Maddox Dagenais – McKeen's Hockey

2026 NHL DRAFT: DETAILED SCOUTING REPORT – Maddox Dagenais, C, Québec Remparts (QMJHL)

Jer Tremblay — Mon, 30 Mar 2026 15:13:21 +0000

Maddox Dagenais. Photo by Jonathan Savageau.

Maddox Dagenais (#26)

2026 NHL Draft Eligible

Position: C, Shoots: L

H/W: 6-foot-4 / 196 pounds

Date of Birth: 2008-03-27

Two years ago, Maddox Dagenais made history when he was drafted first overall in the QMJHL, doing exactly what his father, Pierre, did nearly 30 years earlier before playing several years in the NHL. Having a father that has played in the NHL is not an indicator that a player will do the same, but it helps having someone as close with this kind of experience guiding you towards the NHL. Dagenais clearly was gifted with some of his father's “hockey genetics”, and the path towards the best league in the world looks more than realistic.

In his first season with Quebec, Dagenais accumulated a total of 26 points in 43 games, missing the middle of the season because of an untimely injury that hit just when he was getting use to the speed and the intensity of the level of the QMJHL. When he returned from his injury, his progression stagnated but it was only a question of time before he got back on track on his development.

Fast forward to this season and Maddox Dagenais’s game has reached another level. He is faster, bigger and hungrier for the puck. He works hard on the ice and he is often rewarded for it. He has a bigger role this year, averaging 18 minutes per game, including some powerplay time. Of course there are still some visible flaws in his game, but most of them could easily be improved with time and development. His season is going pretty well with 56 points in 55 games, already doubling his points total from last season with a few games to play. It seems like his game just keeps getting better and better with each passing month.

Overall, Dagenais is a big forward that loves to be involved in the play, more often than not the first one on the forecheck and he is starting to look more and more comfortable with his 6’4” body. And for a 6-foot-4 player, oh boy, he can skate! Offensively, he has a shoot first mentality with solid scoring instincts, but his playmaking ability is improving, making him a dual threat for the opposing team. While he mostly lines up at center, there’s a chance that he could be better suited to the wing as a pro. Even if Dagenais is not completely dominating each game right now, it’s more the potential in Dagenais’s game that looks appealing. He can’t stop improving this season and it is always good to see a development curve progressing as well as his. Look for him to rise higher on our next ranking at McKeen’s Hockey.

Skating

Everyone loves to see big players move well on the ice, combining a physical edge with speed. It’s the case for Maddox Dagenais. The inconvenience of having such a size is that there is more mass to move but Dagenais’s legs are very strong and it shows with his explosiveness on the ice. While his first strides could still improve further, he builds to a tremendous top speed for a larger player. His strides are pretty efficient too, not losing a lot of energy in each movement. This speed gives him the consistent ability to beat defenders one on one.

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/SKATING-1-DagenaisExplosivity1.mp4

Dagenais (#26) has an ease to find open space in transition and exploit this space with speed to get a shot. Once he is going in the neutral zone with the puck, he is truly hard to stop.

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/SKATING-2-DagenaisSkatingStraigth1.mp4

Yes, Dagenais was already moving in the right direction, but the quickness with which he closed the distance between him and the defender was impressive. It was only possible because of his explosivity.

Where Dagenais improved the most this year is his speed management. He understands better when to use his speed or when to slow down the play. Dagenais loves to use his speed and puck handling to move the puck from one end to the other. He is a solid puck carrier in transition and it creates plenty of scoring chances on the rush for him and his teammates. Additionally, he is always moving his feet on the ice and by doing this, he always has a speed edge on his adversaries. One way he is using this is by getting some speed in the neutral zone and exploding before receiving the puck and passing around the defender to get a breakaway or a scoring chance.

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/SKATING-3-DagenaisSpeedInZoneEntry1.mp4

Dagenais is a talented puck carrier, and combined with his speed, he can get some dangerous scoring opportunities on the rush. Even with his maneuver in the middle, he was still fast enough to destabilize the opposing defender with his speed.

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/SKATING-4-DagenaisSpeedinZoneEntry2.mp4

Dagenais knew in the clip that he couldn’t beat the defender with speed, and by slowing down the play, he gave a chance to his teammates to join him in the offensive zone.

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/SKATING-5-DagenaisuseOfSpeedAndbreakaway1.mp4

This is one of the few examples of how Dagenais uses his speed to be alone in front of the net. The reason why this breakaway was possible was only because, by passing the puck at his defender, he turned around and kept his momentum to explode in the neutral zone and attack the defender head on.

There is still work to do with Dagenais’s skating. Like shown in those videos, he uses his speed well in transition, but in the offensive zone, it’s more difficult for him to get the space to use his speed. He is mostly a North-South skater, and his lack of mobility might be a reason why. He can struggle around the boards with quick pivots when pressured, relying more on his physical strength than his ability to evade the pressure with his mobility. His agility seems to be lacking at times, with some issues in his edge control and hip rotation. However, this weakness in Dagenais’s game is constantly improving, and there are more positive flashes lately. If he could improve his mobility by the time he gets to play against professional players, his skating will be a big strength for him and thus our grade represents that possibility.

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/SKATING-6-DagenaisBadMobilityAndGoal1.mp4

There is an example where we can see some weakness in agility. Yes, the result was a goal, but the pivot in the corner was too slow and against better opponents, he would have just been pinned against the wall, and the play would have died there.

Grade: 57.5

Shot

Dagenais’s shot is his most solid asset in his game, but there is also some work to do to improve how and when to use his shot. On one side, the tools are all there for him to make his shot a powerful weapon that can quickly change a game. His shot has a lot of velocity and is often very hard for the goaltender to read. On the other side, Dagenais struggles to get himself in dangerous shooting lanes when carrying the puck in the offensive zone. He often shoots whenever he has the puck in the offensive zone, resulting in a low danger scoring chance. Dagenais could become a menacing goal scorer in the future if he gets rid of this bad habit of shooting from bad angles.

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/SHOT-1-DagenaisBadTimeShot1.mp4

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/SHOT-2-DagenaisBadTimingShot2.mp4

Here are two examples of something that happens too often in a game. Dagenais has the bad habit to shoot too fast from impossible angles, often getting blocked by a defender or easily by the goaltender.

Fortunately for Dagenais, other than these bad shots, his shot technique is one of the best of all the players available in the 2026 NHL draft. His weight distribution when he shoots gives to his shot a lot of power, and he can do it at high speed. Also, his arsenal is diverse, as he can score from a quick wrist shot, a powerful one timer, or even a surprising backhand shot. He loves to shoot and defenders need to be ready because he can score from anywhere.

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/SHOT-3-DagenaisPowerfulShot1.mp4

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/SHOT-4-DagenaisPowerfulWristShot1.mp4

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/SHOT-5-DagenaisGoodWristShot1.mp4

Whether it’s with a slap shot or a wrist shot, his shot is powerful. In the first clip, the goaltender did not even move his glove because the shot was too perfect. The power and the precision are there when he is in a good shooting position, and with a shot like that, he shouldn’t even hesitate to use it.

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/SHOT-6-DagenaisOneTimer1.mp4

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/SHOT-7-DagenaisSolidOneTimer.mp4

I would like to see Dagenais use his one timer on the powerplay more often. Sometimes, he seems to hesitate, thinking that there might be a better play somewhere, but his shot could create a rebound or generate a scoring chance if he hasn’t scored initially. In the end, the major issue with his shot is the decision-making with the puck. Dagenais has scored a lot of goals this season because he is not afraid to shoot and sometimes, he gets rewarded by shooting from a difficult angle. He currently shoots at a rate of 8 shots per game, but half of them are either blocked by a defender or missing the net.

This image represents his strength, showing in percentage his accuracy in each zone of the offensive zone. There is a clear problem at the right side like shown in previous clips. Other than that, most of Dagenais’s shots come from the slot, so you don’t want to let him alone in front of your goalie.

Grade: 57.5

Skills

This part of Dagenais is full of potential even if it’s not always working right now. He has the speed to evade pressure and the physical abilities to keep other players away from the puck, but he often struggles to use his hands to create some space for himself. The timing just isn’t there, as he often gets blocked or poke checked because he moved at the wrong time. When he slows down with the puck, he can’t use his hands to pass through a player. He has to rely on his physicality, but this is also still a work in progress. It may be because he is not used to his own body size, and if it’s the case, it will change sooner than later.

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/SKILLS-1-DagenaisLosePuckWhenStopping1.mp4

Dagenais needs to improve his puck protection when he slows down along the boards. This often happens because he is putting his body in front of the puck too slowly, allowing the opponent an opportunity to steal the puck.

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/SKILLS-2-DagenaisTryAMoveAndMiss1.mp4

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/SKILLS-3-DagenaisLackHands1.mp4

The right idea is in his head, and he seems to understand where to attack the open space. However, the move is a bit too slow and the defender stops him.

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/SKILLS-4-DagenaisNiceMoveSC1.mp4

When his ideas work, though, he can create some really nice scoring chances.

Again, it’s not because Dagenais doesn’t know what to do with the puck. His body language clearly shows that he knows what he is doing, that he sees the open space in front of him, and soon will be able to exploit it. There are a few moments where he just pushes the puck slightly away from the defender in open space, avoiding the stick and players to continue towards the net. Dagenais is a great puck carrier, and it shows in transition. He loves to take the puck in his own zone or in the neutral zone to bring it himself with speed in the offensive zone. On the rush, he handles the puck well in tight areas and can generate some dangerous scoring chances. I like when he combines his speed with his puck handling, just going full speed in the offensive zone. There are also some power forward abilities in him at times, and that could become a strength for him at a higher level.

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/SKILLS-5-DagenaisPushPuckAwaySC1.mp4

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/SKILLS-6-DagenaisPushPuckAwaySC2.mp4

Here are some examples of how Dagenais efficiently uses the space in front him.

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/SKILLS-7-DagenaisZentryMove1.mp4

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/SKILLS-8-DagenaisCutBetweenDef1.mp4

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/SKILLS-9-DagenaisCrashNetWithSpeed1.mp4

When he enters the offensive zone with speed, there are many options for him that can create solid scoring chances. These clips show how well he uses his skills, all of them translatable to the pro level.

Grade: 52.5

Smarts

Presently, Dagenais has every tool he needs to succeed at a higher level, but he needs to understand how to use them all in the most effective way. In an uncommon way, Dagenais is better away from the puck than he is with the puck. Like mentioned earlier, he is always moving his feet on the ice to be in a favourable position, and this kind of play is translatable. In the offensive zone, he goes to open space in hopes to receive the puck, knowing that he has the shot to score. I really like how he reads the play, often winning puck battles by arriving first at the puck because he is aware of his surroundings.

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/SMARTS-1-DagenaisOffPuckOffensiveZone1.mp4

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/SMARTS-2-DagenaisMisreadPlay1.mp4

These two clips are great for illustrating how Dagenais sees a play taking shape. He moves well and always tries to evade the defender, often getting open to receive a pass.

With the puck, however, there are some questionable moments. Like shown in the shot section, it seems that Dagenais shoots unconsciously, as if he is forced to shoot the puck the moment he has it when he is deep in the offensive zone, whereas there were many pass options available. He also needs to scan more of the ice when he gets the puck along the boards. Too often, he misreads the play and makes a bad pass because he didn’t fully take in the information around him.

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/SMARTS-3-DagenaisTurnoverOwnZone1.mp4

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/SMARTS-4-DagenaisPlaymaking2.mp4

However, when he is not close to corners in the offensive zone, Dagenais often makes the right decision. Without keeping it simple every time, he moves the puck quickly and precisely, creating some passing lanes in the other team’s zone. This is one part of Dagenais’s game that has improved a lot as the season has progressed, and it shows in his playmaking ability. Even if Dagenais is primarily a shooter, there is a good playmaker hiding beneath his high-volume shooting habit. He often sells the shot to open a lane for a pass, and he has the vision and the skill to put it right on the tape. These passes are happening more and more often, and we can say now that he is a dual threat in the offensive zone.

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/SMARTS-7-DagenaisPlaymaking5.mp4

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/SMARTS-6-DagenaisPlaymaking4.mp4

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/SMARTS-7-DagenaisPlaymaking5.mp4

There are just a few examples of Dagenais’s vision, but he is clearly more than just a shooter. He is patient with the puck and really exploits the open ice in front of him. Once he learns how to open more passing lanes with his speed and his puck protection, his playmaking ability could become a strength for him.

Grade: 55

Physicality/Compete

With a size as imposing as Maddox Dagenais’, expectations towards his physical game are always high. It’s always easier in junior for a 6-foot-4 player to physically dominate the other players, but it has to be used wisely and at the right time to translate well at a higher level. Dagenais isn’t dominant physically right now despite his size; he seems to forget at times that he can push away most players along the board to win puck battles. However, the potential here is very interesting, not to mention that this part of his game is improving each game. He is getting stronger and more solid on his feet and he will surely be a hard player to play against later in his career. Right now, Dagenais doesn’t hit often, but when he does, it seems painful for the other player. His hits are efficient and at the right time, never getting himself out of the play only to hit. However, when battling for the puck along the boards, Dagenais tends to fall easily whenever he is pushed down. It might be his center of gravity and his lack of stability, but he needs to be more solid on his feet and rely on his physicality to win puck battles.

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/PHYSICAL-1-DagenaisHit1.mp4

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/PHYSICAL-2-DagenaisHit2.mp4

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/PHYSICAL-3-DagenaisBigHit1.mp4

Dagenais looks massive at times, and he can deliver some pretty hard hits. Combined with his speed on the backcheck, the opponent needs to keep their head up!

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/PHYSICAL-4-DagenaisReverseHitAndSC1.mp4

This is a rare moment where Dagenais protects the puck well with his body and reverse hits the opponent that was about to hit him. He gets a scoring chance from this simple play.

Because Dagenais is always moving his feet, he is always at the heart of the action. He is often first on the forecheck after his team dumps the puck in the offensive zone, ready to fight for the puck. Even if his puck protection and his stability are not perfect yet, Dagenais is still a relentless player that works hard. Even if he’s knocked down, he gets up quickly and is ready to work.

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/PHYSICAL-5-DagenaisHighIntensityShiftAndShot1.mp4

That clip is perfect to show many aspects of Dagenais’s game. His feet are always moving (well, as long as he isn’t on the ground), and he is right where the action is. He even gets rewarded with a good shot on net at the end.

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/PHYSICAL-6-DagenaisDoesntGiveUp1.mp4

Even after getting pushed to the ground, Dagenais is the first player to take the puck in the corner. This demonstrates great diligence.

He does show an active stick that helps to clog passing lanes, but he needs to be more efficient in puck battles to improve his win percentage. Defensively, Dagenais works decently to get the puck. There are a few shifts where he backchecks very hard, it’s always nice to see his two-way game improving.

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/PHYSICAL-7-DagenaisBackcheckHard1.mp4

Very solid play by Dagenais here, a superb interception after a hard backcheck. Coaches and scouts love that kind of play!

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/PHYSICAL-8-DagenaisInterceptionAndSC1-1.mp4

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/PHYSICAL-9-DagenaisForecheckAndTakeAway1.mp4

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/PHYSICAL-10-DagenaisTakeAway1.mp4

There are a few examples of why moving his feet allows Dagenais to take away the puck easily. He is slowly developing an interesting two-way side in his game.

Grade: 52.5

OFP: 54.875

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.

2026 NHL DRAFT – MID-SEASON RANKING – TOP 64 with Honourable Mentions – Closing gap between top prospects

Brock Otten — Sat, 31 Jan 2026 18:59:16 +0000

ST. PAUL, MINNESOTA - JANUARY 4: Sweden's Ivar Stenberg #15 looks on during a stoppage in play against Finland during Semifinal Round action at the 2026 IIHF World Junior Championship at Grand Casino Arena on January 4, 2026 in St. Paul, Minnesota, USA. (Photo by Micheline Veluvolu/IIHF)

With the World Juniors firmly in the rear-view mirror and many “junior” leagues past the halfway point of their seasons, it is time to update and expand the McKeen’s Hockey 2026 draft rankings. This time around we are bringing you a top 64, in addition to several honourable mentions.

While many in the industry seem to be wavering on the concept of Gavin McKenna being the top player available, he remains at the top of our list. We understand the apprehensiveness, but we also believe that McKenna still possesses the highest upside of any player available this year; plus, his performance in the NCAA has ticked up post WJC’s. However, we also believe that the gap is razor thin at this point between McKenna and several of the players we have ranked behind him. In particular, Ivar Stenberg received a fair amount of support from our team to be ranked ahead of McKenna.

While the race for first overall will be fascinating as June approaches, the debate over the top defenseman available will rage even more intensely. Verhoeff remains ranked first in this grouping, but there are arguments to be made that any of Reid, Smits, or Carels could be or should be the top defenseman selected. One thing is for certain; it is a good year to be drafting in the top five if your organization needs a quality young defender.

Caleb Malhotra, Oscar Hemming, Alexander Command, Wyatt Cullen, and Maddox Dagenais are among our highest climbers compared to the previous ranking. Malhotra suddenly finds himself competing for an OHL scoring title, showing tremendous improvement as an offensive play driver over the course of the last few months. The Oscar Hemming saga finally reached a conclusion after he joined Boston College at the end of December. While the offensive production has been only mediocre, his impact on the ice has been incredibly impressive as a freshman power forward; it’s cliche but he’s passing the eye test on a consistent basis. Command has been terrific for both Sweden internationally and in the J20 league, and he plays a competitive and fast paced game from the center position. Wyatt Cullen hasn’t played a lot this year, but when he has, he’s been outstanding for the NTDP. Lastly, Dagenais is finally putting everything together for the Quebec Remparts, as the former first overall pick in the QMJHL draft is becoming more confident in being able to utilize his physical gifts.

Our largest “fallers” were Xavier Villeneuve, Mathis Preston, Ryan Roobroeck, and Beckham Edwards. While we respect Villeneuve’s offensive upside as one of the draft’s most dynamic playmakers, we also wonder how much his game has truly grown in the last calendar year as one of this draft’s oldest first time eligible players. The offensive production just hasn’t been at an elite level the last few months. Can a trade to Vancouver (WHL) help Mathis Preston find more consistency and urgency in his game? Roobroeck’s offensive production has definitely improved over the last few months, but like Villeneuve, we wonder how much his game has truly improved this year as a third year junior player. Lastly, Beckham Edwards is a power skating forward with a goal scorer’s touch, but, the offensive consistency has been majorly lacking this year and it brings to light concerns over his projection and ceiling.

What about the goalies? Initially, our team wasn’t enamored with the talent level for the position this year, however, some performances over the last few months have helped to change our mind. We have three goaltenders ranked inside of our top 64, with Tobias Trejbal of Youngstown (USHL) sitting at the top of that list. Trejbal has been outstanding in the USHL this year and the UMass commit has the size and athleticism combination to make him a potential NHL starting netminder.

You can expect our next update towards the end of March as we expand to a top 100 ranking.

RANK	PLAYER	POS	TEAM	HT/WT	DOB	GP	G	A	PTS	PIM
1	Gavin McKenna	LW	Penn State (NCAA)	5-11/170	12/20/2007	22	10	19	29	19
2	Ivar Stenberg	LW	Frolunda (SHL)	5-11/185	9/30/2007	29	7	21	28	6
3	Keaton Verhoeff	D	North Dakota (NCAA)	6-4/210	6/19/2008	22	6	11	17	23
4	Chase Reid	D	Soo Greyhounds (OHL)	6-2/185	12/30/2007	39	18	27	45	30
5	Alberts Smits	D	Jukurit (Fin-Liiga)	6-3/205	12/2/2007	34	6	7	13	12
6	Carson Carels	D	Prince George (WHL)	6-2/195	6/23/2008	37	12	28	40	42
7	Tynan Lawrence	C	Muskegon (USHL)	6-0/185	8/3/2008	13	10	7	17	6
8	Viggo Bjorck	C	Djurgardens (SHL)	5-9/175	3/12/2008	29	4	4	8	10
9	Caleb Malhotra	C	Brantford (OHL)	6-0/170	6/2/2008	45	23	38	61	37
10	Ethan Belchetz	LW	Windsor (OHL)	6-5/225	3/30/2008	43	29	16	45	35
11	Oscar Hemming	LW	Boston College (NCAA)	6-4/195	8/13/2008	6	0	3	3	8
12	Adam Novotny	LW	Peterborough (OHL)	6-1/205	11/13/2007	37	22	21	43	8
13	Ryan Lin	D	Vancouver (WHL)	5-11/175	4/18/2008	42	11	39	50	33
14	Daxon Rudolph	D	Prince Albert (WHL)	6-2/205	3/6/2008	45	21	33	54	42
15	Oliver Suvanto	C	Tappara (Fin-Liiga)	6-3/210	9/3/2008	34	2	5	7	14
16	Elton Hermansson	RW	MoDo Hockey (Allsvenskan)	6-1/180	2/5/2008	29	9	7	16	14
17	Ilia Morozov	C	Miami (NCAA)	6-3/195	8/3/2008	24	7	7	14	25
18	Xavier Villeneuve	D	Blainville-Boisbriand (QMJHL)	5-11/160	9/29/2007	35	6	30	36	35
19	Malte Gustafsson	D	HV 71 (SHL)	6-4/200	6/11/2008	16	0	3	3	2
20	Juho Piiparinen	D	Tappara (Fin-Liiga)	6-2/200	8/10/2008	28	0	3	3	8
21	Alexander Command	C	Orebro (Swe U20)	6-1/185	6/16/2008	24	13	22	35	30
22	Wyatt Cullen	LW	USN U18 (USDP)	5-11/175	9/8/2008	17	3	11	14	2
23	JP Hurlbert	LW	Kamloops (WHL)	6-0/185	4/11/2008	45	31	41	72	26
24	Nikita Klepov	RW	Saginaw (OHL)	6-0/180	6/27/2008	45	28	32	60	27
25	Mathis Preston	RW	Spokane (WHL)	5-11/175	7/21/2008	36	14	18	32	32
26	Jaxon Cover	LW	London (OHL)	6-2/175	2/13/2008	45	14	20	34	40
27	William Hakansson	D	Lulea (SHL)	6-4/205	10/8/2007	22	0	2	2	8
28	Giorgos Pantelas	D	Brandon (WHL)	6-2/215	4/24/2008	45	2	18	20	30
29	Brooks Rogowski	C	Oshawa (OHL)	6-6/225	6/28/2008	31	7	18	25	10
30	Maddox Dagenais	C	Quebec (QMJHL)	6-3/195	3/27/2008	43	20	17	37	23
31	Tomas Chrenko	C	HK Nitra (Slovakia)	5-11/170	11/2/2007	33	6	16	22	6
32	Marcus Nordmark	LW	Djurgardens (Swe U20)	6-1/180	5/4/2008	21	10	20	30	42
33	Egor Shilov	C	Victoriaville (QMJHL)	6-1/180	4/30/2008	42	22	37	59	23
34	Ryan Roobroeck	C	Niagara (OHL)	6-3/215	9/25/2007	45	27	26	53	26
35	Jakub Vanecek	D	Tri-City (WHL)	6-1/190	2/25/2008	36	10	15	25	16
36	Pierce Mbuyi	LW	Owen Sound (OHL)	5-10/160	4/17/2008	45	23	27	50	65
37	Jack Hextall	C	Youngstown (USHL)	6-0/190	3/23/2008	38	12	25	37	22
38	Thomas Vandenberg	C	Ottawa (OHL)	6-0/180	9/8/2008	37	17	17	34	14
39	Vladimir Dravecky	D	Brantford (OHL)	6-0/185	12/19/2007	37	7	16	23	20
40	Alessandro Di Iorio	RW	Sarnia (OHL)	6-0/190	3/17/2008	28	10	9	19	8
41	Vilho Vanhatalo	RW	Tappara (Fin-U20)	6-4/195	1/18/2008	29	10	8	18	14
42	Ryder Cali	C	North Bay (OHL)	6-1/210	9/6/2008	24	11	5	16	4
43	Tommy Bleyl	D	Moncton (QMJHL)	6-0/160	12/1/2007	42	7	44	51	22
44	Tobias Trejbal	G	Youngstown (USHL)	6-4/190	11/9/2007	27	20	5	2.04	0.924
45	Charlie Morrison	D	Quebec (QMJHL)	6-3/195	10/12/2007	24	2	4	6	23
46	Oscar Holmertz	C	Linkopings (Swe U20)	6-0/190	3/21/2008	25	7	14	21	2
47	Nikita Scherbakov	D	Salavat Yulayev Ufa (KHL)	6-5/190	10/23/2007	7	0	0	0	4
48	Victor Plante	LW	USN U18 (USDP)	5-9/165	3/10/2008	34	16	13	29	55
49	Adam Goljer	D	HK Dukla Trencin (Slovakia)	6-3/195	6/7/2008	33	4	6	10	26
50	Luke Schairer	D	USN U18 (USDP)	6-3/195	1/30/2008	36	0	9	9	55
51	Niklas Aaram-Olsen	RW	Orebro (Swe U20)	6-0/185	4/19/2008	22	17	15	32	12
52	Gleb Pugachyov	C	Chaika Nizhny Novgorod (MHL)	6-3/200	3/25/2008	27	8	13	21	20
53	Simas Ignatavicius	C	Geneva-Servette (Sui-NL)	6-3/195	10/22/2007	44	5	6	11	41
54	Lars Steiner	RW	Rouyn Noranda (QMJHL)	5-10/175	11/12/2007	24	12	12	24	26
55	Dmitri Borichev	G	Loko-76 Yaroslavl (MHL)	6-3/200	6/19/2008	17	8	6	1.79	0.942
56	Adam Andersson	C	Leksands (Swe U20)	6-3/200	7/2/2008	23	2	13	15	22
57	Alexander Bilecki	D	Kitchener (OHL)	6-1/180	5/9/2008	44	7	15	22	24
58	Axel Elofsson	D	Orebro (Swe U20)	5-10/165	6/3/2008	26	7	24	31	18
59	Xavier Wendt	G	Tri-City (WHL)	6-1/165	1/24/2008	28	17	9	2.42	0.929
60	Adam Valentini	LW	Michigan (NCAA)	5-11/185	4/11/2008	24	6	13	19	40
61	Beckham Edwards	C	Sarnia (OHL)	6-1/180	1/6/2008	45	14	17	31	14
62	Samu Alalauri	D	Pelicans (Fin-U20)	6-2/200	5/31/2008	32	6	17	23	4
63	Ben MacBeath	D	Calgary (WHL)	6-2/185	3/4/2008	43	6	27	33	12
64	Liam Ruck	RW	Medicine Hat (WHL)	6-0/175	2/21/2008	46	27	37	64	26
HM	Simon Katolicky	LW	Tappara (Fin-U20)	6-4/195	7/24/2008	24	5	9	14	16
HM	Timofei Runtso	D	Victoria (WHL)	6-2/185	7/6/2007	45	7	26	33	22
HM	Layne Gallacher	C	Brantford (OHL)	6-1/180	2/16/2008	21	5	7	12	2
HM	Landon Amrhein	LW	Calgary (WHL)	6-4/190	4/6/2008	39	7	16	23	6
HM	Filip Ruzicka	G	Brandon (WHL)	6-7/230	3/24/2008	27	19	7	2.97	0.908
HM	Wiggo Sorensson	C	Boro/Vetlanda (Swe Div 2)	5-11/180	4/15/2008	24	13	16	29	2
HM	Viktor Fyodorov	C	Torpedo-Gorky NN (VHL)	5-10/175	2/21/2008	27	2	5	7	6
HM	Landon Nycz	D	Massachusetts (NCAA)	6-2/200	10/4/2007	24	1	1	2	0
HM	Brady Knowling	G	USN U18 (USDP)	6-5/200	3/9/2008	17	6	8	3.60	0.880
HM	Casey Mutryn	RW	USN U18 (USDP)	6-3/200	7/5/2008	36	7	18	25	32
HM	Tobias Tvrznik	G	Wenatchee (WHL)	6-4/180	7/29/2007	31	13	15	2.89	0.919
HM	Jonas Lagerberg Hoen	RW	Leksands (Swe U20)	6-2/175	10/24/2007	9	9	7	16	33
HM	Olivers Murnieks	C	Saint John (QMJHL)	6-1/190	7/31/2008	29	6	12	18	14
HM	Colin Fitzgerald	C	Pbo-Soo (OHL)	6-2/210	4/1/2008	44	13	12	25	48
HM	Adam Nemec	LW	Sudbury (OHL)	6-1/175	10/18/2007	8	4	6	10	0
HM	Chase Harrington	LW	Spokane (WHL)	6-0/195	10/30/2007	44	17	23	40	73

2026 NHL DRAFT – MID-SEASON RANKING – TOP 32 – Closing gap between top prospects

Brock Otten — Sat, 31 Jan 2026 18:56:46 +0000

You can expect our next update towards the end of March as we expand to a top 100 ranking.

RANK	PLAYER	POS	TEAM	HT/WT	DOB	GP	G	A	PTS	PIM
1	Gavin McKenna	LW	Penn State (NCAA)	5-11/170	12/20/2007	22	10	19	29	19
2	Ivar Stenberg	LW	Frolunda (SHL)	5-11/185	9/30/2007	29	7	21	28	6
3	Keaton Verhoeff	D	North Dakota (NCAA)	6-4/210	6/19/2008	22	6	11	17	23
4	Chase Reid	D	Soo Greyhounds (OHL)	6-2/185	12/30/2007	39	18	27	45	30
5	Alberts Smits	D	Jukurit (Fin-Liiga)	6-3/205	12/2/2007	34	6	7	13	12
6	Carson Carels	D	Prince George (WHL)	6-2/195	6/23/2008	37	12	28	40	42
7	Tynan Lawrence	C	Muskegon (USHL)	6-0/185	8/3/2008	13	10	7	17	6
8	Viggo Bjorck	C	Djurgardens (SHL)	5-9/175	3/12/2008	29	4	4	8	10
9	Caleb Malhotra	C	Brantford (OHL)	6-0/170	6/2/2008	45	23	38	61	37
10	Ethan Belchetz	LW	Windsor (OHL)	6-5/225	3/30/2008	43	29	16	45	35
11	Oscar Hemming	LW	Boston College (NCAA)	6-4/195	8/13/2008	6	0	3	3	8
12	Adam Novotny	LW	Peterborough (OHL)	6-1/205	11/13/2007	37	22	21	43	8
13	Ryan Lin	D	Vancouver (WHL)	5-11/175	4/18/2008	42	11	39	50	33
14	Daxon Rudolph	D	Prince Albert (WHL)	6-2/205	3/6/2008	45	21	33	54	42
15	Oliver Suvanto	C	Tappara (Fin-Liiga)	6-3/210	9/3/2008	34	2	5	7	14
16	Elton Hermansson	RW	MoDo Hockey (Allsvenskan)	6-1/180	2/5/2008	29	9	7	16	14
17	Ilia Morozov	C	Miami (NCAA)	6-3/195	8/3/2008	24	7	7	14	25
18	Xavier Villeneuve	D	Blainville-Boisbriand (QMJHL)	5-11/160	9/29/2007	35	6	30	36	35
19	Malte Gustafsson	D	HV 71 (SHL)	6-4/200	6/11/2008	16	0	3	3	2
20	Juho Piiparinen	D	Tappara (Fin-Liiga)	6-2/200	8/10/2008	28	0	3	3	8
21	Alexander Command	C	Orebro (Swe U20)	6-1/185	6/16/2008	24	13	22	35	30
22	Wyatt Cullen	LW	USN U18 (USDP)	5-11/175	9/8/2008	17	3	11	14	2
23	JP Hurlbert	LW	Kamloops (WHL)	6-0/185	4/11/2008	45	31	41	72	26
24	Nikita Klepov	RW	Saginaw (OHL)	6-0/180	6/27/2008	45	28	32	60	27
25	Mathis Preston	RW	Spokane (WHL)	5-11/175	7/21/2008	36	14	18	32	32
26	Jaxon Cover	LW	London (OHL)	6-2/175	2/13/2008	45	14	20	34	40
27	William Hakansson	D	Lulea (SHL)	6-4/205	10/8/2007	22	0	2	2	8
28	Giorgos Pantelas	D	Brandon (WHL)	6-2/215	4/24/2008	45	2	18	20	30
29	Brooks Rogowski	C	Oshawa (OHL)	6-6/225	6/28/2008	31	7	18	25	10
30	Maddox Dagenais	C	Quebec (QMJHL)	6-3/195	3/27/2008	43	20	17	37	23
31	Tomas Chrenko	C	HK Nitra (Slovakia)	5-11/170	11/2/2007	33	6	16	22	6
32	Marcus Nordmark	LW	Djurgardens (Swe U20)	6-1/180	5/4/2008	21	10	20	30	42

2026 NHL Draft: McKeen’s Early Season Favourites – EASTERN CANADA PART ONE – Tommy Bleyl, Kornei Korneyev, Thomas Rousseau, Yegor Shilov, Maddox Dagenais, Torkel Jennersjo

Jeremy Tremblay and Jeremi Plourde — Fri, 07 Nov 2025 13:15:48 +0000

Yegor Shilov (Photo by Alex Garneau)

Time for another series at McKeen’s from our scouting staff. The 2026 NHL Draft season is well under way, and our scouts have been busy soaking in the action around the globe. Analyzing early season play can be difficult, perhaps even a bit of a ruse. Hot starts aren’t always sustainable, and cold starts are not always indicative. However, players can still catch our attention in positive ways and that’s what this series intends to highlight.

This is EASTERN CANADA PART ONE

Jeremy Tremblay

Tommy Bleyl

Right Defender – Moncton Wildcats

6-foot-0, 161 pounds

As CHL players are now eligible to play in the NCAA, more and more American players are looking at the CHL for an opportunity to get more ice time and visibility for the NCAA. That’s the case for Tommy Bleyl, who was playing in the USHS-Prep last year and is now playing with the Moncton Wildcats this season. Bleyl has already committed to join Michigan State University after the present season.

It is not hard to see why Michigan State is interested in Bleyl. He is a very mobile defender that can carry the puck with ease and calm between zones. He often uses his skating ability to exit his own zone, manipulating his opponent one way before going the other. This ability is also seen in the offensive zone where Bleyl likes to skate with the puck and create scoring chances. He also has a good skill level and puck handling, allowing him to evade pressure pretty quickly, creating space for his teammates.

Those skills have given Bleyl a big role with Moncton. He is playing on their top pair, averaging 23 minutes a night for now with a good amount of time on the power play. He is creative with the puck and with more space on the ice, Bleyl is just more dangerous. He is a smart player and it shows with his passing ability in the offensive zone. He sees and creates passing lanes well thanks to his skating ability. However, I would like to see Bleyl work on his shot. Not that his shot is bad, but he often waits too long, and his shot gets blocked.

Defensively, Bleyl’s mobility is a major asset. He keeps attackers ahead of him and recovers well. His stick is very active, but he stays away from corners and doesn’t really play physically. This is a trait that Bleyl really needs to work on for his future career in hockey. He is playing well even if the physicality is not his style, and points are slowly coming for Bleyl. The offensive potential is very interesting, let’s see what the rest of the season will bring.

Bring on the Videos!

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/1-Tommy-Bleyl-BleylGoodHandsMoveAround1.mp4

He possesses quick hands, helping him evade some pressure in tight spaces.

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/2-Tommy-BleylMoveWellAndCrashNet1.mp4

Bleyl is agile on his feet and with his skill, he can create offence from nowhere like on this clip. It is a move like that that is showing his offensive potential.

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/3-Tommy-BleylMobilityOnbreakout1.mp4

His best asset is clearly his skating. Bleyl is a very mobile defender, and he uses it often in transition to carry the puck from one end to the other.

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/4-Tommy-BleylPlaymaking1.mp4

There are a lot of moments where Bleyl just pulls some great passes in the offensive zone, displaying his quick thinking and vision.

Kornei Korneyev

Left Winger – Victoriaville Tigers

6-foot-1, 172 pounds

After getting drafted by Chicoutimi in the 2024 CHL draft last year, Korneyev chose to join the team right away. The Kazakhstan native did well in his first season despite playing 11 minutes a night, scoring 21 points in 64 games and leaving a great first impression in the QMJHL. While he was ready to play a second season with Chicoutimi, after only two games, he was traded to the Victoriaville Tigers where he joined well-known draft eligible prospects Egor Shilov and Alexei Vlasov. Not only was he joining their team, but also their first line, where Korneyev is still playing after seven games with them.

Korneyev might not be as productive on the scoresheet as Shilov, but his game is nonetheless showing some potential. Currently playing about 15 minutes a night, he is slowly getting more responsibilities on the ice. Korneyev is a high intensity and competitive player, quick on the forecheck to recover some pucks in the corner. While he could improve his strength to help him win more battles, he already often gets out of the corner with the puck, giving him time and space to show off his playmaking ability to generate scoring chances. However, offensively, Korneyev relies solely on his passing abilities where he could use his shot more often. Improving this trait in the offensive zone could help him score more points.

His skating ability is pretty good for a player of his size. Already 6-foot-1 and 176 pounds, he can be hard to play against. His top speed creates a lot of space on the ice, but he struggles to use it to his advantage yet. He is a smart puck handler, and he has the right idea, but the execution is not there for now. The potential is very interesting here, and even with only four points in seven games with Victoriaville, I have no doubt some people are curious how he will improve this season.

Bring on the Videos!

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/1-Kornei-Korneyev-KorneyevPuckProtectionAndAssist1.mp4

A new move by Korneyev this season as he is slowly starting to use his size to crash to the net, playing more and more like a power forward.

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/2-Kornei-Korneyev-KorneyevNiceMoveAndScore1.mp4

Korneyev is calm with the puck, and he has nice vision. He sees that the goalie is slow to protect the opposite post and score on a nice wrap-around. The thinking is there, but the execution could have been better. Luckily for him, the opposing goalie was not expecting this.

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/3-Kornei-Korneyev-KorneyevOffensivePlayAndPlaymaking1.mp4

Several good plays in the offensive zone, displaying his playmaking ability and his off-puck position.

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/4-Kornei-Korneyev-KorneyevHardWorkAndPhysical1.mp4

He has a good level of intensity, works hard to make small plays like this to keep the puck for his team and can also hit.

Thomas Rousseau

Center – Sherbrooke Phoenix

5-foot-10, 170 pounds

After a good first season in the QMJHL last year, 40 points in 58 games, Thomas Rousseau was already on our radar. He is now the first center of the Phoenix, averaging a little more than 21 minutes per night on the ice.

As a responsible player, the coach is asking more and more from Rousseau on the ice, playing some important minutes on the penalty kill and on the powerplay. He may not be an all-offensive forward, but his two-way game is stronger than the rest of prospects from the QMJHL for the next draft. Playing center really put on display his main abilities, but his height could harm his future as an NHL center. However, every time I watched Rousseau play, I could not believe he was only 5-foot-10. This guy is not afraid to hit anyone and play hard to get the puck. His compete level is already standing out and I’m sure NHL scouts love that.

Offensively, Rousseau is currently producing at a rate of one point per game. His strongest ability is clearly his playmaking. He has outstanding vision on the ice, seeing plays develop before others on the ice. I think his vision will translate well at the next level. One thing that has improved a lot in Rousseau’s game from last year is his skating. His acceleration and top speed are a lot better, and he uses it offensively to create more space for himself.

Obviously, Rousseau is not a perfect player. Since the start of the season, he doesn’t seem to trust his shot that by all means isn’t bad. It may not be a strength, but his skill level is high enough to score close to the net. If he could improve his upper strength at the same time this season, we have a very interesting player that could fill a bottom six role perfectly.

Bring on the Videos!

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/1-Thomas-Rousseau-RousseauPlaymaking1.mp4

Rousseau is a very smart player and displays it often in a game with quick passing plays like this one in the offensive zone that results in solid scoring chances.

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/2-Thomas-Rousseau-RousseauOffPuckAndScore1.mp4

This clip shows well how Rousseau plays the game. He starts by protecting the puck well and then passing the puck to a teammate. Then, he slowly moves towards the net as he sees his teammate on the other side ready to shoot the puck. He gets the rebound and scores.

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/3-Thomas-Rousseau-RousseauSkatingAcceleration1.mp4

Rousseau’s strides look very good this season, a lot better than last year. He often beats his opponent in a race for the puck.

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/4-Thomas-Rousseau-RousseauPhysicalPlayHit1.mp4

Not only that Rousseau is fast, but also relentless on the forecheck. He works hard to get the puck.

Jeremi Plourde

Yegor Shilov

Center – Victoriaville Tigres

6-foot-1, 181 pounds

Shilov has been the fastest riser out of the QMJHL so far this year. At age 16, the Russian-born center moved to the United States to pursue his junior career and has already acclimatized to the North American style of hockey. After a fairly solid DY-1 campaign of 28 points in 39 games with the Green Bay Gamblers in the USHL, Shilov opted to play in the QMJHL for his draft year season after being drafted third overall in the CHL import draft. So far, Shilov has been on fire, with 21 points in only 12 games, good for fourth in league scoring. In terms of points-per-game, Shilov even leads the entire QMJHL, tied with his linemate and also draft-eligible Russian Alexei Vlasov.

As the statistics suggest, Shilov has been nothing short of remarkable. Only failing to record at least one point in two of his twelve games in the QMJHL, Victoriaville’s center has been firing on all cylinders. When things go his way, his display of talent with the puck leaves his opponents dazzled and confused. Shilov is able to react quickly and spin on a dime, is able to execute difficult and crafty moves with his high-level hands, and to connect with teammates often for scoring opportunities. Away from the puck, Shilov is a physical well-rounded center who helps his team along the boards and plays at a fair pace.

Shilov has shown a tendency so far to skate into pressure with the puck and kill plays where better options were available. He can tend to take unnecessary risks, which can be frustrating. On the flip side, it shows the confidence he has in his hands, and after looking at how often he sets up his teammates, his vision is not the problem. Shilov will just need to mature and display better decision-making.

Shilov has gotten himself into top 20, even top 15 conversations. Most people expected Xavier Villeneuve to be the first player drafted out of the QMJHL this year, but Shilov has made this an interesting race.

Bring on the Videos!

Without a doubt, what impresses the most about Shilov is his skill level. In this clip, he shows the ability to go from one end of the ice to another and get a prime scoring chance.

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/1-egor_shilov_-_3rd_period_8_27_-_8_40.mp4

Once again, on his own, plays with the defence and gets a scoring chance right in front of the goalie.

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/2-egor_shilov_-_3rd_period_29_26_-_29_38.mp4

Similar type of play here, but Shilov ends with a pass attempt. I like the perfectly timed move to slide the puck right past his opponent as he enters the offensive zone.

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/3-egor_shilov_-_3rd_period_22_5_-_22_17.mp4

Here, not only does Shilov display agility on the feet, but also high-level craftiness, with the perfect move to get a nice shot.

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/4-egor_shilov_-_1st_period_10_16_-_10_28.mp4

Maddox Dagenais

Center – Victoriaville Tigres

6-foot-3, 194 pounds

Maddox Dagenais is another well-known, highly touted prospect from the QMJHL. After being drafted first overall in the 2024 QMJHL entry draft, Dagenais scored 26 points in 43 games over the course of his DY-1 season. While Dagenais didn’t really have an earth-shattering first year, the high upside with his frame, speed and skill was still on display at all times. So far this season, Dagenais has been prevalent, recording nine points in his first 13 games. While the stat line has not been shockingly impressive this year either, the flashes are what impresses.

With an impressive frame of 6-foot-3, Dagenais is excellent at utilizing his reach and range to get around players. Intelligently, he maneuvers with great precision and timing around his opponents, and no one seems to find success defending him. Dagenais has found success in every game so far playing a power forward style and imposing his will with his reach.

Dagenais also has incredible fluidity on the feet. He likes to curl back and gather momentum, then flies by everyone in a matter of moments. His hands are good enough to follow his top speed, which makes everything even more impressive.

Dagenais’ potential as a high flying, skilled puck carrier with imposing frame is amongst the most interesting ones in the QMJHL this season. I expect more discussion around Dagenais as the year goes on.

Bring on the Videos!

Here is an impressive display of Dagenais’ hands in tight. We have recently seen Cole Caufield score a similar goal at the NHL level. Now, instead of a 5-foot-8 player with quick hands doing this move, we get to see a 6-foot-3 center performing the same move, almost as cleanly as Cole’s.

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/1-maddox_dagenais_-_3rd_period_0_51_-_1_3.mp4

This time, we get to see Dagenais playing the puck carrier role, while using teammates to proceed zone entries. He uses his speed and gets a nice scoring chance, basically on his own.

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/2-maddox_dagenais_-_1st_period_31_55_-_32_7.mp4

While this scoring chance did not come to fruition, Dagenais showed impressive agility and confidence, getting around the defence for a nice look all alone in front of the goalie.

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/3-maddox_dagenais_-_2nd_period_4_50_-_5_2.mp4

Good clip here to showcase Dagenais’ potential as a size-imposing forward. He senses an opponent behind him, levels him with his frame while retaining the puck, and passes to a teammate.

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/4-maddox_dagenais_-_3rd_period_7_21_-_7_33.mp4

Torkel Jennersjo

LW – Armada Blainville-Boisbriand

5-foot-10, 183 pounds

Jennersjo is a less well-known draft eligible forward from the QMJHL, but who I find interesting as a later round option. After a quiet 19 point-season throughout 50 games in his DY-1 with Dubuque in the USHL, the Swedish winger travelled north of the border to play in the QMJHL for the Armada for his draft year. While he has struggled to produce a lot so far with one goal in four games, Torkel has been impactful in other ways.

To begin with, Jennersjo is a relentless forward. With his smaller frame and quick steps, he finds openings off the puck and constantly buzzes around the ice, making himself hard to cover. When the opponents control the puck, they don’t have much time to execute before Torkel will be in their face. While he hasn’t been given a ton of ice time so far, he’s made every second count, and I expect Jennersjo’s role to grow as the year goes on thanks to his effort level.

The undersized winger has also shown a surprising physical game. He throws his body around even against tall opponents who seem to tower over him. He plays a pesky game, which adds to the overall equation.

Finally, Jennersjo has shown that his skating is at a very advanced level. He’s able, like the best skaters of the new generation, to open his hips and use his inside edges to gain momentum and show deceptive skating, and his pure speed and pace is far ahead of the QMJHL competition already.

Jennersjo needs to produce in order to hear his name in the NHL draft this summer. He looks impressive and has intriguing aspects in his game, but he will need to show that he has enough skill to be an NHL prospect.

Bring on the Videos!

Here is a perfect showing of how Jennersjo can be a useful player. He wins a board battle in the cycle against a 6-foot-0 defenceman in Alexandre Taillefer and times a nice pass for a scoring chance. Then, he comes back to catch 6-foot-3 Maddox Dagenais on the zone exit, levels him, and passes to a teammate for a two on one chance.

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/1-Torkel-Jennersjo.mp4

Another example of Jennersjo’s effort level. As the F1, he chases the puck, comes back to the neutral zone in time, and forces a turnover. Then, opens himself up as a central ice passing option, blitzes in, and gets a nice scoring chance.

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/2-Torkel-Jennersjo.mp4

Here is Jennersjo being relentless yet again. Gets physical, and chases his opponent as he slips by, catching him in time with a nicely timed stick-lift, and initiates the zone exit.

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/3-Torkel-Jennersjo.mp4