DRAFT PROSPECTS HOCKEY

Tag: SHL

  • 2026 NHL Draft Prospect Report – Morgan Anderberg (LW)

    Morgan Anderberg:
    Projection: Middle 6 Winger
    Strengths: Skating, Stick skills, Creativity
    Weaknesses: Physicality, Positional awareness

    Analysis:
    Morgan Anderberg is a very good two-way winger who excels at creating
    turnovers. His most noticeable attribute in his game for me is his
    stick skills both on and off the puck. With the puck, he controls the
    puck super well with good stick handling, deking, and protective body
    positioning. These skills allow him to carry the puck into the zone or
    evade defenders as he searches for opportunities to put his creative
    playmaking skills to work. Off the puck, he excels at stick checking
    opponents while staying on them extremely well, creating pressure on
    his opponents to make a play sooner rather than later. His creativity
    and playmaking stem from his above-average vision and ability to get
    passes to areas he shouldn’t be allowed to get them to. His skating
    in general is also great, having good agility and top speed to keep up
    with the pace of play in the SHL.

    The biggest question mark in his game for me would be his physicality.
    He defaults to using his stick to generate pressure on opponents,
    which isn’t a horrible thing, but when he is forced into using his
    body to check his opponent, it’s very obvious that he’s significantly
    worse at checking opponents this way and he’s not nearly as
    comfortable doing it. Over time developing he would become better and
    more comfortable with it, but as it stands he would struggle to
    translate his current defensive checking abilities to the next level.
    Also, watching his game there are times when he has positional
    lapses, whether that be leaving his assignment early or just not being
    ready for a pass he should have been ready for, I would worry that his
    mind can’t read the game fast enough to keep up with that pace of play
    due to these lapses.

  • 2026 NHL Draft Prospect Report – Ludvig Andersson (RW)

    Ludvig Andersson:
    Projection: Bottom 9 Winger
    Strengths: Hockey IQ, Energy and physicality, Skating
    Weaknesses: Strength, Translation to the next level

    Analysis:
    Ludvig Andersson plays with an incredible amount of heart and skill.
    Even though he is a little smaller in stature, he plays just as well
    as anyone else in every aspect of the game. His most standout
    attribute is his hockey IQ and ability to visualize the game. He
    understands where everyone is on the ice constantly and uses that
    information to elevate his decision-making to make the best play
    available to him. He uses great playmaking and vision in combination
    with his hockey IQ to create opportunities in every area of the ice if
    the puck ever reaches his stick. He is reliable in his own zone due to
    his positioning and active stick, and isn’t afraid to engage in battles
    when needed. That’s honestly the second-best thing in his game, his
    willingness to use his smaller frame to attack his opponents
    relentlessly, like a dog on a bone, creating energy and chaos. You’d
    think that his smaller frame would result in his physical style of
    game being less effective, but it’s because of his small frame that
    his skating is remarkably good, allowing him to chase down opponents
    and hound them with ease.

    My only worry with his game would be his current lack of strength and
    ability to translate his game to the next level as an undersized
    player. If he had even another seven pounds of muscle, his physical
    game would improve dramatically, resulting in hits that would be more
    meaningful and heavy, creating more turnovers or, at the very least
    more pressure on his opponents. Building strength only requires time
    and development, so only time will tell how much this will improve.
    Similarly, once he gets the opportunity to play against stronger
    opposition more consistently, only time will tell how well his game
    will translate to that level.

  • 2026 NHL Draft Prospect Report – Douglas Nilsson (G)

    In what appears to be a weaker year for Swedish goalie prospects, Nilsson is positioning
    himself as one of the top options. His puck tracking is a clear strength. He consistently finds
    sightlines, even through traffic, and follows the puck well into his hands, which helps with both
    saves and rebound control. His lower body is also impressive, with strong flexibility and mobility
    allowing him to seal the ice effectively with a wide butterfly. His ability to get into that position
    quickly makes him very difficult to beat down low. That said, he lacks elite top-end speed
    compared to other prospects, and his situational awareness needs improvement. On a couple of
    goals, a simple shoulder check could have prevented the scoring chance. Nilsson has a solid
    case to be drafted, most likely in the later rounds.

  • 2026 NHL Draft Prospect Report – Oscar Holmertz (C)

    Oscar Holmertz:
    Projection: Middle 6 Forward
    Strengths: Stick skills, Foot speed and fluidity, Versatility and reliability
    Weaknesses: Physicality, Release

    Analysis:
    Oscar Holmertz might be the most underrated player in this entire
    class. In my viewings of him, he has been nothing short of dominant.
    He has very impressive stick skills, blocking passing lanes, lifting
    sticks to steal pucks, or knocking down cross-ice passes. If he
    creates a turnover, he has incredible speed and edge work to make it
    up ice in a hurry. His fluid stride is something you cannot teach. He
    is so good in every zone of the ice that he plays in every situation
    and is capable of taking faceoffs. His vision is extraordinary, too,
    making passes that shouldn’t be possible and staying one step ahead of
    the play constantly. He is so smart and patient, sometimes it can look
    like he’s not getting involved just to have the puck appear on his
    stick.

    My faults with his game are that he isn’t nearly as physical as I wish
    he were. If he wants to have an easier time transitioning to the NA
    game, he needs to develop a bit of physicality in his game. I’m also
    not that fond of his release, not that it’s inherently bad, I just
    think it’s very telegraphed and not snappy enough to deceive more
    talented goalies.

  • 2026 NHL Draft Prospect Report – Niklas Aaram-Olsen (LW)

    Niklas Aaram-Olsen:
    Projection: Middle 6 Winger
    Strengths: Release, Explosive skating, Confidence along the boards
    Weaknesses: Effort and consistency, Execution in his playmaking

    Analysis:
    Niklas Aaram-Olsen could be another late first-round steal in this
    draft. He’s a very confident and intelligent player, dictating plays
    and making use of open ice. He has an exceptional release that can
    find its way through traffic or beat goalies clean. He sees the ice
    very well and positions himself in places to make an impact. Along the
    boards, he is strong and agile, creating and taking advantage of any
    open space given the opportunity. He also has a very good
    stick-handling ability for someone of his size and stature.

    My concern is his consistency and effort. He can take shifts off or
    over analyze plays, effectively taking him out of the play and
    becoming ineffective. There are times when he gets caught floating
    around waiting for the puck to come to him, or he doesn’t back-check
    when needed. He also lacks consistency in his playmaking. His passes
    aren’t always crisp or reach their intended destination. He sees the
    ice really well, but struggles to translate that into his passing and
    playmaking.

  • 2026 NHL Draft Prospect Report – Elton Hermansson (RW)

    Elton Hermansson:
    Projection: Second-line winger
    Strengths: Excellent anticipation and play reading, 200-foot game,
    Hockey IQ, Power play
    Weaknesses: Physical game, top speed, wrist shot release

    Analysis:
    Elton Hermansson is an excellent pass-first, defensive-minded winger.
    He understands the intricacies of the game very well, often being one
    step ahead of the play and dictating how the play should develop with
    the puck on his stick. He uses above-average footwork to open up lanes
    to or from his stick, sliding passes through seams, or looking for the
    open man back door. He’s also excellent on the defensive side of the
    puck, defending off the rush well through a strong back check and good
    stick work. He also has a slapshot he can let rip on the power play if
    he’s found wide open with time to let it fly.

    My biggest absence in his game is his physicality. He often is smart
    enough to get ahead of the play, so he doesn’t have to use his body,
    but when the time comes to use his body to defend the puck or push off
    an opponent, he struggles to generate enough strength to win the puck
    back frequently. I find he doesn’t have the highest top speed either,
    which is a minor setback. Lastly, I wouldn’t consider his wrist shot
    to be a major asset of his either.

  • 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.

  • 2026 NHL Draft Prospect Report – Alexander Command (C)

    Alexander Command:
    Projection: Middle 6 Center
    Strengths: Hockey IQ, Faceoff prowess, Vision
    Weaknesses: Stick handling, Physicality, Top speed

    Analysis:
    Alexander Command is a very controlling and patient centerman. It’s
    funny that his last name is Command because that’s exactly how he
    plays. He takes control of the play without the puck, often directing
    traffic and commanding the play to help his teammates make decisions
    and create chaos in the offensive zone. He has a super high hockey IQ,
    being able to see plays develop and react accordingly in real time,
    helping him be in the right place at the right time. His vision helps
    him take advantage of being one step ahead of the play, often finding
    one-touch passes or moving to the open ice before it’s even considered
    to be open ice. Another attribute of his I love is his faceoff
    prowess. He has such a strong stick and stance to outmuscle opponents
    in the circle, which is something he could easily translate to a pro
    level.

    Where Command may fall flat for me is in the details of his game. He
    doesn’t have the best stick handling, especially one-on-one or in
    transition. He has a big frame for someone of his size, but he doesn’t
    utilize it to its fullest potential. He has a very fluid stride, but
    struggles to reach a very high top speed with it. If he could iron out
    the details in his game, he could become an excellent mid-first-round
    steal.

  • 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.

  • 2026 NHL Draft Prospect Report – Marcus Nordmark (LW)

    Marcus Nordmark is a player I go back and forth on because the skill level is genuinely
    sensational, but there are a lot of red flags in his overall game. He has elite hands and is a
    high-end passer, one of the most naturally gifted playmakers in this class, able to manipulate
    defenders and find seams with ease, and when he does get moving, he has good quickness.
    He is a pass-first winger who can slow the game down and create off his vision, often finding
    space in the offensive zone despite tending to operate more on the perimeter. That said, the
    compete level is a major concern. He does not engage physically, goes into puck battles
    softly without much intent to win them, and rarely uses his frame, which leads to him losing a
    lot of those situations. His motor is inconsistent and he can look nonchalant both with and
    without the puck, at times relying too heavily on his skill and passing ability instead of
    continuing to move his feet. Defensively, he is a liability right now, with poor habits like
    skating away from puck races and lacking urgency in coverage. There are shifts where he
    looks like a top-end offensive talent, and others where he is barely involved. I am still a
    believer because the skill is top notch, but it is frustrating to watch at times, and the
    inconsistency raises real questions. For me, the projection comes with risk, likely a little past
    the mid-first round at this stage, with top-six winger potential if it all clicks, a stylistic profile
    closer to a modern-day Jonathan Drouin, but with a ceiling that could resemble Jonathan
    Huberdeau in my opinion.