DRAFT PROSPECTS HOCKEY

Tag: NL

  • 2027 NHL Draft Prospect Report – Jonah Neuenschwander (F)

    Jonah Neuenschwander #19
    RW/C – March 10 2009 – Biel-Bienne, Switzerland – 6’3” / 187lbs – Left Handed – EHC Biel-Bienne (NL)

    Neuenschwander is a physically mature forward whose elite skating and powerful shot provide him with a strong foundation at higher levels. His acceleration and long, powerful strides allow him to create separation in transition, while his frame makes him difficult to contain once he establishes possession in the offensive zone. He protects the puck well and uses his size effectively to create passing lanes, with strong vision and an ability to find teammates through seams. His release is a legitimate weapon, capable of producing goals from both the rush and set offensive situations. He has also shown the ability to contribute on both special teams and uses his stick effectively defensively.

    Neuenschwander’s impact was inconsistent across viewings, although this should be considered within the context of his age and competition. He spent much of his 2025–26 season as a 16-year-old competing regularly in Switzerland’s National League, facing established professional players on a nightly basis, and his ability to earn that role at such a young age is itself significant. However, he did not consistently drive play or create offense at a level expected of a premier draft prospect. His passing can become careless under pressure, while his defensive awareness and engagement away from the puck remain inconsistent. His combination of elite skating, size and shooting gives him legitimate NHL upside, but his eventual ceiling will depend on whether he can translate those tools into more consistent play-driving, decision-making and overall impact as he matures physically and gains experience against professional competition.

  • Jonah Neuenschwander (F | 2027 Eligible) – Hlinka Gretzky Cup Report

    Jonah Neuenschwander is impossible to miss when he’s on the ice. Not only does his gigantic frame tower over every other player on the ice, but he constantly involves himself in the play to search for advantages and opportunities for his team. The biggest contribution he brings to his team is his hockey IQ, being able to read and anticipate plays before they even happen to properly position himself as a passing option, to pick off an opponent’s pass, or be the first to a loose puck. His hockey IQ helps him in every aspect of the game to remain one step ahead while bringing a versatile set of skills to capitalize on being that one step ahead. With the puck, he is great at leveraging his IQ and vision to make quick one-touch passes or carry the puck to open ice while evaluating new options. Offensively without the puck, he is great at driving the net for deflections, rebounds, or even as a passing option. Due to his size, his presence in front of the net creates chaos while his opponents try to restrict his ability from making an impact in the slot. Defensively, he is great at containing his opponents to the perimeter, using his stick to try and create turnovers or intercept passes, and is fairly effective at helping his defencemen when the situation calls for it.

    Though I believe that there is an extremely high likelihood that Neuenschwander will be, at the very least, a top ten pick next June, there are still a few aspects of his game I would like to see him improve on over the season to make that an absolute guarantee. First, his skating would be his biggest aspect to improve upon for me. I would like him to develop more length out of his stride, using his long legs to generate more power per stride as opposed to taking many short strides in quick succession like he does now. His top speed and ability to chase down pucks would greatly improve with a longer stride. Similarly, he needs to improve his agility. Though a longer stride wouldn’t directly improve his agility, being able to conserve more energy from taking fewer strides would indirectly affect his agility due to having more energy readily available for when he needs it in those close quarter situations. Secondly, there are times where he loses his poise with the puck and throws it where he believes he has a teammate, when in reality they’re either not ready for the pass or not there entirely. I would like him to improve on his poise over this season, creating a tendency to hold the puck that extra half second to evaluate his options or take a shoulder check to find his teammates before making the play he decides upon. Lastly, I would like to see him develop his physical game some more. He has a huge frame and utilizes it fairly well, but he isn’t the most effective when using it. He doesn’t have any fear engaging in board or netfront battles, but he isn’t strong enough to guarantee winning those battles consistently. Developing some upper body strength would improve this aspect of his game while preparing him to play in the North American style of game in the future.