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Ryan Roobroeck of the Niagara IceDogs. Photo by Natalie Shaver/OHL Images

Ryan Roobroeck

2026 NHL Draft Eligible

Position: W, Shoots: L

H/W: 6-foot-2, 209 pounds

Date of Birth: 2007-09-25

Coming into the 2025/26 season, Ryan Roobroeck seemed to be a unanimous potential top ten selection for the 2026 NHL Draft. He was coming off a strong showing at the U18’s, where he helped Canada capture a gold medal, and a 40-goal season in the OHL with Niagara. With a pro frame, pro shot, and advanced offensive instincts, it was easy to see why he was garnering this kind of attention. We had Roobroeck at 15th on our mid-November, pre–World Juniors ranking.

Yet, more and more rankings, including ours, are dropping Roobroeck out of their first rounds as we approach the June draft. The question is why? Roobroeck still had a solid offensive season that saw him post similar goal scoring numbers before his season ending lower body injury in February. He overcame a somewhat slow start to finish his year well; he had eight goals in his last eight games prior to the injury and showed greater urgency and competitiveness in his game.

The answer to the above question lies in the fact that Roobroeck is exiting his third year in the OHL and a valid argument could be made suggesting that he is the same player he was several years ago. Scouts want to see improvement year over year and Roobroeck remains a bit of an enigma. The physical engagement remains wildly inconsistent, and his pace of play can lag because the power of his stride still needs work. An early bloomer physically, Roobroeck’s peers have caught up and it’s up to him to make the necessary adjustments to become a dominating force.

On the flip side, Roobroeck is a well-balanced offensive player with a power forward’s body. The OHL lists him at 6-foot-4, but NHL Central Scouting has him at 6’2. The NHL combine will give us exact measurements, but you always lean in favor of Central Scouting. Either way, he has the size to be an impactful pro. Even if his physical game fails to develop consistency, Roobroeck is an intelligent and skilled finisher with one of the better shots in this draft class. He can create his own opportunities in transition, but he is also opportunistic because he anticipates the play well, consistently hunting down scoring chances. He can power through defenders working North/South and find his way to the net. He even quarterbacks the powerplay, showcasing excellent vision. As mentioned, this is a versatile and balanced offensive player.

The reality is that Roobroeck’s NHL potential rests on his willingness to make adjustments and improvements to his game. He has the skill and scoring ability to be a top six NHL forward and powerplay asset. However, his strength/conditioning, skating, puck management, and physical engagement all need to be upgraded or refined, or he runs the risk of following a career path similar to former Islanders draft pick Michael Dal Colle. As a third year OHL player and one of the oldest first-time eligible players available, scouts may see Roobroeck as more of a finished product compared to some others available. One thing is certain, next season is going to be a huge one for his development

Skating

At his core, Roobroeck is not a high pace player. He is at his best, and seems to prefer attacking North/South, altering pace, and then working East/West to try to open up shooting lanes for himself. He can build to a solid top speed, but he can lose said speed when he tries to push off his edges to alter his direction. When he finds success taking defenders on and attacking linearly, it’s because he is using change of pace well. In this instance he incorporates linear crossovers to try to build speed quickly to the outside, catching defenders flat footed as he drives wide.

As a minor hockey player and against his peers at a younger age, Roobroeck did have a speed advantage with his size and power. He was a lot more successful in his net drives. However, his peers have caught up, and this has neutralized Roobroeck’s speed, to an extent, causing him to work at a slower pace.

Two of the biggest issues for Roobroeck are his start ups and his balance. He can have trouble escaping pressure at times because he can take time to build speed, especially out of pivots or off his edges. Additionally, for a larger forward with a power element to his game, Roobroeck’s balance and strength on the puck could be improved. He can be pushed off stride and separated from the puck, again, quite often when he tries to work off his edges, working to avoid or escape pressure. Considering that Roobroeck’s skating hasn’t improved considerably during his three years in the OHL, scouts are likely to worry that this ability might have peaked. With a greater focus on strength/conditioning, Roobroeck should be able to at least improve his power and speed attacking linearly to become a league average mover.

You can see that at one point, Roobroeck did hold a speed advantage over his peers. This was from the U17’s in his rookie CHL season. Builds up speed and attacks the offensive zone.

But that gap has slowly closed, with others catching up. Here’s a play from last year’s U18’s that sees Roobroeck fail to build up enough speed (despite getting a head start) to create a breakaway. This play could also be in the physicality/compete section because it shows an inability of Roobroeck to force his way to the net against a younger defender (the strong play was made by potential 2026 first rounder Juho Piiparinen, at the tournament as an underager).

Identical play from the same U18’s. Roobroeck is kept to the perimeter and eliminated physically (by potential 2026 draft selection Axel Brøngel-Larsson).

Now this year Roobroeck is still struggling to create that separation. He gets boxed in his own zone and then is easily caught by a backchecker as he tries to recover and gain the line.

That quick change of pace attack that I mentioned. Roobroeck can’t beat defenders one on one with pure speed, but he alters pace well to create separation at times.

Here we see that he’s knocked off stride too easily when he tries to use his edges to get around a defender.

GRADE: 50

Shot

This is Roobroeck’s bread and butter. His wrist shot and snapshot are considerable weapons. He generates significant velocity without windup and his release is both quick and deceptive. He often works back across his body to disguise intent and routinely incorporates toe drags to create lanes when attacking horizontally. Roobroeck is the kind of player who needs very little room to pick corners, and he can beat netminders clean from a distance.

One thing that’s not really in Roobroeck’s repertoire is a heavy one timer. Given his profile, you might have expected this to be a part of his game or to see him working his offside on the powerplay, hammering pucks on net. But he’s much more of a catch and release shooter and he actually usually operates the point of Niagara’s powerplay, getting pucks on net and using the threat of his shot to open up passing lanes. That’s actually a pretty significant strength of Roobroeck’s too; he’s not a reckless high-volume shooter despite owning a dangerous shot. He picks his spots well and does a good job of getting shots on net quickly to help generate second chance opportunities.

Roobroeck can pick corners and beat junior goaltenders cleanly from a distance.

He just doesn’t need much room at all. Roof Daddy.

Real whip like release on the game winner.

When Roobroeck works the point on the Niagara powerplay, he’s really efficient at identifying shooting lanes and trying to get shots through quickly to generate second chance opportunities.

GRADE: 60

Skills

Given Roobroeck’s size and potential power game, he has soft hands and is a terrific passer. He can thread the needle through a crowd and that’s part of why Niagara has him rotating to the point of their powerplay quite frequently. The threat of his shot helps to open up passing lanes for him and he will routinely use one touch passes to catch zone defenses sleeping, especially on the powerplay.

Roobroeck also handles well at full speed, and he keeps control through East/West cuts. He also shows good skill in tight to corral loose pucks and finish off plays near the crease. He’s equally adept on his backhand as he is his forehand. Roobroeck’s well-balanced offensive skill set opens up a variety of opportunities for him as a pro, depending on how his future coaches want to utilize him, again, especially on the powerplay.

However, don’t expect to see a highly creative player who consistently challenges defenders one on one. That’s not his game. Roobroeck can lose control of the puck when trying to escape pressure quickly coming out of pivots or from a standstill. Some of this can be attributed to his balance/strength issues as discussed in his skating category, however, it does also point to some skill limitations.

One thing Roobroeck does really well is utilize one touch passes to catch defenders off guard. That’s a skill but also showcases his ability to think ahead. This was a beautiful pass to the slot against Norway at last year’s U18’s.

Great pass here to set up the re-direct goal.

Roobroeck showing off his skill in transition by working to the inside, then he retrieves his own failed pass and makes a better one to a trailing teammate, eventually leading to a goal.

GRADE: 55

Smarts

Roobroeck is a highly opportunistic offensive player. While he can create his own scoring chances, you’ll often see him finishing off plays created by others. He times cuts well. He finds soft spots in coverage. He’s one of those players that the puck is magnetically drawn to.

It’s also worth mentioning Roobroeck’s shooting intelligence again in this section. He does such a good job of getting pucks on net, utilizing fakes and a quick release to help get pucks through traffic. His vision and poise when he rotates to the point of the Niagara powerplay are impressive. Even though this is not likely to be his future role on a pro powerplay, it signifies his versatility as an offensive weapon.

However, his game does not come without warts. Firstly, turnovers in all three zones can be an issue when he is pressured. The skating/skill limitations in his game currently require him to make quicker decisions with the puck. In the offensive end, that could mean something as simple as chipping and chasing or “getting pucks in deep.” Instead, he can try to force plays and this leads to odd man counter attacks the other way. Secondly, his defensive effectiveness is fairly inconsistent. He occasionally shows a strong understanding of support along the wall and will cut off passing lanes to the middle. But, when forced to defend the middle of the ice, he can get caught puck watching or is not aggressive enough, leading to significant chances from the slot. This is part of the reason why he was pushed to the wing at the OHL level and projects there at higher levels. If the engagement level increases to become more consistent, Roobroeck does project as, at least, an adequate defensive player at higher levels.

Roobroeck is best described as an opportunistic offensive player. He’s not necessarily a dominant on puck player. Instead, he uses his excellent o-zone anticipation to time cuts well or to find soft spots to generate chances.

Great read on the one touch pass resulting in a goal.

Strong defensive read and support by Roobroeck as he closes off the passing lane and initiates a breakout that results in a three on two opportunity.

A not-so-great defensive read from Roobroeck, this time from the slot as he gets caught too low and with his back to the play. This is part of why he’s been played primarily on the wing as an OHL player.

Just one of those plays that happens too often with Roobroeck. Has a few options here to retain possession but opts to weakly challenge a defensive triangle and the result is a turnover. Plays like this need to be eliminated from his game in order for him to be successful at the pro level.

Same kind of play, this time from the OHL Top Prospect’s Game. Roobroeck gets pressured and throws the puck to the middle, resulting in a turnover.

Another example. Roobroeck actually chips and chases, but then forces a pass back to the point, rushing his decision before defenders close in. Is he afraid of inviting that pressure in order to open up lanes?

Not an exceptionally high IQ play by Roobroeck here as he makes the first defender miss, but then fails to identify the second layer of pressure and the result is a turnover. That shot needs to be off his stick quicker or he needs to see the wide open teammate on the flank.

GRADE: 55

Physicality/Compete

Unquestionably, this is the area of Roobroeck’s game that is lacking the most and holding him back from being a more consistently impactful player. Unfortunately, this has been the case for him dating back to his minor hockey days. Read reports of his for the OHL Priority Selection in 2023 and you’re bound to see similar things as to what I’m about to discuss. That begs the question, is physical competitiveness an innate quality or can it be taught/improved upon? Will Roobroeck eventually find a way to utilize his size consistently to overpower defenders? Will Roobroeck eventually increase the consistency of his physical engagement? It’s present at times, but not enough. Is this a conditioning issue? These are bound to be the questions NHL scouting staffs ask themselves when discussing Roobroeck’s projection at draft time.

As mentioned, at 6-foot-2 (or greater) and 200+ pounds, he has the size to be physically dominant…especially at the junior level. That is the case at times, where he is aggressive in puck pursuit, assertive physically to earn touches, and eager to take on defenders head on in high traffic areas. At other times, he seems perimeter focused, loses 50/50 battles, and is just not hard enough on pucks. It would be great to see him become a forechecking threat on a consistent basis. I’d also love to see him invite pressure more consistently.

For a stretch in January and February before his injury, this is what we saw from Roobroeck more consistently. Great back pressure and then a strong physical play along the wall.

More physical play from Roobroeck as he applies pressure on the forecheck and then takes the puck to the net looking for a goal.

This is the opposite end of the spectrum. A play from the U18’s last year. A weak chip and chase attempt by Roobroeck that sees him poking at the puck, rather than using his size to try to pin and win that 50/50 battle.

But then we have a strong physical play from Roobroeck from the same tournament that sees him play through a defender to create a significant scoring chance.

This is a really interesting shift by Roobroeck from the CHL/NTDP Prospect Challenge this year. Early on in the shift, we see great energy from him; a strong hit in the defensive zone and a heavy forecheck in the offensive zone. But later, he’s weak on the puck resulting in a neutral zone turnover. Are some of Roobroeck’s consistency issues conditioning related?

For a bigger forward that’s in his third year in the OHL, Roobroeck just isn’t strong enough in protection scenarios, often easily separated from the puck on net drives.

GRADE: 45

OFP: 53.25

A note on the 20-80 scale used above. We look at five attributes (skating, shooting, puck skills, hockey IQ and physicality) for skaters and six for goalies (athleticism/quickness, compete/temperament, vision/play reading, technique/style, rebound control and puck handling). Each individual attribute is graded along the 20-80 scales, which includes half-grades. The idea is that a projection of 50 in a given attribute meant that our observer believed that the player could get to roughly NHL average at that attribute at maturity.

]]> https://www.mckeenshockey.com/nhl-blog/2026-nhl-draft-detailed-scouting-report-ryan-roobroeck-c-lw-niagara-ice-dogs-ohl/feed/ 0 2026 NHL DRAFT: DETAILED SCOUTING REPORT – Oscar Hemming, LW, Boston College (NCAA) https://www.mckeenshockey.com/nhl-blog/2026-nhl-draft-detailed-scouting-report-oscar-hemming-lw-boston-college-ncaa/ https://www.mckeenshockey.com/nhl-blog/2026-nhl-draft-detailed-scouting-report-oscar-hemming-lw-boston-college-ncaa/#respond Wed, 15 Apr 2026 12:36:22 +0000 https://www.mckeenshockey.com/?p=199402 Read More... from 2026 NHL DRAFT: DETAILED SCOUTING REPORT – Oscar Hemming, LW, Boston College (NCAA)

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2026 NHL Draft Eligible

Position: LW, Shoots: L

H/W: 6-foot-4, 198 pounds

Date of Birth: 2008-08-13

Oscar Hemming, the brother of the Dallas Stars first-round draft selection Emil Hemming, was an intriguing prospect out of Finland. But this season, he couldn’t find a team to play for until the second-half of the season, just about. After he played in the Hlinka-Gretzky Cup, where he performed very well, he signed with the Kitchener Rangers. Shortly thereafter, his Finnish club, Kiekko-Espoo, blocked the OHL transfer. Hemming pivoted and signed with Sherwood Park in the BCHL. But this time, the IIHF threatened to ban Hemming for three years of international play. So, once again, Hemming pivoted. He sped up his academics in order to enroll with Boston College, finally finding a home for the hockey season.

Hemming is a heavy shooter who has sneaky good skill on the puck. But it’s his big 6-foot, 4-inch frame paired with his deceivingly good puck skill that makes him such an intriguing talent. He’s got a good motor on him, along with a physical streak. Getting paired with Dean Letourneau, who BC has helped massively in his development, is a formidable duo in college hockey. While the point-total hasn't been the most eye-opening, he has been impressive already, despite being 17 years old and missing half of his season. Which is important to remember, as that long break from hockey made an impact on parts of his game, and him being a part of that BC organization will surely be a great spot for him to work out those kinks in his game.

With the skill set he has shone thus far, he projects as a potential second line power forward, with enough talent to work his way into a first line role in the right environment. With his limited production and time missed at the beginning of this season, he will almost certainly run it back in Boston College next season. But, after next year, there’s a shot there he could earn an NHL spot, depending on which team calls his name on draft day.

Skating

Hemming isn’t the best skater. That’s not entirely surprising, considering his frame. To his credit, his skating is very smooth and he can catch defenders by surprise at times. But he isn’t a burner and it takes him an extra step to reach his top speed. His edges need more work, as he can lose speed when turning or changing directions with the play. It also impacts his first few strides, as it takes him some time to build up speed. As he is given more time to adjust to the NCAA level, especially in an organization that has helped Letourneau develop his skating a lot, these issues should round itself out.

It’s also fair to wonder just how much of an impact that long layoff between teams had on his game. At the Hlinka-Gretzky Cup, he displayed better mobility. In particular, he used his edges far more efficiently to build up speed through crossovers, reaching his top speed faster. The NCAA is a faster paced game on a smaller sized rink, which has an impact too. But the time off between teams did still show up in his ability to move.

In the clip above, Hemming (#9 in white) had jumped up into the play on a dump in, going right into the low slot area. When the pass intended for him skipped past his stick, he struggled to turn back the other way and back check effectively. He lost ground due to the poor turn and acceleration, getting beaten up ice. When a BC defender denied the entry attempt and the puck was sent to the boards, Hemming was the closest to it by a wide margin. However, a player who wasn’t even in the frame when the play was initially broken up managed to get to the puck at the same time as Hemming.

In this clip, Hemming (#9 in white) shows off what he can do as a skater when given space to build up speed. After a turnover is forced by a teammate in the defensive end, he skates into the puck, scoops it up, and skates hard up ice. He doesn’t burn the defenders, but he closes in on them very quickly, then drives the net with speed. He actually got to his spot on the backdoor ahead of the defender who tracked him, but his teammate elected to shoot on the play.

In this clip, Hemming (#27 in white) displays that aforementioned better movement skills, with his usage of crossovers to build up speed all the way through the neutral zone. His strides were also shorter, with quicker feet, because of his use of crossovers. He drives through the neutral zone, pulling away from back-pressure, albeit light, before hitting the offensive blue line. With the speed he had through the neutral zone, the defenders adjusted their gaps. Hemming, upon hitting the blueline, slowed down, opening up a passing lane, and putting a pass between two sticks. The pass would hit the target, but the pressure around his teammate would disrupt the play. But that was all executed through strong acceleration through crossovers, hitting his top speed, then slowing down to create space for himself to try and make a smart play.

GRADE: 50

Shot

Hemming has a wicked shot that, one could argue, is borderline NHL-ready as it is. It features a ton of power, a quick release, and generally strong accuracy. He can pick corners at times. He can threaten from medium-dangers thanks to his ability to rip shots with power. But it’s his ability to finish in-tight, regardless of the pressure around him. He can roof shots in close, get tips and rebounds, and use his frame to box out opponents in order to get those opportunities with consistency.

Not only does he use his frame effectively in dangerous areas to create those chances in close, but he also displays very strong spatial and positional awareness away from the puck, placing himself in pockets of space to be a passing option. Despite only scoring once with BC, there is much more here than what has been shown.

In this clip, Hemming (#9 in white) scores his first NCAA goal. He drives the net on the rush, holds off a defender to get in position in the mid-slot. He then shows off his solid hand-eye coordination to get a piece of the shot from the point, then follows the rebound quickly to bury it.

In this clip, Hemming (#9 in white) trails the initial rush. As the puck bounces out into the slot, Hemming skates into it and absolutely fires the puck towards the net. It hit the crossbar, denying his chance at a ridiculous goal. The power and release is very evident in this clip, indicative of the potential in his shot, despite the lack of production this season.

Hemming (#27 in blue), shows off his off-puck positioning on the Finnish power play opportunity before scoring the go-ahead goal. He positions himself well by sliding up and down the half-wall, keeping himself inside an open passing lane for his teammates. As the puck moves up to the point, he slides up top as an easy outlet. He receives a pass at the top of the circle, corrals it and pulls wide to his forehand, and fires a heavy shot over the blocker of the Czech netminder.

GRADE: 55

Skills

Hemming, despite playing a smart, calculated power game, can be a very deft puck-handler. On the puck, he combines his smarts and his frame to protect the puck. But he can also make slick, finesse moves when needed. He can also flash strong playmaking skills on the puck, whether in space or under pressure. To be able to have a bit of roughness in his game, while also showcasing an ability to play with some finesse, is what GMs are searching for year-in and year-out. Hemming, despite not generating a ton of points thus far at the collegiate level, has those traits.

In this clip, Hemming (#9 in white) is up in the neutral zone, receiving a pass after his teammate gained the offensive zone. As he catches the pass, the opposing defender pinches up to deny the entry. However, Hemming makes a quick play to evade the pokecheck, pulling the puck quickly to his backhand and turning away from the defender. He then drives to the slot and, as he loads up for a shot, avoids another defensive stick check with a toe drag release.

In this clip, Hemming (#27 in blue) receives a breakout pass to gain the neutral zone. He builds up speed and cuts wide to the right wall. As he hits the blue line, he cuts back inside towards the middle, skating at the defender. As the defender looks to close the gap and take away the drive towards the middle, Hemming pulls the puck back on his forehand, then pushes it through his own legs, stepping back to the perimeter. That quick move allowed him to get around the defender's outside shoulder. He would then use his frame to box out the defender from recovering and preventing a scoring chance. He then takes another step towards the goal before firing the puck on net. The shot was stopped, but it created a bit of chaos that nearly wound up being a goal.

Hemming (#27 in blue, in the two above clips), scored both goals in tight to the net, showcasing his skill in the dangerous areas of the ice. In the first clip, he initially helps work the puck out of chaos following the faceoff, then drives to the net. Once at the net front, he uses his frame to box out the opposing defender. The puck goes across the point, and Hemming quickly turns and moves into a better spot. As he shifts over, he gets his stick on the point shot, deflecting it over the goaltender, despite being draped in pressure, showcasing his hand-eye skill. In the second clip, Hemming wins a short-area race to the loose puck, and helps work it up the wall, eventually getting to the point. As the puck moves up, Hemming again goes right to the net. He nearly gets another deflection on the point shot, but it goes by the traffic and the goaltender makes the save. Then, despite the chaos in front, Hemming finds the rebound, settles it, and rips it past the glove and just inside the post. This displays his poise and ability to find pucks amidst chaos to generate chances such as that one.

In this clip, Hemming (#9 in white) positions himself well to be an easy outlet option. As the puck moves up to the point, he shifts his positioning to remain an easy outlet. When he gets the pass, he is met almost immediately by pressure. But he felt the pressure coming, and he turned away from the opposing defender, spinning away from that pressure and sending a backhand pass accurately to a teammate at the top of the circle. While it didn’t lead to a scoring chance, those moments of quick decision-making are evident in his game, with this being a solid example of him feeling pressure and reacting quickly to evade pressure and get the puck in a better spot.

In this clip, Hemming (#9 in red) works to the boards as the puck is cycled around behind the opposition's net. He gets there first, and as he’s met by a defender, he deflects the puck into a dangerous area. It isn’t the cleanest play, but it got into a spot where a teammate wound up being the first one to it in a dangerous area. His teammate then tapped it back to Hemming coming out of the corner, just below the goal line. He collects the pass and almost immediately plays it into the middle for another teammate, who has an excellent look at the net-front. While his teammate didn’t capitalize, he regained possession and sent it up to the point. As the puck was worked to the point, Hemming parks himself at the doorstep, sneaking into a dangerous area with no defender on him. He narrowly missed the deflection off the point shot. That’s two scoring chances, which both could have gone into the back of the net had the bounces been only marginally better.

GRADE: 57.5

Smarts

Hemming is an incredibly intelligent player. As mentioned, in passing, Hemming flashes strong playmaking at times. The reason behind his playmaking goes beyond just raw puck skills. He is able to read the ice well, with the ability to make plays both in space and under pressure. Even in situations where pressure is closing in and he has to make a split second choice, he generally chooses well. He keeps the puck moving in a positive direction, not forcing too many passes if there’s not much reason to do so.

Additionally, away from the puck, he takes excellent routes to the net. He times up his net drives very well with the play. When looking to get open away from the puck, he can find soft pockets of space to keep himself in passing lanes. In other words, he moves well away from the puck, keeping himself available as a passing option consistently for teammates.

As for his defensive capabilities and smarts, he helps support down low, but isn’t a big stand out. He can play a bit conservatively, trying to read and react, as opposed to a tight, constant pressure. Adding a bit more there, without costing his mostly strong positional awareness, would help his defensive game.

In this clip, Hemming (#9 in white) digs the puck out of a scrum off the offensive zone draw and plays it to the point. He sets up along the boards as a simple outlet option if the defender needed one, then pushed down low when his teammate zipped a pass point-to-point. When the point man sent the puck wide, Hemming tracked the puck off the back wall, skated into it and one-toucheed it into the slot. His teammate got an excellent look, but just couldn’t find the back of the net. A very quick and dangerous pass, thanks to his smarts and off-puck play to be in the right spot and know what to do with the puck immediately.

In this clip, Hemming (#9 in white) works the puck up to the point along the right wall. As his teammate at the point plays the puck to the left point, Hemming times up an excellent route to the slot, where he slowly circled, then glided into the mid-slot area. The puck finds him, thanks to him being in the right spot at the right time. He makes a very solid play with his feet to gather possession, kicking it up to his blade, and getting a good look from the slot.

In this clip, Hemming (#27 in blue) is positioned at net front while his teammates work from the right corner and around behind the opposition's net. As the puck comes around the net, Hemming moves into a soft spot in coverage, making himself open in a dangerous spot. The pass never comes, and his teammate skates out from the corner. Hemming adjusts, and uses his bigger frame to box out the opposing defender, leveraging himself to still be an option. As his teammate circles back down low, Hemming pops off the battle in front, presenting himself as a passing option once again in a dangerous spot. This time, the pass arrives, and he’s able to generate a strong scoring chance, which got stopped by the goaltender. But it was his movement and ability to leverage his size that gave him that shot on net.

In this clip, Hemming (#9 in red) is seen back checking. As the opposition dumps the puck into the zone, the puck gets rimmed around the boards. Hemming skates across the zone to apply pressure to the point man, who spins the puck down the boards. He then remains on that side, supporting his team low and helping to keep the puck to the outside by positioning himself in the faceoff dot. This clip also shows his conservative nature, as he sat at the dot to clog the middle, while his teammate was battling along the boards one-on-one. He didn’t make a move to support that battle tighter or get involved as an additional body in the battle. As his teammate wins, he is tight to the puck carrier as an easy tap pass. His teammate opts for a chip out instead, leading to a line change. But he didn’t cheat up ice at all, displaying patience and maintaining support for his teammates in his own end.

GRADE: 57.5

Physicality/Compete

Hemming plays with a strong motor and, with his size, can be physically imposing. While his physicality isn’t the most consistent from game to game, it’s still a part of his game. He tries to read and react, taking good angels and pressuring opponents into mistakes as opposed to throwing his weight around. That limits how many times he takes himself out of plays for the sake of making hits, which is a general positive. However, it’s still a part of his game that would be better for him to utilize a bit more.

In this clip, Hemming (#9 in white) tracks the opposition's breakout from the neutral zone. As the puck is played up the wall, Hemming throws his weight into the puck carrier, disrupting the breakout. It wasn't the biggest hit, but it was effective.

In this clip, Hemming (#9 in red) reads the play well as the opposition was denied an entry. He takes a very smart angle to close down an opponent along the wall, then uses his bigger frame to squeeze him out of the play and pick-pocket his opponent, before getting a rush up ice. He fired a low shot, looking for a tip by his teammate driving the back-door, but just missed.

In these clips, Hemming (#9 in red) laid three total hits in his game against UConn (March 20th). All three hits were of Hemming closing in on opponents in the neutral zone and finishing his hits along the wall. Each had varying degrees of impact, which is consistent in his game. He doesn’t throw these huge hits, being a menace on the ice, in the way that Kashawn Aitcheson would. But he closes in and forces his opponents to move the puck quickly before the impact. Some hits can lead to his opponent sprawling, but that isn’t his game. Adding a bit more of a mean streak, and adding this element of his game more consistently, would go far for him and his career.

GRADE: 60

OFP: 55.5

A note on the 20-80 scale used above. We look at five attributes (skating, shooting, puck skills, hockey IQ and physicality) for skaters and six for goalies (athleticism/quickness, compete/temperament, vision/play reading, technique/style, rebound control and puck handling). Each individual attribute is graded along the 20-80 scales, which includes half-grades. The idea is that a projection of 50 in a given attribute meant that our observer believed that the player could get to roughly NHL average at that attribute at maturity.

]]> https://www.mckeenshockey.com/nhl-blog/2026-nhl-draft-detailed-scouting-report-oscar-hemming-lw-boston-college-ncaa/feed/ 0 2026 NHL DRAFT: DETAILED SCOUTING REPORT – Daxon Rudolph, D, Prince Albert Raiders (WHL) https://www.mckeenshockey.com/nhl-blog/2026-nhl-draft-detailed-scouting-report-daxon-rudolph-d-prince-albert-raiders-whl/ https://www.mckeenshockey.com/nhl-blog/2026-nhl-draft-detailed-scouting-report-daxon-rudolph-d-prince-albert-raiders-whl/#respond Thu, 09 Apr 2026 13:00:40 +0000 https://www.mckeenshockey.com/?p=199221 Read More... from 2026 NHL DRAFT: DETAILED SCOUTING REPORT – Daxon Rudolph, D, Prince Albert Raiders (WHL)

]]> Daxon Rudolph

2026 NHL Draft Eligible

Position: D, Shoots: R

H/W: 6-foot-2”, 206 pounds

Date of Birth: 2008-03-06

Daxon Rudolph has been a household name in the Western Hockey League ever since the Prince Albert Raiders selected the right-shot defenceman with the first overall pick in the 2023 WHL Prospects draft, ahead of several other notable D from western Canada that will be called early on in this year’s NHL Draft such as Keaton Verhoeff, Ryan Lin, and Carson Carels. The big blueliner has already represented Canada internationally at three different tournaments, with gold medals at the Under-17 World Hockey Championship and the U18 World Championship (playing as an underager) and a bronze medal at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup last summer. He was also selected to play at the CHL/NTDP Prospects Challenge last November and will appear at WHL All-Star Game.

In his rookie season with the Raiders, Rudolph collected 41 points (plus an additional 12 points in 11 playoff games), ranking third among all 2008-born WHL blueliners behind Lin and Verhoeff. This season, Rudolph has emerged as the number-one defender on one of the WHL’s strongest teams and currently sits third in scoring among all WHL defencemen league-wide, fueled in large part by a 13-game point streak from late December to early January in which he recorded 24 points.

The production this season may indicate he is an offensive defenceman, but he is equally as reliable in his own zone. He has the size that NHL teams look for in a defender and is a powerful skater. He disrupts passing lanes, blocks shots, and maintains an active stick to deliver timely poke checks and stick tie-ups. He’s a north-south puck-moving defender that can lead play up ice with his powerful skating. Although he’s not the most dynamic or creative defender, he flashes high-end passing in the offensive zone and often looks for give-and-goes when breaking pucks out or playing in transition.

As a 6-foot-2 right-shot D with his toolkit, Rudolph has a lot of things going in his favour, and NHL teams should be all over this type of defender. He may have a safer projection than other defenders with similar production at this level, but he has one of the higher floors in this year’s class. It’s easy to envision him as a second pair guy that can play on both special teams' units as he continues to develop his game. He could be a go-to offensive guy if a team gives him the opportunity but could also serve as an insulator for a more dynamic offensive defender. His motor and pace are not ideal at this stage of development, and his game can be a bit vanilla at times, but coaches won’t have trouble putting him out on the ice at any point in a game as his game evolves just because he plays a reliable defensive game and can create offence from the backend. The one thing he’ll need to improve is capturing that “hard to play against” identity to his game, as he lacks that physical engagement scouts look for in a defender with his frame, and he’ll also need to clean up his decision making on breakouts.

Skating

The word “powerful” is the first word that comes to mind when analyzing his mobility. He’s not the quickest, or the shiftiest, but his fluid stride and long extensions enable him to cover a lot of open ice when advancing play, and he can shift his weight to escape pressure on breakouts. He uses crossovers efficiently when he’s defending to close gaps and kill plays, but I’d like him to work these into his attacking patterns more often, where his routes are very linear. He gets the puck where it needs to be when carrying up ice and has the strength and power to not get knocked off easily. Along the blueline, Rudolph uses quick pivots to fake out and maneuver around pressure, often pairing with activation or downhill carries along the walls, but because he’s not an elite skater, his recoveries are not the most explosive. There are moments when he can get caught on his heels when defending speed or adapting to a quick counterattack. Overall, he has the mobility teams look for in a 6’2” defender and it shouldn’t hold him back from a projection standpoint.

A play from early on this season highlights his north-south mobility. He doesn’t collect a ton of speed on this end-to-end carry, but he’s able to weave his way through the entire team and drive straight to the net for a great individual effort.

Watch how Rudolph explodes off this breakout pass, creating separation from his man on the entry, and accelerating towards the net before snapping the return pass without breaking stride for a give-and-go goal.

Rudolph pinches down the far wall and breaks a defender’s ankles with a quick pivot before working the puck up high.

A pair of defensive stops from the CHL/NTDP Prospects Challenge highlighting his crossover skating.

Rudolph makes a strong pivot and takes a few steps towards the outside before letting a shot go from the far wall.

Rudolph gets caught defending on his heels during this quick counterattack and tries to compensate by extending his stick, leading to a penalty.

Grade: 55

Shot

Already surpassing the 20-goal mark just over halfway through this season, Rudolph ranks third in the league among all defenders this season (behind Jonas Woo and Bryce Pickford). He sits just outside the top five in total shots on goal for all WHL defenders and is well ahead of any other draft-eligible defenceman in this statistic.

While most high-scoring defensemen are known for a big, booming one-timer, Rudolph leans more on his hard, wrist shot to find the back of the net. Rudolph opts more for accuracy than a big, powerful release, as he can pick corners with ease and is adept at finding lanes through traffic with his snappy release.

The Raiders primarily position Rudolph on the left flank instead of quarterbacking his unit (for those who are curious, the top of the zone is occupied by 16-year-old Brock Cripps) and he tends to lean more on his one-timer there. The slapshot itself doesn’t have a ton of velocity and often lands low or square to the goalie’s midsection, but he also uses it for redirections. He’s not prone to forcing shots from the point but because he is a high-volume shooter, he does have his fair share of blocked shot attempts.

A pair of nearly identical goals, as Rudolph walks down the high slot and fires a bullet of a wrister labelled for the top shelf.

A pair of slap shots from Rudolph, both denied by the goalie.

Grade: 52.5

Skills

Rudolph won't blow you away with puck skills or deception, but he can pull some interesting moves off from time to time that’ll make you think there’s more to his on-puck game that’s yet to be unlocked. His hands are not the quickest, and because he’s largely a north-south carrier, you won’t catch him trying to stickhandle his way through the entire team with the goal of finding himself on the highlight reels every night, but there are flashes of him using his hands to beat defenders off the rush and he works the occasional shot fake when walking the blueline. Because he plays such a give-and-go heavy game, he does a great job controlling passes that don’t land in his hip pocket when he’s in motion.

This goal encapsulates the ceiling of Rudolph’s skills game, as he recognizes a gap between the two middle defenders and attacks right to the net finishing with a slick backhand over a sprawling goalie.

Rudolph orchestrates a give-and-go up the middle in transition, and caps it off with a nifty skate-to-stick reception on the return pass without breaking stride.

Rudolph pinches down the wall, evades a hit, and tries to toe-drag around a second defender but his shot hits a stick and trickles wide.

Grade: 55

Smarts

Rudolph is a smart defender and an above-average distributor. In transition, he rarely passes up opportunities to join the attack if he’s not leading the play up ice. He initiates most of the breakouts on his pairing and loves working give-and-goes into his exits and entries. He carries pucks up ice effectively and has sequences where he goes blueline-to-blueline and makes it look easy.

His ability to identify passing options on breakouts is one of his biggest areas of improvement, as he can cough pucks up ice under minimal pressure or try for more difficult passing options when safer ones are available.

Though there isn’t a ton of skill and creativity in his game, Rudolph flashes some of the best offensive zone playmaking out of any defender in the draft. His ability to find seams and recognize passing lanes through layers of defensive coverage can be downright otherworldly. Outside of his playmaking, he aggressively pinches down the boards to extend zone time and knows when to activate with and without the puck to create scoring opportunities.Despite not playing with the physical edge you’d look for in a 6-foot-2, 200-plus pound defender, Rudolph makes up for it with his habits and positioning behind his own blueline. His ability to steer attackers to the perimeter and seal carriers along the boards to kill possessions make him one of the stronger rush defenders in this draft class. He controls his gap well in 1-on-1 situations and maintains an active stick to deny attackers from driving the middle and knock pucks out. His lack of physicality can work in his favour at times as you’ll never catch him taking himself out of the play by chasing a big hit along the walls or stepping to throw a big check in an overzealous manner.

A pair of goals that highlight flashes of an activation game inside the offensive zone. On the first, he powers through stick contact to get to the circle and uses the screen to score in the short side corner. On the second one, the play is nearly identical except he finishes inside the far post.

Another smart read with the weakside activation before finishing with a nifty move to the backhand.

The next two videos show Rudolph's vision in the offensive zone. In the first one, he sends a rink-wide pass to the opposite circle to assist the opening goal in Game 2 of the Prospects Challenge. The second clip is off the zone entry where he draws nearly the entire team before finding a seam between two sticks to set up a scoring chance.

Rudolph picks up an assist after spotting a wide-open teammate at the net front and connecting a pinpoint accurate back door pass for the tap-in.

Rudolph works a give-and-go into this zone exit before skating the length of the ice, leading to a scoring chance for his teammate.

Rudolph starts the give-and-go at centre ice and gets behind the defence for the return pass to create a high-danger scoring chance.

A bad look for Rudolph here while defending the 2-on-1, as he slides completely out of position and fails to take away the passing lane here. He struggles to recover on the subsequent scramble in front and it leads to a goal against.

By far the most disastrous start I’ve seen from Rudolph in over a dozen viewings. Three egregious passing decisions under zero or minimal pressure all leading to defensive zone turnovers in the opening four minutes.

Grade: 55

Physicality/Compete

If you’re expecting a throwback defenceman that delivers crushing open-ice hits when watching Daxon Rudolph play, you’re going to be left disappointed. Despite having the frame for this style of play, Rudolph rarely throws his weight around in open ice, as the most prominent elements of his defensive game are his timing and positioning. His physical game revolves around proactive contact to establish body positioning on retrievals and sealing attackers along the boards when defending the rush. Around the net front, Rudolph is a solid defender, as he does a good job eliminating threats and getting in front of opponents looking for rebounds.

He displays a good work ethic from shift to shift, but there does seem to be a lack of intensity or urgency when he’s defending. Rudolph does not operate with a ton of pace and his motor doesn’t stand out. The lack of aggression in his game makes him look soft at times, and there have been sequences where smaller checks outrace him to loose pucks or take advantage of Rudolph’s higher centre of gravity to shield pucks and keep him on their backside, which can be frustrating considering Rudolph’s has the frame and could afford to leverage it and play harder pressure in these situations. Showing more willingness to step up on guys or ride opponents up into the walls or the end boards would make him a much more enticing defender.

The grade that will be assigned to Rudolph for this category leans more on his projection than any other grade to him because of how much runway he has to develop physically. As a 200-plus pound defender who has yet to turn 18 years old, it’s evident that he has the frame to be a force at higher levels. If he’s able to elevate his motor and add more physical engagement to his game while maintaining the same habits and positioning that make up his defensive identity, he could be a very difficult defender to play against.

These are the kinds of plays you’ll see from Rudolph when defending in-zone, he cuts through his opponent’s hands to separate him from the puck and Team CHL is able to get the puck out. A smart, clean, efficient stop here.

Rudolph throws a nice reverse hit to establish positioning on this DZ retrieval and fends off some contact on his backside before rimming the puck to an outlet to begin the breakout.

This play exposes the soft side of Rudolph’s physical game. He tries to drop the shoulder but then gets bumped out of this puck battle against a 5’8” forechecker, who immediately centers the puck for a high-danger chance.

Grade: 55

Total OFP: 54.75

A note on the 20-80 scale used above. We look at five attributes (skating, shooting, puck skills, hockey IQ and physicality) for skaters and six for goalies (athleticism/quickness, compete/temperament, vision/play reading, technique/style, rebound control and puck handling). Each individual attribute is graded along the 20-80 scales, which includes half-grades. The idea is that a projection of 50 in a given attribute meant that our observer believed that the player could get to roughly NHL average at that attribute at maturity.

]]> https://www.mckeenshockey.com/nhl-blog/2026-nhl-draft-detailed-scouting-report-daxon-rudolph-d-prince-albert-raiders-whl/feed/ 0 2026 NHL DRAFT: DETAILED SCOUTING REPORT – Jaxon Cover, LW, London Knights (OHL) https://www.mckeenshockey.com/nhl-blog/2026-nhl-draft-detailed-scouting-report-jaxon-cover-lw-london-knights-ohl/ https://www.mckeenshockey.com/nhl-blog/2026-nhl-draft-detailed-scouting-report-jaxon-cover-lw-london-knights-ohl/#respond Wed, 08 Apr 2026 12:29:59 +0000 https://www.mckeenshockey.com/?p=199162 Read More... from 2026 NHL DRAFT: DETAILED SCOUTING REPORT – Jaxon Cover, LW, London Knights (OHL)

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Jaxon Cover of the London Knights. Photo by Luke Durda/OHL Images.

Jaxon Cover

2026 NHL Draft Eligible

Position: LW, Shoots: L

H/W: 6-foot-1, 185lbs

Date of Birth: 2008-02-13

The hockey journey of Jaxon Cover and how he arrived at this point is nothing short of remarkable. Born in Miami and raised in the Cayman Islands, located in the Western Caribbean about 277 kilometers south of Cuba, Cover’s path to the game is both unique and inspiring. Growing up in a region not traditionally known for producing hockey players - with just a single rink in the entire country, built for roller hockey, not ice hockey. Jaxon grew up playing soccer and inline roller hockey, he did not start playing organized ice hockey until the age of 14, when his family moved to Canada.

Cover split his time playing minor hockey with the York-Simcoe Express while also attending St. Andrew’s College (SAC), a prep school located in Aurora, Ontario, north of Toronto. His skating and processing ability attracted the likes of the London Knights to select Cover in the fourth round of the 2024 OHL Draft. Cover spent last season playing at the U18 level with St. Andrew’s College, where the environment proved highly beneficial to his development. The structure of the program allowed him additional time to focus on his game, accumulate valuable repetitions, and continue building strength off the ice. This foundation has played an important role in accelerating his overall progression. After his season with St. Andrew’s concluded, he made three appearances with the Knights, recording two assists. This season, Cover has established himself as a key contributor to the Knights and has seen his stock rise significantly on NHL Draft boards. He possesses a lot of raw skill, most notably his skating ability and competitiveness are traits that immediately stand out when watching him play. While there are still areas of his game that require refinement, he projects as a longer-term development player. However, when placed in the right environment with proper patience and development support, his combination of skating, work ethic, and hockey IQ — especially given his unique path — makes his ceiling well worth the investment.

Skating

What makes Jaxon’s development particularly unique is that, despite only beginning organized ice hockey roughly four years ago, skating has already become one of his standout attributes — a strength that can largely be credited to his background in roller hockey. You can see elements of his roller hockey background in his glide, as his stride resembles that of a roller skater. Cover tends to generate power more through his knees than his hips — a technique likely developed from his time playing roller hockey. Cover has excellent physique and plays with a high end motor, averaging about 16 minutes of time on ice per game. As he continues to add strength particularly in his lower body, it should further enhance key areas of his skating.

Cover possesses a smooth skating stride and displays strong shiftiness with the puck, attributes that can be largely credited to his background in inline roller hockey.

On this play, Cover, acting as the primary forechecker, angles the play wide to force the failed dump-in. Recognizing that London has regained possession, he swings wide, using efficient footwork, needing minimal crossovers to pivot and reach top speed. His combination of skill with the puck and footspeed allows him to attack defenders one-on-one to generate high danger scoring opportunities.

To expand further, Cover is at his best when he is able to build speed through the neutral zone. In this sequence, he collects the puck with pace and displays strong acceleration, using quick crossovers to generate momentum through the middle of the ice. As the defender gaps up, Cover transfers his weight to efficiently explode wide, creating separation and an odd-man situation inside the offensive zone.

On the ice, Cover is in constant motion, defenders need to be wary of his speed if they decide to pinch or retrieve a loose puck.

GRADE: 55

Shot

At the conclusion of his first full OHL season, Cover experienced a learning curve but maintained a solid level of consistency throughout. He started the year strong, averaging 2.6 shots per game while recording 12 points in his first 15 games, before hitting a mid-season lull. He regained form down the stretch, averaging close to 2.5 shots per game and posting 16 points over his final 15 games. Overall, Cover led all Knights forwards with 160 shots on goal, 23 more than the next closest teammate. Analyzing his shot mechanics, Cover does not possess an overpowering shot but gets the release off quick. While primarily a playmaker, Cover demonstrated flashes of his goal-scoring ability, finishing with 20 goals in his first full OHL season.

Cover scoring by elevating his shot.

Cover has been effective in the bumper for London as he needs little time to get his shot off when positioned net front. He can slide out to become the one-time option or find a way to get his stick on rebounds to cash in on second chance opportunities.

A couple of examples of Cover finishing plays off with his good backhand.

GRADE: 52.5

Skills

One of the more intriguing aspects drawing scouts to Cover’s game is his raw skill set. What makes him a possible ‘under-the-radar’ type prospect is the collection of tools he possesses that have yet to be fully refined. The value in a player like this lies in the potential — if an organization can effectively develop and harness those raw abilities, there is a greater opportunity for him to evolve into an impactful contributor at the next level. The London coaching staff were able to untap some of Cover’s raw skillset by utilizing him in favourable situations and closely monitoring his development. Cover has shown very quick progress in learning how to use his body to create leverage, while also demonstrating the ability to beat defenders one-on-one with both his hands and footwork.

Cover can snap the puck quickly, as the season progressed he showed improvement in manipulating his hands to change shooting angles, allowing him to get shots off in tight spaces.

Cover is starting to put it together, understanding how to effectively combine his skating and skill to beat defenders.

His size and raw power is another asset Cover is starting to piece together. He is learning how to leverage his size more efficiently.

Cover developed his shiftiness on the ice through his background in roller hockey. Whether it’s his lateral movement, ability to play pucks in his feet, or his hands in one-on-one situations, he consistently shows creativity and control in tight areas.”

GRADE: 57.5

Smarts

Considering Cover did not begin playing organized ice hockey a few years ago — and had to learn a few fundamental rules such as offsides and icing, which are not present in roller hockey — his progression speaks highly of his hockey IQ. His ability to quickly process and adapt to the game highlights how rapidly he is learning and developing. He credits much of his shiftiness and decision-making to his inline roller hockey background, where the smaller playing surface, slower pace, and reduced number of players demand quick reads and creativity in tight spaces. Cover processes the game well, consistently scanning the ice to find teammates or anticipate his next move. Cover’s progression throughout the season has earned him increased opportunities at even strength, along with a key role on the Knights top power-play unit. As a skilled, playmaking power forward, he is often relied upon for zone entry, extending possessions and creating offence off the cycle. Coach Dale Hunter has been more selective with Cover’s defensive deployment, limiting his exposure in defensive-zone matchups and not utilizing him on the penalty kill. Moving forward, continued refinement of his defensive details and consistency away from the puck will be key in earning greater trust and transitioning into a more complete player at higher levels. Cover is showing improved timing in his routes into space, more consistently finding open ice to create quick offensive opportunities and stretch defensive coverage.

You’ll have to bear with the clip, as Cover and his defender move in and out of frame on this sequence. While he does not score, this play stands out due to his constant foot movement, which he uses to manipulate the penalty-kill structure and eventually find open space in the slot.

A nice quick play here by Cover leads to the London goal.

After a quick scan of the ice, Cover leaves a subtle drop pass for his teammate leading to the goal.

A nice play on the zone entry here by Cover drawing in three defenders and dishing the puck out to Sam O’Reilly alone in the slot.

Cover makes a number of strong plays in the defensive zone here to disrupt passing lanes to end the Windsor cycle. He competes to win puck battles down low and use his feet to exit the zone relieving any sort of pressure.

Given how quickly he has progressed as a hockey player to this point, parts of his decision making with the puck still need time to catch up - particularly his reads in the offensive zone. Recognizing when to take defenders on versus when to move puck on entries. He will need to learn to play more assertively in certain situations, understanding when he can exploit quick looks or have to maintain possession down low until more support arrives.

GRADE: 55

Physicality/Compete

Cover’s physique and strength are certainly still very raw at this stage of his development. Listed at 185 lbs, Cover has a lean, athletic build. The goal for this summer should be to add on mass and strength. A productive offseason focused on strength training will benefit multiple areas of his game, particularly his skating. Added strength should help improve his balance and mobility, translating to winning more puck battles. Cover’s physical presence on the ice remains inconsistent. His agility allows him to slip out of checks and avoid contact.

A strong, competitive shift by Cover. Starts with the zone entry dump-in, followed by winning back possession of the puck, attacking the middle of the ice before distributing out for a point shot to then regain possession below the dots in the offensive zone creating a second chance opportunity.

Cover on the receiving end of a heavy hit by Brady Martin but does a good job to move the puck to retain possession in the offensive zone.

A strong committed backcheck — applies pressure without taking a penalty and eliminates any shot opportunity.

Cover has the athletic frame to add muscle, and continued physical development will be important. A key area of his development will be becoming harder to play against — limiting instances where he is outmuscled on pucks.

GRADE: 50

OFP: 54.25

A note on the 20-80 scale used above. We look at five attributes (skating, shooting, puck skills, hockey IQ and physicality) for skaters and six for goalies (athleticism/quickness, compete/temperament, vision/play reading, technique/style, rebound control and puck handling). Each individual attribute is graded along the 20-80 scales, which includes half-grades. The idea is that a projection of 50 in a given attribute meant that our observer believed that the player could get to roughly NHL average at that attribute at maturity.

 

]]> https://www.mckeenshockey.com/nhl-blog/2026-nhl-draft-detailed-scouting-report-jaxon-cover-lw-london-knights-ohl/feed/ 0 2026 NHL DRAFT: DETAILED SCOUTING REPORT – Nikita Klepov, RW, Saginaw Spirit (OHL) https://www.mckeenshockey.com/nhl-blog/2026-nhl-draft-detailed-scouting-report-nikita-klepov-rw-saginaw/ https://www.mckeenshockey.com/nhl-blog/2026-nhl-draft-detailed-scouting-report-nikita-klepov-rw-saginaw/#respond Tue, 07 Apr 2026 12:32:35 +0000 https://www.mckeenshockey.com/?p=199194 Read More... from 2026 NHL DRAFT: DETAILED SCOUTING REPORT – Nikita Klepov, RW, Saginaw Spirit (OHL)

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Nikita Klepov of the Saginaw Spirit. Photo by Natalie Shaver/OHL Images

Nikita Klepov

2026 NHL Draft Eligible

Position: F, Shoots: L

H/W: 6-foot-0 / 181 pounds

Date of Birth: June 27th, 2008

Nikita Klepov’s Saginaw Spirit have had a rough year, winning just 26 of their 68 regular-season games and drawing the powerhouse Kitchener Rangers in the first round. However, that hasn’t stopped the Florida native from lining his trophy case with a wealth of accomplishments, including three Rookie of the Month honours, the Saginaw Spirit Rookie Points Record, and the Eddie Powers and Jim Mahon memorial trophies as top scorer and top scorer at right wing, respectively. He also put on a show at the OHL Top Prospects game, earning MVP honours for his goal and two assists.

Klepov is an extremely intelligent forward who, while not the most physically impressive, remains a competitor who picks off passes at a high rate, playing excellent positional defense with his stick and body. However, the highlight of Klepov’s game lies in his ability to create offense. He has great hands in small spaces to help him escape even the most bleak coffin corner traps, a shot with juice, and creative passing abilities with the skill to guide pucks around defenders.

His main weaknesses stem from his physical traits; Klepov is relatively undersized at 6'0 and is easily knocked off the puck. Klepov almost never delivers hard hits, opting to tie up opponents, although to his credit doesn’t back down from a physical battle even though he often ends up on his rear. Nikita lacks the leg strength to explode into his next gear, failing to create separation on the rush. While this assessment is harsh, a major point of context that can’t be missed is his commitment to Michigan State University next year. MSU has one of, if not the most, renowned fitness programs in North America. I don’t see him developing a killer instinct to finish his hits hard, but improving his stability and ability to reflect pressure could do wonders for his game.

​Perhaps Klepov’s most impressive effort of the season came in game three against the Kitchener Rangers these playoffs. He played hard during his entire 30 minutes of ice time and showed improvements in playing with intensity while gassed. He relentlessly pursued loose pucks, won possession back for his team, and generated chances with his silky mitts. Through this report, I primarily used video from his first three playoff games and his Top Prospect Game performance to highlight his most important games.

Klepov projects to be selected somewhere in the top 25 of this year’s draft, and I wouldn’t be surprised if it was somewhere near the 13-16 range. His strong production, intelligent two-way game, and solid compete, plus his commitment to a college hockey powerhouse, will appeal to many NHL GMs.

I believe it’s most likely that Klepov becomes a middle-six scorer at the next level who can kill penalties and play top power play depending on the talent of his team. His smarts and skill give him some upside, while the nature of his defensive game and solid compete will earn him coaches’ trust as he progresses up to the NHL.

Skating

Klepov’s skating is by no means high-end, but it’s also good enough to facilitate his style of play. He struggles to create separation on the rush and doesn’t have an elite second gear to his speed. I don’t see Nikita as a particularly athletic skater, but he compensates by using his hands and timing to beat defenders. A positive element of his skating is his edgework as he implements sharp cutbacks to create space and often stops on a dime to fire cross ice passes. On the forecheck, Klepov keeps his feet moving constantly, hunting down the puck.

His straight-line speed is decent and can help him win battles on the backcheck, provided he has a few steps buffer, but there’s no pop to his skating that allows him to break free after executing a deke when defenders are already in stride. Where he can create separation with his feet is in the offensive zone. After making a body fake, Klepov uses his quick acceleration to get downhill and attack shooting lanes. He’s very aware of his skating strengths and weaknesses and works his game around his skill set.

Here, Klepov gets his feet going and builds up to speed quickly in space.

Klepov’s edges allow him to execute his creative ideas and open up passing lanes. He loves working laterally.

In this clip, Nikita recognizes his teammate is calling for the puck and uses a tight spin move to evade the initial defender. The pass, however, was ill-advised and pre-planned without checking to see if a defender was poaching in the slot.

Klepov uses his feet to complete a zone entry in this clip by turning up the pace and then establishing a give-and-go with fellow 2026 draft prospect Egor Barabanov.

This isn’t a play you see too frequently from Klepov, but his acceleration to get in clean to the net is nice.

While this is a race Klepov is disadvantaged in, players with high-end skating likely turn this into at least a more competitive race, if not a breakaway.

Good idea here to open a passing lane down to the side of the net with his edges; unfortunately, there’s nobody there.

Grade: 52.5

Shot

Nikita’s shot has earned him victory in the 2026 draft-eligible scoring race, and it’s easy to see why. His quick-release wrister is dangerous to OHL goaltenders, and his one-timer is pretty powerful, generating a good amount of rebounds. He did struggle to get the one-timer on net in the late stages of the year, particularly through Saginaw’s first few playoff games, but as a whole, it’s an asset to his game.

He finds dangerous lanes and exploits weak spots on the powerpay to rifle off a high volume of shots. He is comfortable timing strikes to the slot to receive one-timer opportunities as well as teeing up from the wall.

In tight, Klepov gets his wrister off quickly and can use his quick hands to open up opportunities for himself. He targets lower sections of the net more often than many other prospects I’ve seen this year and tries to beat goalies with cross-crease movement.

Klepov sends this one-timer far too high but sets up well and gets juice on it.

Klepov takes advantage of a screen by bouncing in and out of 3 different shooting opportunities before missing the net.

Here, he unloads his one-timer off a power play setup.

Almost identical to the previous clip, Klepov sets up well and buries the one-timer through the Kitchener netminder.

He gathers this puck and fires with haste, getting good elevation and leaving the goalie no chance to make a play on this grade A chance.

Gorgeous rip across the grain to pick his spot upstairs, a good example of his use of lateral movement.

Grade: 55

Skills

Klepov’s hands are likely his strongest trait. They sustain the rest of his offensive game, opening windows for him to strike. His pass delivery and execution are perhaps the best among OHL draft-eligible forwards. The touch he can put on the puck facilitates a much quicker offense by putting pucks cleanly on the sticks of teammates in motion.

Klepov loves to play the lateral game, utilizing the cutback very frequently. He excels at getting defenders to commit to a space before cutting back across and driving past them. Even in how he approaches forechecks, Klepov uses an element of lateral deception when defenders try to play the body on him. While he does like to slow the game down, he can also think and act fast to speed it up. This versatility makes me more comfortable in my projection of the Russian American.

In small spaces, Klepov is able to sneak away with pucks using crafty dekes. He always has an escape option pre-loaded and a subsequent pass ready to go. However, when defenders use their bodies to apply pressure or lean on him, his ability to maintain control diminishes as he struggles to win battles that require physical strength.

Strong finish on the breakaway. Nikita makes it look easy with a backhand finish.

Klepov can’t hold off defenders with physicality, so he uses slippery skill moves like this to create distance. His stutter-step has left many OHL defenders in the dust over this past season.

Simple play here. Klepov uses his hands to get around the forechecker and continues the play with a give-and-go. He’s very fluid when executing a deke, often making his next move as soon as he completes it.

Here, Klepov shows off an Isaiah Thomas-esque half-spin deke to get open. Great finish with a well-placed wrister.

After an intelligent stick lift to gain possession, Klepov dazzles with some quick hands before firing a pass that ends up being a hair off. He excels in getting pucks off the wall and into dangerous positions.

Saving the best for last with this one: Klepov turns sharply to hold the line and uses his hands to find a lane. At one point, he draws in three different Rangers players before getting the pass off at the last second. His high-end hands allow him to execute deceptive and creative plays. Most notably, if there’s one area of play that’s improved over the year, it’s his dynamism.

Grade: 57.5

Smarts

Klepov’s internal map of the ice is a key factor in why he’s able to generate so many chances. By keeping his feet active and setting up his shot, he finds success both on the power play and even strength. In a more conservative sense, he also positions himself as a reliable outlet when his teammates are under pressure. He frequently puts himself in optimal positions not only to receive passes, but also to set up another play after the reception. A drawback in his on-puck smarts is his tendency to force plays after beating the first defender, he often makes a nice move to open a passing option, only to miss the secondary defender

In his own end, Klepov’s intelligence is a tremendous asset. He reads the puck carrier's intentions almost flawlessly and uses his active stick to predict the point of release for passes and shots. Although he’s not the rangiest guy, it’s noticeably difficult to get a pass off when he’s in coverage. Additionally, Nikita intelligently rotates around the defensive zone to take away the biggest threats and break up passes while keeping an eye on the puck.

The most notable example of Nikita’s high-level intelligence is his ability to step up and pick off passes in transition. Opposing defenseman beware, Klepov jumps routes like an NFL DB, regularly turning plays back up ice for odd man rushes.

Klepov has to recognize that this lane isn’t there, even if he tries to shift the initial defender off his spot.

Klepov again succeeds at drawing in defenders before kicking out the pass to Barabanov for a breakaway at the last second.

I would like to see a bit more patience in this scenario; blindly throwing the pass back into traffic is not his best play here.

Nikita’s recognition of how to complete cross-crease passes through one defender is elite. He regularly can beat defenders under the stick or by drawing a poke check first.

Klepov makes this play very frequently. He waits for the defender to load up for a pass and springs to get the takeaway. He creates a good number of chances going the other way after interceptions.

Grade: 55

Physicality/Compete

Klepov is an above-average competitor and is among the top OHL forwards in terms of takeaways per game. He pesters opponents by setting a wide base and keeps his stick active to break up escape passes. He frequently pins opponents along the boards but rarely opts for violent hits. Klepov plays well both above and below the hashes, challenging the point with his quick feet. He supports his teammates well in the slot, working hard to mirror opponents' strides, sticking to them like glue. He doesn’t have the ‘kill instinct’, skating, or physicality to force turnovers to the degree he does now at the next level, but he should be an above-average contributor on defense.

With the puck, his lack of high-end athleticism doesn’t allow him to create separation, and what concerns me further are his troubles maintaining pressure while being leaned on and contacted. He can play at a slower pace of play, and his ability to get quick passes off mitigates this weakness partially.

Good effort here to win inside position and get back in time to stop a breakaway.

Klepov gets on opponents quickly, and here finishes a check, a rare occurrence.

He closes off space with speed, setting up a takeaway which he then turns into an offensive zone possession.

Here, Klepov takes a little shot up high and then returns the favor with a reverse hit.

Strong solo effort to make things happen in the offensive zone, he follows up on his misses to earn possession for his team.

Grade: 50

OFP: 54.125

A note on the 20-80 scale used above. We look at five attributes (skating, shooting, puck skills, hockey IQ and physicality) for skaters and six for goalies (athleticism/quickness, compete/temperament, vision/play reading, technique/style, rebound control and puck handling). Each individual attribute is graded along the 20-80 scales, which includes half-grades. The idea is that a projection of 50 in a given attribute meant that our observer believed that the player could get to roughly NHL average at that attribute at maturity.

]]> https://www.mckeenshockey.com/nhl-blog/2026-nhl-draft-detailed-scouting-report-nikita-klepov-rw-saginaw/feed/ 0 2026 NHL DRAFT: DETAILED SCOUTING REPORT – Tynan Lawrence, C, Boston University https://www.mckeenshockey.com/nhl-blog/2026-nhl-draft-detailed-scouting-report-tynan-lawrence-c-boston-university/ https://www.mckeenshockey.com/nhl-blog/2026-nhl-draft-detailed-scouting-report-tynan-lawrence-c-boston-university/#respond Sat, 04 Apr 2026 12:54:14 +0000 https://www.mckeenshockey.com/?p=199074 Read More... from 2026 NHL DRAFT: DETAILED SCOUTING REPORT – Tynan Lawrence, C, Boston University

]]> Tynan Lawrence

2026 NHL Draft Eligible

Position: C, Shoots: L

H/W: 6-foot-0, 185 pounds

Date of Birth: 2008-08-03

Tynan Lawrence is a coach’s dream. He’s a mobile, responsible, two-way center that can play in any situation – exactly the kind of player that teams covet early in the draft. Yet, in the middle of the most important season of his young career, Lawrence made a bold decision that could affect just how high he gets picked.

Lawrence turned heads last year as a 16-year-old in the USHL. He piled up 54 points in 57 games during the regular season, before leading his team to a championship with 18 points in 14 playoff games. The sky seemed to be the limit for a player who only turned 17 last August.

Except, certain limits started to set in. Lawrence had a solid Hlinka Gretzky showing, and the hype train stayed in motion. However, a pre-season injury kept him out of the lineup for weeks to start his draft year. Lawrence looked like himself when he came back – a transition machine that simply out paces the opposition – but a new reality began setting in. Was Lawrence being adequately challenged in a diminished USHL thanks to the ripple effects of NCAA eligibility expansion?

Enter Boston University. The Terriers announced just 13 games into Lawrence’s USHL season that he would be joining them. In an instant, Lawrence went from a dominant force in the USHL, to an extremely young freshman facing competition that is more mature in age and in physicality.

The decision yielded mixed results. Lawrence’s gifts remain obvious: an intelligent, supportive center that B.U. trusted immediately. The 17-year-old was outmatched despite the significant increase in competition, and that alone is noteworthy. Other draft eligibles making the leap to college also needed time to adapt this season.

Time is now of the essence, though. While others shined with more experience, Lawrence’s stock has dipped as his production did. Whether this was all an adaptation period, or a sign of things to come remains to be seen. Lawrence will likely have one final chance to prove his worth and hype at the upcoming U18’s; he should be a go-to player for Canada at the event. Through it all, there remains a very intriguing prospect worthy of further analysis.

Skating

Lawrence currently grades as an average skater, but with time, he could become above average.

The freshman pivot is a unique skater. He mainly uses forward cross-overs – where one skate “crosses over” the other – to get around the ice. Consequently, he expends less energy, allowing him to stay fresh late into shifts. He easily accesses both his inside and outside edges, which gives him a seemingly effortless glide. These mechanics allow Lawrence to be in near-constant motion, an important trait as a center.

Yet, the basics of Lawrence’s skating are not as advanced. He rarely gets into his forward stride, and when he does, it lacks depth and power. In tight areas, he has not shown the quick stop-and-start ability needed to evade contact. His NCAA footage already reveals that this lack of power makes it harder to separate against bigger and faster competition, where the margins are much smaller. Pro hockey will present the same issues.

The strengths in Lawrence’s skating ability are uncommon, while the weaknesses can, and are likely to improve. Time spent working on his strength and power should remedy the current lack of explosiveness. With the proper development program, this should be an area of strength for him down the line.

Lawrence is number 11 with the white stick in all clips.

As the trailer on the power play, Lawrence is able to exploit flat footed penalty killers thanks to this speed.

Lawrence is able to quickly build up speed with crossovers, but this fades as he gets into his forward stride.

Another example of how Lawrence’s forward crossovers allow him to attack in unconventional patterns.

Lawrence builds up speed here, but doesn’t have the agility to punch turn, instead settling for a glide.

Grade: 55

SHOT

Lawrence’s shot currently grades as average, and unlike his skating, has less obvious upside.

The now BU center found clever ways to get his shot off in the USHL. He would feint before receiving the puck, freezing his defender and allowing him to step into an open shooting lane. Off the rush, he favors hesitation sequences to unload, cutting to the middle before popping the puck into open space. These shot patterns should translate to the NHL and allow Lawrence to get shots through, though likely not at the same rate as in the USHL.

Lawrence’s shot selection can be problematic. He loves to challenge goalies short side from the left side of the ice, trying to pick the smallest corner. The issue here is that Lawrence does not have the pinpoint accuracy needed to justify these low value shots, which often end up as “reverse breakouts” for the other team.

The shot also isn’t the most fluid. Lawrence doesn’t get much twitch on his release and rarely looks to change the angle of his shot from a standstill position. His hands often appear locked into his hip, preventing him from really getting proper flexion on his shaft.

Shooting coaches are so widespread nowadays that Lawrence should improve a bit in this category, but the overall mechanical deficiencies and poor shot selection likely prevent him from being more than an average shooter in the NHL.

Lawrence does well to sell a shot fake before stepping into more dangerous ice, but lacks the quick twitch on his shot to get it through sticks.

Smart shot by Lawrence here as he recognizes traffic in front, and unloads a powerful shot that hits the outside of the frame. However, there’s not much deception in his release point.

Lawrence forces a shot through traffic, doing little to sell the shot before changing the angle. This was in the USHL when time and space was much more available than in the NCAA.

Grade: 52.5

SKILLS

Lawrence’s skills are mostly average, though his skating allows him to make use of them at a higher rate than most other prospects.

The issues with Lawrence’s skills mirror those in his shot mechanics. His hands seem “locked” together, as he rarely has both hands out in front of his body, which allows for greater dexterity and range for puckhandling. Instead, his top hand is closer to his hip, which limits what he can do with the puck.

He rarely breaks down defenders one-on-one, with the majority of his one-on-one success in the USHL being driven by his skating. To his credit, he can take clever angles off the rush, selling an attack in one direction before cutting back the other way.

That being said, Lawrence does have a nice array of “quiet” skills. He is adept at receiving passes in movement, seemingly able to kick the puck up to his stick from any angle. Further, he can make quick handling plays in traffic, getting pucks over to teammates. The pace at which he plays allows him to get pucks into the slot at a higher rate than most. Even if those passes don’t always succeed, he’ll make defensive structures sweat with his relentless attack.

Lawrence is unlikely to dazzle with his skill in the NHL, but his softer skills are going to be appreciated by his future teammates and coaches and will allow him to be an important connective piece on any line.

Lawrence attempts a simple loose puck deke in a crowd of defensemen, immediately turning it over. This worked for him in the USHL, not so much in the NCAA.

Lawrence does well here to sell the outside lane before cutting back inside on a flat-footed defender.

Lawrence shows poise and quick touch ability here as he weaves into middle ice before making a play to a teammate. This was a defining trait of his in the USHL, and the extent to which he brings it back into his game will go a long way in boosting his projection.

Once again, Lawrence shows an ability to handle in tight before feeding a teammate for a finish.

Lawrence shows off a Crosby-esque skate-to-stick pass reception before attempting a touch into middle ice. His pass receptions are above average and bolster his transition game.

Lawrence sidesteps a defender with one hand on the stick thanks to his speed. A play that is unlikely to translate in the NHL.

Lawrence does well here to seal off the wall, intercepting a pass. He then picks up the loose puck on his backhand and finds a teammate in the slot for an all-important go-ahead goal in the third period.

Lawrence makes a simple, but important quick-handle play in the neutral zone here, which allows him to spring a teammate on his backhand for a clear attacking lane, eventually leading to a goal.

Lawrence wins a puck battle along the wall, then makes a deft stickhandling maneuver to exit the zone. Maybe a risky play, but this is another one of those "connective" plays that teammates love.

Grade: 55

SMARTS

Lawrence projects as an average thinker of the game from an offensive standpoint, but as an above average one defensively. He excels in the small details, but the higher level, creative playmaking is where he’s currently struggling.

With the puck, there are two sides to the coin. Lawrence excels at making the smaller, connective plays. He can make the quick touch pass to get out of the defensive zone, or a deft backhander while slicing through the neutral zone. These are the kind of plays that help drive transition success in the NHL. Late in games, when teams need a zone entry to get set, there’s a ton of value in having a player who can easily cross the offensive blueline.  Once again, this solidifies his projection as a potential play-driving center in the NHL.

Yet, when it comes time for the bigger ideas, such as manipulating space to create a passing lane, or finding teammates in dangerous areas, Lawrence falls short. He often ignores open teammates in the slot or will face a play into the middle off the rush without anyone there. The BU power play is a steady stream of Lawrence making simple passes, trying low percentage shots, and generally not creating dangerous offense.

Off-puck positioning is usually a problem area for players this young. Not for Lawrence. Even as a 17-year-old in the older NCAA, he’s almost always in the right spot without the puck, filling lanes, not overcommitting, and protecting the middle.

Where he really shines, though, is in his ability to apply back pressure and pick-pocket opponents. Listen to any NHL coach talk for any period of time, and the term “back pressure” will likely come up. It’s an integral part of modern defending, and Lawrence’s ability to do so should augment his future NHL team’s defensive game. Couple that with his transition ability, and it’s a very tantalizing skill set.

Lawrence is undoubtedly a smart player, but don’t expect the kind of next-level play-making sequences you’d usually see from a center ranked this high in the draft. That doesn’t mean he can’t be an overwhelmingly positive factor for his team thanks to his smarts, though.

Lawrence does well to gain some separation out wide, but forces a backhand pass into the middle despite two Providence defenders in the lane. The idea is fine, but there’s a lack of recognition of the risk involved.

Lawrence negates a PK exit, and then smartly floats a puck cross-ice to a teammate, who immediately regains the zone.

Lawrence opts for a low-percentage short side attempt when he has an open teammate in the slot.

Lawrence makes a clever hook pass here on entry and then fans out as a shooting option. The entry was nice, but he’s not threatening once he gives the puck up.

Lawrence settles for a bad angle shot while having an open teammate in the slot. Unclear if he saw him.

Lawrence does well to gain the zone but then negates the advantage by throwing the puck on net without support.

Another low percentage play.

Forces a play instead of moving the puck to an open teammate.

Nice initial entry, but wastes it with a low percentage backhand.

Lawrence hustles back despite being fatigued and applies just enough pressure to slow down his opponent. This allows his teammate to get a stick on the puck, and he eventually turns the play.

Lawrence uses his crossover speed to get back into the neutral zone, lift the stick of his opponent, recover possession, and immediately turn the play back the other way.

Another sequence where Lawrence uses his closing speed to break up an opposing rush and turn the play the other way.

Grade: 57.5

PHYSICALITY/COMPETE

Lawrence projects as average from a physicality standpoint, but his competitiveness grades out as a touch above average.

He does not have the size or physical tools to really dominate the game from a sheer physicality standpoint. Nor does he often seek to initiate contact, which is an area that must improve as he climbs up the ranks.

However, Lawrence’s competitiveness cannot be questioned. What he lacks in physicality, he makes up for by being consistently engaged, using his skating ability to find himself in the middle of the action. He’s not quite a dog on a bone like a Carter Bear type, but he certainly does not shy away from getting into the thick of things.

As Lawrence matures physically, this area should be a net positive for him.

Lawrence chips a puck in, pursues with speed, ties up the defenseman, and eventually strips the puck to make a play to the middle.

Great F1 tracking, closes the distance and recovers possession.

Smart stick to break up a play, makes a play to the middle.

Cuts off an opposing sequence, feeds the breakout.

 

Lawrence gets into a shooting lane, recovers possession, and eventually feeds a breakout. This sequence shows both his compete and his smarts to make a play to the middle.

Grade: 55

OFP: 55.25

A note on the 20-80 scale used above. We look at five attributes (skating, shooting, puck skills, hockey IQ and physicality) for skaters and six for goalies (athleticism/quickness, compete/temperament, vision/play reading, technique/style, rebound control and puck handling). Each individual attribute is graded along the 20-80 scales, which includes half-grades. The idea is that a projection of 50 in a given attribute meant that our observer believed that the player could get to roughly NHL average at that attribute at maturity.

]]> https://www.mckeenshockey.com/nhl-blog/2026-nhl-draft-detailed-scouting-report-tynan-lawrence-c-boston-university/feed/ 0 2026 NHL DRAFT: SECOND CHANCES PART THREE – EUROPE – Overage Draft Eligible Prospects https://www.mckeenshockey.com/nhl-blog/2026-nhl-draft-chances-part-europe-overage-draft-eligible-prospects/ https://www.mckeenshockey.com/nhl-blog/2026-nhl-draft-chances-part-europe-overage-draft-eligible-prospects/#respond Fri, 03 Apr 2026 12:43:17 +0000 https://www.mckeenshockey.com/?p=199034 Read More... from 2026 NHL DRAFT: SECOND CHANCES PART THREE – EUROPE – Overage Draft Eligible Prospects

]]> In a normal year, scouting hockey is marred by imperfection. Every year high end players get skipped over at the NHL draft for various reasons. Maybe they suffered through injuries. Maybe their team struggled, and it prevented scouts from getting a good read on them. Maybe their team was too good, forcing them down the depth chart with limited minutes and exposure opportunities. Or...maybe they just were not good enough. But thankfully human development is nonlinear and therefore unpredictable. Teenage hockey players are far from a finished product on the ice as their games mature just as the rest of their body and mind do. That is why it is critical to track players as they move through their second and third years of draft eligibility (or fourth years of eligibility for some European players).

For those unfamiliar, North American players with birth dates from January 1st to September 15th, will be eligible for three NHL drafts. Players with birth dates from September 16th to December 31st, will be eligible for two NHL drafts. And for European players (in European leagues), extend that eligibility by one year in both cases. In the last decade, NHL scouts have increased the rate with which they are selecting “re-entry” candidates, or players previously passed over. Contract limits have made it critical for teams to spread out where they select players from, in addition to their age. This has made second- and third-year eligible U.S. and European based players especially attractive. Additionally, CHL players may now be deemed more “intriguing” because of the altered NCAA eligibility rules. NHL teams can draft overage players and retain their rights after they go to college for a few years, expanding their signing and development window. However, these players have had a lot of success in recent years too. Look around the league and you see these players everywhere. For example, Former Calgary Flames, now Utah Mammoth standout defender Mackenzie Weegar was one. Ottawa Senators standout forward Drake Batherson was one. So too was Winnipeg Jets starter Connor Hellebuyck.

Last year, ten “re-entry” candidates went in the top four rounds: Charlie Cerrato, Francesco Dell’Elce, Bryce Pickford, Kristian Epperson, Julius Sumpf, Trenten Bennett, Benjamin Rautianinen, Yegor Borikov, Caeden Herrington, and Zack Sharp. Cerrato was taken inside the Top 50. In our “second chances” article last year (Part 1): (Part 2): (Part 3): We wrote about nine of those ten. In total there were 37 taken, which is a bit lower than the recent trend of other drafts (roughly about 20% of all players selected). I would suspect that bounces back this year. Additionally, of those 37, we identified and wrote about 22 (well over half of them) in our aforementioned second chances series. Just like in previous editions of this annual report, we aim to identify more.

In 2026, we have some very interesting candidates. Edmonton Oil Kings defender Ethan MacKenzie was a solid contributor for Canada’s WJC team this past year. Brandon Wheat Kings forward Joby Baumuller has been among the WHL’s leading goal scorers all year. Prince Albert netminder Michal Orsulak has been among the best goaltenders in the CHL this year. Moncton winger Niko Tournas has been among the QMJHL’s leading goal scorers all year. Russian defenseman Alexander Sapozhinkov is a massive blueliner who has broken out in the MHL and earned a KHL look. This article intends to highlight them and many other candidates who could be part of that 20% this year.

This is part three of the series, putting the spotlight on those re-entries available from across Europe. - Brock Otten

Sweden

Luleås Oliwer Sjöström 27 March 2026 i Luleå.
Photo: Simon Eliasson / BILDBYRÅN

Oliwer Sjöström - Defense - IF Björklöven (HockeyAllsvenskan)

Sjöström returns to the draft after going unselected last year, following a season that has brought him back into consideration through clear progression at the professional level. How his game would translate against men was a question coming out of last year’s draft, but his loan to Björklöven has helped answer that. Playing consistent minutes in HockeyAllsvenskan, he has recorded 26 points in 46 games while showing increased confidence with the puck and contributing offensively at a steady rate. His progression is most noticeable in his puck play and composure. He looks more comfortable handling pressure and making decisions in transition, supporting possession without forcing plays. His offensive impact comes more from puck movement and timing than high-end creativity. His strengths are built around mobility, awareness, and puck-moving ability. Areas for improvement remain on the physical side, as added strength would help him handle battles more consistently. His size may also present challenges at the NHL level, which remains a concern given his style of play in defensive situations. From a projection standpoint, Sjöström most realistically profiles as a depth NHL defenseman, likely requiring a longer development path through the SHL or AHL. Based on his progression this season, I would consider him a late round option. (Viktor Ahlund)

Oliver Dejbjerg Larsen - Wing/Center - Rögle BK U20 (U20 Nationell)

A major jump in production has put Dejbjerg-Larsen back on the radar for this year’s draft, as he led the entire U20 series in points. After recording 16 points last year, he followed it up with 53 points in 36 games this season, including 20 goals and 33 assists, a level of production that has been above my expectations. His offensive development has been a key part of his progression, both in his production and overall involvement in the offensive zone. His release has also taken a step forward, adding another layer to his offensive game. He plays with good mobility and is effective with the puck, helping move play forward and support transitions without doing too much with the puck. There are clear signs of offensive upside, particularly in how he finds space. Areas for improvement remain in his physical play and consistency in defensive situations, where added strength is still needed. There is also a question of how well his offensive game will translate to the professional level, which is something to keep an eye on. At this stage, Dejbjerg-Larsen profiles as a long-term project. Despite his strong production at the junior level, a top six role at the highest level is unlikely, and his transition to the professional game will play a key role in determining what type of role he can grow into. After a strong season with Rögle’s U20 and solid performances with Denmark at the WJC, he could draw late round interest. (Viktor Ahlund)

Isac Hedqvist - Wing/Center - Luleå HF (SHL)

Another year, another Isac Hedqvist feature in our overager report. What more can we say about the pure-bred puck-hound from Örnsköldsvik? He’s played over 100 games and counting at the SHL level, even winning the 2025 SHL championship as an everyday bottom six. This year, Hedqvist has played on Luleå’s first line and set a new career high in goals, points, and games played. The physicality, the quickness, the intensity, and the inside drive haven’t gone anywhere. He kills penalties. His offensive capabilities have taken another step. Even when nothing is going for him, Hedqvist is a spark plug that can inject any line with energy. He’s got a great personality, too. If he were two inches taller, he’d have been picked in his first year of eligibility. It’s tough to make it as an NHL bottom six as a 5’11”, 174lbs winger. He’s not skilled enough for a top six role, either. Even if he doesn’t have a clear-cut, projectable role, Hedqvist is wired the right way for the NHL. All he needs in an opportunity to show the league what he can do out on the ice. (Felix Robbins)

Felix Carell - Defense - Malmö Redhawks (SHL)

Carell has had a true breakout year in his DY+2. He’s nabbed a role as an SHL regular despite no prior pro experience. He was also selected to Sweden’s WJC team that won gold, where he featured in every match and occasionally played top pair minutes. Again, despite no prior national team experience. It’s no secret as to why. Carell has matured both physically and mentally since his first year of eligibility, playing a competitive and physical brand of defence that all defence cores need. His skating looks smooth and he’s mobile in all directions. His passing and up-ice vision look solid at the SHL level, and he gets the breakout started with ease. He’s alert and aware in the defensive zone, stifling zone entries and retrieving pucks with his head on a swivel. There are no surprises in Carell's game. His offensive upside is limited, but he does everything you need a defensive defenceman to do. In a couple years, Carell could be a solid depth defenceman that a team can plug into their lineup for some extra jam. (Felix Robbins)

Isac Nilsson - Wing - Malmo (SHL)

Nilsson has worked his way back into draft consideration, showing steady progression this season at the professional level. In 44 SHL games with Malmö, he recorded eight points while adjusting to a higher level of competition, managing the pace and structure better than expected. His development is most noticeable in how he handles pace and pressure at the SHL level. He looks more settled in his decisions with the puck and plays with better timing in transition. It’s clear that he has added strength to his game, both in physical play and as a puck carrier, which was an area of concern for me last season. He brings value through his work rate, awareness, and dependable two-way game. Areas for improvement remain in his physical development and overall offensive ceiling, as he lacks separation ability and finishing consistency. Looking ahead, Nilsson most realistically profiles as a depth forward, requiring continued development at the professional level. Nilsson could fill a role as a checking line player and I would consider him a late round option, and if available in rounds 6–7, I would take a chance on him from a long-term development perspective. (Viktor Ahlund)

Herman Liv - Goaltender - Almtuna (HockeyAllsvenskan)

Liv began the season on loan to Almtuna in HockeyAllsvenskan, where he has adapted well to the professional level and taken positive steps in his development. In 25 games, he’s posted a 2.35 GAA and a .916 save percentage while adjusting to the higher level of competition. His development is most noticeable in his positioning and overall calmness in net, something his father was known for as well. His rebound control has also improved, limiting second-chance opportunities, an area that showed some inconsistency in my viewings last season. He brings value through his positioning and puck tracking, though improvements in explosiveness are needed. He’s also somewhat undersized for the position, though smaller goaltenders have shown they can succeed at the NHL level. Looking ahead, Liv most realistically profiles as a long-term goaltender, likely requiring time at the professional level. His ceiling is most likely projects to the SHL or AHL level, but the path for goaltenders is rarely straightforward, and extended time in top European leagues or the AHL has often proven to be a path toward NHL opportunities. Based on his progression, I would consider him a late round option, where a team could take a chance on him long term. (Viktor Ahlund)

Romeo Edvardsen Sørensen - Wing - Mora IK (HockeyAllsvenskan)

Just 4 days shy of being a 1st time eligible for the 2026 NHL Draft, Sorensen has scored the lights out in his 2nd year of U20 Nationell play and seized an everyday role in the HockeyAllsvenskan. The physical tools make it easy to see where Sørensen could be plugged into an NHL lineup, similar to how he’s used currently with Mora. His motor, his frame, and his physicality have made him a solid bottom 6 checker. His hard and accurate shot has earned him PP time as well. His skating has improved since last season, though he could still use some more quickness. While he's had some highlight reel moments with the puck on his stick at the pro level, Sørensen hasn’t been able to consistently display the soft skill that he has in juniors. For him to tap into that upside, he’ll have to learn to read and process the game quicker at the pro level. The hope is that this improves with more reps. If you leave him to marinate in Sweden for a couple years, Sørensen could be a physical bottom 6 winger with goalscoring upside. (Felix Robbins)

Philip Hemmyr - Wing/Center - Björklöven IF (HockeyAllsvenskan)

After flying completely under the radar in his draft season, homegrown Hemmyr has taken a big step in his hockey career by torching the U20 and earning himself a depth role with Björklöven’s senior team — the best team in the HockeyAllsvenskan. He typically plays down the middle in juniors, but he’s still learning the position at the pro level from the wing. He’s grown an inch or so and has added some quickness to his skating. Hemmyr has always been a solid two-way player, but he’s able to read the game and play intelligently off puck at the pro level already. His off-puck work ethic is great as well, although he needs to fill out before he’s much of a problem on the forecheck. Offensively, Hemmyr hasn’t been able to pull off his playmaking ideas very often at the pro level. However, he’s shown the ability to find soft ice and pounce on pucks around the net (even if it hasn’t shown up on the scoreboard). Hemmyr is an interesting bet to make if you want a bottom 6 two-way forward, but he’s got to marinate in Sweden for a couple more years. (Felix Robbins)

Leo Sundqvist - Wing - Brynäs IF (SHL)

While he may not profile as your typical over-ager target (undersized, not the highest skill level, not scoring at the pro level), Sundqvist is wired exactly how I like my undersized forwards to play: Speedy, feisty, physical, and shoots the lights out. The straight-line speed is great, even for a forward his size. He’s putting up a ton of points as a top 6 in the U20 despite not having the greatest puck skills. His playmaking is fairly practical, but his shot is the best offensive weapon in his arsenal. His play away from the puck is intense and his physical game is that of a forward twice his size. Sundqvist hasn’t been able to lock down an SHL role as of yet. He struggles to read the game at a high level and doesn’t always put himself in the best position. Like with other forwards on this list, the hope is that it improves with reps. If everything breaks right for Sundqvist, he could be a bottom 9 who drives transition play, forechecks, and scores goals. (Felix Robbins)

Finland

Jere Somervuori

Jere Somervuori - Wing - HIFK (Liiga)

Somervuori has evolved from a high-energy U20 complementary piece into a legitimate Liiga-caliber checking prospect. His rise on the draft map is fueled by his adaptation to professional pace where he hasn't just survived the jump to Finland’s top tier, he has maintained his signature "motor" against men. His game is built on explosive skating and a relentless work rate. He is a puck-retrieval specialist who excels on the forecheck and backcheck, using an active stick to disrupt plays. He shows great poise under pressure and is a versatile "Swiss Army Knife" who can play the wing or center while killing penalties. His Hockey IQ cannot be underestimated. He makes good reads and he has a good awareness of where everybody is on the ice. However, his finishing touch and shooting mechanics remain raw. While his intensity helps him win battles, he lacks the heavy physical frame to overpower opponents, relying instead on positioning and effort. He projects as a reliable bottom-six NHL energy forward at best or a high-end Liiga specialist. His young age for a draft-plus-one skater makes him an intriguing "swing" pick in the middle-to-late rounds for a team valuing defensive responsibility and pace. (Jeremy Rivet)

Leo Tuuva - Wing - Lukko (Liiga)

Tuuva’s draft stock has fluctuated significantly. After a hot start that showcased his offensive skill and power-play utility, his production cooled off in Liiga action. He remains on the radar due to his size and flashes of high-end playmaking, but questions about his consistency and heavy game have caused him to slide recently. Tuuva possesses dynamic hands and a precise shot, particularly effective from the half-wall on the power play. He is a shifty puck carrier who uses weight shifts to create lanes. However, his skating mechanics lack depth and explosiveness, which limits his ability to win 50/50 battles. There is a tendency to play too much on the perimeter in his game. He often avoids the dirty areas of the ice, and his compete level can appear inconsistent when the game turns physical. A boom-or-bust offensive prospect. If his skating improves and he learns to use his 6’01” frame to drive the middle, he could be a middle-six scoring winger. Without those adjustments, he risks becoming a career European pro who struggles with the pace of the North American game. (Jeremy Rivet)

Niklas Nykyri - Defense - HIFK (Liiga)/KooKoo (Liiga)

Nykyri has successfully transitioned to the Liiga level by simplifying his game and leaning into his hockey IQ. He has moved from a flashy U20 defender to a poised, puck-moving professional. His performance at the recent World Juniors has reaffirmed that his vision is among the best in his age group for Finnish defenders. His offensive vision is his calling card. He excels at finding seam passes and threading the needle from the blue line rather than just settling for low-percentage shots. He shows great poise when escaping pressure behind his own net. His weaknesses lie in skating mobility and gap control. While his edges are functional, he can be exposed by high-end speed. His first pass is generally good, but he can become turnover-prone when forced to make decisions under heavy physical pressure. He projects as a modern 3rd pairing puck-moving defenseman at best. His ability to quarterback a second power-play unit and facilitate transitions makes him a candidate for the later rounds of the draft, provided a team believes they can refine his footwork and his pace. (Jeremy Rivet)

Veeti Rasanen - Wing - Jokerit (Mestis)/Jokerit U20 (U20 SM-sarja)

Räsänen has established himself as a premier scoring threat in the Finnish U20 SM-sarja for the past two seasons, forcing his way onto the draft map through sheer offensive production combined with his 6-foot-3 frame. Räsänen is a pure goalscorer with a prototype frame for a modern power winger. His primary weapon is a heavy, deceptive wrist shot with a quick release that beats goalies from distance. He excels at finding soft ice in the offensive zone and is a constant threat on the power play, where he uses his reach and strength to protect pucks. While his offensive instincts are above average, his skating mechanics remain a work in progress. His first-step acceleration is average, which can make it difficult for him to create separation against professional defenders. Additionally, his defensive engagement and off-puck discipline require more consistency to survive at higher levels. He has the potential to become a bottom-six scoring winger with decent offensive upside as well as a versatile player that can play on the penalty kill if he develops his defensive game. Because of his rare combination of size and natural finishing ability, he is an interesting upside target for teams willing to invest in his development. He is likely to be a mid-to-late round pick in 2026, with the potential to rise if his professional transition in Finland continues to show he can score against men. (Jeremy Rivet)

Russia

Semyon Simonov

Semyon Simonov - Wing - Barys Astana (KHL)

After a point-per-game season in the MHL and solid look in the KHL last season, Simonov has adjusted to the pro game well. One of the top U21 producers in the KHL in his D+3 season, he puts up points with a quality shot and good off puck positioning. In transition, he makes himself an option along the wall to gain easy entry to the zone and is focused on putting pucks on net. He can fight off pressure well but he is held back by mediocre skating and a lack of skill. Defensively, he is an active player with a good motor but isn’t always successful at winning his battles. This holds true on the forecheck as well, as he's able to pressure opponents but isn’t quite effective in creating turnovers. A good rush attacker with a solid shot, but im not so sure there is an NHL caliber player here, the skating and skill needs to come a ways to be the middle six complementary winger that he will likely end up as in the KHL. (Mark Doherty)

Ivan Patrikhayev - Defense - CSKA Moskva (KHL)

Patrikhayev has found some more offense since his first draft eligible season. As a smaller puck-moving defenseman this is an important development in his game. He stands out in transition, with clean breakout passes and improved footwork to evade forechecks and maneuver up ice. With more activation and an ability to get shots off from the point, he has become more effective in the offensive end. Defensively, there is a lack of physicality, losing battles in front of the net, and can skate himself out of position at times but generally he has played well, supporting his defensive partner and doing his best to recover loose pucks and push the puck up ice. He likely tops out as a top four two-way puck mover in the KHL, as he lacks any NHL caliber tools. But the progression in his skating and overall two-way play could see him as a late round bet for teams who think there is still room for growth. (Mark Doherty)

Artur Faizov - Wing/Center - Salavat Yulaev Ufa (KHL)

Faizov's game is built around his fast pace of play, high motor, and effectiveness on the rush. At lower levels he dominates, forcing turnovers and creating odd man rushes constantly with his speed. The ability to cut off breakouts, attack opponents along the walls and send passes to the slot when turnovers occur on the half wall make him an exciting player to watch. This rambunctious style of play doesn't disappear at the pro level, as he looks solid in the VHL, but the increased physicality and skill in the KHL has caused some struggles in the second half of the year. His slender frame is an issue, unable to win battles he normally would in juniors, and the skill and speed he shows in juniors looks very pedestrian in the KHL. The details in his game, his ability to read play quickly, and ability to get to the middle of the ice are not translating effectively either. I really enjoy the way he plays, and if he gains muscle and works on the details of his game he can be an energy forward in the NHL one day, but it is a long shot. (Mark Doherty)

Maxim Gusev - Defense - Olimpiya Kirovo-Chepetsk (VHL)

Gusev is a steady puck moving defenseman who shines on the breakout and when joining the rush. His newfound confidence, and improved hockey sense and mobility, allow him to find passing lanes and act the trailing forward, driving the slot on zone entries. He picks his spots to activate tactically, gliding into open space, making sure he has support, and firing off shots from the high slot. With the puck on his stick, he's not a dynamic player, the slow first steps skating keep him from beating forwards one-on-one at the blue line or when he carries the puck himself. He keeps the game simple, drawing in defenders and hitting his teammates with accurate passes. What truly holds him back is the defensive game. He's far too passive and not very physical. The slow first steps lead to him getting burned on the rush, and he fails to pick up open players in front of the net. I like the offensive package as a bottom pair puck mover at the NHL level, but his defensive game needs to really take a step over the next few years. Finding a role in the KHL next year will be very important for his development. (Mark Doherty)

Mikhail Melikov - Wing - MHK Dynamo Moskva (MHL)

Melikov has had an impressive year in the MHL, at the top of the scoring charts and playing big minutes for a good Dynamo Moskva team. He's been a much more noticeable player this season, forcing turnovers, getting involved in transition, and creating offense. He is able to do this by utilizing his great skating and high motor. The IQ has also taken a big step, he understands where to be on the ice to make himself dangerous and be a pest for opposing players. The offensive skills aren't elite, but the hands and playmaking are good enough to produce when paired with the motor and IQ. There is room to grow with his shot, as he tends to have a slow release, charging up his shots rather than quickly firing it on net. There are also moments of frustration in his body language where he can lose that effort for a few seconds but his intensity doesn't allow him to stay idle for long. I believe there is middle six potential for Melikov and there is a short list of draft eligible Russians that I would take before seriously considering him. (Mark Doherty)

Gleb Burlaka - Wing - Omskie Yastreby (MHL)

As an MHL rookie in his D+1 season Burlaka has garnered some attention with his point per game pace and his combination of skill and energy. A confident puck carrier with strong edges, he opens his hips to turn away from pressure, and his strong frame allows him to fight off checks and wait for passing lanes to open up. He attacks with speed but can slow the play down when necessary. His game is simple and effective, net driven, supportive and physical along the boards with plenty of compete. There is still a bit of rawness to Burlaka and despite the physicality and engagement he struggles to be the one doing the pressuring. Adding some muscle would help him pin players to walls or land heavy hits on the forecheck rather than just bouncing off defenders. The lack of real high-end skill may limit him to a bottom 6 role. He must add some strength to fulfill that, but his style of play and skating ability is a strong foundation that could lead to him getting selected. (Mark Doherty)

Yegor Gusev - Wing - Sibirskie Snaipery Novosibirsk (MHL)

Gusev has been very productive in his first full season in the MHL. A solid complimentary piece, he does the dirty work to help his line mates thrive and drives the net to collect rebounds and back door feeds. The workrate is impressive, as he hunts down opponents on the backcheck, is quick to apply pressure on the forecheck, and can muck it up in the corners or along the boards. A solid skating base, he can really get moving when he gets a head of steam, adding to that high motor play style. He is also not one to shy away from blocking shots in the defensive end. With that being said, he is a bit slow when reading play and processing information. Puck watching can be an issue at times and he's not always in good positions or picking the right lanes to attack on the rush. The skill is pretty average but there is a solid shot on him. He's a grinder, a bottom six role isn't out of the question as he's had a great rookie season in the MHL. If his IQ takes a step in the coming seasons he could be a player that coaches adore. (Mark Doherty)

Alexander Sapozhinkov - Defense - Kapitan Stupino (MHL)

A classic old school blueliner. Big, physical, and a booming slap shot. Can erase forwards along the boards and contribute on the forecheck when he activates. His long reach helps him shut down rushes, especially when forwards think they have him beat. Improvement in the offensive zone has led to increased production in the MHL. Simple plays, decent maneuverability along the blue line and finding space to get his powerful slap shot off, makes him an interesting player. The skating stride still needs plenty of work. It's short and choppy at times and he has trouble keeping up with pacey players, but his pivots and lateral mobility have come a long way. His tape at the KHL level was pretty concerning mostly due to his skating deficiencies and ability to make quick reads. At 6-foot-6 he still has time to grow into his body, and with patience, could be a decent depth defensemen in the long run. An interesting project to take a swing on in the later rounds. (Mark Doherty)

Ivan Fomin - Wing - Taifun Primorsky Krai (MHL)

Fomin is having an incredible D+1 season as one of the leading scorers in the MHL, while outscoring the second most productive guy on his team by almost 30 points. The undersized winger is as dynamic as they come. A high-end skater with great top speed, explosive edges and lateral mobility. Dazzling hands allow him to cut through defenses and get to the front of the net consistently. He has naturally grown in these areas but what stands out this season is his IQ and effort. He is all over the ice as is constantly finding himself in the right spots to win races to loose pucks and capitalize on mistakes and rebounds. The relentless motor helps him win board battles and fight hard in front of the net, necessary skills for a player his size. A zone entry machine and very creative passer in all areas of the ice. The concern is the frame and some moments of poor decision making and playing hero hockey. I want to hold my judgement till he can prove himself at the KHL level, but why not take a swing on the skillset in the later rounds and go from there? It's likely he ends up as a top six KHL scorer like Ruslan Iskhakov but there is top 6 upside, and I wouldn't be surprised if he is a future Russian FA target in the mold of a fellow undersized Russian FA target in Maxim Shabanov as he has more pace and energy then Shabonov and Iskhakov. (Mark Doherty)

Central Europe

Tomas Galvas of Czech Republic and Tij Iginla of Canada during the 2026 IIHF World Junior Championship semifinal game between Canada and Czech Republic on January 4, 2026 in Saint Paul.
Photo: Joel Marklund / BILDBYRÅN

Tomas Galvas - Defense - Bílí Tygři Liberec (Czechia)

Tomáš Galvas has taken a clear step forward over the past two seasons, transitioning from a depth role into a more impactful puck-moving defenseman in a pro environment. After posting modest production in 2024–25 (11 points in 43 games), he significantly elevated his offensive output this season, producing at close to a point-per-game pace in limited minutes and carrying that confidence into international play. His biggest driver of progression is his puck play. Galvas is a fluid skater with strong edgework, allowing him to escape pressure and lead controlled exits. He consistently makes quick first passes and shows improved assertiveness activating into the rush. At the World Juniors level, he handled elevated responsibility and contributed offensively, reinforcing his trajectory as a modern transition defenseman. Defensively, he still relies more on positioning and stick detail than strength. He can be outmuscled in net-front situations and will need to add physical maturity to handle pro forechecks consistently. Projection-wise, Galvas is trending toward a puck-moving, second-unit type defenseman. His skating and decision-making give him NHL utility, but his long-term upside will depend on how much strength and defensive reliability he can add. (Marek Novotny)

Matěj Maštalířský - Wing - HC Verva Litvínov (Czechia)

Maštalířský is an offensively capable winger, but he didn't produce enough in the Czech top tier league in the past few years. The second half of the 2025-26 season was much better, although he did play on the worst team in the league. Maštalířský is a smart player who may not stand out at first glance, but he plays a solid two-way game and uses his hockey IQ effectively at both ends of the ice. He works hard and skates well, even though he's not the speediest player on the ice and doesn't strike as an energy guy. The size is decent at 6'1", however, at 176 lbs he could add on some muscle to better withstand physical play. Maštalířský may be an option for the upcoming NHL Draft, he's made some progress over the past few years and the improvement in the second half of the season was notable. He may become a middle-six option in the future but needs to add more muscle. He's smart, a decent skater and plays a reliable two-way game. (Matej Deraj)

Matej Kubiesa - Wing - HC Oceláři Třinec (Czechia)

Matej Kubiesa has worked his way back into draft consideration through increased offensive responsibility and strong production at the professional level this season. Playing in the Chance Liga, he is producing at better than a point-per-game rate, reflecting a more consistent role and greater involvement in offensive situations compared to previous years. His game is centered around off-puck play and finishing ability. Kubiesa reads the offensive zone effectively, finding space between defenders and arriving into scoring areas with good timing. His shot is his most reliable tool, featuring a quick release that allows him to convert chances efficiently, particularly from the slot and faceoff circles. He tends to play a direct style, supporting the puck and finishing plays rather than creating through extended possession. His skating remains average, especially in his first-step acceleration, which limits separation against faster opponents. While he competes, his physical presence is not consistently applied, particularly along the boards. Projection is as a depth winger with secondary scoring upside, with his long-term outlook tied to improvements in pace and consistency. (Marek Novotny)

Tomáš Královič - Defence - HC Slovan Bratislava (Slovakia)

Královič made a huge leap compared to his previous season in the Slovak league, with nearly double the ice time. He was one of the leading scorers among defensemen in the league and even set a new record for most points in a U21 season. Královič has an intriguing profile. He has an ideal size at 6'3", 203 lbs, and plays a very physical game. He is more of an offensive defenseman who likes to join the rush and shoots the puck a ton. His defensive game still needs some polishing, but the overall archetype is very interesting. As a 6-foot-3, right-shot, offensively capable defenseman with some bite to his game, there must be NHL interest. On the downside, Královič is quite short-tempered and tends to take a lot of unnecessary penalties. He also needs to continue improving defensively. His skating is decent, but it's not a standout trait. If Královič isn’t picked as an overager, he will be a strong candidate to sign an NHL contract as a free agent. I see him as a bottom-four option in the future. (Matej Deraj)

Lenny Boos - Wing/Center - Düsseldorfer EG (DEL2)/Youngstown (USHL)

A lightly built player with good wheels and some solid hockey IQ, Boos was a guy we liked in his draft year but knew that neither his domestic nor international experience afforded him any real shot at being a draft consideration. This season, he successfully made his way into a top 9 DEL2 role with several appearances for Bremerhaven in the DEL and Champions Hockey League. His solid WJC performance as Germany’s #1 center, which included a 4-point relegation game performance in a key victory over Denmark, must have opened some eyes because he transferred to the Youngstown Phantoms of the USHL shortly - and unexpectedly - thereafter, where he collected 7 points and a + rating in his first 10 outings. The son of a long-time German pro and national team player, we can attest that Boos is very coachable and plays with confidence. Also, he’ll be 19 right on through late November and still has plenty of leeway for physical and skill-related development. (Chapin Landvogt)

Niklas Blessing - Defense - Biel-Bienne (NL)

Blessing continues a trend among Swiss defensemen showing up as overage draft candidates after several years of high-level pro hockey. He wasn’t really on the map in his draft year and then was brought along slowly but soundly in his DY+1, where he saw more time at the NL level than anywhere else. This season, the average sized, yet well-built Blessing has become a full-time NL defenseman with a sound two-way game, often logging over 18 minutes of TOI per night. And it’s been that way all season long, without any lulls, even leading to a top five role at the WJC. His numbers this season have been very much akin to those of Ludvig Johnson, who was drafted as an overager with lesser numbers last summer. (Chapin Landvogt)

Daniil Ustinkov - Defense - Küsnacht Lions (SL)

As a 17-year-old underager, Ustinkov put up 4 points at the U18 worlds and headed into his draft season looking like a top 60 topic. A stocky defenseman whose game we’ve often compared to that of a Dmitry Kulikov, Ustinkov saw his so-so Hlinka Gretzky Cup performance carry with him throughout his draft year, which to his credit was spent primarily playing solid pro hockey at both the SL and NL levels. But defensively weak WJC and U18 Worlds tourneys saw him go undrafted. His DY+1 featured him in a more prominent role at the SL level but without any fanfare and no international performances of note, being left off the WJC squad. This season, he was back at the WJC, where he showed very well for himself (4 assists in 5 games). Further, he’s been one of Küsnacht’s top 3 defenders, suiting up 15 times for NL power Zug along the way. An NL contract is in the bag for next season, and he’ll be 19 right on up through the draft. The multifaceted tools are there for a team wanting low-profile but dependable defensive organizational depth. (Chapin Landvogt)

]]> https://www.mckeenshockey.com/nhl-blog/2026-nhl-draft-chances-part-europe-overage-draft-eligible-prospects/feed/ 0 2026 NHL DRAFT: SECOND CHANCES PART TWO – USA – Overage Draft Eligible Prospects https://www.mckeenshockey.com/nhl-blog/2026-nhl-draft-chances-part-usa-overage-draft-eligible-prospects/ https://www.mckeenshockey.com/nhl-blog/2026-nhl-draft-chances-part-usa-overage-draft-eligible-prospects/#respond Thu, 02 Apr 2026 13:00:37 +0000 https://www.mckeenshockey.com/?p=199029 Read More... from 2026 NHL DRAFT: SECOND CHANCES PART TWO – USA – Overage Draft Eligible Prospects

]]> In a normal year, scouting hockey is marred by imperfection. Every year high end players get skipped over at the NHL draft for various reasons. Maybe they suffered through injuries. Maybe their team struggled, and it prevented scouts from getting a good read on them. Maybe their team was too good, forcing them down the depth chart with limited minutes and exposure opportunities. Or...maybe they just were not good enough. But thankfully human development is nonlinear and therefore unpredictable. Teenage hockey players are far from a finished product on the ice as their games mature just as the rest of their body and mind do. That is why it is critical to track players as they move through their second and third years of draft eligibility (or fourth years of eligibility for some European players).

For those unfamiliar, North American players with birth dates from January 1st to September 15th, will be eligible for three NHL drafts. Players with birth dates from September 16th to December 31st, will be eligible for two NHL drafts. And for European players (in European leagues), extend that eligibility by one year in both cases. In the last decade, NHL scouts have increased the rate with which they are selecting “re-entry” candidates, or players previously passed over. Contract limits have made it critical for teams to spread out where they select players from, in addition to their age. This has made second- and third-year eligible U.S. and European based players especially attractive. Additionally, CHL players may now be deemed more “intriguing” because of the altered NCAA eligibility rules. NHL teams can draft overage players and retain their rights after they go to College for a few years, expanding their signing and development window. However, these players have had a lot of success in recent years too. Look around the league and you see these players everywhere. For example, Former Calgary Flames, now Utah Mammoth standout defender Mackenzie Weegar was one. Ottawa Senators standout forward Drake Batherson was one. So too was Winnipeg Jets starter Connor Hellebuyck.

Last year, ten “re-entry” candidates went in the top four rounds: Charlie Cerrato, Francesco Dell’Elce, Bryce Pickford, Kristian Epperson, Julius Sumpf, Trenten Bennett, Benjamin Rautianinen, Yegor Borikov, Caeden Herrington, and Zack Sharp. Cerrato was taken inside the top 50. In our “second chances” article last year (Part 1): (Part 2): (Part 3): We wrote about nine of those ten. In total there were 37 taken, which is a bit lower than the recent trend of other drafts (roughly about 20% of all players selected). I would suspect that bounces back this year. Additionally, of those 37, we identified and wrote about 22 (well over half of them) in our aforementioned second chances series. Just like in previous editions of this annual report, we aim to identify more.

In 2026, we have some very interesting candidates. Edmonton Oil Kings defender Ethan MacKenzie was a solid contributor for Canada’s WJC team this past year. Brandon Wheat Kings forward Joby Baumuller has been among the WHL’s leading goal scorers all year. Prince Albert netminder Michal Orsulak has been among the best goaltenders in the CHL this year. Moncton winger Niko Tournas has been among the QMJHL’s leading goal scorers all year. Russian defenseman Alexander Sapozhinkov is a massive blueliner who has broken out in the MHL and earned a KHL look. This article intends to highlight them and many other candidates who could be part of that 20% this year.

This is part two of the series, putting the spotlight on those re-entries available from leagues based out of the United States. - Brock Otten

USHL

Zach Wooten.

Zach Wooten - Center - Green Bay

Basically, out of nowhere, Zach Wooten has stepped up and quadrupled his point production from his last season with Green Bay. First and foremost, his shot is incredible. Possessing a quick release, accuracy, and nearly 30 goals in his bag, Wooten is a sniper and takes command of the offensive zone and power play. His threat as a shooter also makes him a good passer, being able to fake out defenders and create passing lanes for his teammates. This growth as an offensive threat will be greatly welcomed by the University of Wisconsin next year. Defensively, he is generally okay, he ties up opponents well and is good at chasing down opponents close to him, but his overall involvement and physicality aren’t overly special. Though he has not been listed in Central Scouting’s Mid-Season rankings, he will get a good look sometime later in the draft. Wooten will likely be a college standout who signs as a free agent in a couple of years, with a chance of making an NHL roster. (Linc Zdancewicz)

Justin Graf - Wing - Cedar Rapids

The younger brother of Sharks forward (and UDFA) Collin Graf, Justin was completely off the radar for draft boards in his initial season of eligibility, where he played high school prep hockey. His immediate success has grabbed attention in his D+1 season since joining Cedar Rapids in the USHL, where he has hovered around a point per game. There’s a lot to like about Graf’s offensive game, which is why he leads the RoughRiders in ice time on the man-advantage. As a playmaker, he is patient and crafty, often delaying or using cutbacks to find the perfect passing lane. As a scorer, though he would be considered average as a shooter, Graf has a useful one-timer and is good at burying rebounds. He is also excellent at finding and creating space, especially on the rush. An area for improvement right now is remaining consistently engaged away from the puck, right now his effort seems to ebb and flow a bit with offensive opportunities. A third liner that provides offense is within the range of outcomes for Graf as a pro. (Jamison Derksen)

Shayne Gould - Defense - Sioux City

Despite being undersized at 5’9, Shayne Gould is an exciting offensive defenseman with a great deceptive ability to run a USHL blue line. His low hand on his stick is very low, so low in fact, you can never tell when he will fire a powerful wrister or when he will completely fool you with a pass. Gould also has fantastic hands that allow him to activate lower in the offensive zone and create highlight reel plays. His deceptiveness as a stick handler has made him a very effective puck carrier, especially in transition, though I would want to see his overall decision-making in the neutral zone improve. He is quite averse to physicality, but who wouldn't at 5’9. Gould is committed to UConn and will continue to develop a dangerous offensive game there, though I don’t see enough NHL upside to warrant him being drafted as of yet. An exciting collegiate for sure, but not enough of a battler in his two-way game, but that could change in the NCAA. (Linc Zdancewicz)

Masun Fleece - Wing - Dubuque

After splitting time between the USHL and BCHL last season, Masun Fleece played his entire season with Dubuque in the USHL this year and produced very well. Fleece is quick, chopping his feet to bear down on opposing defenders on the forecheck and when attacking the net on zone entries. Despite being relatively short, he is hard to knock off the puck, partially due to being stronger, but also due to his great puck control and stick handling. Fleece fits the mold of this Dubuque team: fast, annoying in the neutral zone, and relentless. He is still a bit buck-wild when he skates around the ice and can get caught biting too much, but a high motor is almost always seen as a good thing. His main drawbacks stem from his role, he will not be a driver on any line and will mainly operate as a support player. Fleece is committed to Maine in the coming future, and I hope they can round out his overall game as they have done for similar players like Justin Poirier and Miguel Marques. He will find success on an NHL lineup, should everything break right, as a bottom-six energy forward, forechecking, trying to catch defensemen off guard, and playing a fast-paced game. I would not be shocked if a team takes a chance on him this time around. (Linc Zdancewicz)

Graham Jones - Center - Fargo

Jones, in his second year of eligibility, is looking to make his case for being selected in the 2026 class. Previously he played in the USHS ranks with Shattuck St. Mary’s where he was a standout. He had a brief stint in the USHL, but it wasn’t enough for NHL scouts. This year, he played the whole year in Fargo and performed well. His motor is excellent, always moving his feet. His shot is also pretty heavy, and he displays a high-end IQ that allows him to get to the dangerous areas of the ice consistently. However, his frame is an issue, at 5’8” and 165 pounds. Slated to play in the NCAA in the 2027-28 season with Boston College, he has time to bulk up and improve his overall game to overcome the obstacles set by his smaller stature. He is worth a look in the mid-to-late rounds, but NHL teams might pause looking at his size, again. (Kyle Pereira)

Nikolas Young - Defense - Lincoln

Nikolas Young has seemingly come out of nowhere into a huge role on the Lincoln Stars’ blueline this season. Last year, Young rarely saw the ice on the man-advantage and was fourth among Lincoln blueliners in shorthanded ice time. This season however, the newly named captain leads the team in icetime on the powerplay and the penalty kill, while also being leaned on heavily at five on five. The 6’0” defender is competitive in battles and has a strong stick defensively. He relies on efficient positioning as he has some issues with footspeed and can get exposed if he chases instead of letting the play come to him. With the puck on his stick, Young keeps his head up and usually makes the right pass, though he doesn’t really create offense at this point. He will need to improve his footspeed, but a team may want to use a late pick on him as a potential bottom-pair contributor. (Jamison Derksen)

Ryland Randle - Defense - Des Moines

Randle, a double over-ager defender, played his first and second year of eligibility in the USHS ranks with Cushing Academy. This season was his first in the USHL, where he has produced moderately well. He’s a very steady defender, who does not possess any true standout trait. He plays with solid pace and a great feel with and without the puck. Randle possesses a strong first pass to transition up ice and takes what the opposition gives him in the offensive end. He keeps things mostly simple, however. Defensively, he knows where to be, possesses a strong stick, and gaps up quite well against the rush. However, he has a smaller frame for a defender at 5’10” and being a double over-ager in his first USHL season, has the odds stacked against him. He has good anticipation and hockey IQ that could be worth a late-round swing, but he’s likely an NCAA undrafted signing, at best, in the future. (Kyle Pereira)

Carl Axelsson - Goaltender - Muskegon

After a really rough fall of 2024, Carl Axelsson was sent to the NAHL to recapture the potential he showed over in Sweden, and with Muskegon, he has definitely captured something special. He has been the solid starter Muskegon has needed for a proper Clark Cup title defense, excelling on one-on-one chances and down low. Axelsson is very quick to cover up and overall has very good positioning. His play recognition and rebound control have been fine, but he has made massive improvements over what they were last season. I still have some concerns over his glove hand and overall athleticism, but the tools are there for him to improve as he seeks to move to the college level at Minnesota-Duluth next season. He should get some consideration to be drafted this time around; however, he was not listed in the most recent Central Scouting Rankings of NA Goalies, so take that with a grain of salt. (Linc Zdancewicz)

Roberto Leonardo Henriquez - Goaltender - Green Bay

Roberto Leonardo Henriquez, whose father is from the Dominican Republic, was born in Slovakia and grew up playing on larger European ice surfaces, before coming to North America in 2024/25. Henriquez stepped into the NAHL and dominated, quickly moving up to Green Bay in the USHL, where there were some growing pains. He was ranked #264 by McKeen’s in the 2025 NHL Draft Guide, largely due to his impressive athleticism, but he is otherwise a quite raw prospect at this point. This season, Henriquez has been near the top of most USHL goaltending stats with an impressive 2.20 GAA and .921 SV%. Still, his positioning is an issue, and he can overcommit to pucks at times, relying too much on his quickness to recover for rebounds or back-door plays. At 6’2”, he can’t really afford to get caught out of position as often as he does, but if he can tighten up his positioning, there is a solid puckstopper here. (Jamison Derksen)

Cole Tuminaro - Defense - Chicago

Tuminaro missed nearly his entire draft year with an injury and has bounced back well with the Chicago Steel this year. He’s been ranked highly by NHL Central Scouting, and he earned a spot on the U.S.’ WJAC roster. Tuminaro is best described as a throwback defender. He is one mean customer. He is suffocating physically and he’s had to fight several times this year in response to some of his big hits. At 6’4, 230lbs, he’s also extremely intimidating. When you compare him to his first year in the USHL with Sioux City, his skating has improved by leaps and bounds. He’s actually quite agile for a defender his size, showing strong pivoting ability. His lateral quickness and backwards stride are also solid, making him a very difficult player for opposing USHL forwards to beat one on one. He doesn’t generate significant power in his forward stride; he’s a bit lumbering in that regard, but the overall skating profile is more than adequate for the kind of game he plays. Offensively, he actually shows some intriguing flashes of upside. He can escape the forecheck and he can slip pressure inside the offensive zone. Can this part of his game be developed further at Cornell? Regardless, Tuminaro has intriguing upside as a physical, stay at home defender from the right side. (Brock Otten)

Ajay White - Goaltender - Fargo

Ajay White, who went undrafted in 2024 and 2025, is giving one last bid at being selected in 2026. In the 2023-24 season, he played largely in the NAHL, where he held a .910 SV% and a 2.90 GAA. But when he got two USHL games that season, he struggled, with a .875 SV% and a 3.51 GAA. The following season, playing in the USHL for 24 games, where he once again struggled. He recorded an .899 SV% and 2.78 GAA. This season, however, he has bounced back. In 40 games, White recorded a .905 SV% and a 2.48 GAA, eclipsing the .900 SV% mark for the first time in the USHL. He’s currently committed to play at the University of St. Thomas next season. White is an interesting case. It’s unlikely he gets selected, as his overall statistical improvement isn’t substantial enough to truly warrant a very big look from NHL teams. However, his maturity is clear in how mechanically sound he is in the crease. His rebound control is also another example of his maturity, as he does a very good job of keeping his rebounds from entering dangerous spots. However, one of his flaws comes down to his lack of explosive lateral agility and almost panicky movements. He can over-set or over-push on certain shots, and it’s because of those happy feet and panic movements putting him out of position. Depending on how he develops in the NCAA, there’s a world where he can become an AHL goaltender, but there’s not a ton of NHL upside with White. (Kyle Pereira)

Alan Lendak - Goaltender - Des Moines

Lendak, who was passed over in the last two drafts, is another over-ager goaltender pushing for an NHL draft selection in his last year of eligibility. In his first year of eligibility in 2023-24, he played in Slovakia, primarily playing in Slovakia’s U20 ranks. Playing for two different teams, Lendak recorded a .938 SV% and 1.96 GAA, but would not have his name called. The following season, he came overseas and played for the Fargo Force in the USHL, where he posted a .895 SV% and 2.97 GAA across 40 games, a significant regression from his Slovakia U20 numbers. This season, he split between Fargo and the Des Moines Buccaneers, totalling 30 games, a .913 SV% and a 2.23 GAA. With a much improved statline, Lendak is making a case to be selected this year. Lendak’s biggest and most noticeable strength is his flexibility. It’s almost Andrei Vasilevskiy-esque with how he contorts his body at times to make difficult, spread-eagle saves. But while he can make some of those crazy, game-changing saves, he also has some kinks to iron out. His positioning is flawed, as he doesn’t track the puck very well, leading to his angles being off. Paired with his crouched stance, making himself look a bit smaller in the net with his already below-average frame at 6’1”, it leads to holes in the top corners. He has given up a lot of those goals where, had he been slightly better positioned, would have likely been an easier save to make. Ultimately, he makes saves more difficult on himself. But with NHL coaching and a more focused development plan, there’s upside here. He has those athletic, game-changing abilities in his arsenal, and some refinement to the more detailed parts of his game could go a long way into the development of an NHL-caliber goalie. It’s a long shot, but it’s possible. (Kyle Pereira)

Thomas Zocco - Center - Sioux Falls

As of writing this towards the end of the USHL regular season, Zocco finds himself in the top five of league scoring as a league rookie after transferring from the BCHL. Zocco’s offensive success comes from three things: high end skill, high end sense, and a competitive drive. He routinely carves up the neutral zone, keeps plays alive in the offensive zone, or creates advantages with his hands; he’s a skating highlight reel. He’s also a hard worker who works to earn his touches and is aggressive in pursuit of the puck. Bottom line, he’s a difference maker at the junior level. A Merrimack commit, Zocco projects as an offensive catalyst at the NCAA level too. However, his projection beyond that gets murky because he’s undersized and not a terrific skater. He has shorter, choppy strides that limit his speed, power, and ability to quickly change direction. He relies on his hands at this level, but at higher levels, that won’t be enough. Even with outstanding offensive development over the last few years, Zocco remains a draft long shot because of some physical and athletic limitations. NHL teams are likely to want to see how his game translates to the NCAA level first. (Brock Otten)

Matthew Grimes - Defense - Sioux Falls

With great speed and very solid hands, Matthew Grimes is an offensive defenseman that many should keep an eye on going into this draft cycle as a re-entry. His overall skating is excellent, he gets a ton of speed in a straight line, making him a deadly puck carrier. Additionally, he naturally has good gap control when defending the rush, being very quick to react to plays and loose pucks. Grimes has been so effective in transition, using his stick handling and quick decision-making to generate lateral space and make defenders miss. His speed during these rush chances is truly difference making at the USHL level.  He has a tendency to do too much with the puck, but overall makes good offensive reads on the rush, and when activating in the offensive zone. Defensively, he shows average compete, getting his stick in lanes but not overall impacting the game on the wall physically. Grimes has a ton of potential to hop into a Minnesota lineup and be a play driver on their back end. He has shown enough of a success rate in the offensive and neutral zones that he would shock no one going as early as the 3rd-4th round. (Linc Zdancewicz)

NCAA

10/19/2024 Michigan Ice Hockey vs. St. Cloud State at Yost Ice Arena in Ann Arbor, MI on October 19, 2024.

Dakoda Rhéaume-Mullen - Defense - Michigan

Being a reliable two-way defenseman who shows flashes of being very useful in many different situations, and a skater who will definitely not be passed up in the draft a second time. Rhéaume-Mullen activates so well in the offensive zone, constantly moving along the blueline and wall to become an option for the offense-heavy Wolverines this season. His ability to join and support the rush adds another layer of deadliness to any transition. Additionally, he does well to back check with his quick feet when he does get too aggressive. Rhéaume-Mullen’s skating has improved a lot from last season, bettering his play in the defensive zone and as a puck carrier overall. He still struggles to make an impact physically to deter opponents and is still not potent enough offensively to run a power play, but Dakoda Rhéaume-Mullen has shown more than enough to warrant a selection in the mid-to-late rounds of this draft. (Linc Zdancewicz)

Jack Galanek - Center - UMass

Sitting only behind Jack Musa and Vaclav Nestrasil, Freshman Jack Galanek has been a big reason why UMass has had such a successful season this year. He is a gritty center with a knack for being a connecter in the neutral and offensive zones, getting into open space, and quickly passing to generate chances. Galanek has a high motor but nothing more than a solid skater with an average level of physicality. His success rate in the faceoff dot has been notable and a key factor in why UMass has put him in every situation. He plays a unique role for any squad and should be an excellent supporting center to UMass for at least another year until he is ready for the AHL. As for his NHL upside, it is a bit in question outside of a 4th line role, but he could play his way into a lineup with his grit. (Linc Zdancewicz)

Bobby Cowan - Wing - Western Michigan

Bobby Cowan has been on a steady upward trajectory that should continue with him hopefully getting drafted this spring. In ‘23/24, Cowan was a key cog in Edina High’s Minnesota State Championship team, but wasn’t able to provide much offense (just 6 points in 20 games) when he joined Omaha in the USHL. An offseason trade saw him go to the Madison Capitols where he began to flourish offensively, finishing his draft season with 51 points. Despite his lack of size (Cowan checks in at 5’10”), Cowan does not shy away from the physical side of the game. His work ethic, dangerous shot, and above-average skill were enough for McKeen’s to rank him #236 in the 2025 NHL Draft Guide, but his average skating was likely the sticking point for him not being selected. This year as a freshman with Western Michigan, he has improved his speed and that has greatly improved his outlook as a pro. It’s easy to see a third line winger with some scoring punch as the outcome for Cowan. (Jamison Derksen)

Lukas Peterson - Defense - Maine

A smaller defender who started the year really well with Maine as a freshman, but lost steam in the second half of the year from a production standpoint. We wrote about Peterson in this piece last year after a strong USHL year with Green Bay. He’s a creative and mobile offensive defender who can quarterback the power play thanks to his ability to walk the line and escape pressure. He’s also not a liability defensively because he will compete physically, even if he’s not always successful in high traffic areas. But would that be the case at the NHL level? There’s no question that Peterson possesses offensive upside, but NHL teams may continue to take a wait and see approach with him to see how his game develops at the NCAA level. If he ends up becoming one of the more efficient offensive defenders in college, he could end up on the free agent radar. (Brock Otten)

Caton Ryan - Wing - Cornell

Caton Ryan is someone that made it onto the radar of some scouts (McKeen’s had him #282) in the 2023/24 Draft cycle but was tough to truly get a handle on due to his vastly inferior competition in the CCHL in his draft year. He moved on to the BCHL last season, where he racked up 42 points in 44 games with the Penticton Vees, before joining Cornell this season and repeating his near point-per-game pace as a freshman. Ryan’s smooth skating and deadly shot make him very dangerous offensively, particularly on the rush and on the man-advantage. As a playmaker, he’s more of a connector than a creator, he’ll move the puck quickly and decisively but doesn’t really search for lanes, preferring to shoot instead. Though he has good pace and agility at top speed, his acceleration remains an issue that will need some work before turning pro. Given his steep development curve, there may be a middle-six winger here if everything breaks right for Ryan. (Jamison Derksen)

Luka Radivojevic - Defense - Boston College

Given his diminutive 5’9” stature, it isn’t the biggest surprise that Radivojevic was passed over in his first year of draft-eligibility, but the high-IQ, offensive blueliner still offers pro upside. Ranked #83 in Mckeen’s 2025 NHL Draft Guide, Radivojevic is an elusive skater with above-average playmaking ability, but his size is a significant hurdle defensively. His move to Boston College from the USHL this season has been good as he’s been forced to add muscle to defend against older, stronger opponents. It remains to be seen if Radivojevic will be able to carve out an NHL career after plenty of hype as a 16 and 17-year-old that sort of petered out during his draft year. After averaging half a point per game in the USHL at 17 and the NCAA at 18, is there enough offense to compensate for his shortcomings? Maybe given some continuity he finds another gear offensively as a sophomore at Boston College, along with getting a proper opportunity on the power play after being buried behind senior captain Lukas Gustafsson this season. He might make it to the NHL as a PP2 QB, or his size may end up limiting him to an AHL career. (Jamison Derksen)

Tobias Pitka - Center - Northern Michigan

Standing tall at 6’4, Tobias Pitka has used his size well for a Northern Michigan team that definitely needed something after only winning three games. He is a true power forward with the ability to annoy the living daylights out of opponents, putting body and stick on his man to take them out of the play. Pitka is a solid skater, with good inside edges, and draws good balance and power from his skates, however, his pace has been quite slow outside of tight spaces. Sometimes his effort is frustrating, more so due to a slow acceleration and a lack of quick feet when chasing down an open man in space. Pitka really improved a ton in his last two years in the BCHL, nearly going point-per-game last season. This year, despite missing some time, he finished second in points with 12 on one of the worst teams in the NCAA. His offensive game is not the strongest, but Pitka gets results when placed in front of the net. He may not get drafted, but I can see him signing as an NCAA free agent in a couple of years. (Linc Zdancewicz)

Cooper Cleaves - D - Dartmouth

Cleaves is a 6’4” shutdown blueliner that jumped from the BCHL to the USHL midseason last year and was an NCAA freshman this season with Dartmouth. He is a smooth skater, even if he isn’t the fastest, and uses his size well. He is very effective at killing rushes by using his long reach and taking away time and space quickly. Cleaves also uses his large frame to suffocate opponents physically. Cleaves is pretty limited offensively, and needs to improve his decision-making with the puck at times, but it’s his play without the puck that will be his calling card as a pro. It will be interesting to see if his offensive game is able to develop next year with a new d-partner, as this year he was mainly paired with offensive-minded veteran CJ Foley, who took on the bulk of the puck moving duties, and at times it looked like Cleaves was just trying to stay out of the way when he had the puck. As a big, mobile, right-shot defender, he has plenty of tools to make it to the next level. With some slight improvement in footspeed Cleaves should be a solid defensive blueliner that has upside with further development. (Jamison Derksen)

John Parsons - Goaltender - Providence

Parsons, another double over-ager goalie, has been on an upward trajectory since his first year of eligibility. In 2023-24, he played with the NTDP, where he recorded an .864 SV% and 3.71 GAA across all 33 contests, including a .854 SV% and 4.13 GAA in 14 USHL games that season. With those poor numbers, he was passed on in the 2024 draft. The following season, he would join the Chicago Steel, where he played 35 games, with a .903 SV% and a 3.49 GAA, much better numbers, but on a team who finished last in their division. This season, he made the jump to the NCAA, playing for Providence College. He has found a ton of success there, recording a .923 SV% and 1.99 GAA in 18 contests. While Parsons has seen his statistical profile show great improvements over the years, one has to remember that Providence is a top-10 college hockey program in the nation this season. For Parsons, his calmness and composure in the crease is evident. He displays patience and keeps himself in position, square to shots, and angled up well, even when there’s chaos in front of him. He hardly ever panics. He has very refined movements and tracks pucks very well, allowing him to constantly position himself well against shooters. His size, at 6’4”, also gives him an advantage, as he takes away a lot of the net when he positions himself as well as he does. However, he lacks the lateral agility and explosive athleticism to make difficult saves. When playing behind the Steel, who finished bottom of their division, his numbers were not as sterling as they were in Providence this year. When challenged more, and with less defensive structure and success in front of him, issues arise. There’s still a very reliable goalie who makes all the saves he needs to make. That’s the foundation for a goalie who could crack an NHL roster and stick as a backup, so long as he continues to develop his game in the NCAA. (Kyle Pereira)

 

 

]]> https://www.mckeenshockey.com/nhl-blog/2026-nhl-draft-chances-part-usa-overage-draft-eligible-prospects/feed/ 0 2026 NHL DRAFT: SECOND CHANCES PART ONE – CANADA – Overage Draft Eligible Prospects https://www.mckeenshockey.com/nhl-blog/2026-nhl-draft-chances-part-canada-overage-draft-eligible-prospects/ https://www.mckeenshockey.com/nhl-blog/2026-nhl-draft-chances-part-canada-overage-draft-eligible-prospects/#respond Wed, 01 Apr 2026 12:37:36 +0000 https://www.mckeenshockey.com/?p=199020 Read More... from 2026 NHL DRAFT: SECOND CHANCES PART ONE – CANADA – Overage Draft Eligible Prospects

]]> In a normal year, scouting hockey is marred by imperfection. Every year high end players get skipped over at the NHL draft for various reasons. Maybe they suffered through injuries. Maybe their team struggled, and it prevented scouts from getting a good read on them. Maybe their team was too good, forcing them down the depth chart with limited minutes and exposure opportunities. Or...maybe they just were not good enough. But thankfully human development is nonlinear and therefore unpredictable. Teenage hockey players are far from a finished product on the ice as their games mature just as the rest of their body and mind does. That is why it is critical to track players as they move through their second and third years of draft eligibility (or fourth years of eligibility for some European players).

For those unfamiliar, North American players with birth dates from January 1st to September 15th, will be eligible for three NHL drafts. Players with birth dates from September 16th to December 31st, will be eligible for two NHL drafts. And for European players (in European leagues), extend that eligibility by one year in both cases. In the last decade, NHL scouts have increased the rate with which they are selecting “re-entry” candidates, or players previously passed over. Contract limits have made it critical for teams to spread out where they select players from, in addition to their age. This has made second- and third-year eligible U.S. and European based players especially attractive. Additionally, CHL players may now be deemed more “intriguing” because of the altered NCAA eligibility rules. NHL teams can draft overage players and retain their rights after they go to College for a few years, expanding their signing and development window. However, these players have had a lot of success in recent years too. Look around the league and you see these players everywhere. For example, Former Calgary Flames, now Utah Mammoth standout defender Mackenzie Weegar was one. Ottawa Senators standout forward Drake Batherson was one. So too was Winnipeg Jets starter Connor Hellebuyck.

Last year, ten “re-entry” candidates went in the top four rounds; Charlie Cerrato, Francesco Dell’Elce, Bryce Pickford, Kristian Epperson, Julius Sumpf, Trenten Bennett, Benjamin Rautianinen, Yegor Borikov, Caeden Herrington, and Zack Sharp. Cerrato was taken inside the Top 50. In our “second chances” article last year (Part 1): (Part 2): (Part 3): We wrote about nine of those ten. In total there were 37 taken, which is a bit lower than the recent trend of other drafts (roughly about 20% of all players selected). I would suspect that bounces back this year. Additionally, of those 37, we identified and wrote about 22 (well over half of them) in our aforementioned second chances series. Just like in previous editions of this annual report, we aim to identify more.

In 2026, we have some very interesting candidates. Edmonton Oil Kings defender Ethan MacKenzie was a solid contributor for Canada’s WJC team this past year. Brandon Wheat Kings forward Joby Baumuller has been among the WHL’s leading goal scorers all year. Prince Albert netminder Michal Orsulak has been among the best goaltenders in the CHL this year. Moncton winger Niko Tournas has been among the QMJHL’s leading goal scorers all year. Russian defenseman Alexander Sapozhinkov is a massive blueliner who has broken out in the MHL and earned a KHL look. This article intends to highlight them and many other candidates who could be part of that 20% this year.

This is part one of the series, putting the spotlight on those re-entries available from Canadian leagues.

OHL

Egor Barabanov of the Saginaw Spirit. Photo by Natalie Shaver/OHL Images

Egor Barabanov - Wing/Center - Saginaw Spirit

A common story among older draft-eligible players who go undrafted in their first year of eligibility is the need to find the right opportunity and given time to shape their game into the role they are best suited for. Often, simply being able to play consistent minutes in different situations allow players to both develop and attract attention from scouts. Egor Barabanov is a prime example of that this season. After spending his draft and draft-plus-one seasons in the USHL producing modest point totals, Barabanov quickly surpassed the combined production from those two years while playing with Saginaw in the OHL this season. Embracing the opportunity to play on the Spirit’s top line as a playmaker on a younger, highly skilled team, Barabanov has developed strong chemistry with his linemates, captain Dimian Zhilkin (2027 Draft Eligible) and current OHL points leader Nikita Klepov (2026 Draft eligible). Barabanov provides positional versatility, playing both the center position while also being effective when shifted up or down a lineup on the wing. Barabanov’s calling card is his playmaking ability with the puck. He has shown a strong ability to anticipate plays as they develop and capitalize on defensive mistakes. He times his passes well in space and generates scoring chances with purposeful passes. He is strong on his edges and uses his shiftiness to create space and open himself up to the play. Barabanov is also a high energy player who hunts down pucks and is aggressive in puck pursuit. However, Barabanov will need to improve his overall footspeed and pace, particularly his explosiveness in starts and stops. He will need to clean up his play in the defensive zone, particularly by improving his awareness of defensive assignments and identifying the correct coverage. Becoming more aggressive with box-outs and tie-ups. Being a centerman, developing a habit of consistently playing above the puck will be key to reducing scoring chances against. Barabonov possesses the offensive tools to project as a bottom-six winger, he still has areas of his game that require more work to fully fit that role. (Liam Staples)

Alex Kostov - Center/Wing - Flint Firebirds

Kostov has been enjoying a career year in his fourth OHL season. He has been a key contributor to the Firebirds’ success, setting a new career high in points and surpassing the 20-goal mark. He has been sidelined since the end of January recovering from an upper-body injury. Kostov attended the Nashville Predators prospect camp last fall, appearing in two games during the team’s NHL prospect tournament. Kostov plays a power-forward style, and at 6’4”, 208 pounds, he understands how to use his size effectively. He does not shy away from physical play — rather, he embraces it. He’s also an excellent athlete who has worked hard to become an above average skater for the OHL level. Flint has found success pairing him with natural goal scorers, as his ability to win puck battles and use his frame to protect possession allows him to distribute the puck effectively to his linemates. Kostov plays responsibly in his own end, forcing more than three turnovers per game in the defensive zone. He utilizes a hard, active stick to disrupt opponents on the rush and uses his length to strip the puck. A healthy return from Kostov in the playoffs would be a significant boost for the Firebirds, as he provides the size and grit needed for a deep run. At the pro level, Kostov projects as a bottom-six winger who brings energy through his physicality and high compete level. He excels in puck battles, plays responsibly at both ends of the ice, and focuses on doing the small details well — winning possession and getting the puck to his team’s primary scorers. (Liam Staples)

Carson Woodall - Defense - Windsor Spitfires

Originally selected in the 10th round of the 2022 OHL Draft by his hometown team, Windsor Spitfires, Woodall has shown continuous growth as a player since getting drafted into the OHL and has certainly earned his spot as a top re-entry candidate in the 2026 NHL Draft. Since becoming an OHL regular the Belle River, Ontario native has steadily elevated his play, seeing his point production increase each year. Now in his fourth season in the league, Woodall leads all OHL defencemen in assists and has firmly established himself as the Spitfires’ number-one defenceman. Woodall is a mobile, puck-moving defenceman who brings a reliable two-way game. He is capable of creating plays through his skating ability and vision on the ice. He is not hesitant to activate off the rush, he is smooth walking the blueline and showed flashes of scoring from distance. Woodall is committed to Boston College for the 2026–27 season. An important aspect of his continued development will be maintaining consistency in his overall game and finding ways to remain a dependable option in the lineup. As a smaller defenceman, listed at 5’11”, 179 pounds, who does not rely heavily on physicality, Woodall must consistently lean on his skating and puck-moving ability to make plays and impact the game. If his development to this point is any indication, it suggests his strong commitment to improving and refining his game could make him a valuable signing as a potential bottom-pair, puck-moving defenceman at the pro level. (Liam Staples)

Cooper Dennis - Wing - Brantford Bulldogs

2025-26 has been a massive coming-out party for Dennis. He’s blown his production with Dubuque last year out of the water, approaching 80 points in the OHL this year. He’s bounced around the lineup, adapting well and driving play with a variety of teammates. Dennis possesses an incredible shot, able to beat OHL goaltenders from distance with his hard wrister. His playmaking game isn’t quite as efficient as other playmakers in this article, as Dennis primarily relies on a burst of speed down the wing to swing pucks across the crease. He’s still a creative player, but after seeing his pass selection, I wouldn’t describe him as a calculated and intentional playmaker. Cooper’s edgework and shiftiness allow him to maneuver the offensive zone, and his straight-line speed makes him a threat off the rush, where he’s displayed high-end finishing skills. He very clearly knows what he wants to execute on the breakaway, finishing his dekes with conviction. However, the elephant in the room is his size. At 5’6 there will be many obstacles in his way regarding his success in puck battles, puck possession while being contacted, and defensive effectiveness. His skill and agility still make him worth a pick in the later rounds, projecting as a skilled middle-sixer, but it will be interesting to see if an NHL team gives him a shot. (Kaeden Ireland)

Tristan Delisle - Center - Owen Sound Attack

Delisle got off to a blazing hot start with the Attack; he was among the league’s leading scorers through the first couple months. Then, like the rest of the Attack, he went ice cold for a huge stretch. Now, he’s hitting the scoresheet again to close out the year. Delisle was draft eligible last year and was a useful role player for the Attack following the Colby Barlow deal. However, his game just didn’t have enough projectability. He’s a detail oriented two-way pivot, but he was average sized, average in terms of skill, and average in terms of skating ability. Thus, NHL teams shied away. This year, he’s shown much more offensively. He’s still average in terms of size, but he’s improved his quickness and he’s become way more confident with the puck. He’s been very dangerous in the home plate area, hunting second chance opportunities and showcasing a quick release. He’s still a strong two-way presence too and he’s been one of the OHL’s best faceoff men this year. So has the improved on puck play improved his projection in the eyes of NHL scouts? They may want to see improved consistency from him, but he’s tracking the same way a guy like Chris Tierney did in his OHL career. (Brock Otten)

Jasper Kuhta - Center - Ottawa 67’s

Jasper Kuhta has put together a very strong DY+1 with the Ottawa 67s, leading the team in goals and finishing 2nd in points for Finland’s World Junior Championship team. His best feature is his shot, blending consistently great power and strong accuracy on his one-timer and wrister.

​Last year, Jasper played overseas, and while his assist numbers look flat in the transition to the OHL, he’s clearly taken leaps in his playmaking abilities. Kuhta was always a dangerous threat below the goal line, but he has implemented the same killer passing vision in all areas of the offensive zone. He delivers precise passes to the doorstep and is able to consistently execute no-look feeds to freeze defenders. Kuhta is hitting harder and showing more intensity in puck battles than he did in Finland, although in some games the bursts are fleeting. He’s using his physical tools more effectively, and with some improvements to his skating, he projects as a 3rd-line forward. Jasper is my top-ranked overager in the OHL this year, and I believe his offensive tools and newfound confidence with the puck will make him a welcome feature on a team’s power play. I could see some value in taking him in the top 100. (Kaeden Ireland)

Dryden Allen - Defense - Flint Firebirds

At one point in time, Allen was considered one of the top 2007 born defenders in Ontario, however after he elected to head south of the border to the USHL, some of that hype died down and Allen went unselected last year. Now in the OHL playing a key role for the Flint Firebirds, Allen may have put himself back on the draft radar. Let’s not discount that he was one of the youngest players eligible last year too. Lots of physical development left. Allen plays a heady and mature two-way game from the blueline. He’s a calming presence on the back-end who can kickstart the breakout and excel in a defensive role. He’s not a high skill player. As he moves up the ladder, don’t expect significant offensive production. However, he’s a no nonsense defensive player with good four way mobility. That bodes well for his ability to continue to play that role as he moves to Michigan State soon. Have to wonder if NHL teams are eyeing him in the later rounds this year in hopes that he could develop into a modern day shutdown type. (Brock Otten)

Ben Hrebik - Goaltender - Barrie Colts

There was definitely some prevailing thought that Hrebik would be taken last year after a strong rookie season in the OHL with Barrie. We ended up ranking him 170th for 2025. However, a very poor end to the year, including a bad postseason showing, really cast shadows of doubt over his projection. This year, he’s rebounded incredibly well and has been remarkably consistent for a Barrie team with OHL Championship aspirations. The key for Hrebik will be finishing the year on a high note, including the playoffs. He’s got that size and athleticism package. He’s lightning quick in the crease and he’s worked hard to refine his movements to make himself more consistent. If he has a strong playoffs for the Colts, I’d be shocked if he goes unselected again. There’s too much to like and too much to work with. (Brock Otten)

Matthew Minchak - Goaltender - Kingston Frontenacs

What a find Minchak has been for the Frontenacs; a free agent signing out of the U.S. AAA loop (with the Pittsburgh Penguins elite program). He’s largely been a rock for them and kept them in so many games that they didn’t deserve to be in. And while the Fronts still face an uphill playoff battle, they’re not a plus .500 team without him…even if he’s looking a bit tired to close out the OHL season. Minchak reminds me a lot of watching former Soo Greyhound Matt Murray in the crease. Long and lanky. Solid play tracker. But just needs to bulk up to add more power in his pushes and help him squeeze pucks and close holes. He can get trapped deep in his net occasionally. However, Minchak very much deserves to be an NHL pick this June. I’d love to see him back in the OHL for another year, delaying his commitment to Colgate. (Brock Otten)

Sebastian Gatto - Goaltender - London Knights

Gatto has come into London and completely stolen the show from top Canucks draft pick Alexei Medvedev. There’s absolutely no question as to which goaltender has been better this year and it’s why I’d expect Gatto to be the starter for the playoffs. We actually had Gatto on our draft list in 2024 when he had a terrific year for Leamington (187th overall), so his breakout doesn’t come as a shock to us; we knew he had it in him. He’s big. He’s athletic. He controls the play and is composed/consistent. A Dartmouth commit, if he doesn’t get a look from NHL teams this time around, expect him to be an NCAA standout at some point, eventually placing him on the NHL free agent signing radar. (Brock Otten)

Shaan Kingwell - Wing - Ottawa 67’s

Shaan Kingwell played just eleven OHL games in his draft year with the Ottawa 67s, putting up big numbers with the Navan Grads. After earning a full-time role with Ottawa for the 2025-26 season, Kingwell has been a core piece of the 67s’ middle-six dominance. He sits on pace for 35+ points in around 60 games, respectable results considering his role in the offense is pretty limited. Kingwell’s bread and butter is his off-puck play. He finds ways to get under opponents’ skin constantly, feeding crosschecks and slashes to players on the opposite team who aren’t involved in the play. Kingwell has an active stick and defends well, batting away passes consistently, as well as disrupting the flow of the opposing teams' offense with well-timed activations, picking off opponents, and turning the puck up ice. He isn’t the largest or strongest guy and can be knocked off the puck quite often, but he has the ability to hold onto the puck until the last second possible to find an escape option. Kingwell isn’t a creative playmaker, opting for high percentage reads and maintaining the cycle. Kingwell projects as a bottom-six forward at the next level and will need a good stint within a team’s system after turning pro. He heads off to Princeton University next year, where he will need to pack on some muscle and develop his skating further. (Kaeden Ireland)

Parker Von Richter - Defense - Barrie Colts

It’s been a really nice breakout year for Von Richter as he has emerged as one of the OHL’s elite two-way defenders. This has also helped him secure a scholarship from the University of New Hampshire. He’s worked hard the last two years to improve his mobility and his decision making with the puck. He can still be prone to some mistakes with the puck in the defensive zone, but he’s become a very reliable option inside the opposing blueline. He does a great job getting shots through traffic; he has a quick little half slapper that he loves to use. He shows poise walking the line and has been aggressive in jumping up in the play or leading the rush. Of course, he’s still a physical defender who likes to take away space and who possesses a high IQ in his own end. He was named as one of the top defensive defenders in the OHL Coaches Poll. Just as I was when he was originally draft eligible, I’m a bit skeptical of his NHL projection given the average size/physical tools, but he’s developed very well and could be on the radar of NHL teams because of that. (Brock Otten)

Andre Mondoux - Defense - Kingston Frontenacs

Power is the name of the game here. Mondoux is a big bodied defender (6’4, 200+lbs) who has been terrific for the Frontenacs this year in a defensive role as an OHL rookie. The Notre Dame commit is a tough competitor. He closes gaps quickly and hard. He’s also very aggressive physically below the goal line, almost always initiating contact to help him secure possession or separate a man from the puck. Sometimes he gets out of position defensively from chasing the big hit, but his recovery ability thanks to his length and good mobility is solid. NHL teams are going to love the impact he has at shutting down the transition game of the opposition with his length, solid feet, and physical approach. Offensively, he shows flashes of higher upside and I do wonder if that part of his game could grow further in the NCAA over a few years. Even if it doesn’t, he has some intriguing athletic qualities that could make him a solid depth piece. (Brock Otten)

Ben Wilmott - Center/Wing - Barrie Colts

Ben Willmott joined London after coming over from two years in the USHL and put up strong numbers before earning a trade to the powerhouse Barrie Colts. The witty forward brings an effective 200-foot game and offensive upside in a bottom-six role. His playmaking is the focal point of his offensive game. Ben is great at finding tight windows through defenders and executes his passes to the netfront at a high level. He finds success working down the wall and below the goalline. His shot has been equally as dangerous down the stretch of the OHL season, scoring goals with his snappy wrister and ability to get on rebounds quickly. With the puck, Wilmott loves to pass against the grain, whether it’s net front feeds from behind the net or in transition with a give-and-go.On the forecheck, Wilmott bounces from opponent to opponent, pressuring the breakout and forcing turnovers. This year, he looks a bit lighter on his feet and keeps active on the forecheck more so than last year. He’s a bit on the smaller end to be super effective in this role at the next level, but still engages physically and uses his strong feel for the game to cut off passing lanes. Wilmott should be on NHL teams’ radars for the upcoming draft somewhere outside the top 150. I’m fairly sure an NHL squad will take a shot on him as he heads off to continue his development at Ohio State. (Kaeden Ireland)

Stepan Shurygin - Goaltender - Saginaw Spirit

The best word to describe Shurygin is raw. He has such outstanding moments. The size and athleticism package is for real. He’s lightning quick and agile; he covers his posts well and is never out of the play. He truly can take over games with his ability to make big saves. But, consistency has been a major issue. Not just because he’s playing for a poor defensive team. But, because he’s technically a bit of a mess. He can give up his share of softies and he can spiral a bit once he starts bleeding a few goals. He needs to clean up his rebound control and refine his movement to ensure that he’s not out of position. However, he was one of the youngest players eligible last year when he was passed over. NHL teams may look at his athletic profile and see him as a bit of a blank canvas who can be transformed into an NHL goaltending asset. He’s a long term project, but he does have upside. (Brock Otten)

Jeremy Martin - Wing - Soo Greyhounds

Martin fit in exceptionally well in Sault Ste. Marie following a trade with Flint, developing chemistry with Marco Mignosa and Brady Martin (when he’s been on the ice). He’s a former highly touted prospect in Ontario who had a disappointing draft year with the Firebirds last season. However, he’s bounced back nicely this year and is starting to fulfill his upside as an aggressive power winger who can put the puck in the net. Martin is at his best attacking North/South, using his speed to beat defenders to the net and to apply pressure in puck pursuit. However, he’s also a skilled goal scorer who can find soft spots in coverage and beat goaltenders cleanly with a heavy wrister or snapshot. He’s found some success playing the bumper on the Soo powerplay because of this. NHL scouts are going to have their eye on him this OHL playoffs as he is the kind of guy who could have a lot of success in the postseason. (Brock Otten)

WHL

Lukas Sawychn. Photo courtesy of Edmonton Oil Kings.

Lukas Sawychn - Wing - Edmonton Oil Kings

In his second season in the WHL, Lukas Sawchyn has taken his offensive skill game to the next level. His puck handling and shifty skating make him a handful for defenders across the league. Sawchyn’s game is about creating openings in the offensive zone with the puck. He can do almost anything with the puck on his stick and will skate east/west in the zone, coming off of the wall with the puck into the slot for passes or shots. He will drive into the zone carrying the puck with good speed, and then slow down the play to allow himself and his linemates to get into position for scoring chances. Without the puck, he will drive to the slot, get into shooting lanes for one-timers, or look to be a passing option on the back door. Sawchyn will struggle at higher levels for a few reasons. His sub-six foot size will likely always be an issue and despite carrying good weight on his frame, he’s not very strong and gets knocked off the puck frequently. He also develops tunnel vision at times and tries to do it all by himself. His defensive details need a lot of work and his offensive skills aren’t at a high enough level for him to be sheltered on a pro team as a strictly offensive player. He’s a boom or bust prospect. (Adam Tate)

Jonas Woo - Defense - Medicine Hat Tigers

If you're looking for excitement, Jonas Woo is your guy. The obvious knock on Woo is his size, but the 5’10” 181lbs defenceman doesn't let that stop him. He is more than willing to throw big hits and engage physically despite almost always being the one giving up some size in the battle. This season has really been an offensive explosion for Woo. He currently sits at 29 goals and 87 points, which is almost double his previous WHL career high of 43 points. He is very deceptive with the puck and has the speed and skill to beat defenders one on one and he has the ability to beat goalies with his shot. He is committed to Arizona State for the 2026-27 season which I believe will help his development substantially. Instead of being forced into pro hockey, it gives him the opportunity to continue to grow his game in college. With the right development he could potentially play a bottom pair role one day in the NHL and some 2nd power play time, but the most likely scenario for him would be a player who spends time in the AHL with the ability to jump into the NHL when needed. (Mika Burns)

Matias Vanhanen - Wing - Everett Silvertips

Mattias Vanhanen has found a nice home on the Everett Silvertips roster, playing on their top forward line alongside Carter Bear and Julius Miettinen. Not only does he lead the WHL’s top team in points, but he sits second in the entire league in assists while averaging more than one per game. Based off those two stats, it goes without question that his playmaking and vision are the biggest strengths of his game. He’s a skilled, detailed play connector that can thread passes through layers of defensive coverage with acute timing and precision. He’s become one of the league’s best at moving pucks from the boards to the slot. However, Vanhanen will need to add other dimensions to his game to become a successful professional. While his playmaking is apparent, improving his shot would make more of a threat in the offensive zone and eradicate concerns about him playing a little too one-dimensional. He’s also an undersized player who doesn’t operate with the highest pace or compete level, and he’s not a very physical player. He could fit somewhere as a middle-six play connector at the professional level, but players of this archetype make for tougher projections. (Kyle Dalla Zanna)

Joby Baumuller - Wing - Brandon Wheat Kings

On pace to double his point total from last season, Baumuller is a player who has certainly turned a few heads in the WHL this season. For a sub 6ft player, he has a good level of physicality to his game allowing him to be very effective in a checking role while maintaining his ability to contribute in offence as well. His main offensive weapon is certainly his shot. He has a very heavy shot and a quick release that allows him to be a scoring threat from many different areas on the ice. He has been given a higher offensive role in Brandon this season after they lost Roger McQueen to the NCAA, and Baumuller has taken it in stride. Currently on pace to end the year with 40 goals, he has already doubled his 18 goal total from last season. What many like about Baumuller is that he has other tools that he can use to remain effective if his offence doesn’t translate to the next level. He is more than capable of playing a bottom six checking role and providing energy to his team. (Mika Burns)

Brock Souch - Wing - Prince George Cougars

Coming into the WHL this season from the BCHL, Souch hasn’t skipped a beat and has become an important player for the Prince George Cougars right away. With 71 points in 64 games, Souch has been a key offensive contributor for the Cougars and has been a reliable player in his own zone as well. He isn’t a physical player by any means but he doesn’t shy away from physical contact and has a willingness to engage when he needs to. If he can add some size and strength when he makes the transition to pro hockey, it will go a long way in him staying effective. His skating is something that stands out at this level. He is able to use his speed very effectively and beat defenders wide on the rush. He has good ability with the puck and creates chances for his teammates. (Mika Burns)

Luke Cozens - Wing - Medicine Hat Tigers

Anytime you see the last name of a current or former NHL player, you naturally take a second look. Luke is the brother of former 7th overall pick and current Ottawa Senator, Dylan Cozens. When it comes to players with NHL bloodlines, the reason it can be very beneficial is just by being around someone who has reached the highest level. It doesn’t always pan out, but being able to train with and get advice from someone in the NHL can certainly be an advantage. Being a double re-entry player, Cozens is probably unlikely to get drafted this year but scouts couldn't help but notice the start to the season he had with the Lethbridge Hurricanes. He started out at an electric offensive pace which is something that he didn’t show in his first two seasons in the WHL and caught the eye of many. He was over a point per game pace with the Hurricanes but his offensive production has slowed since being traded to the Medicine Hat Tigers in January. If he wants to be effective at the next level, he will need to continue the development path that he has been on this season. (Mika Burns)

Ethan MacKenzie - Defense - Edmonton Oil Kings

MacKenzie’s draft season was mostly lost to injury, playing only 26 games, and he slipped off of scouts' radars. His draft +1 season didn’t go as well as hoped and he didn’t seem to progress as much as expected. This season, his draft +2 year, he’s put everything together and is one of the most impactful defencemen in the WHL. MacKenzie plays a two-way game, and joins the rush with regularity. His offence has improved greatly and he’s more patient with the puck in all three zones. He creates space for his teammates by carrying the puck, looking to exploit weakness in the opposing team’s positioning. Defensively he has always been a battler and his improved skating has led to better gap play defending the rush. He’s able to get to loose pucks faster and he uses his foot speed to skate pucks out of his zone. He can also stretch passes to his teammates. MacKenzie is a high energy player who lacks elite standout traits but is very good at all aspects of the game. He is a bit smaller for a defenceman but is a physical player nonetheless. The lack of size and standout traits might have his ceiling likely limited to a bottom pairing defenceman at the top level of the game. (Adam Tate)

Savin Virk - Wing - Tri-City Americans

Virk has been about as consistent as can be since joining the Tri-City Americans midway through the 2024-25 season. Even though the team as a whole has struggled offensively during that span he has found a way to show up on the score sheet most games, and he comfortably led his club in points this year. Virk is a clever, opportunistic winger. The puck finds him a lot in the offensive zone because he reads and anticipates the play at a high level, and because he has a knack for going unnoticed in coverage. And when he does get a good look in a dangerous spot he doesn't need much time to know what to do, with quick-strike ability as both a playmaker and a shooter. His shots don't scream off his stick, but he places them with deadly accuracy. The big question with him, though, revolves around how translatable his style and approach actually are to the professional levels. His skating and pace are lackluster, he doesn't drive a ton of play himself, and his defensive impact is negligible. NHL teams are probably keeping tabs on Virk, but they might view him more as a potential free agent signing after he's done college than someone worth spending a draft pick on. (Derek Neumeier)

Landon McFadden - Wing - Moose Jaw Warriors

Sometimes a bad situation can provide an ideal opportunity for an underdog prospect who is booking to make a name for himself. That’s been the case this season with McFadden, who was an afterthought for scouts in his first year of draft eligibility in 2025 but who has since taken a massive leap forward in his development as a member of the moribund Moose Jaw Warriors. He more than quadrupled his points output from the previous campaign, including eclipsing the 30-goal plateau, and as of this writing he’s also the leading scorer for his entire team. McFadden is slippery and elusive offensively. He’s more quick than he is outright fast, and that applies to his hands and his mind as well as his feet. He’s very decisive with his puck touches, and rarely makes the wrong read. These are all essential traits for him, because he is worryingly small and slight, making it easy for opposing defenders to neutralize him once they’ve taken away his space. At this point in time McFadden hasn’t committed to a college program, but he would be very wise to do so, to ensure that he can make the necessary gains with his physical development. (Derek Neumeier)

Josh Evaschesen - Wing/Center - Kamloops Blazers

In his final year of draft eligibility, Josh Evaschesen has made quite a name for himself in his first WHL season. The Kamloops Blazers forward has held a position in their top-six and brings a lot of versatility with his ability to play down the middle or on the wing while being a contributor on both special teams units. Evaschesen is one of four 30-goal scorers on the Blazers and is producing north of a point-per game this season, which is impressive considering he was scoring at less than half of that rate during his previous season in the BCHL. Evaschesen’s shot is one of his biggest strengths. He’s got a quick release off the catch and in-stride and can shoot through defenders off the rush. His two-way game is also sound for this level, and he supports breakouts well. He finishes checks, wins battles, and isn’t afraid to fight for positioning around the net front. At 6’2, he has the size that appeals to NHL teams. Adding another gear to his skating and improving his puck skills will be key to contributing more at higher levels, but there’s a potential bottom-six player here. Evaschesen will continue his hockey career with RPI next season. (Kyle Dalla Zanna)

Yaroslav Bryzgalov - Wing - Medicine Hat Tigers

Yaroslav Bryzgalov brings an intriguing combination of physical and playmaking details that could really entice NHL teams in his second year of eligibility. After playing in the USHL the previous season, the 6’4” Belarusian winger is currently slotted in a top-six role on the Medicine Hat Tigers, one of the WHL’s deepest teams. In addition to delivering heavy hits, Bryzgalov leverages his size and physical skills in all situations. He’s relentless in puck pursuits, using his range to win body positioning on puck battles and apply pressure on the forecheck. He’s also very effective at moving pucks off the wall, whether it’s by using his strength to power his way through contact and attack the middle. He’s also one of the more detailed playmakers in the draft, constantly finding lanes through defensive triangles or finding seams to connect passes from the boards to the slot. Skating will need to improve to be a bigger factor at higher levels. While he's good on his edges and uses them to evade pressure in tight areas, he lacks that second gear in his north-south skating, which hinders his speed when he’s on the attack. With his unique toolkit, Bryzgalov projects as a third-line player who is the first guy into the zone doing the dirty work down low to recover pucks, but his detail-oriented connective game could enable him to play higher up a professional lineup with more offensive players. He is committed to Merrimack College for next season. (Kyle Dalla Zanna)

Timofei Runtso - Defense - Victoria Royals

Timofei Runtso has put himself in good position to be one of the first re-entry picks drafted out of the WHL. After playing his draft year in the NAHL, he has emerged as the top defenceman on the Victoria Royals this season after their star blueliner Keaton Verhoeff departed for the NCAA. Ranked as an honourable mention in our latest Top-64 ranking, Runtso is an exciting defender who plays at his best inside the offensive zone. He can command play from the blueline but also has a knack for jumping down the walls or activating down the middle to create opportunities for himself and teammates. He blends skill and deception to shake pressure and has a great eye for finding cross-ice seams and passing lanes. His feet aren’t quite up to par with other prototypical blueliners that push the same high-octane offensive game, but he still moves around the zone well enough to make things happen. Defensively, Runtso remains a work in progress. While he has tightened up his play over the season, he tends to be quite static against the rush, as he concedes the middle too easily on zone entries and misses opportunities to step up and seal attackers down the walls. He can kill plays with well-timed stickwork, but will need to work on his agility, positioning, and physicality to be a more effective defender against tougher competition. Runtso could be a middle-pair defender who could quarterback a power play if everything breaks right for him and he’s able to reach his ceiling. He’s committed to play NCAA next season with Miami University. (Kyle Dalla Zanna)

Dmitri Yakutsenak - Wing/Center - Prince George Cougars

After playing his first season of draft eligibility in Russia’s junior hockey circuit, Dmitri Yakutsenak crossed over to North America and became a mainstay on the Prince George Cougars’ top-six. Currently situated on their top line alongside Brock Souch and Washington Capitals first-rounder Terik Parascak, Yakutsenak plays more of a supporting role. He gets pucks in deep and engages in the corners and along the end boards. He’s got decent playmaking ability and a strong release, and currently occupies the bumper spot on the Cougars PP. Yakutsenak can play both centre and wing, which gives a team flexibility to move him around in their lineup. However, it’s tough to envision what his projection will be, as he lacks any standout traits and characteristics to establish an identity. Even as 6’1 200-pound forward, Yakutsenak has a pretty lanky frame and could afford to add more aggression to play a checking role effectively at higher levels. He could pan out as a bottom-six forward at the professional level. (Kyle Dalla Zanna)

Connor Schmidt - Defense - Moose Jaw Warriors

It has been a difficult couple of seasons for Schmidt, after what looked like a promising start to his career. He was a 1st-round pick (14th overall) in the 2022 WHL draft, and as a 16-year-old he was part of Moose Jaw’s championship-winning team in 2024 (albeit as their seventh defenseman). The Warriors have struggled ever since then, however, and it’s fair to assume that the challenges of his environment had a negative impact on his draft stock and his development. On paper, there are undeniably some things to really like about his game, especially as a right-shot defender. He’s a smooth and agile skater who can explode into space and turn opponents. He’s dangerous with the puck one-on-one, and his goal-scoring ability is well above average for a blueliner of his age. His game has some bite in it at times. And while his actual numbers aren’t overly encouraging, it’s easy to believe that they would have been much better if he played on a roster where he was surrounded with more talent. The best-case scenario for Schmidt’s long-term development is pretty enticing, so a team could be handsomely rewarded if they grab him with a late-round pick and things break just right for him. (Derek Neumeier)

Andrew O’Neill - Center - Edmonton Oil Kings

Moving from the USNTDP program to the WHL this season, O’Neill joined the Oil Kings and immediately filled a team need for a right-handed centre with size. As the season progressed the team has used him as a key component in the bottom six of their lineup, as well as both penalty kill and second unit power play situations. O’Neill’s a bigger forward who skates well for his size. His acceleration is better than expected and he surprises opposition players with his ability to get to areas of the ice quickly. That short area speed helps to make him an effective penalty killer and he defends space well. He also uses that speed, along with an active stick, to create counter attacks on the penalty kill, stealing pucks from point men and sprinting down the ice on breakaways. In the offensive zone he’s an effective forechecker, getting to defencemen along the end boards quickly. Once there, he’s more than willing to finish defenders with hits. The weaker areas of O’Neill’s game are in his offensive play. He has a good wrist shot but it’s not always accurate. He lacks offensive creativity and is a north/south skater who doesn’t handle the puck all that well. His lack of offensive skill likely makes him a fourth line energy forward with penalty kill utility at the pro level. (Adam Tate)

Kayd Ruedig - Defense - Everett Silvertips

Someone who jumped onto my radar early on this season was Kayd Reudig. Starting the year in Portland before being traded 10 games in, he really started to catch my eye while he was playing for the Kamloops Blazers. He was the quarterback on a very effective powerplay and it was impossible not to notice some of the offensive ability that Ruedig has. His skating immediately jumped off the page to me as his main strength on the ice, he is a very smooth skater that is able to be shifty with the puck as well as retrieve pucks effectively under forechecking pressure. He also sees the game well and is able to find lanes and make plays that many defencemen at this level can’t. His defensive zone isn’t a liability, but it will need some improvement as the competition gets better at the next level. Gaining more strength will be key for Ruedig and allow him to win more of those battles in the defensive zone and start the offence going the other way. (Mika Burns)

Tobias Tvrznik - Goaltender - Wenatchee Wild

Tvrznik made a huge statement in his WHL debut (and North American debut) by turning away 60 of 63 shots that he faced, and in the six months since then he has more than proved that his opening-night performance for Wenatchee wasn't a mere fluke. The Czech import has seen a mountain of additional rubber since then (11 games of 40 shots or more, and an average of roughly 35 per game), yet he has managed to remain remarkably consistent and efficient, earning him a lot of praise and respect among scouts. In many ways Tvrznik already looks the part of an NHL goaltender: he has filled out most of his 6-foot-4 frame, he wears pretty large equipment, and like many of the world's top netminders, he utilizes a straightforward and square blocking technique that lets his size do most of the work and doesn't burn up a lot of energy. Like all teenage goalies there are still things that he needs to work on — namely, his lateral movement and ability to reset to face secondary chances — but he has a better and sturdier foundation in place compared to almost all of his peers. Tvrznik could get picked pretty high in the 2026 draft because he checks off a lot of important boxes that teams look for in a goalie. (Derek Neumeier)

Michal Orsulak - Goaltender - Prince Albert Raiders

Orsulak’s play for various Czechian national teams until this season has been spotty and may have contributed somewhat to his being passed over in last year’s NHL Draft. There can be a bit of an overreliance on judging goaltenders based on their play in these tournaments. What scouts saw was a goaltender who struggled with puck tracking and played smaller than his 6’2” frame, often going down into the butterfly too early and exposing more of the net than he should. Orsulak joined the WHL this season, and while he’s in a good situation with a good team, his play has also been a strong contributor to Prince Albert’s record. There has been clear improvement in his ability to read plays and track the puck. His play reading, patience, and anticipation, has him staying on his skates longer and he doesn’t go into the butterfly as quickly as he used to. His positioning has also improved with better play reading, which in turn has helped his rebound control. His skating has always been good and he moves well for a larger goaltender. At this point, it wouldn’t be surprising to see Orsulak develop into an AHL starter with a good chance of being an NHL backup. (Adam Tate)

Kadon McCann - Center - Medicine Hat Tigers

McCann isn't the type of player whose counting stats will jump off the page at you, but that's okay, because that's not where the strength of his game lies. He’s a shutdown center first and foremost, specializing in killing penalties and handling important defensive matchups. Playing on the powerhouse Medicine Hat Tigers has usually kept him lower in their lineup, though that’s not a bad thing, because it’s helping train him for the kind of role that could be his calling card for playing in the NHL one day. McCann certainly has the right tools for the type of job that he does. He’s fairly big and fairly strong, with a willingness to get his hands dirty and stick up for teammates. He moves around the ice reasonably well. He’s reliable in the faceoff dot, taking lots of draws on the season and winning more than half of them. And don’t look now, but he’s even scored over 20 goals, primarily because he plays hard and battles to get to the net in the offensive zone. There really isn’t a lot else to say or write about McCann because he’s such a straightforward player, but that won’t stop NHL scouts from finding him appealing to some degree. (Derek Neumeier)

Keets Fawcett - Wing - Regina Pats

Fawcett put himself on the radar of scouts with an impressive debut as a WHL rookie with the Calgary Hitmen in 2023-24, but didn't quite do enough to actually get himself drafted. He then got off to a slow start the following year, and a mid-season trade to the rebuilding Regina Pats made the situation worse, not better. Things were starting to look dire for his NHL chances, but the arrival of two budding young superstars in Maddox Schultz and Liam Pue has revitalized the entire Pats roster, with Fawcett being the biggest individual benefactor. The newly-20-year-old winger is legitimately dangerous, and sometimes even electrifying, when the puck is on his stick. He oozes confidence and vision offensively. He's pacey and can make plays with the puck at full speed, but he's also very adept at abruptly stopping up and slowing things down to create different options for himself. While he is a little lacking in terms of size and strength, he makes up for it by playing with a lot of intensity and focus. Fawcett is committed to Bowling Green University for next season, where he will have a great opportunity to claim a scoring-line role and continue his offensive development. (Derek Neumeier)

Matyas Man - Defense - Prince Albert Raiders

A big change of scenery can sometimes do wonders for a prospect's draft stock, and Man is a great example of that. After going unselected in back-to-back seasons playing in his hometown of Ostrava, Czechia, he made the decision to travel roughly 7,400 kilometers to Prince Albert to join the WHL's Raiders, a choice that is already paying dividends for him. Not only did the switch help him play his way onto his nation's World Juniors roster, his current club is primed for a deep playoff run, with both situations putting him in the sightlines of more scouts than ever before. Man is something of a throwback defenseman. He's tall and menacing, with no qualms about using those natural gifts to his advantage. His approach is all about disrupting opposing players as much as possible in his defensive zone, whether that’s getting his stick on pucks using his long reach, or using his hulking frame to block shots or wrestle opponents away from scoring areas. Crucially, his skating and puck-moving abilities are adequate for a guy of his size and style — definitely not great, but not so bad that they’re a serious liability. Man wouldn’t ever be anything more than a bottom-pairing defender at the NHL level, but he has a realistic chance of reaching that point. (Derek Neumeier)

QMJHL

#86 Niko Tournas (blue). Photo by Josie Steeves/Moncton Wildcats

Niko Tournas - Wing - Moncton Wildcats

Tournas is an overage winger whose path to the draft has been unconventional but increasingly promising. After a quiet stint in the USHL, he found his footing with a strong season in the NAHL, earning renewed attention. A smart pickup by Moncton Wildcats, he rewarded that opportunity by finishing sixth in league goal scoring, validating the organization’s belief in his late-blooming potential. He offers an appealing blend of size, skating, and scoring touch. Tournas protects the puck well, finds soft spots in coverage, and consistently positions himself as a shooting option. His stride is powerful and deceptive, enabling quick speed generation, and his shot is notable for his velocity, accuracy, and release. He excels on the power play from the half wall and contributes across all three zones, using reach and physicality to disrupt plays. His offensive habits—quick puck movement, cycling, and net-front presence—furthers enhance his value. Areas for improvement include inconsistent pace and effort during shifts, and defensive positioning that needs some refining. While his ultimate outcome is uncertain, he projects as a potential middle-six winger with power-play usage. Tournas is likely to be drafted in the mid-rounds, and even if not, he has a toolkit that should earn him a signing or camp invite. (Joey Fortin Boulay)

Philippe Veilleux - Wing - Val-d'Or Foreurs

Philippe Veilleux has taken big steps in his development since last season. After being passed up in the draft by NHL teams, the skilled winger is not only leading his team by almost 30 points this season, but is also currently second in the entire league with 95 points. Only turning 19 in late March, we have seen Veilleux take his offensive skill set to a next level. He has been showing great poise with the puck and seems in full control of the game at the QMJHL level, timing passes perfectly as his opponents commit with their stick. His shot has also been finding the back of the net all season, with most of his goals coming from precise shots in the slot rather than deflections or rebounds. Veilleux has always been an agile skater, using edges to display his fluidity, but the overall pace of his game has always been limited. While it has gotten better this year, he will still need to improve in this area in order to potentially reach the NHL level one day. (Jeremi Plourde)

Nathan Lecompte - Center - Chicoutimi Saguenéens

Nathan Lecompte has been one of the many offensive forces playing for Chicoutimi, the league leaders in goals. The small forward has been producing at above a point-per-game pace, with 62 points in 59 games. He finds most of his goalscoring success right next to the net, as he has mastered the timing of corralling and releasing loose pucks right in the slot. He is also quite strong on the rush, as he consistently plays with one of the highest pace in the league. His highly energetic style of play allows him to adjust his passing angles rapidly enough to be a great playmaker for his teammates, notably Lefebvre, Guité and Massé, who are skilled finishers. Lecompte doesn’t necessarily have the best vision or play selection, but understands his role well. If he builds on the goalscoring aspect, he could find a role in the NHL as an energetic, down the line-up, intense small forward. (Jeremi Plourde)

Marek Daníček - Wing - Newfoundland Regiment

Danicek earned draft attention after arriving in Newfoundland as a first-round CHL Import selection, following a dominant U20 season in Czechia where he led the league in scoring. He made an immediate impact, producing consistently and securing a role on the Regiment’s top line. He finished second on the team with 74 points and led in goals with 33. A highly skilled forward, Danicek’s game is built on dynamic puck control and creativity. He excels on the power play, particularly from the half wall, where he manipulates defensive coverage, initiates cycles, and creates passing lanes with deceptive movements. He’s equally capable as a shooter or playmaker and he usually supports the rush as a trailing option. While he shows decent defensive awareness, his overall impact at five-on-five is limited by a heavy first-step, lack of pace and an unwillingness to engage physically. Danicek remains a raw prospect whose development will depend on improving skating and physicality. Although projecting him as an NHL player is difficult, his offensive skillset suggests pro potential, likely as a top scorer at the AHL or European level. He may attract late-round interest but is more likely a camp invite. (Joey Fortin Boulay)

Louis Antoine Deneault - Goaltender - Newfoundland Regiment

Now in his third year in the QMJHL, Denault has taken enormous strides in his development from when he came into the league to today. The colossal netminder is just as big now as he was back then, but he couldn't have been more raw and unpolished at the time. It was almost like his game needed to be completely built from the ground up. It's abundantly clear that he has put in the necessary work, though, and he now finds himself as the de facto starter on a Newfoundland team with big plans for the playoffs. The main appeal with Denault is immediately obvious the moment that you first see him on the ice. He's a giant in the crease with a height of 6-foot-8, which puts him in a tie for the tallest goalie in QMJHL history. When he faces shooters head-on pucks tend to get lost in his equipment, and he holds his crease very well against chances in tight. There are unsurprising limitations to his quickness, reaction time, flexibility and dexterity, but these are the areas that he's currently improving, and the good parts of his game mostly outweigh the bad. Denault is undeniably a long-term project, but he's a unique and worthwhile one for a team to take on. (Derek Neumeier)

Kuzma Voronin - Wing - Moncton Wildcats

The Moncton Wildcats have a knack for finding little-known players and help them play at their best to give them more visibility for the NHL draft. For Kuzma Voronin, coming to play for them in the QMJHL this season looks like a terrific bet. Despite currently playing on the third line, Voronin is producing at a rate of slightly more than one point per game. The reason why he is so effective is that Voronin is playing at a very high pace, outskating most of his opponents. He uses his astonishing speed to create space in the offensive zone, where he can generate some offense even at top speed. Yes, his game revolves around his speed, but he is also a tenacious and hard-working player. He is always playing at high intensity, his feet never stopping on the ice. However, even if Voronin is not really a small player, he still needs to improve his strength to win battles for the puck and have his feet more stable on the ice. Some question marks remain with his decision with the puck at high speed, but he has shown this season that he has an interesting bottom 6 potential in him. Will any team take a chance on him in the next draft? (Jer Tremblay)

Shawn Carrier - Wing - Halifax Mooseheads

Shawn Carrier has increased his production significantly from last season, going from 44 to 61 points, playing 59 games in both years. The goal scoring has especially increased, going from 18 to 36. He leads the Halifax Mooseheads in goals and is second in points. It is clear to see why Carrier is finding so much success in the QMJHL. Finally getting first line minutes, he thrives as the Mooseheads’ main puck carrier, beating opponents with a combination of speed and skill. Him finding success in the goal scoring department should not come to as a surprise, as he has always, throughout his career, been able to record as many goals as assists everywhere he played. The reason it took a bit longer in the QMJHL is that Carrier needed to find his rhythm and timing in order to score while going at a higher speed, with less time to pick the perfect shot. He plays with a lot of confidence, and needs to continue on this path in order to find success at the pro level. In the QMJHL, he rarely gets challenged physically on the rush; this will happen a lot more at the pro level. He will need to either get even better skill-wise, or learn how to withstand significant physical pressure. (Jeremi Plourde)

Marcus Kearsey - Defense - Charlottetown Islanders

After a promising and productive draft year with Charlottetown two years ago, Marcus Kearsey was on many draft lists. However, at the draft in 2024, no NHL team took the chance on the 5’11” defender. Then last year was a big step back in Kearsey’s production, finishing the year with only 28 points. It was not the year of Charlottetown, but this season is completely different for the team and mostly for Kearsey. He is on pace to double his previous production and he is currently the fourth most productive defenceman in the QMJHL. His offensive game is mainly coming from his high-level mobility and agility. He possesses a lot of skills and awareness on the ice and he knows where his teammates are and where they will be on the ice. He likes to shoot from the blue line to generate dangerous rebounds or simply to beat the goaltender with smart-placed shots. On defence, Kearsey is way more active with his stick. He reads the plays well and often gets in the way, before starting an attack on the offensive zone. The physical side is not a strength for him even with his size and will probably never be. Teams could be interested in Kearsey for his ability to control the play and make smart decisions with the puck. With further development in the AHL, Kearsey could become an interesting third pair defender. (Jer Tremblay)

Elias Schneider - Center - Shawinigan Cataractes

Here is another European player who chose to come and play in the QMJHL hoping to gain more visibility. Elias Scheider played in the DEL U20 in Germany last year in his draft year season, producing a solid 64 points in 31 games. The Shawinigan Cataractes knew that he could have a solid offensive impact on their team, but he brings even more to the game. He is a smart two-way centre that mostly plays a North-South game. He intercepts a lot of pucks with his active stick and his smart off-puck readings, generating a lot of counter-attacks. He is often involved in the transition, often carrying the puck in the offensive zone when he can use his skills and his playmaking ability to create a scoring chance. He is a very smart passer, always calm with the puck. Although he is lacking some top speed and explosiveness, he makes up for it with good decisions. The only side of his game that needs to improve a lot if he wants to play at a higher level is the physical one. He is often getting outplayed along the boards or pushed away easily from the puck. His level of intelligence could give him a chance to break through an NHL line-up and play some hard defensive minutes on the bottom six. (Jer Tremblay)

Danai Shaiikov - Goaltender - Gatineau Olympiques

Shaiikov has been one of the more intriguing goaltending stories heading into the upcoming NHL Draft. Arriving as a CHL import pick, he quickly seized the starting role in Gatineau and emerged as arguably the team’s most valuable player. On a roster with limited offensive support—where the leading scorer managed just 35 points—Shaiikov consistently kept his team competitive while posting some of the league’s stronger numbers. His game is built on high-end athleticism and quickness. He tracks pucks well, squares to shooters effectively, and displays strong crease mobility. Shaiikov also plays an aggressive style, often challenging shooters and attacking pucks. His competitiveness stands out, as he battles relentlessly through second and third opportunities, giving his team a chance to win on most nights. However, his aggressive approach can work against him. When plays break down, he can scramble, lose control and look completely out of place on rebounds. He’s also slightly undersized as a goalie, which could limit him at the professional level. As a DY+1 overager, Shaiikov’s projection remains uncertain. With improved control, he could develop into a reliable 1B or backup, making him a worthwhile late-round draft consideration. (Joey Fortin Boulay)

Florent Houle - Wing - Sherbrooke Phoenix

Florent Houle has steadily emerged as a legitimate draft prospect, boosting his production to near point-per-game level while ranking second on his team in goals, despite playing fewer games than the leader Thomas Rousseau. His skating has taken a notable step forward, becoming more explosive and adding a new layer to his game. A versatile two-way forward, he is trusted in all situations, even late in games to protect leads. He mostly relies on speed, pace, and effort—he’s a powerful, agile skater who excels in transition and can win races or beat defenders wide. He plays a scrappy, physical style, consistently engaging along the boards and around the net. He’s disruptive in the neutral zone and provides reliable support down low. Offensively, he can move pucks through tight seams and maintain possession under pressure. That said, his offensive game lacks creativity and dynamism, and I’m not sold that it’ll follow to the pros. Also, teams would probably wish he would be a little bigger and stronger for his playing style. Houle projects as a bottom-six checking forward, likely needing a few years in the ECHL/AHL. He could warrant a late-round pick, thanks to his playoff-style traits. (Joey Fortin Boulay)

Liam Lefebvre - Center - Chicoutimi Saguenéens

Liam Lefebvre went from completely unknown by most people last season to a well-established name this year. He has spent the first half of the year with Rimouski, scoring 29 points in 34 games, before being traded to Chicoutimi. His production jumped after this, with 28 points in 22 games, and has even been ranked 70th in the Central Scouting north American rankings. Standing at 6’3, Lefebvre is a lanky center who loves shooting. In any given situation, Lefebvre has his eyes on the net and is looking to be fed the puck for one-timers. His wrist shot release is also amongst the best in the QMJHL. He is particularly dangerous on the rush, using his reach and mobility to push back the defense, then cutting back and looking for a scoring chance or a passing option. Lefebvre also loves to rattle the opposing team with his physical net front game. He has the frame and the shot to turn some eyes in his direction, but will need to continue improving the rest of his game in order to make it to the NHL. (Jeremi Plourde)

Carl Otto-Magnussen - Defense - Saint John Sea Dogs

After playing all of his junior hockey in Sweden, Carl Otto-Magnussen decided to go play in North America in the QMJHL for the 2025-2026 season, before joining the NCAA next year. Starting the year with the Moncton Wildcats, he was traded mid-season to the Saint John Sea Dogs where he is currently playing. Otto-Magnussen might not be a flashy or the most interesting player to watch play the game, but what surely interests the scouts is his effectiveness and his physical potential. Standing at 6’7”, he is literally a giant player on the ice. He has a clear physical edge on everyone and that will not change even at a higher level. On the ice, Otto-Magnussen plays the role of a shut down defenceman, which fits his best attributes. He can be physical along the boards and his big, big range often helps him win puck battles without too much effort or movement. Of course, the biggest issue in his game is his skating and his ease of movement on the ice, but he looks like he is still not used to his own size. If that could change sooner than later and he can improve his stability, a lot of teams could take interest in drafting a big player that can push everyone and play hard. (Jer Tremblay)

]]> https://www.mckeenshockey.com/nhl-blog/2026-nhl-draft-chances-part-canada-overage-draft-eligible-prospects/feed/ 0 2026 NHL DRAFT: DETAILED SCOUTING REPORT – Brooks Rogowski, C/W, Oshawa Generals https://www.mckeenshockey.com/nhl-blog/2026-nhl-draft-detailed-scouting-report-brooks-rogowski-c-w-oshawa-generals/ https://www.mckeenshockey.com/nhl-blog/2026-nhl-draft-detailed-scouting-report-brooks-rogowski-c-w-oshawa-generals/#respond Tue, 31 Mar 2026 12:42:06 +0000 https://www.mckeenshockey.com/?p=199016 Read More... from 2026 NHL DRAFT: DETAILED SCOUTING REPORT – Brooks Rogowski, C/W, Oshawa Generals

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Brooks Rogowski of the Oshawa Generals. Photo by Natalie Shaver/OHL Images

Brooks Rogowski

2026 NHL Draft Eligible

Position: C/W, Shoots: R

H/W: 6-foot-6, 231 pounds

Date of Birth: 2008-06-28

In 2024, the Oshawa Generals shocked the OHL scouting community when they selected behemoth power center Brooks Rogowski in the second round of the OHL Draft…out of a Michigan high school. That’s not exactly a common occurrence. Rogowski did play in a higher end AAA program growing up, Little Caesars, but because of high end baseball commitments, he switched to playing primarily high school hockey in his U15 year. Obviously, the Generals’ scouting staff deserve a ton of credit for unearthing this gem. In fact, Rogowski was always operating under the assumption that he would end up playing NCAA baseball as it runs in the family, never truly focusing on hockey development until he joined the OHL. Breanna McNeill, a content creator for the OHL, wrote a terrific piece on this that you can check out here.

Rogowski turned heads in his rookie year with the Generals, helping them reach the OHL Championship. He proved to be way ahead of the expected development curve. Rogowski then earned a spot on the U.S.’ Hlinka/Gretzky Cup team this summer, helping them capture gold in a more defensively oriented, checking role. This season in Oshawa, he’s been tasked with way more offensive responsibility on a rebuilding Generals’ team. There have been ebbs and flows…and injuries (like a broken finger suffered in a fight), but Rogowski is closing the year out well from a production standpoint and that should have him on the radar of the U.S. as they look to make additions to their U18 team from outside of the NTDP.

Obviously, the allure here is that Rogowski is a power center prospect who could be a versatile pro through the middle of an NHL lineup. While he is physically developed, he’s underdeveloped from a skill and experience perspective; can that gap close and if it does, what is Rogowski’s ultimate upside? Additionally, is he a center long term? If you view him as a winger (where he has spent the majority of the second half of this year with Oshawa), he has less value because he’s not ever going to be a high-end NHL skater. However, he is a highly intelligent two-way player who supports play well, has shown significant progress as a goal scorer, and who shows good vision with the puck. As he fills out his frame, the physical upside is limitless. He would be an absolute load to handle for even NHL defenders. Teams could utilize him as a net front presence on the powerplay, but he has also shown very well killing penalties through his junior career.

One of the main concerns that I’ve seen and heard come up consistently in the scouting community is that Rogowski lacks consistent physical intensity and engagement. Not exactly what you like to see from a 6-foot-6 forward who could dominate physically. It brings back memories of a guy like Logan Brown. That said, I’m not quite as concerned about this as others and I do feel that he’s become better in this regard as the season has progressed. I’ll break that down later in this report. The other concern would be that Rogowski lacks the skill to be a top six contributor; this is a more legitimate concern through my scouting lens. Rogowski is raw; he’s still putting everything together and we don’t really know how that’s going to work out. The range of outcomes here runs the full gamut. Career minor league player due to pace, physicality, and skill limitations. Bottom six role player. Or, if things hit right, an all situations, versatile Swiss Army knife who can slide up and down your lineup. Think Nick Bjugstad. But, as alluded to, an NHL team is going to have to be patient with Rogowski. He’s going to likely play another year in the OHL with Oshawa. Then he’ll head to Michigan State, perhaps for another two years. He’s a long-term project, but one who could pay off nicely.

Skating

Rogowski’s skating is best described as “good enough” for the game he plays. He can build linear speed with his long strides. He will utilize linear crossovers to help him protect the puck while he builds speed through the neutral zone. His quickness and top speed would both be considered average, but it takes a lot of lower body strength to move 230+lbs. As he improves his conditioning, given that his stride length and mechanics aren’t terrible, we should see marked improvement in his speed and power as he matures physically and continues to work to improve his skating profile.

The biggest issue would be in Rogowski’s balance and ability to play off his edges. He’s very much a straight-line attacker. He can lose his edges too easily and be knocked off balance. When he tries to cut back or make a lateral push, he often loses speed or even falls. He pivots well enough and can build speed out of turns, but when tasked with changing direction quickly, he struggles. He also can struggle to regain his stride when knocked off balance by contact. He can power through defenders at times, when attacking in straight lines, but when pivoting or playing off his edges, he gets knocked off stride too easily, such as in the cycle or when looking to work East/West with the puck. Another issue is that Rogowski’s skating really hasn’t improved much over the course of the season. Watching him at the Hlinka/Gretzky, I felt like there was a chance that it could really become a solid trait for him with the right in-season work; he was showing progress from the previous year and beating defenders with his power. However, then…and now, his stride and effectiveness are limited by balance and agility issues. There’s no question that will be a focus of his this offseason.

Rogowski builds speed quickly through linear crossovers, catching the Swedish defense flatfooted at the Hlinka/Gretzky.

Rogowski carves up the neutral zone again utilizing linear crossovers.

Rogowski shows off his linear speed by getting to the puck and then he makes a great pass to a teammate for the goal.

Rogowski loses an edge when contacted trying to cut around the defender.

Rogowski loses an edge trying to make a quick cut back to the outside.

Rogowski breaks through the defense but loses balance just as he’s about to get his shot off.

We see the lack of power here as a two on one is negated due to Rogowski’s inability to maintain speed/build to a solid top speed.

GRADE: 50

Shot

This is an area of Rogowski’s game that has improved significantly over the course of the year. I found that he was having trouble finishing off plays early on in the year. He was heeling or toeing shots and wasn’t connecting on enough of the chances he was earning in tight. However, he’s really gained confidence in his shooting ability, and he’s been converting on more of his chances in the home plate area.

Rogowski doesn’t have an elite shot. He doesn’t possess a heavy one-timer. He’s not a huge threat to score from a distance or from the flank. However, he does possess scoring upside based on some translatable goal scoring skills. Rogowski’s favourite weapon is a quick snap shot which he elevates quickly and generates good velocity with. He often catches goalies flat footed with it because of its quick release. It’s rare to see Rogowski use anything with a longer load time, like the slapper or even a dragged wrister. In tight, he has good hands for redirections and putbacks, showing an ability to finish on both his backhand and forehand. This is likely how he will score the majority of his goals as a pro.

Rogowski breaks through the defense, fights through stick checks, and roofs one with his quick snapshot.

Great interception by Rogowski and an even better finish upstairs. You get the better angle at the very end of the clip.

Rogowski picking corners again.

GRADE: 52.5

Skills

If you’re looking for a highly creative pivot who can consistently beat defenders one on one with skill, Rogowski is probably not your guy. That’s just not his game. He can struggle to maintain possession through the middle of the ice when he tries to be creative. If he’s beating defenders one on one, it’s in a straight line by powering through them. Rogowski, perhaps more alarmingly, can also struggle to maintain possession in the cycle, losing possession as he tries to pivot. He can fumble pucks in his feet or be too easily separated from the puck along the wall for someone his size. This is the area that will truly need work as this is where he will need to live at the NHL level. But he flashes instances where he dominates down low and does prolong possession, so the development of consistency is possible as he works on his small area stick skill and strength.

Where Rogowski does show great puck protection skill is in open ice. He is great with stick lifts to help him create space. He has a really strong stick and shields the puck well, fighting off contact to help open up passing or shooting lanes. Likely due to his time as a high-end baseball player, his hand eye coordination is excellent. He is such an effective net front presence, not just because of his timing and size, but also because he redirects pucks well and has quick hands to deposit second chance opportunities. Rogowski also shows great talent as a passer. He can thread pucks through small seams, and he has been particularly effective in the New Year as a playmaker.

A sample of Rogowski’s work as a net front presence. He shows skill corralling the rebound, keeping the play alive with defenders all over him, which ultimately leads to an Oshawa goal.

More good work near the blue paint as he finishes off a second chance opportunity.

And more good work near the crease as he shows off his hand/eye skill by deflecting a shot through his legs.

Did I mention that Rogowski was a baseball player?

Rogowski chips and chases and secures the puck first, but he loses control as he tries to fight through stick checks and pivots.

Rogowski loses control in the cycle.

Rogowski protects the puck well on a broken play, fighting off the stick checks of two Saginaw defenders before finding a teammate in the slot for the goal.

An ugly play as David Bedkowski catches Rogowski with his head down entering the neutral zone. I thought about not including this clip, but I do believe it shows that Rogowski’s puck skill and control is not a confident part of his game as he has to keep his head down to maintain possession as he tries to escape back pressure.

Rogowski loses control as he tries to make a move in the neutral zone.

Really nice sequence by Rogowski here. First, he helps to secure the puck in the defensive end and starts the breakout. Then he gets a pass back and shows off some nice skill, beating the defender one on one, narrowly missing the goal.

GRADE: 52.5

Smarts

This is the bread and butter of Rogowski’s game. While much of Rogowski’s game can be considered raw, his decision making at both ends is quite advanced for a player who really hasn’t focused entirely on hockey for that long.

He shows incredible promise as a defensive forward at higher levels, both because of his size and because of his play reading/anticipation. He has played both center and wing this year and he’s excelled defensively in both instances, supporting defenders in the slot, down low, and along the wall when the situation calls for it. His reach is just so disruptive. If he can add a little more physicality, he could be an elite shutdown forward at higher levels. He can also lose focus from time to time and get caught puck watching, losing sight of his check. That needs to be tightened up.

Rogowski also shines as a playmaker because of his excellent vision. He rarely forces plays. Yes, offensive zone turnovers have been an issue at times, but they result from skill limitations, not poor decision making. What makes Rogowski unique is that while he finds success as a brute who can play the net front, he also makes his linemates better by finding them in the slot out of the cycle or off the forecheck.

Rogowski also has great off-puck habits in the offensive zone. He supports the cycle well. He gets to the net. He just seems to have a pretty clear understanding of his strengths and where he can best help his team offensively. He also seems to understand that he needs to leverage his size. He routinely chips and chases and is willing to put in the effort to earn his touches. Lastly, and perhaps an underrated component of his game, Rogowski is terrific at kick starting the breakout. Like a defender, he makes a great exit pass and is able to create scoring chances for his team in transition with his quick thinking, heads up passing ability.

A subtle, but excellent play by Rogowski working with Owen Griffin in transition. He delays long enough to draw in pressure, then slides the puck back to Griffin, who now has that open lane.

Excellent shift from Rogowski that sees him keep the play alive with some strong protection work, then he finds a soft spot in zone coverage and deposits the goal.

Excellent defensive play by Rogowski here leads to an Oshawa goal.

Another good defensive play as he supports the net front and disrupts a passing lane, then he out skates and out muscles a Sting player to create an odd man rush.

More good defensive work from Rogowski. Look at the assertiveness and communication as he tells a teammate to challenge the puck carrier while he defends the slot and breaks up the play.

One of those instances where Rogowski lost focus and his check snuck behind him to score. Is this an IQ issue or an intensity issue or both?

GRADE: 57.5

Physicality/Compete

This is the most highly debated component of Rogowski’s game. You would absolutely love to see him be more consistently involved physically given his size advantage. He’s not a heavy hitter, per say. He could stand to be even more dominant along the wall. However, over the course of the season, he’s become harder on pucks and in puck pursuit. This increased compete level has made him a more consistently noticeable player and has helped him improve the consistency of his offensive production…even on a retooling Oshawa team.

If you were to grade his physicality and compete level based solely on what we see now, he’d be barely average at the pro level. However, you just have to project that he’s going to gain confidence in his ability to dominate physically as he matures. He doesn’t need to be Tom Wilson. It doesn’t seem like he has the mindset to be that kind of physically intense player. However, he will power through defenders. He will finish checks to help secure the puck or force turnovers. Consistency is often the last thing to find bigger forwards because it takes outstanding conditioning to be a power forward type, who can impact the game in so many different ways. As such, I do believe that he can be an above average physical player in three or four years, when he is likely ready for a full time NHL role.

When people criticize Rogowski’s lack of physical engagement, this is an example of what they are talking about. Just too soft defending the slot, poking at the puck instead of physically overwhelming him like he is capable of. As a result, Crombie gets his pass off and the result is a goal against.

Another poor defensive play, this time on the powerplay. He tracks back well but does not physically engage enough to tie up Kuhta’s stick; the weak stick check/lift just doesn’t get it done.

Here’s Rogowski at his best, applying pressure on the forecheck and helping to force a turnover with his physicality.

Again, more of this is needed. Eliminates his man physically in the defensive end and Oshawa secures the puck.

A solid defensive play on the recovery. Rogowski gets beat and caught puck watching, but he stays with it, breaks up the play, then protects the puck through contact to help start the breakout.

At this level, Rogowski can simply power through defenders with his size.

GRADE: 55

OFP: 53.625

A note on the 20-80 scale used above. We look at five attributes (skating, shooting, puck skills, hockey IQ and physicality) for skaters and six for goalies (athleticism/quickness, compete/temperament, vision/play reading, technique/style, rebound control and puck handling). Each individual attribute is graded along the 20-80 scales, which includes half-grades. The idea is that a projection of 50 in a given attribute meant that our observer believed that the player could get to roughly NHL average at that attribute at maturity.

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