DRAFT PROSPECTS HOCKEY

Tag: NHL

  • Weekly 2026 Draft Eligible Three Stars

    As playoff races near their conclusion across North America and international play ramps up ahead of the World Championship, draft-eligible prospects continue to deliver defining performances. With championships within reach and national team opportunities on the line, this stage of the season offers a clear look at which players can elevate their game in high-pressure moments.

    This week’s three stars feature a Western Hockey League defenseman leading the postseason in scoring while driving his team toward a title, an Ontario Hockey League center continuing to anchor one of the league’s top contenders, and a Swedish winger transitioning seamlessly from junior and professional success to the international stage.

    Daxon Rudolph | RHD | Prince Albert Raiders (WHL)

    Prince Albert Raiders defenseman Daxon Rudolph is putting together a dominant postseason. The 12th-ranked skater on Draft Prospects Hockey’s 2026 NHL Draft Rankings leads the WHL in playoff scoring with 23 points (nine goals, 14 assists) in 15 games, continuing to assert himself as one of the top offensive threats in the draft class.

    The Lacombe, Alberta native has built on a strong regular season in which he led all draft-eligible WHL defensemen in scoring, serving as a primary driver for Prince Albert’s push toward a championship.

    Rudolph opened the scoring in Game 3 of the WHL Eastern Conference Final against the Medicine Hat Tigers. After collecting the puck off an offensive zone draw, he worked his way into the slot, flipped a backhand on goal, and followed up to tip in the rebound. He finished with a game-high eight shots on goal in a 2-1 overtime loss.

    He delivered his most productive outing of the postseason in Game 4, setting a new career high for points in a playoff game. Rudolph struck on the power play from the point midway through the first period, then added another goal early in the second, slipping into the offensive zone and wiring a wrist shot over the glove. He later recorded two assists in the same frame as the Raiders built a 5-2 lead.

    Rudolph added an assist in Game 5 before closing the series with another impactful performance. He recorded a secondary power-play assist on a goal by Vancouver Canucks prospect Braeden Cootes, then created the go-ahead tally by cutting off a clearing attempt and directing the puck toward the net, where it took a fortunate bounce past the goaltender. He added another assist to help secure the series win.

    Caleb Malhotra | C | Brantford Bulldogs (OHL)

    Caleb Malhotra has continued to build on an outstanding rookie season, reinforcing his position as one of the top centers in the 2026 NHL Draft class. The Brantford Bulldogs forward finished the regular season with 84 points (29 goals, 55 assists), trailing only Seattle Kraken first-round pick Jake O’Brien in team scoring.

    The Toronto native has elevated his play in the postseason, sitting second in OHL playoff scoring with 26 points (13 goals, 13 assists). His ability to consistently generate offense has been a key factor in Brantford’s deep playoff run.

    Malhotra recorded three assists in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Final against the Barrie Colts before adding a power-play goal in the third period to cap a 6-1 victory.

    He opened the scoring in Game 5 with an individual effort, taking a breakout pass into the offensive zone and beating the goaltender with a slapshot through the five-hole. Later in the game, he responded to a Colts goal by driving the net and converting a rebound off a shot from Montreal Canadiens prospect Owen Protz. Despite his efforts, Brantford fell in overtime.

    In Game 6, Malhotra helped set the tone early once again. He intercepted a clearing attempt and quickly moved the puck to the front of the net, where draft-eligible Cooper Dennis converted. That stood as his lone point in a tightly contested game that extended to four periods, with Barrie ultimately securing the win.

    Ivar Stenberg | RW/LW | Sweden

    Ivar Stenberg continues to strengthen his case as one of the premier prospects in the 2026 NHL Draft class. The Stenungsund native enjoyed an outstanding SHL season, recording 33 points (11 goals, 22 assists) in 43 games — the fifth-highest total by an 18-year-old in league history, behind Daniel Sedin, Markus Näslund, Tomas Sandström, and Henrik Sedin.

    Stenberg also played a significant role in Sweden’s gold medal run at the World Junior Championship, finishing tied for fifth in tournament scoring.

    The second-ranked skater on Draft Prospects Hockey’s 2026 NHL Draft Rankings transitioned to the international stage once again following his club season. After recording four assists in six playoff games, he joined Sweden’s pre-tournament roster for the World Championship and suited up for three Euro Hockey Tour games in Czechia.

    He made an immediate impact in his first appearance against Switzerland, recording his first senior international point by setting up fellow draft-eligible Viggo Björck on a play from the offensive zone. He added another assist by moving the puck back to the point before scoring a power-play goal late in the third, stepping in and placing a precise wrist shot past the goaltender.

    Stenberg followed that performance by opening the scoring against Czechia, beating the goaltender cleanly with a wrist shot from the offensive zone. He added a secondary assist later in the game, continuing to drive play.

    He was held off the scoresheet in the final game against Finland but remained an active presence throughout the contest.

  • Weekly 2026 Draft Eligible Three Stars

    As postseason races reach their defining stages across the hockey world, draft-eligible prospects continue to be tested in high-leverage situations. With fewer games and heightened intensity, the ability to respond after adversity and deliver in key moments remains a crucial separator as the 2026 NHL Draft approaches.

    This week’s three stars feature a high-scoring Western Hockey League winger breaking out at a critical time, a dynamic two-way defenseman closing out an impressive season with a strong playoff showing, and a Swedish center capping off a dominant postseason run with a championship performance.

    Here are the 2026 draft-eligible three stars for the week of April 13 to 20.

    Liam Ruck | RW | Medicine Hat Tigers (WHL)

    Liam Ruck, alongside his identical twin Markus, formed one of the most productive duos in Canadian major junior hockey this season. While Markus led the CHL in scoring with 108 points, Liam followed closely behind with 104 points (45 goals, 59 assists) in 68 games, establishing himself as one of the premier offensive threats in the 2026 draft class.

    The Osoyoos, British Columbia native had a quieter start to the postseason, recording three points in a first-round sweep of the Regina Pats. He carried that lull into the opening two games of the second-round series against the Calgary Hitmen, where he was held off the scoresheet.

    Ruck broke through in a major way in Game 3. He opened the scoring by finding space in the slot and capitalizing on a rebound with a quick wrist shot over the blocker. The 2026 WHL Eastern Conference First All-Star followed that up with a shorthanded goal in the second period, creating the chance himself by disrupting a pass at the point before winning a race to the puck and finishing from the left circle to tie the game.

    He remained a driving force throughout the contest, adding an assist on a backdoor setup to his brother Markus before sealing the performance with an empty-net goal. Ruck continued to contribute in Game 4, recording a secondary power-play assist as Medicine Hat secured its place in the WHL Final for the second consecutive season.

    Carson Carels | LHD | Prince George Cougars (WHL)

    Carson Carels capped off a strong draft season with a productive playoff run, despite Prince George’s second-round elimination. The third-ranked North American skater on NHL Central Scouting’s final rankings finished fourth among WHL defensemen in regular-season scoring with 73 points (20 goals, 52 assists) in 58 games, showcasing his ability to impact the game in all situations.

    The 17-year-old defender carried that form into the postseason, recording 10 points (one goal, nine assists) in 10 games. In Game 3 against the Penticton Vees, Carels picked up two assists, helping the Cougars build an early lead and later contributing to a key response goal as momentum shifted.

    He added another assist in Game 4, jumping on a loose puck in the neutral zone before leading the rush and setting up a teammate with a well-timed pass for a go-ahead goal.

    After being held off the scoresheet in Game 5, Carels delivered his most impactful performance in the series finale. Activating off the rush, he weaved through defenders before snapping a wrist shot past the goaltender to open the scoring. Later, on the power play, he held the line and set up a one-timer that doubled the lead. Despite his efforts, the Cougars were unable to hold off a late push, ultimately falling in overtime.

    Viggo Björck | C | Djurgården U20 (U20 Nationell)

    Viggo Björck put a definitive stamp on his draft year with a dominant postseason performance, reinforcing his position among the top prospects in the 2026 class. After spending much of the season competing in the SHL and capturing gold at the World Junior Championship, the Stockholm native returned to the U20 level and played a leading role in Djurgården’s championship run.

    The 11th-ranked skater on Draft Prospects Hockey’s 2026 NHL Draft Rankings was highly productive throughout the playoffs, recording 15 points (seven goals, eight assists) in his first six games. He remained a key contributor in the final series, adding five points in three games while consistently generating offense.

    Despite being limited to one assist through the first two games of the final, Björck continued to drive play, registering 10 shots on goal across two tightly contested wins. He saved his best performance for the decisive game.

    Björck scored on the power play late in the first period, stepping into space and wiring a wrist shot past the goaltender to extend the lead to 3-0. He took control in the second period, adding three assists as Djurgården pulled away to secure the title.

    His ability to elevate in critical moments and consistently produce in high-pressure environments caps off an impressive draft season and further solidifies his standing as one of the top international prospects available.

  • Weekly 2026 Draft Eligible Three Stars

    Playoff races across the hockey world continued to intensify this week, offering draft-eligible prospects another opportunity to separate themselves through timely production and impactful performances. With each round raising the stakes, consistency and the ability to deliver in key moments remain critical factors in shaping the 2026 NHL Draft landscape.

    This week’s three stars feature a top OHL center continuing to drive one of the league’s most dangerous contenders, a high-scoring WHL defenseman leading from the back end, and a Slovakian pivot finding ways to contribute as his club pushes deeper into the postseason.

    Here are the draft-eligible three stars for the week of April 6 to April 13.

    Caleb Malhotra | C | Brantford Bulldogs (OHL)

    Brantford Bulldogs center Caleb Malhotra continues to be a driving force behind one of the OHL’s top contenders. The Toronto native sits fifth in playoff scoring with 13 points (eight goals, five assists), making him the only draft-eligible player among the league’s top five scorers this postseason. A finalist for the OHL Rookie of the Year award after posting 84 points (29 goals, 55 assists) in the regular season, Malhotra continues to solidify his standing as one of the premier centers in the 2026 draft class.

    The fourth-ranked skater on Draft Prospects Hockey’s 2026 NHL Draft Rankings remained productive as Brantford opened its second-round series against the North Bay Battalion. He wasted little time making an impact in Game 1, scoring a power-play goal just over two minutes into the contest by capitalizing on a rebound. Later in the period, he added a primary assist, feathering a pass to Cooper Dennis for a clean finish, before striking again by intercepting a clearing attempt and wiring the puck into the back of the net.

    Malhotra stayed active in Game 2, delivering another timely play late in the opening period. With under 10 seconds remaining, he forced a turnover on the forecheck and flipped a backhand on goal that found its way through the goaltender to beat the buzzer.

    While he was held off the scoresheet in Game 3, Malhotra continued to play a key role in a tightly contested matchup. He logged significant minutes, including extended ice time in double overtime, as the Bulldogs rallied to tie the game late before eventually securing a 3-0 series lead.

    Daxon Rudolph | RHD | Prince Albert Raiders (WHL)

    Daxon Rudolph’s emergence as one of the top offensive defensemen in the 2026 class has continued into the postseason. The Lacombe, Alberta native leads all WHL blueliners in playoff scoring with 11 points (four goals, seven assists) through seven games, building on a dominant regular season in which he paced draft-eligible CHL defensemen in production.

    The 6-foot-2, 203-pound defender played a central role in Prince Albert’s strong start to its series against the Saskatoon Blades. In Game 1, Rudolph extended his team’s lead early, stepping in from the point and beating the goaltender with a well-placed wrist shot. He added a second-period assist with a precise stretch pass that sprung Brandon Gorzynski for a clean finish before picking up another helper on the power play in a 6-1 victory.

    Rudolph followed that performance with another impactful showing in Game 2. Activating off the rush to create a numerical advantage, he directed a shot toward the net that resulted in a rebound goal, helping the Raiders secure a 3-0 win and take early control of the series.

    Tomas Chrenko | C | HK Nitra (Slovakia)

    Tomas Chrenko has continued to build on an impressive draft year that has included strong international and professional experience. The Slovakian center recorded eight points (five goals, three assists) in five games at the 2026 World Junior Championship, showcasing his ability to produce against top competition. He also contributed 31 points (nine goals, 22 assists) in 44 games in Slovakia’s top professional league during the regular season.

    Skating for his hometown club HK Nitra in the postseason, Chrenko has found ways to contribute despite limited ice time. After recording four assists in a seven-game second-round series win, he began to make a greater impact in the semifinals against Poprad.

    In Game 3, Chrenko helped open the scoring by creating a two-on-one opportunity, recovering a loose puck and setting up a teammate for a clean finish. He followed that up with a key contribution in a comeback effort, driving play off the forecheck before feeding a teammate for a one-timer that gave Nitra the lead in an eventual 5-4 victory.

    Chrenko remained involved in Game 5, helping his team respond after an early deficit. Carrying the puck into the offensive zone, he evaded pressure and waited for support before setting up a teammate at the doorstep to tie the game. Nitra went on to rally for a 4-2 win, continuing its push deeper into the postseason.

    Chrenko’s ability to contribute in different situations and against older competition continues to underline his value as an intriguing option in the 2026 draft.

  • Weekly 2026 Draft Eligible Three Stars

    As the NHL season comes closer to the end, the focus intensifies on the 2026 NHL Draft. Especially for fans and management of teams that won’t be competing for the right to lift Lord Stanley’s mug, now is the time to try to figure out which players will best help your club in the future. This week’s three stars are highlighted by the first player in the Canadian Hockey League to top the 100 point mark, a Latvian winger who is hoping to find an NHL home in his second year of eligibility, and a Western Hockey League (WHL) defender who is fighting for the top billing of rearguards from that league.

    Markus Ruck | C | Medicine Hat Tigers (WHL)

    Markus Ruck continued his sensational draft year this week by becoming the first player in Canadian major junior to pass 100 points. The Okanagan Prep alumnus is up to 102 points (20 goals, 82 assists) in 66 games. The highly skilled and very smart offensive forward still has work to do in his own zone, but the high-end offensive talent will certainly have NHL teams interested in bringing him in.

    The 6-foot, 168-pound center led all draft-eligible players in scoring in the last week with eight points (a goal and seven assists) in three games. Ruck piled up four assists, collecting first-star honors, as the Tigers rolled over the Regina Pats 6-0.

    The Tigers then had a Friday and Saturday home-and-home mini-series with the Lethbridge Hurricanes. In the first meeting, Ruck picked up a secondary assist on Montreal Canadiens prospect Bryce Pickford’s 44th goal of the season but didn’t make any other noticeable impact on the scoresheet. The next night he had a much bigger role in helping his team secure a 6-5 overtime win. He notched a primary assist on twin brother Liam’s 42nd goal of the campaign to draw the Tigers back to 4-3 early in the third period. The WHL sophomore scored midway through the third to make it 5-4 and then had a secondary assist on the overtime winner.

    Bruno Osmanis | RW | IF Björklöven (Allsvenskan)

    Despite strong production in the Swedish U20 circuit in 2024-25 and a memorable role in Latvia’s upset of Canada at the World Juniors, Bruno Osmanis went undrafted. The Latvian winger has a good chance to be selected this time with another strong World Junior tournament in 2025-26 (six points in five games) and increased production with his club teams.

    Splitting his time between IF Björklöven in Allsvenskan (22 games) and U20 Nationell (24 games), the skilled playmaker has added a little more goal scoring to his arsenal. At the pro level, Osmanis has nine points (four goals and five assists) after just seven (one goal and six assists) a year ago. Osmanis has 30 points (14 goals, 16 assists) playing against just his peers in U20.

    Playing for their lives in the U20 Nationell relegation tournament, Osmanis has been sensational. He opened with scoring a pair of goals while adding an assist in a 6-3 win over Huddinge IK U20. He followed it up with two goals and two assists as his team bested Sollentuna HC U20 7-4.

    Carson Carels | LHD | Prince George Cougars (WHL)

    Carson Carels and Daxon Rudolph continue to battle for the right to be the first WHL defenseman to hear their name called in June. The Prince George rearguard is one point behind Rudolph despite having played in 11 fewer games. Carels is third among draft-eligible defenders in the CHL in points with 73 (20 goals, 53 assists).

    The youngest member of Team Canada at the 2025-26 World Juniors is currently ranked the 14th-ranked skater on Draft Prospect Hockey’s 2026 NHL Draft Prospect Rankings. The Cypress River, MB native had a big week for the Cougars as the team made strides towards overtaking the Kelowna Rockets for the three seed in the WHL’s Western Conference.

    In the first game of the week, Carels fired a puck on goal with just over 30 seconds left, and a teammate drove home the rebound to send the game to overtime. In the extra frame, Carels held the line and skated in with the puck before dishing it to draft-eligible forward Brock Souch for an easy shot over a sprawling goalie.

    In a very tight second game of the week, Carels fired a point shot that redirected in for the only goal of the game in a 1-0 shutout win over the Wenatchee Wild for San Jose Sharks prospect Joshua Ravensbergen. The next night in a rematch with the Wild, the 6-foot-2, 194 pound defender was all over the scoresheet in a 5-0 win. He had primary assists on two power play goals as the Cougars got out to a 2-0 lead. Midway through the third, he scored his 20th goal of the season. He polished off the game with a perfect shorthanded breakaway pass to Washington Capitals prospect Terik Parascak, who tucked it through the goalie’s five-hole.

  • Weekly Draft Eligible Three Stars: The Goalie Edition

    This week’s draft-eligible three stars is taking a different approach. The main focus has been on some of the top point getters among players trying to build up their stock for the 2026 NHL Draft, but this week it showcases three goaltenders. Leading the way is a Western Hockey League (WHL) puck stopper who posted back-to-back shutouts. Sticking in the WHL, an American keeper is leading the way for his club, only allowing two goals in a pair of games. Finally, another American in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) is proving to be a key piece for a strong contender.

    Parker Snell | Edmonton Oil Kings (WHL)

    Edmonton Oil Kings goalie Parker Snell is one of the top draft-eligible goalies in the WHL this season. Despite his save percentage of .886, which ranks eighth in the league among draft-eligible puck stoppers (min. 10 games), his three shutouts and 2.94 goals against average (GAA) are both second in the WHL with those same qualifiers.

    Snell is not a huge goalie at 6-foot-2 and 179 pounds but has a strong technical base that makes him an intriguing prospect. The St. Albert, AB, native was the 21st-ranked goalie out of 37 on the NHL Central Scouting Mid-Term Ranking of North American goalies. Snell played in a pair of WHL games last season and stopped all 54 shots, earning one shutout. This season, Snell has split the crease and played 27 games, amassing a 17-7-1 record.

    The Northern Alberta Xtreme product held down the fort for the Oil Kings on Friday night as they were outshot 34-23 by the Red Deer Rebels. He stopped every puck thrown at him in the contest, coming away with first-star honors in a 2-0 victory. Back at it on Saturday night, Snell had a quieter night with a 20-save shutout in a 6-0 blanking of the Lethbridge Hurricanes.

    Harrison Boettiger | Kelowna Rockets (WHL)

    Harrison Boettiger has taken on the starting job for the Kelowna Rockets in his first season in the WHL. The Wheat Ridge, Colorado, native is second among draft-eligible keepers who have played at least 10 games in wins (21) and fourth in save percentage (.904).

    The United States National Team Development Program (USNTDP) product was excellent in the first inaugural USNTDP vs. Canadian Hockey League (CHL) Prospect Challenge in November 2024. After the US was pounded 6-1 in the first game, with current Sarnia Sting goalie Patrick Quinlan struggling against the high-flying offense of Team CHL, Boettinger got the start in game two. He was sensational, with 35 saves and a .921 save percentage, and almost got the game to overtime but lost 3-2 with a last-minute goal by Calgary Flames prospect Cole Reschny.

    Boettiger, now a CHL goalie, suited up for the other side in the 2025 edition of the challenge. Unfortunately for him, fellow draft-eligible goalie Brady Knowling outdueled him, making 42 saves to win the game 4-2.

    The seventh-ranked stopper by NHL Central Scouting in its Mid-Term Rankings for North American goalies had a strong week for the Rockets. On Wednesday night, Boettiger made 25 saves in a 4-1 win over the Seattle Thunderbirds. He followed it up on Saturday, turning away all but one of the Wenatchee Wild’s 26 shots to help secure a 5-1 win.

    Ryder Fetterolf | Ottawa 67’s (OHL)

    Ryder Fetterolf is really making a name for himself this season as one of the top netminders in the OHL. He is second in the league in both save percentage (.922) and GAA (2.11) with 26 wins in 36 games.

    The Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania native ranked as the 16th goaltender on the NHL Central Scouting Mid-Term Rankings of North American goalies. He is committed to Penn State next season. Fetterolf was a star on the American prep school circuit, putting up a .940 save percentage with 49 wins in 61 games in his final season with the Gilmour Academy. He played in one game with the United States Hockey League’s Tri-City Storm that went very poorly, as he allowed six goals on 25 shots.

    The 18-year-old continued his hot play this week with a pair of stellar outings. On Thursday night, Fetterolf was beat twice in the first period but closed the door through the next two periods. He stopped all 10 shots as the 67’s coasted to an 8-2 win over the Saginaw Spirit. The Pittsburgh Penguins Elite program alumnus was the first star of the game Sunday afternoon. The 67’s built a 3-0 lead in the first period, and Fetterolf stopped all 28 shots by the Sarnia Sting as his club won 5-0.

  • Weekly 2026 Draft Eligible Three Stars

    While most of the hockey world was locked on the Olympic tournament in Milan over the last couple of weeks, prospects across the globe continued to play games. In this week’s draft-eligible three stars, a prospective number one overall pick in 2026 shows why he still deserves the hype, a Russian winger makes his first appearance after a productive week, and a Czech winger reaches a big milestone as his strong season continues.

    Gavin McKenna | LW | Penn State (NCAA)

    Gavin McKenna may not have the firm grip on being the first overall pick in 2026 as it seemed to be prophesied, with challengers in Swedish forward Ivar Stenberg and Canadian NCAA defenseman Keaton Verhoeff, but the phenom is doing everything he can to remind people why he got that distinction in the first place.

    The former CHL Player of the Year was downright dominant this week in a pair of games against Ohio State, picking up 10 points (two goals, eight assists) in two games. The Whitehorse, YT, native had a night for the ages. With five primary assists, two secondary helpers, and a goal, McKenna set program records for most points and assists in a game. The former Medicine Hat Tiger is the first player to have eight or more points in a single game against another Division 1 program since Bob Joyce had nine points in a game on Jan 2, 1987.

    The number one overall ranked player on the Draft Prospect Hockey 2026 NHL Draft Rankings followed up his historic night with eight shots on goal in almost 27 and a half minutes of ice time. He sent a perfect backdoor slap pass for a helper on Penn State’s third goal in the comeback from down 4-2. The freshman made an Ohio State defender look silly before he sniped the overtime winner over the blocker to complete the rally.

    Oleg Kulebyakin | LW | Halifax Mooseheads (QMJHL)

    Russian winger Oleg Kulebyakin leads the Halifax Mooseheads in points with 60 (26 goals, 34 assists) in 55 games and is fourth in league scoring among 2026 draft-eligible prospects. The St. Petersburg native is no stranger to North American hockey, having come to the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Knights during the 2023-24 season and staying since.

    The University of Massachusetts commit for 2027-28 was the number 68 ranked skater on the NHL Central Scouting Mid-Term Ranking for North American skaters. The Lincoln Stars alumnus picked up at least a point in all four games this week for a total of nine points (three goals, six assists).

    After a pair of two-point outings to start the week, he notched one goal in a 7-4 loss to Drummondville before his signature game of the period. Kulebyakin was named the first star while registering four points (one goal, three assists) against the Rimouski Oceanic. After falling behind 1-0, the Mooseheads headed to the power play, where Kulebyakin set up the first of seven unanswered goals for the visitors. He set up a second power play marker in the third period. With 51 seconds left to go in the game, Kulebyakin found himself open in the slot and picked the corner with a wrist shot to make it 7-1.

    Adam Novotný | LW | Peterborough Petes (OHL)

    Czech winger Adam Novotný continues to impress in his first season of North American hockey. The slick shooter is third in the OHL among draft-eligible players in goals with 30, behind only Nikita Klepov (33) of the Saginaw Spirit and Ethan Belchetz (32) of the Windsor Spitfires. Novotný, who served as the captain for Team East, was sensational in January at the Connor McDavid OHL Top Prospects Game with a pair of goals.

    The Hradec Kralove, Czechia, native opened the week on Family Day with a goal and an assist to earn first-star honors in a 3-2 shootout win for the Petes over the Kitchener Rangers. He followed it up with a goal on a great individual effort to pot a goal with just under two minutes left in the contest against the North Bay Battalion to make it 5-4 in a game the Petes would ultimately fall in. The former Mountfield HK player added a goal and an assist in his team’s third contest of the week against the Brampton Steelheads.

    Novotný saved his best for last, helping the Petes in a big way to take down the Brantford Bulldogs on Sunday. Early in the first period, the 6-foot-1 winger swiped down a clearing attempt by the Bulldogs and stepped in to snipe a wrist shot off the bar and in to open the scoring. He continued to hound the Bulldogs all game with nine shots, but none was bigger than his overtime winner. With the Petes on the power play, Novotný took a pass before a couple of strides and picked his spot with a seeing-eye wrist shot over the glove of David Egorov.

  • Weekly 2026 Draft-Eligible Three Stars

    January is almost over, and the 2026 NHL Draft inches closer with every flip of the calendar. For draft-eligible players, the next few months will do a lot to decide the future for these guys. This week’s Draft Prospects Hockey weekly three stars feature two of the projected top defensemen in the class and a forward who is rising up the boards.

    Chase Reid | RHD | Soo Greyhounds (OHL)

    After a short stint in the NAHL with the Bismarck Bobcats, right-handed defenseman Chase Reid joined the Soo Greyhounds and started piling up points in the 2024-25 season. In 39 games, the smooth-skating rearguard had 40 points (seven goals, 33 assists). In the same number of games so far in 2025-26, the Chesterfield, MI, native is leading all OHL draft-eligible defensemen in points with 45 (18 goals, 27 assists).

    Reid, the number 10 ranked skater on Draft Prospect Hockey’s 2026 NHL Draft Prospect Ranking, continued his impressive offensive season with five points in three games. He started with three assists while taking five shots in a 5-3 win over the London Knights. Despite not finding the scoresheet, Reid played over 25 minutes in a 3-0 shutout of the North Bay Battalion for Los Angeles Kings prospect Carter George. He polished up the weekend with a pair of goals with five shots on goal in a 6-1 victory over the Battalion.

    Keaton Verhoeff | RHD | Univ. of North Dakota (NCAA)

    Keaton Verhoeff is one of five 17-year-old players in the NCAA this season but is the only defenseman. His 17 points (six goals, 11 assists) in 22 games place him third in draft-eligible scoring in college hockey behind Penn State’s Gavin McKenna and Michigan’s Adam Valentini. Verhoeff was a proven scorer at the junior level after scoring 21 goals and 45 points in 63 games as a 16-year-old with the Victoria Royals in 2024-25, but a move to the NCAA presented a potential challenge.

    The Fort Saskatchewan, AB, native has been up to the task and is showing why he is Draft Prospect Hockey’s third-best skater and top defender on the Draft Prospect Hockey 2026 NHL Draft Rankings. This week in a pair of matchups with Arizona State, he scored twice while adding three assists.

    Jaxon Cover | LW | London Knights (OHL)

    Jaxon Cover has one of the most unique paths to becoming a prospect for the 2026 NHL Draft. He didn’t start playing ice hockey until he was 13, and before that, he was a sensation at inline hockey. After playing with the St. Andrews prep school team, he joined the London Knights full-time for the 2025-26 season.

    In 45 games this season, Cover has 34 points (14 goals, 20 assists), which might not scream NHL top prospect, but remember he grew up in the Cayman Islands and has only been playing competitive ice hockey for four seasons.

    Cover was held off the scoresheet in his first game of the week against the Soo Greyhounds but scored four goals in his next two games. He tied the game at two against the Sarnia Sting with eight minutes left in regulation. After getting the puck from a scrum, he walked into the left faceoff circle and lifted a backhand up and over the Sting goaltender.

    To end the week, Cover potted his first career OHL hat trick in a dominant 10-2 shellacking of the Peterborough Petes.

  • Weekly 2026 Draft Eligible Three Stars: World Junior Edition Part Two

    The 2026 edition of the World Junior Championship has brought plenty of excitement in Minnesota, and the 2026 draft eligibles have been quite impressive at the tournament. Team Sweden advanced to the final in a thrilling shootout victory over Finland, with draft eligibles Ivar Stenberg and Viggo Björck playing big roles. Team Czechia continued its streak of dominance over Canada in elimination games at the tournament. With a stunning pair of late third-period goals, the Czechs will play against the Swedes to try to win the country’s first gold medal at the event since back-to-back wins in 2000 and 2001. Canada will look to capture its first medal in the tournament since 2023 in a bronze medal game with Finland. Here is the second group of three stars for the 2026 World Junior Hockey Championship.

    Gavin McKenna | LW | Team Canada (U20)

    Gavin McKenna hasn’t been a necessarily dominant force at his second world junior championship but has still demonstrated throughout the tournament why many still have him as the number one prospect in the 2026 class. The Whitehorse, Yukon native led all draft eligibles in the tournament in points before the gold and bronze medal games with ten (three goals, seven assists) in six games.

    The top-ranked skater on the Draft Prospect Hockey 2026 NHL Draft Prospect Rankings had his big breakout game of the tournament in a 9-1 rout of Denmark. McKenna opened the scoring with a perfect power play goal. After taking a pass from Montreal Canadiens prospect Michael Hage in the right faceoff dot, McKenna fired a perfectly placed wrist shot into the top corner before the Danish keeper could move over. In the second period, with Canada ahead 4-1, the Penn State prodigy found himself alone in the right faceoff circle yet again. This time it was Nashville prospect Brady Martin feeding him a dish that he served straight to the back of the net in a goal that was eerily similar to his first. With the game already well out of hand with Canada leading 6-1 and outshooting the Danes 35-8, McKenna showed off his slick hands to add insult to injury. Hage found McKenna with a slick cross-ice breakaway-like pass, and after faking a wrist shot, the 2024 CHL Player of the Year tucked the puck in behind the Danish keeper.

    McKenna added an assist in games against Finland, Slovakia, and the semifinal loss to Czechia.

    Viggo Björck | C | Team Sweden (U20)

    With teammate Ivar Stenberg stealing a lot of the headlines about Swedish draft eligibles this season, it might have been easy for Viggo Björck to go under the radar a little bit. That has not been the case. Björck and Stenberg, who have often been paired together on Sweden’s second line, have been almost equally as dangerous in the tournament. The pair are tied for third in tournament scoring among draft eligibles with Jasper Kuhta at seven points in six games.

    The younger brother of Vancouver Canucks prospect and teammate at the tournament, Wilson, only missed the scoresheet against Slovakia in the team’s opening game. The 11th-ranked skater on the Draft Prospect Hockey 2026 NHL Prospect Rankings scored twice in an 8-1 rout of Germany in the team’s third game of the tournament but saved perhaps his most impressive showing for the semifinal against Finland.

    With the Swedes deadlocked in a 2-2 tie in the second period, Björck helped keep the puck alive in the offensive zone. He forced a turnover straight to Stenberg, who fed Detroit Red Wings prospect Eddie Genborg, and he banked a shot off Finland’s goalie and in for the 3-2 lead. In overtime, Björck was a breakaway machine. He had four one-on-one chances on Petteri Rimpinen but was unable to solve the goalie. Björck also led Swedish forwards in ice time in the semifinal and was the best faceoff man for his team with 10 wins.

    Thomas Chrenko | C | Slovakia (U20)

    Slovakian center Thomas Chrenko entered the tournament with far less expectation than many other 2026 draft eligibles, but he put on a show that is surely going to make scouts interested. The 33rd-ranked skater on Draft Prospects Hockey’s 2026 NHL Draft Prospects Ranking finished second to McKenna in tournament scoring among draft eligibles before the gold and bronze medal games with eight points (five goals, three assists) in five games.

    Chrenko was held off the scoresheet in the tournament opener against Sweden but roared back with a vengeance in game two. He registered nine shots on goal against Germany and scored three of the Slovak’s four goals in the win.

    His signature game of the tournament came in a big moment against the host, the United States. In the middle of the first period, with the Slovaks already ahead 1-0, Chrenko unloaded a wrist shot from the left faceoff dot through traffic to give the Slovaks a two-goal advantage. The Slovaks trailing 6-4 with time running out pulled the goalie, and on an almost identical shot to his first, Chrenko drew his squad within one. With a teammate parked right in front of the American crease, Chrenko fired a shot that found its way through to give the Slovaks a chance just as the PA announcer blurted out there were two minutes left in regulation.

    Chrenko potted two assists against Switzerland in the Slovaks’ final group stage game. He and the rest of Slovakia struggled mightily against Canada in the quarterfinal. He only registered one shot and finished as a -4.

  • Canadiens’ David Reinbacher Finaly Back on Track

    Canadiens’ David Reinbacher Finaly Back on Track

    The Montreal Canadiens have another high-quality prospect down on the farm, right-handed defenceman David Reinbacher. Now, his selection in Nashville at the 2023 NHL Entry Draft was controversial among the Canadiens fanbase, as many were hoping to add the Russian offensive winger Matvei Michkov. However, with the arrival of Ivan Demidov, it seems that the gamble paid off for team management as they now also await someone who is seen as a defenseman who can be a number-two in the NHL alongside Lane Hutson. 

    Part of the problem is that he doesn’t play a flashy style, which limits any fanfare he would otherwise get. His style is highly effective. He plays with a defence-first approach, mobility and ability to launch transitional plays means he will be an impact player that coaches will love. At 21 years old, the 6-foot-3, 207-pound right-shot defenseman maintains a rare profile.

    Photo: Jana Chytilova/Freestyle Photography

    In 2025-2026 with the Laval Rocket, he has 10 points in 19 games, plus-3, and 8 penalty minutes. Last season, he had 5 points in 10 games with Laval, showing progression in his offensive play. The problem with Reinbacher is that he has missed time, and that slows his curve. Yet, since the recall of Adam Engstrom by the Canadiens, the Rocket have leaned heavily on the Austrian-born defender, and he is responding by playing his best hockey since arriving in North America. Now that he is the go-to defender in Laval, he is playing heavy minutes in all situations, regularly topping 25 mins per game.  

    Defensively, Reinbacher excels. His defensive reads on the rotation and switches inside his own zone within the team’s defensive scheme are still a work in progress, which will become far more effective the more games he can play at the AHL level before his jump to the NHL. But these things can come with time and the sort of structure that he’s likely to find himself in at the NHL level  

    He maintains a tight gap, matching his opponent’s footwork and staying inside their reach. He identifies opportunities to attack the opponent and then drives through their hands or uses a strong defensive stick to strip them of the puck. Physically, he uses his footwork to guide them to the outside ,where he can then seal them off along the boards. 

    Once he gains possession of the puck, he quickly transitions from defence to offence. 

    At the net-front, he easily boxes out opponents and wins rebounds and loose pucks with urgency and physicality 

    Offensively, his game isn’t as polished as his defensive game, but he does have quite a lot of untapped potential. The expectation is not for him to become a dominant offensive defenseman in the NHL; instead, the expectation is that he will be a stabilizing force that complements an offensive defenceman while also providing 40-plus point offensive defenceman well while also providing 40 plus point seasons regularly. 

    Reinbacher is already a capable puck-mover. His first step and smooth edgework all him to explode past any forecheckers. He can make a quick and accurate first pass or activate the rush if he sees a lane open up.  

    He is still a more straightforward north-south attacker and will need to add more east-west movements in his game to become more deceptive, as well as gain more experience in identifying when pressure is being applied on him as the puck carrier, for him to become a more effective player at the NHL level.  

    Reinbacher is finally on the right track to becoming the steady 2-way defender that the Habs expected when they drafted him 5th overall in 2023? After starting the past two seasons with an injury, he has never been able to keep good momentum with his progression. This is why he has not been able to get to the level expected of him yet. Nonetheless, it is looking like it is all falling together slowly. 

    Mental toughness has been on display since his time at the 2023 World Junior Championships in his draft year. There, he played the entire tournament while suffering from an illness that forced him to take fluids and rest between games. Since then, he has suffered multiple injuries that have forced him to miss significant time. His steady and positive approach has been the key to his ability to navigate the pressures of those issues, as well as being a top-five pick. The organization can afford to be patient, ensuring he is given the time to be fully prepared before making a permanent jump to the NHL. 

  • Canadiens’ USHL Connection: A History of Prospect Success 

    The USHL has become a major source of NHL talent: the league continues to produce dozens of Draft-eligible players every year and remains the top junior league in the U.S.A. for players who often then go on to the NCAA. The USHL has consistently produced a large group of NHL draftees annually. It is more than just depth picks as the USHL has 18 first-round picks from the 2024 and 2025 draft classes alone.  

    For Montreal, drafting from the USHL represents a pathway toward adding skilled players who may need more time to develop before making the leap to the professional ranks. Historically, until this past year, USHL graduates were taking the NCAA path. Now that the NCAA is accepting players from the CHL, this may affect some decisions in the future. Over the years, several Canadiens picks have come from USHL clubs; some have gone on to become important NHL players, others remain in the prospect pool. Below are some key examples and how they influenced (or may influence) the Canadiens. 

    USHL franchises are known for strong coaching standards, nutrition and conditioning programs, and the use of video systems. Montreal has publicly emphasized character, maturity, and professionalism, and USHL development programs have a history of development that fits their desired cultural blueprint. 

    Notable Past USHL Players  

    Cayden Primeau 

    Montreal’s 2019 199th overall selection, Primeau, had an award-filled NCAA career, but there is an argument that he was rushed to the pro ranks too quickly. Better to be overripe than underdeveloped. 

    Louis Leblanc 

    Leblanc has become a cautionary tale when it comes to development and media pressure. He was the symbolic “hometown pick”. Drafted in Montreal at the 2009 draft, which coincided with the franchise’s centennial. He was selected partly because Montreal felt significant pressure to draft a francophone first-rounder. This decision became a lesson in avoiding political or emotional influence in drafting, reinforcing the need to prioritize best-player-available over market expectations. 

    His tenure became a developmental system cautionary tale. His rushed, inconsistent development path with limited stability (playing in five different leagues within four seasons) highlighted flaws in Montreal’s development model at that time. The organization later acknowledged this internally, leading to changes in how they handle young prospects (more individualized plans, better patience, clearer development roles).  

    Jeff Petry 

    While Petry was not drafted by the Canadiens, the USHL alumnus had a massive impact over his eight seasons in Montréal. Once acquired from the Edmonton Oilers, Petry became the backbone of the Canadiens’ blue line, frequently leading all team defenders in points, with multiple 40-point seasons while playing heavy minutes. 

    His presence gave the Canadiens a reliable puck-moving, two-way defender capable of contributing offensively and stabilizing the power play. Petry helped the Canadiens reach their first Stanley Cup Final in over 30 years in 2021. His eventual trade (to Pittsburgh in 2023) also solidified the transition for Montreal to be committed to a full rebuild. 

    Max Pacioretty 

    Pacioretty was selected 22nd overall in 2007 by Montreal. He is perhaps the most impactful USHL alumnus to ever be drafted by the Canadiens, so far. Pacioretty was a north-south skater who had a powerful stride. The 2007 USHL Rookie of the Year relied on his outside speed and quick release to score regularly in the NHL. He was the Canadiens’ most consistent offensive weapon from 2011–2018, posting multiple 30-goal seasons and finishing among the NHL’s top even-strength scorers during that stretch. 

    Despite his size (6’2’’ 215lbs), he was not a classic power forward. Instead, Pacioretty defined the modern power winger in Montreal: fast, heavy, goal-driven, and dangerous off the rush. His success influenced the type of forwards the Canadiens have targeted after him, scoring wingers with size, pace, and shooting talent. Pacioretty finished his Montreal tenure with 226 goals, placing him among the franchise’s top goal scorers of the post-1970s dynasty era. Despite the polarized discourse around him during difficult team stretches, his on-ice production and the long-term value of the trade (to Vegas for current captain Nick Suzuki) give him a legacy that remains both significant and positive. 

    Current Canadiens USHL Alumnus 

    Montreal’s roster would look vastly different without the USHL graduates that currently wear La Sainte Flannelle. Each plays an important role in the current rebuild and possible future success of the organization.  

    Mike Matheson 

    Matheson is the team’s “elder statesman” at only 31 years of age. He provides top-pair minutes, elite transitional skating, and veteran stability to a blue line that is still dominated by young and still developing defenders. His ability to drive offence, play heavy minutes in all situations, and mentor players like Lane Hutson, Kaiden Guhle, and, in the future, David Reinbacher, makes him both a competitive cornerstone in the short term and a developmental anchor for the franchise’s future. 

    Lane Hutson 

    Lane Hutson, drafted 62nd overall in 2022, is currently a foundational, game-changing offensive defenseman for the Montreal Canadiens, a role expected to grow as he becomes the quarterback of the power play and an offensive “engine” at five on five.

    In his rookie season he tied the NHL single-season record for assists by a rookie defenseman with 60 and set a Canadiens franchise record for points by a rookie defenseman with 66, surpassing the previous mark held by Chris Chelios which led to him winning the 2024-25 Calder Trophy as the NHL’s top rookie ahead of players like Matvei Michkov, Dustin Wolf and forward Macklin Celebrini for that honor. Hutson is viewed as the Canadiens’ top offensive defenseman of the future 

    Jakub Dobes 

    The former Omaha Lancers goaltender, Jakub Dobes, was selected 136th overall (5th round) in 2020. Currently, the Canadiens rely upon his play to remain competitive and in the hunt for their second consecutive playoff berth. He is still young (24) and retains the potential to become a long-term starting goaltender. His athleticism, size (6’4’’) and highly competitive nature have allowed him to challenge Samuel Montembeault for the number one job.  

    Cole Caufield  

    Cole Caufield is a cornerstone, elite goalscorer for the Montreal Canadiens, serving as a primary offensive “engine” for the team’s present success and future competitiveness. His roots trace back to the USA Hockey National Team Development Program (NTDP) in the USHL, where he set NTDP goal-scoring records for single season (72) and career (126) goals. Previous record holders were Auston Matthews (55) and Phil Kessel (104), respectively. 

    https://twitter.com/MarcPDumont/status/1895304859404116433?s=20

    He is projected to be a consistent 40-plus goal scorer, a milestone the Canadiens have not seen since Vincent Damphousse scored exactly 40 goals in the 1993-94 season. That makes him a central piece of the Canadiens’ rebuild; he is signed to a team-friendly,  long-term contract extension. His line with Suzuki and Juraj Slafkovsky has become one of the most entertaining and offensive lines in the NHL. 

    Current Canadiens’ USHL Prospects 

    Sam Harris  

    133rd overall, 2023 NHL Entry Draft. Since being drafted, he committed to the University of Denver Pioneers (NCAA). At Denver, he’s already shown promise, winning a national title and becoming one of the team’s top offensive threats. He could become a middle-six forward option for Montreal in the future. 

    Michael Hage  

    Hage is another example of the Canadiens betting on U.S. juniors, even though he is from Canada and grew up as a fan of the Canadiens. He spent two seasons with the USHL’s Chicago Steel before being selected 21st overall in the 2024 NHL Draft by Montréal before joining the University of Michigan. Last season, he scored 34 points in 33 games, earning Big 10 Rookie of the Year honours, and this year he is on pace to more than double his offensive output. 

    Jacob Fowler 

    Drafted in the third round, 69th overall in 2023. He played two seasons in the USHL, where he was named the USHL Goaltender of the Year and won the Clark Cup championship in 2023. He went on to play two seasons with Boston College. He currently plays for the Laval Rocket in the American Hockey League (AHL) and is considered the netminder of the future for the franchise. 

    Sean Farrell 

    The undersized forward was selected by Montreal with 124th overall (4th round) in the 2020 draft. Farrell is an adept passer and a highly mobile and elusive skater. Following his draft year, he continued in the USHL, winning the 2021 USHL Player of the Year. He continues to develop in the AHL. 

    Luke Tuch 

    Luke Tuch was selected 47th overall by the Montreal Canadiens in the 2020 NHL Draft, valued for his size, physicality, and north–south power-forward game. His projection remains that of a bottom-six NHL winger who can provide forechecking pressure, defensive reliability, and complementary scoring. 

    LJ Mooney 

    L.J. Mooney was drafted 113th overall (4th round) by Montreal in 2025. He projects as a high-skill, high-tempo playmaker. He is a dynamic, creative forward who could develop into a top-six offensive option if he can overcome his smaller stature, something the Canadiens have had success in developing in past prospects.  

    Luke Mittelstadt 

    He was drafted 197th overall (7th round) in 2023 by Montreal. He is a mobile puck-moving defender who thrives in creating offence in transitional play. He projects to be a depth defenceman if he can refine his defensive play and add strength. 

    Emmett Croteau 

    He was drafted 162nd overall in the sixth round in 2022. He is, at best, a long-term, developmental goaltending project. He is a big, athletic netminder who has shown upside (good mobility, size, and occasional strong performances). 

    The USHL Strategy 

    For the Canadiens, drafting from the USHL seems to have been a deliberate part of their strategy to add skilled players who required more time to mature physically or to solidify their skill sets. This also allowed the franchise to retain player rights for four years, instead of the two years for CHL players, allowing them to stagger signing prospects and to manage the 50-player contract limits the NHL imposes. The high level of skill and competition in the USHL means that there were no additional concerns about prospect development or skill levels compared to other junior leagues 

    The USHL has emerged as a meaningful and occasionally fruitful pipeline for the Montreal Canadiens. From former captain and top goal-scorer Max Pacioretty to promising recent picks like Jacob Fowler and Michael Hage, USHL players will continue to make significant contributions to the franchise. As Montréal continues its rebuild and seeks young, dynamic talent, its USHL connections may pay off, but only if those prospects are given time, proper development, and realistic expectations.