Adam Novotny, F, Czechia

In his first season in North America, the 18-year-old (6-1, 204) leads Peterborough of the Ontario Hockey League with 35 points (19 goals, 16 assists), 13 power-play points (seven goals, six assists) 132 shots on goal and six game-winning goals in 29 games. Novotny, who received an A rating on Central Scouting’s PTW list, should have a larger role at the 2026 WJC after he scored one goal in seven games at the 2025 tournament.

“What’s really impressive about him is his speed and quickness for a guy with his frame,” Central Scouting’s Nick Smith said. “He already has that NHL frame, and his motor and compete level are off the charts.”

Juho Piiparinen, D, Finland

One of the most improved defensemen among the International list of players for the 2026 draft, the right-handed shot has three assists and a plus-8 rating while averaging 10:42 of ice time in 26 games for Tappara in Liiga, Finland’s top professional men’s league. Piiparinen (6-1, 201) is an A-rated skater on Central Scouting’s PTW list.

“His skating and mobility are solid, with good balance and top-end speed, though his first-step quickness and transitions are areas for improvement,” Director of European Scouting Services Jukka-Pekka Vuorinen said. “He uses his size and strength effectively in board battles and 1-on-1 situations, rarely getting outmuscled despite his youth.”

Chase Reid, D, United States

An A-rated skater on Central Scouting’s preliminary players to watch list, Reid (6-2, 188) is in his first full season with Sault Ste. Marie (OHL), after playing 18 games with Bismarck of the North American Hockey League to begin the 2024-25 season, then finishing it with 39 games with Sault Ste. Marie. It remains to be seen if he’ll make the cut and represent his country at World Juniors for the first time, but Reid, who will turn 18 on Dec. 30, has shown great improvement from last season. A right-handed shot who dictates games with a take-charge attitude and offers great hockey sense and composure, he has 35 points (14 goals, 21 assists) in 31 games this season after he had 40 points (seven goals, 33 assists) in 39 games with Sault Ste. Marie last season.

Alberts Smits, D, Latvia

Smits (6-3, 205) is an A-rated skater on NHL Central Scouting’s PTW list and has been rising the ranks in this draft class since the end of last season. The left-handed shot has 12 points (six goals, six assists) and a plus-2 rating in 29 games with Jukurit in Liiga.

“He has size and uses it effectively in his own end as a shut-down defender,” Vuorinen said. “His passes are strong and accurate and his one-timers are powerful and precise from the blue line.”

Ivar Stenberg, F, Sweden

Stenberg (5-11, 183) is primed for success. In fact, there’s a distinct possibility he goes No. 2 in the 2026 draft as he’s been that good for Frolunda (SHL), leading them with 24 points (six goals, 18 assists) in 25 games. He’s a standout because of his high-end offensive skill set. Stenberg, who should play a top-six role for Sweden, has averaged 14:28 of ice time and is an A-rated prospect.

“He has elite skating, puck control and creativity, making him a constant threat,” Vuorinen said. “His ability to shift tempo and direction while maintaining possession stands out, and he’s shown strong playmaking. A definite first-rounder if all goes as planned.”

Oliver Suvanto, C, Finland

Suvanto (6-3, 207) has impressed for Tappara in Liiga, with seven points (two goals, five assists) and averaging 12:56 of ice time in 30 games this season. The 17-year-old, an A-rated skater on Central Scouting’s PTW list, plays a mature, reliable two-way game and has won 49.2 percent of his face-offs.

“Nobody expected him to be so good and smooth in the men’s top league yet, as he has been strong in Tappara’s lineup,” Vuorinen said. “He has a strong body, wins pucks and plays creative hockey when moving the puck to his linemates.”

Keaton Verhoeff, D, Canada

The second-youngest player invited to Canada’s camp has had some growing pains at North Dakota to begin the season, but the 17-year-old has adjusted well to the higher-level competition. Verhoeff (6-3, 208), also the second-youngest player in NCAA college hockey, has 11 points (four goals, seven assists) and 19 blocked shots in 16 games. He received an A rating from Central Scouting.

“He can run a power play and is very good at recognizing opportunities,” Williams said. “He jumps up on the rush and crashes the net very well. He needs to grow into his body still but should be a very good skater in time.”