Ethan Belchetz has been viewed for several years as a potential top-5 pick for the 2026 NHL Draft. With a few names disappointing early this season, the prospect may very well solidify his place near the top of the class sooner rather than later. Here is a scouting report on the prospect currently playing in the OHL.

2026 NHL Draft Scouting Report: Ethan Belchetz

Ethan Belchetz is a left winger for the Windsor Spitfires in the OHL who is projected as a top-5 pick for the 2026 NHL Draft. So far this season, the 6-foot-5, 227-pound prospect has produced 29 points in 25 games, including 17 goals. The colossus is inserting himself more and more into the conversation with Keaton Verhoeff, Gavin McKenna, Chase Reid, and Ivar Stenberg for first overall. The battle will be more than interesting heading into next June to see who comes out on top.

Here is a chart showing some of the statistics Ethan Belchetz has accumulated so far in the OHL during the 2025-2026 season.

A Power-Forward

In terms of mobility, Ethan Belchetz has shown clear improvement compared to last year. His fluidity, pace, and explosiveness have developed, and he is more involved in transition. Altogether, it forms a very intriguing NHL package considering his imposing frame. Teams dream of this type of profile. Nevertheless, his skating is far from optimal at the moment. There is still a lot of work to be done. His footwork is deficient and he does not yet have separation speed. Since he is progressing, I expect his development to continue in this area and maturity to fix a good part of these shortcomings.

Defensively, he is not just a pure offensive player. The prospect appears to take his responsibilities seriously (often), uses his stick effectively, finishes his checks, recovers pucks, and protects possession using all the tools at his disposal. He is capable of being a positive factor in his own zone. He is not someone who will eventually contend for the Selke Trophy, but he could become a very well-rounded player. He simply needs to show more consistency and aggressiveness in pursuit and in battles. We have too often seen big-bodied players become passive in the pros, and that cannot be his case.

In terms of physicality, Ethan Belchetz has the physical style to dominate in the OHL. His size, strength, and frame allow him to impose himself on anyone. As I said, the youngster could be even more aggressive, but with the skill he has, I can understand the winger wanting to show finesse. Since it works, can we really blame him? For the NHL, however, he will need a bit more “violence,” more occupation of dangerous areas, and more plays toward the net.

A Goal-Scorer

His shot is one of his primary tools due to the variety in his arsenal. Ethan Belchetz can beat a goaltender without a screen by changing angles and using quick fakes to hide his intentions before releasing. He is therefore a difficult winger to contain when his attention is focused on the net. I would simply like to see fewer shots from the outside and more from the slot. We know he is capable and has the attributes to do it. The prospect just needs to standardize it. We had a good example of uninspired play from Belchetz in the CHL vs. USNTDP game. That cannot happen too often…

As for his vision and puck management, the prospect is not a pure playmaker who distributes complex passes. He can create chances, but his instinct pushes him mostly to finish plays. His puck management is solid, but he often chooses finesse in one-on-one situations, which can limit his impact. He would be more dangerous if he chose more direct plays toward the net rather than always looking for riskier options.

Regarding his puck-handling, he shines particularly in one-on-one situations, along the boards, and near the net. His hands are quick and serve him well against defenders or goaltenders in tight spaces. There is a lot of finesse in his game.

Projection for Ethan Belchetz in the 2026 NHL Draft Rankings

Looking ahead to the 2026 NHL Draft, it is certain that he is expected to be among the first prospects selected. However, personally, I have a hard time seeing him become a legitimate first-overall candidate because of his lack of elite playmaking ability. Ethan Belchetz is missing a small touch of high-end talent and aggressiveness needed to surpass prospects like Verhoeff, McKenna, and Reid.

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