generate shot volume, control possession, and remain among the league’s most consistent regular-season teams. Yet the same question returns in every playoff cycle: where is the elite finisher? 

    Carolina’s system creates chances in waves, but the organization continues to lack a true game-breaking scorer capable of consistently converting high-danger opportunities in the postseason. The draft represents one of the few cost-controlled ways to add that level of talent. 

    The prospect pool is strong but leans toward high-floor, two-way players rather than elite offensive drivers. That creates a philosophical tension for management: continue drafting for system fit or take swings on high-upside scoring talent even if it does not perfectly align with the Hurricanes’ identity. 

    The broader storyline is whether Carolina’s model has a ceiling. Few teams are as consistent in the regular season, but playoff hockey often rewards star power over structure. This draft is another opportunity to close that gap. 

    Columbus Blue Jackets 

    Primary Need: Top-pair defenseman 

    Secondary Need: Goaltending stability 

    Storyline: Turning raw talent into a coherent identity 

    Columbus has quietly accumulated a strong collection of young forwards, but the organizational structure remains incomplete. Defensive depth and goaltending consistency continue to lag behind the forward pipeline. 

    The Blue Jackets need a true top-pair defenseman capable of handling heavy minutes against elite competition. Without that anchor, the team struggles to transition from promising offensive performances to consistent results. 

    The front office dilemma is whether to continue prioritizing skill or shift toward defensive structure. Columbus has often leaned toward drafting upside, but long-term competitiveness may require more balance. 

    The broader question is identity. The Blue Jackets have spent years oscillating between rebuild and contention without fully establishing a foundation. This draft represents another opportunity to correct that imbalance. 

    New Jersey Devils 

    Primary Need: Defensive depth and shutdown capability 

    Secondary Need: Goaltending consistency 

    Storyline: Balancing firepower with structure 

    The Devils have built one of the most dynamic young offensive cores in the NHL. Their speed, skill, and transition game make them a constant threat offensively. However, defensive inconsistency and goaltending uncertainty continue to limit their ceiling. 

    The organization does not need more scoring talent. It needs balance. Specifically, defensive players capable of handling difficult minutes against elite competition. 

    The draft provides an opportunity to address those structural weaknesses without sacrificing long-term offensive strength. 

    The central question is whether New Jersey can evolve from an exciting young team into a complete contender. That evolution almost always requires difficult roster balancing decisions. 

    New York Islanders 

    Primary Need: Offensive skill and transition ability 

    Secondary Need: Younger forward core injection 

    Storyline: Modernizing a traditional identity 

    The Islanders have long been defined by structure, defensive discipline, and goaltending. While that approach has delivered playoff appearances, it has also limited offensive upside. 

    The organization now faces pressure to modernize its roster composition. Adding high-skill forwards is essential to avoid stagnation in a rapidly evolving league. 

    The challenge is philosophical. The Islanders’ identity has been built on low-event hockey, but long-term success may require more creativity and offensive risk-taking. 

    This draft represents an opportunity to begin shifting that balance. 

    New York Rangers 

    Primary Need: Center depth and future top-six stability 

    Secondary Need: Organizational succession planning 

    Storyline: Retool on the fly 

    The Rangers remain in a strong position to start a retool on the fly, but they must also prepare for eventual roster turnover. Center depth is particularly important given the demands of long playoff runs.  

    The organization’s prospect pipeline contains intriguing talent but lacks certainty in key middle positions. The draft provides a chance to address that gap while maintaining competitive balance. A focus on Centers will be their best use of the two first round picks. 

    Philadelphia Flyers 

    Primary Need: Franchise center 

    Secondary Need: High-end offensive upside 

    Storyline: The missing piece of the rebuild 

    Philadelphia’s rebuild has produced a solid foundation of young players, but the organization still lacks the most important piece in hockey: a true first-line center. 

    Without that cornerstone, long-term contention remains difficult. The Flyers have multiple complementary pieces, but the draft remains their best path toward acquiring elite talent down the middle. 

    The challenge is patience versus urgency. Franchise centers are rarely available outside the draft, making each selection at the top of the board critical. 

    Pittsburgh Penguins 

    Primary Need: Organizational reset across all positions 

    Secondary Need: Future core identification 

    Storyline: Life after a generational era 

    The Penguins are transitioning out of one of the most successful eras in modern NHL history. As their core ages, the organization must begin identifying the next generation of foundational players. 

    This draft is less about immediate impact and more about long-term direction. Pittsburgh’s prospect pool must be rebuilt with an eye toward sustainability rather than short-term fixes. 

    The central question is how aggressively the organization commits to that transition. 

    Washington Capitals 

    Primary Need: Top-pair defenseman 

    Secondary Need: Long-term structural balance 

    Storyline: Building beyond a legendary era 

    Washington has already secured its place in NHL history, but now faces the challenge of building its next identity. With aging core pieces, the focus shifts toward long-term roster balance. 

    A top-pair defenseman would help anchor the next competitive phase of the organization. 

    The broader question is whether Washington can successfully transition from one era to the next without entering a prolonged rebuild. 

  • The Final Weekly 2026 Draft Eligible Three Stars

    By Stuart Miller-Davis

    The 2025-26 season has officially come to a close for NHL Draft prospects around the world. The Kitchener Rangers capped off an undefeated run at the Memorial Cup by capturing the franchise’s third title, while Finland closed out the World Championship in Switzerland by defeating the host nation for gold.

    With the season now complete, scouts and NHL front offices will spend the coming weeks relying on video review for final evaluations ahead of the 2026 NHL Draft. With only a limited number of draft-eligible players still active over the past week, this edition of the three stars serves as a season-ending look at the prospects who made the biggest impact in this column throughout the year.

    Here are Draft Prospects Hockey’s 2026 Draft-Eligible Three Stars for the 2025-26 season.

    Gavin McKenna | LW | Penn State (NCAA)

    The top-ranked prospect on Draft Prospects Hockey’s 2026 NHL Draft Rankings also claims the top spot in the season-ending three stars.

    After taking some time to adjust to the college game, Gavin McKenna quickly established himself as one of the most dangerous offensive players in the NCAA. The Whitehorse, Yukon native finished his freshman campaign at Penn State with 51 points (15 goals, 36 assists) in 35 games, ranking fourth in NCAA scoring as an 18-year-old freshman.

    McKenna also played a major role for Team Canada at the World Junior Championship in Minnesota. Following a limited role in his first tournament appearance in 2024-25, where he recorded just one point in five games, the former Medicine Hat Tigers star returned with a dominant showing. He produced 14 points (four goals, 10 assists) in seven games to help Canada capture the bronze medal.

    Ivar Stenberg | LW/RW | Frölunda HC (SHL)

    Ivar Stenberg’s remarkable draft season earns him the second star of the year.

    The Swedish winger produced near-historic numbers in the SHL, recording 33 points (11 goals, 22 assists) in 43 games. Since 1990, only Daniel Sedin, Markus Näslund, and Henrik Sedin have produced more points in their 18-year-old season in Sweden’s top professional league.

    The second-ranked prospect on Draft Prospects Hockey’s 2026 NHL Draft Rankings also excelled internationally. The Stenungsund native recorded 10 points (four goals, six assists) in seven games at the World Junior Championship, helping Sweden capture gold.

    Stenberg later debuted with Sweden’s senior national team during the European Hockey Tour, where he averaged a point per game across five contests before earning a roster spot at the World Championship.

    At the tournament in Switzerland, the younger brother of St. Louis Blues forward Otto Stenberg continued to impress against elite competition. His eight points in eight games ranked behind only Patrik Laine, Auston Matthews, Juraj Slafkovský, and Paul Kariya among draft-eligible players in tournament history.

    Viggo Björck | C | Djurgårdens IF (SHL)

    While Viggo Björck did not produce the same offensive totals as fellow Swede Ivar Stenberg in the SHL, his overall body of work cemented him as one of the premier prospects in the 2026 class.

    The Stockholm native recorded 15 points (six goals, nine assists) in 42 SHL games during his draft season, but his progression throughout the year was equally notable. Björck earned increased responsibility as the season progressed and eventually rose into Djurgårdens’ top-line center role late in the campaign.

    After the club’s professional season ended in the opening round of the playoffs, Björck joined Djurgårdens’ U20 squad and immediately dominated. The undersized center recorded 20 points (eight goals, 12 assists) in nine playoff games while helping lead the team to a U20 championship.

    Björck also enjoyed a standout international season. Skating alongside Stenberg on Sweden’s second line at the World Junior Championship, he contributed nine points (three goals, six assists) in seven games during the gold-medal run.

    Like Stenberg, Björck also earned his first call-up to Sweden’s senior national team. He recorded two goals in five European Hockey Tour games before adding six points (one goal, five assists) in eight appearances at the World Championship.

    Daxon Rudolph | RHD | Prince Albert Raiders (WHL)

    Few draft-eligible defensemen were more entertaining or productive during the 2025-26 season than Daxon Rudolph.

    The Prince Albert Raiders blueliner finished third among WHL defensemen in scoring with 78 points (28 goals, 50 assists) in 68 games. Wearing an “A” in his second season with the club, the Lacombe, Alberta native helped lead Prince Albert to first place in the WHL’s Eastern Conference.

    The 6-foot-2, 203-pound defender carried that offensive production into the postseason. Rudolph tied Seattle Kraken prospect Julius Miettinen for the WHL playoff scoring lead with 27 points in 19 games.

    Behind the leadership of Rudolph and Vancouver Canucks prospect Braeden Cootes, the Raiders advanced all the way to the WHL Final before falling to the Everett Silvertips in five games.

    Honorable Mentions

    Caleb Malhotra | C | Brantford Bulldogs (OHL)

    Carson Carels | LHD | Prince George Cougars (WHL)

    Liam Ruck | RW | Medicine Hat Tigers (WHL)

  • Weekly 2026 Draft Eligible Three Stars

    Weekly 2026 Draft Eligible Three Stars

    Draft-eligible talent across junior and professional leagues continued to deliver in high-pressure situations this week, with playoff hockey and international competition providing the perfect stage for prospects to elevate their stock. As the 2026 NHL Draft approaches, consistent production and timely performances remain key separators among the class.

    This week’s three stars feature a towering Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League (QMJHL) center finding his stride in a crucial push for a game 7, a Swedish pivot dominating at the U20 level following his SHL season, and a well-traveled Latvian defender who has found his offensive touch in the DEL playoffs.

    Here are the draft-eligible three stars for the week of March 30 to April 6.

    Maddox Dagenais | C | Quebec Remparts (QMJHL)

    Quebec Remparts center Maddox Dagenais put together an impressive draft season, positioning himself as a potential late first-round or early second-round selection. The 37th-ranked skater on Draft Prospects Hockey’s 2026 NHL Draft Rankings finished tied for third among QMJHL draft eligibles with 30 goals, while his 62 points (30 goals, 32 assists) ranked fifth in the group. The 6-foot-4 pivot also represented Team CHL at the second annual CHL USA Prospects Challenge, recording an assist across the three-game series.

    Dagenais has elevated his play as the stakes have increased in the postseason. Despite being held off the scoresheet in Games 1 and 2 against the Charlottetown Islanders — registering 11 shots on goal over that span — the Montreal native has responded with six points (three goals, three assists) in the following four games, helping the Remparts push their series to a decisive Game 7.

    In Game 3, with the score tied late in regulation, Dagenais helped initiate the sequence that led to a dramatic, last-second power-play goal as Quebec secured a crucial victory. He followed that up with a standout performance in Game 4, opening the scoring with a strong end-to-end rush capped by a precise wrist shot over the glove. Later in the game, with under a minute remaining, he added another goal to bring the Remparts within one, though the comeback ultimately fell short in a 3-2 loss.

    Dagenais recorded an assist in Game 5, continuing to generate offense despite another narrow 3-2 defeat. Facing elimination in Game 6, he delivered one of his most impactful performances of the series. He helped open the scoring by moving the puck to the point for a goal by defenseman Charlie Morrison. In the third period he moved the puck down low before finding space on a 4-on-3 power play, where he buried a one-timer over the glove to extend the lead and help force a winner-take-all Game 7.

    Viggo Björck | C | Djurgårdens IF (SHL)

    Swedish center Viggo Björck continues to reinforce his status as one of the top prospects in the 2026 NHL Draft class. Following the conclusion of Djurgårdens’ SHL season, the Stockholm native joined the club’s U20 side for the playoffs and has been a dominant offensive presence. His 12 points (six goals, six assists) in five postseason games for 2.40 points per game ranks as the best point-per-game mark for draft eligibles in the U20 Nationell. He has been playing a key role in pushing his team to the semifinals.

    Björck made an immediate impact in the series opener against Leksands. He evened the score at one midway through the second period, jumping into open space off the bench and finishing quickly with a wrist shot. The 2026 World Junior gold medalist struck again in the third period, breaking a 3-3 tie with a power-play goal after finding himself uncovered in the slot. He later added an assist on the empty-net goal to seal a 5-3 victory.

    The skilled forward followed that up with another strong showing in Game 2. Björck opened the scoring with an impressive individual effort, taking a pass through the neutral zone, driving wide while protecting the puck, and finishing with a smooth backhand-to-forehand move to lift the puck over the goaltender. He added a power-play assist later in the game as Djurgårdens secured a 2-0 win and took a two-game series lead.

    Albert Smits | LHD | EHC München (DEL)

    Latvian defender Albert Smits has taken an unconventional path in his draft year, gaining experience across multiple leagues and international stages. The December-born blueliner began the season in Finland with Jukurit, recording 13 points (six goals, seven assists) in 38 games. He later logged significant minutes for Latvia at the 2026 World Junior Championship and represented his country at the Olympic Games, where he contributed two assists in four contests.

    Following the Olympics, Smits joined EHC München on a loan for the stretch run and postseason. After a limited role in the regular season, the 6-foot-3, 205-pound defender has found another level offensively in the playoffs.

    In a back-and-forth contested series against ERC Ingolstadt, Smits broke through in Game 5, extending his team’s lead in the third period with a heavy point shot that beat the goaltender cleanly. He followed that performance with a three-point effort in Game 6, recording two secondary assists before adding an empty-net goal to help seal a 7-3 victory.

    Smits’ recent surge highlights his ability to adapt quickly and contribute in key moments, further strengthening his case as one of the more intriguing defensive prospects in the 2026 class.