{"id":604130,"date":"2026-04-14T20:21:14","date_gmt":"2026-04-14T20:21:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/604130\/"},"modified":"2026-04-14T20:21:14","modified_gmt":"2026-04-14T20:21:14","slug":"mckenna-leads-pre-u-18-world-championship-top-75","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/604130\/","title":{"rendered":"McKenna leads pre-U-18 World Championship top 75"},"content":{"rendered":"

The 2026 Under-18 World Championship is the last chance for most of the game\u2019s top prospects to showcase what they\u2019re capable of ahead of the NHL Draft.<\/p>\n

Like usual, some of the draft\u2019s top players won\u2019t be there. Gavin McKenna and Ivar Stenberg, for example, have already aged out. Others are still busy playing in their respective leagues\u2019 playoffs. That\u2019s part of the issue of the timing of the tournament, which will take place from April 22 to May 2, 2026 in Tren\u010d\u00edn and Bratislava, Slovakia.\u00a0<\/p>\n

There\u2019s no better scouting event than this. Sure, there might be better talent at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup in April, when players aren\u2019t busy with their domestic league schedules. But for the players, it\u2019s crucial \u2013 it can really help their draft stocks.<\/p>\n

Gavin McKenna is back on top after falling to second in our previous rankings following the World Juniors. His torrid pace to close out the season at Penn State definitely helped his case. It\u2019s still not a done deal that he\u2019ll go first, especially with many scouts preferring the overall well-rounded play style of Ivar Stenberg.<\/p>\n

But that\u2019s what makes this fun, right?<\/p>\n

With the final major international scouting event coming up shortly, here\u2019s a look at the top 75 prospects for the 2026 NHL Draft right now:<\/p>\n

1. Gavin McKenna<\/a>, LW (Penn State University, NCAA)<\/p>\n

Yep, he\u2019s back. McKenna finished his NCAA (career?) freshman season with 15 goals and 51 points in just 35 games. So the early concerns about his production were absolutely demolished down the stretch. Sure, an eight-point game against Ohio State inflated his numbers, but he was downright dominant at times with Penn State after the World Juniors. McKenna is the most exciting player in this draft class, bar none. He\u2019s skilled, he thinks the game at a true difference-making level, and he plays with a lot of confidence. There\u2019s still the \u201cHe\u2019s not big\u201d crowd, and he can lack a bit of intensity away from the puck. But give him a reliable two-way center to work with and he\u2019ll be a star.<\/p>\n

The floor is absolutely bonkers for Stenberg. There truly isn\u2019t an area he struggles with. He\u2019s incredible with the puck, has a fantastic shot and might have the second-best hockey sense of anyone in the draft behind McKenna. Stenberg\u2019s production fell as the season wore on, but he still had one of the best seasons by a U-19 player in recent SHL history. Add in an excellent gold-medal performance with Sweden at the World Juniors, and it\u2019s hard not to fall in love with his game. Stenberg\u2019s ceiling might not be as high as McKenna\u2019s from an offensive production standpoint. But if you\u2019re looking for someone who excels in more facets of the game, Stenberg is your guy.<\/p>\n

3. Chase Reid, RHD (Soo Greyhounds, OHL)<\/p>\n

Many scouts have Reid as the top blueliner off the board. I still think it\u2019s close between him and Verhoeff, but I\u2019m giving Reid the advantage right now. He was excellent at the World Juniors, stood out at the OHL USA Prospects Challenge and plays with as much confidence as any defender you\u2019ll find. He\u2019s a great skater, has a solid 6-foot-2 frame and is always involved at both ends of the ice. Reid\u2019s name has been mentioned by a few scouts as a legitimate No. 1 pick thanks to his outstanding puck skills and competitive nature. You can argue that the OHL isn\u2019t as strong as it once was because the older competition jumped to the NCAA early. But I 1,000 percent believe Reid will be one of the best defenders in college once he joins Michigan State.<\/p>\n

4. Keaton Verhoeff, RHD (University of North Dakota, NCAA)<\/p>\n

Verhoeff jumped from the WHL to the NCAA this year, a move that was well-received by the scouting world. He was productive while playing anywhere in the 16-20 minute range on one of the top teams in the country \u2013 a tough gig for any defenseman. Verhoeff doesn\u2019t have many bad games \u2013 the floor is still quite solid. He takes up a ton of space at 6-foot-4 and is willing to hit you hard while also making many high-end passes in the offensive zone. Scouts wish he\u2019d add a bit more speed to be a true top-pairing defender, though, but there\u2019s time for him to figure that out. I\u2019ll also add this: yeah, his Frozen Four performance wasn\u2019t great. But the ceiling is still very, very high for such a young dude. I commend him for going to college early, and I think he\u2019ll be much more comfortable next year.<\/p>\n

5. Carson Carels<\/a>, LHD (Prince George Cougars, WHL)<\/p>\n

\"CarsonCarson Carels <\/p>\n

Some people have really discounted Carels this year for some reason. Big mistake. Carels was not only one of the best young defenders in the WHL, but he was one of the best defenders in the entire CHL, period. He\u2019s built like a tank \u2013\u00a0he\u2019s a farm kid who raises hundreds of cattle. Carels\u2019 defensive awareness, two-way skill, strong physique and high-end hockey sense make him truly high-end. I liked him at points during the World Juniors, and I think he really has the skillset to be a top-pairing defender. <\/p>\n

6. Caleb Malhotra, C (Brantford Bulldogs, OHL)<\/p>\n

Malhotra\u2019s steady, smart play has helped him emerge as the No. 1 center for this draft. It\u2019s not a great group down the middle, but Malhotra looks like a future top-six threat. He has been an a huge part of Brantford\u2019s success this year, which included a couple of standout performances in a four-game sweep over Sudbury earlier this month. Malhotra battles hard at both ends, giving opponents little time to make quick, heads-up decisions with the puck. Will he have the natural play-driving ability to excel offensively in the NHL? That\u2019s where scouts let their minds wander. Some time at Boston University will allow him to play more key minutes. I wouldn\u2019t be surprised to see Malhotra go in the top five due to the lack of other high-end options available.<\/p>\n

\u0160mits was a big part of Latvia\u2019s World Junior and Olympic teams this season. The 6-foot-3 blueliner moves well for his size and makes so much happen with the puck. It\u2019s always nice seeing an 18-year-old who plays with a ton of confidence on the power play. He also has plenty of pro experience under his belt, highlighted by a strong first half with Jukurit in the Finnish Liiga. He was loaned out to M\u00fcnchen to close out the campaign and has recently lit up the playoffs after watching his ice time stabilize in the 17-18 minute range. I really, really like \u0160mits\u2019 game.<\/p>\n

8. Daxon Rudolph, RHD (Prince Albert Raiders, WHL)<\/p>\n

Rudolph\u2019s hockey sense is off the charts. He doesn\u2019t try to do more than he\u2019s capable of and force plays for the sake of making them. Instead, he plays to his strengths, which happens to be quite a few elements. He has a booming shot, makes great breakout passes and can knock guys down. Rudolph\u2019s two-way game is intriguing, as is his ability to get himself out of trouble consistently with and without the puck. I think we\u2019re likely talking about a future top-four defender who can quarterback the man advantage, and he\u2019ll make a team very happy in the latter half of the top 10.<\/p>\n

9. Viggo Bj\u00f6rck, C (Djurgardens, SHL)<\/p>\n

While his numbers will be nothing to lose your mind over, the fact that Bj\u00f6rck played on the first line \u2013\u00a0often skating in more than 20 minutes a night \u2013\u00a0as a 17-year-old in one of the top leagues in the world is bonkers. Bj\u00f6rck was electric at the World Juniors, showing a high-end blend of hockey sense and raw skill. He might be a bit small, but it hasn\u2019t hindered him too much against men, and he has been downright dominant against his own age group. Bj\u00f6rck is a human highlight reel, and he\u2019s a tremendous passer who will use his quick hands to get the puck into dangerous areas.<\/p>\n

10. Ryan Lin<\/a>, RHD (Vancouver Giants, WHL)<\/p>\n

\"\"Ryan Lin (Steven Ellis\/The Nation Network)<\/p>\n

Many wondered if Lin would choose the NCAA route this season \u2013 instead, he had a big season with the Vancouver Giants, where he registered more than 50 points for the second consecutive campaign. He\u2019s now committed to the University of Denver, where he should immediately slip into a top-four spot and play a similar two-way role that Hobey Baker finalist Eric Pohlkamp possessed<\/a> this year. While Lin is small, he\u2019s definitely one of the most skilled defenders in this class. His decision-making is near the top, and he has the skating to burn guys. You put those together and it\u2019s easy to understand why Lin has the puck so often. Teams seem to be softening up to smaller blueliners \u2013 they should be all-in on Lin.<\/p>\n

11. Tynan Lawrence, C (Boston University, NCAA) <\/p>\n

Lawrence\u2019s move to the NCAA was a highly applauded one \u2013\u00a0he was decimating the USHL after returning from injury. The move might have positive long-term effects on his development, but the numbers were definitely concerning. For as much Lawrence loves to dominate the physical game, he looked invisible a little too often on a team that didn\u2019t have a ton going for them. The good news? He really found his game near the end of the season and should play a leading role with BU next year. There\u2019s still a lot to love about his game and I wouldn\u2019t be surprised if he\u2019s taken closer to fifth. But his stock has definitely fallen overall, with some scouts questioning if he has top-six potential.<\/p>\n

12. Ethan Belchetz,<\/a> LW (Windsor Spitfires, OHL)<\/p>\n

Belchetz broke his left clavicle back in March, ending his season early. It was a shame, because he had really started to push himself up draft boards to the point where it felt like he was going to be a top-10 pick. Belchetz has never lacked confidence \u2013 and you have to have loads of it when you\u2019re the Tasmanian Devil on skates. He plays with so much power, which allows him to carve through the middle of the ice with little regard for human life. An injury wasn\u2019t the only reason he slipped, though \u2013 some scouts worry that he doesn\u2019t have any high-end traits beyond his size. <\/p>\n

13. Oscar Hemming, LW (Boston College, NCAA)<\/p>\n

After missing the first half of the season due to a contract dispute with his Finnish club, Hemming came out swinging with Boston College. He had a pair of assists in just his second game and even had a nice four-point run during a three-game stretch. But after finishing with just two points in his final 11 games, it was a difficult end for a guy many scouts still really like. At his best, the 6-foot-4 forward is an absolute menace who can beat you with size, speed and skill. The raw potential is there, but he was forced to play some heavy catch-up to make up for lost time. I think a full year of college will do him wonders, and I still see some top-six potential.<\/p>\n

14. Liam Ruck, RW (Medicine Hat Tigers, WHL)<\/p>\n

Medicine Hat lost a lot of offense with the departures of Gavin McKenna and Cayden Lindstrom, among others, but Ruck made up for it. He loves to shoot from anywhere and does an excellent job of getting the puck where it needs to be. He led all draft eligibles with 45 goals, and that\u2019s good for seventh in the country. Ruck is extremely dangerous around the net with a variety of quality shot choices at his disposal. His chemistry with his twin, Markus, was obvious from the get-go. It feels like it\u2019s going to be difficult to select both together without some funky trade magic \u2013 that\u2019s the downside of their incredible second-half play.<\/p>\n

15. Adam Novotn\u00fd, LW (Peterborough Petes, OHL)<\/p>\n

\"\"Adam Novotny (Steven Ellis\/Daily Faceoff)<\/p>\n

The more I watch Novotny, the more I like him. He\u2019s a rugged forward with an excellent shot \u2013\u00a0something we saw plenty of times with Peterborough. I was shocked he didn\u2019t score more at the World Juniors because he continuously found himself in scoring lanes, creating quality looks. It was clear that once Novotn\u00fd figured out the North American lifestyle, he would be fine. He surpassed the 30-goal mark as an OHL rookie with Peterborough and easily finished as the Petes\u2019 No. 1 scorer. Novotn\u00fd loves to get the puck on net by any means necessary, and he\u2019s a strong skater, too. I like his two-way work \u2013 he\u2019s a full-time team player. There\u2019s heavy top-six potential here.<\/p>\n

16. Xavier Villeneuve, LHD (Blainville-Boisbriand Armada, QMJHL)<\/p>\n

Just because Villeneuve will go lower due to his smaller 5-foot-11 frame doesn\u2019t mean I\u2019ll discount him. Villeneuve was one of the best defensemen at the 2025 U-18 World Championship, helping Canada win gold. He had 62 points last season in the Q and would have surpassed that this year if he hadn\u2019t missed about 25 games due to injury. Villeneuve can drive the play from the point and is as good as anyone in this draft class on the man advantage. I loved him at the CHL USA Prospects Challenge in particular \u2013 it felt like he was playing with a boatload of confidence. His play in the Q playoffs has been really promising, too.<\/p>\n

17. Oliver Suvanto, C (Tappara, Finland U-20)<\/p>\n

Suvanto spent most of the season playing against men in Tappara, where he has shown he can play a reliable two-way game. Recently, we\u2019ve seen him play heavy minutes with the U-20 squad, and while offense has been tough to come by, he still found ways to impact the game away from the offensive zone. I really like his play away from the puck, and I thought he looked solid at the World Juniors in a variety of roles. I think we\u2019re talking about a big, middle-six guy here, but I want him to find another gear, offensively.<\/p>\n

18. Markus Ruck, C (Medicine Hat Tigers, WHL)<\/p>\n

Markus\u2019 twin, Liam, is getting most of the love from scouts for his play-driving and goal-scoring abilities. But Markus is a special playmaker \u2013 he works as hard as anyone you\u2019ll find in junior hockey. He loves to do the dirty work to make plays happen, no matter whom he\u2019s looking for on the ice. Ruck has obvious chemistry with his brother but can also dazzle on his own. He has quickly established himself as one of the biggest risers for the draft, so don\u2019t be surprised if he\u2019s taken in the top 20. I would still like to see both brothers apart from each other, but the raw talent is definitely there.<\/p>\n

19. Nikita Klepov, RW (Saginaw Spirit, OHL)<\/p>\n

Teams love productive wingers, and Klepov meets every requirement. The projected first-round pick is a tremendous playmaker and maybe one of the best in the CHL. But he\u2019s also a stout shooter and wasn\u2019t far off from reaching the 40-point barrier. It was surprising, given he only put up 31 points in the USHL the year prior. The Michigan State University commit plays with a ton of finesse, but he\u2019s physically strong, too. He\u2019s just an OK skater, but Klepov should still go high because magic tends to happen when he\u2019s in control of the puck on the attack.<\/p>\n

20. Elton Hermansson, RW (Modo, Sweden U-20)<\/p>\n

\"\"Elton Hermansson (Steven Ellis\/The Nation Network)<\/p>\n

Hermansson loves generating offense. He put up solid numbers in the second-tier Swedish league this year and has scored at a goal-per-game pace with the U-18 national team. From an offensive standpoint, there\u2019s a lot to love, especially on the power play. His game away from the puck is just \u201cOK\u201d at best. It feels like he isn\u2019t as impactful as he needs to be when he\u2019s not piling shots on net. I want to see some more urgency when attacking opponents to regain possession. The good news: he\u2019s best at the hardest thing to do in hockey, which is score goals. But when that\u2019s the primary trait, scouts want to see a bit more to feel more confident.<\/p>\n

21. J.P. Hurlbert, LW (Kamloops Blazers, WHL)<\/p>\n

No CHL rookie was as lethal as Hurlbert, who recorded 42 goals and 97 points with Kamloops. He\u2019s an exceptionally skilled forward who, at one point, was so far ahead in the WHL scoring race that nobody was in the same area code. The University of Michigan commit has a great one-touch shot that he routinely unleashes on the power play. He\u2019s also an exceptionally smart puck-mover who has very little difficulty getting it where it needs to be against players his own age. My two pre-season concerns \u2013 his play away from the puck and his lack of high-end speed \u2013 remain issues. But overall, he\u2019s a safe bet for the first round.<\/p>\n

22. Malte Gustafsson, LHD (HV71, Sweden U-20)<\/p>\n

If teams are looking for a blueliner with a larger frame, Gustafsson could go higher. I\u2019m just not fully convinced he\u2019s more than a big body. Gustafsson is a 6-foot-4 defender who played well in the SHL, despite having little to show for it on the scoresheet. His skating is good for his size, allowing him to play a very mobile game. Gustafsson rarely struggles to get the puck out of his zone. A lack of flash and high-end offensive instinct likely won\u2019t help his draft projection, but there\u2019s still a ton to like about the way he defends and takes up space.<\/p>\n

23. Juho Piiparinen, RHD (Tappara, Liiga)<\/p>\n

Piiparinen is a smart defender who doesn\u2019t make many mistakes with the puck. He\u2019s good when he keeps things simple, but he can also rush the puck up the ice and lower the boom when needed. Piiparinen has played decent hockey against men, and his international action has been solid, too.\u00a0Piiparinen isn\u2019t flashy, but he\u2019s calm and collected in his own zone and is generally reliable defensively. I was hoping to see him put up more offense this season, but his game is more about shutting opponents down with his mobility. He\u2019ll make a good fit alongside someone more offensively minded.<\/p>\n

24. Wyatt Cullen, LW (USNTDP)<\/p>\n

Cullen continues to rise up the ranks thanks to his strong play with the USA Hockey National Team Development Program. Injuries prevented the son of long-time NHLer Matt Cullen from starting the year on time, but he has been a point-per-game player ever since. The speedy, two-way center has saved his best hockey for major showcase events, which obviously gets scouts excited. Cullen isn\u2019t a future No. 1 center, but he can be a reliable, smart two-way guy with the potential to be a No. 2\/3. I might like him more than others, but I think the floor is high enough to slot him here.<\/p>\n

25. William H\u00e5kansson, LHD (Lulea, SHL)<\/p>\n

\"\"William H\u00e5kansson (Steven Ellis\/The Nation Network)<\/p>\n

H\u00e5kansson didn\u2019t get a ton of ice time at the World Juniors, but we saw exactly what he\u2019s capable of \u2013 raw defensive energy. There\u2019s absolutely no flash to his game. Instead, he uses his big 6-foot-4, 207-pound frame to flatten opponents while being a pain in the rear end defensively. He\u2019s quite mobile for his frame, too. H\u00e5kansson\u2019s lack of offensive awareness won\u2019t help his draft stock, but I absolutely could see him becoming a solid shutdown defender in the NHL. He\u2019d go higher if he could shoot or make passes like Alberts \u0160mits.<\/p>\n

26. Alexander Command, C (Orebro, Sweden U-20)<\/p>\n

Despite his last name, Command doesn\u2019t demand too much attention. Instead, he\u2019s a smart, solid two-way center who makes everyone around him better. He doesn\u2019t seem to have many off shifts, and that\u2019s because he\u2019s effective away from the puck, too. He reminds me a bit of Milton Gastrin \u2013 someone who can contribute offensively but also will win faceoffs, block shots and make moves with intent. I\u2019ve liked him internationally, and he has played quite well against his own age group. I think he\u2019s more of a third-liner in the NHL, but one who shouldn\u2019t have many issues being effective.<\/p>\n

27. Mathis Preston, RW (Vancouver Giants, WHL)<\/p>\n

Once viewed as a potential top-10 pick, Preston left scouts wanting more in Spokane, and then he got injured shortly after joining Vancouver. Still, there\u2019s a ton to like about his game, and he could end up being an excellent value pickup here. Preston does a good job of getting to the middle of the ice to redirect chances and take space away.\u00a0I\u2019ve liked him more in the showcase events (Hlinka, CHL USA Prospects Challenge), which shows he can rise to the occasion when needed. If Preston indeed joins Canada for the U-18s, look for him to be leaned on as a difference-maker \u2013 and hopefully boost his value. For now, scouts seem a bit mixed, given he\u2019s undersized and not dominant enough offensively.<\/p>\n

28. Ilia Morozov, C (Miami University, NCAA)<\/p>\n

Morozov was the youngest player in college hockey, but you couldn\u2019t tell with how often Miami relied on him this year. At 6-foot-3 and over 200 pounds, he\u2019s a big center who commands respect. He put up solid numbers on a team that didn\u2019t have a ton of big-time firepower to work with. I also like his confidence and the way he\u2019s always looking to make a pass, even through traffic. Morozov doesn\u2019t have as much offensive upside as some others around this point, like Mathis Preston or Marcus Nordmark. But Morozov\u2019s game away from the puck, mixed in with his overall power, intrigues me. <\/p>\n

29. Marcus Nordmark, LW (Djurgarden, Sweden U-20)<\/p>\n

Nordmark blends high-end skill and hockey sense to create high-quality chances in the offensive zone. He routinely picks apart opponents in his own age group and has been truly dominant internationally. But scouts are worried that he\u2019s a ghost defensively and that if he doesn\u2019t dominate offensively, he won\u2019t be good enough to crack the NHL. So he\u2019s polarizing, which isn\u2019t surprising for a 17-year-old with so much room to grow. Is he legit? Scouts aren\u2019t sure yet.<\/p>\n

30. Egor Shilov, C (Victoriaville Tigres, QMJHL)<\/p>\n

\"\"Egor Shilov (CHL Images)<\/p>\n

Shilov was one of the QMJHL\u2019s most proficient offensive generators this year. The Tigres finished second last in the West and were ultimately bounced in four games in the playoffs. But Shilov finished the season with 32 goals and 82 points while showing instant chemistry with fellow Russian draft prospect Alexei Vlasov (80 points). Nobody else came close to even reaching 50, so Shilov was exceptionally important. He dominates the puck game, and he\u2019s as skilled as you\u2019ll find in the CHL. There\u2019s no lack of talent here \u2013\u00a0but he can get caught watching the puck far too often and simply lacks the pace to thrive at the next level. That\u2019ll be a big sticking point for scouts this year.<\/p>\n

31. Maddox Dagenais, C (Quebec Remparts, QMJHL)<\/p>\n

Dagenais has had a strong playoff run with Quebec, which will definitely help his draft stock. The son of former NHLer Pierre Dagenais managed to register a point-per-game in 62 outings with Quebec, while often leading the team\u2019s offensive push. He has an NHL caliber-frame at 6-foot-4 and 196 pounds, and he\u2019s extremely reliable at both ends of the ice. Dagenais isn\u2019t flashy, but he\u2019s smart, toolsy and plays with a ton of power. At times, he\u2019s able to dominate the puck better than most other big forwards in this draft class.\u00a0Dagenais\u2019 hockey IQ is impressive, and he\u2019s a good skater for his size. I think he could be a good middle-six guy.<\/p>\n

32. Tomas Chrenko, C (HK Nitra, Slovakia)<\/p>\n

Chrenko\u2019s international numbers have been excellent. Between his play at the U-18s last year and the World Juniors this season, no draft-eligible Slovak comes close to being as effective at blasting pucks past goaltenders. He also put up 31 points in 44 games in the top Slovak league this year, and while it\u2019s a little lower on the totem pole among European leagues, he still played anywhere from 13 to 20 minutes a night against pros. He\u2019s not big, and some scouts wonder if he\u2019d be better on the wing in the NHL. But as a pure shooter, especially on the power play, there\u2019s a lot to love. Chrenko needs to round his game out a bit more to convince me he\u2019ll be an NHLer, but the talent is definitely there.<\/p>\n

33. Ryan Roobroeck, LW (Niagara IceDogs, OHL)<\/p>\n

Roobroeck\u2019s combination of size (6-foot-4, 216 pounds) and goal-scoring prowess (99 goals in 176 regular season games over three years) makes him incredibly intriguing. And at one point, he felt like a safe bet to go in the top 10. You don\u2019t find many forwards who can command a play like he can at his absolute best, especially after producing at a high level throughout most of his career. But for a guy his size, he often lacks the intensity required to be a true difference-maker. Few players with Roobroeck\u2019s level of talent fall asleep as frequently on plays, and it\u2019s a shame. At the very least, Roobroeck should be able to excel on the power play, and he\u2019s good as a net-front presence. But scouts are worried about his work ethic on the ice, hence the fall to this spot. Regardless, I think there\u2019s still some significant upside here.<\/p>\n

34. Tobias Trejbal, G (Youngstown Phantoms, USHL)<\/p>\n

Trejbal is the near-consensus top goalie in this draft class. His numbers with the Phantoms have been excellent, and being 6-foot-4 doesn\u2019t hurt, either. The stats don\u2019t lie: the busier Trejbal is, the better he plays. His ability to stay calm and composed under pressure is impressive, and he has quick hands and quicker feet. Trejbal\u2019s athleticism has gotten scouts talking, and his big frame makes him an easy project for a team willing to be patient with the UMass commit. I\u2019ve been impressed with just about all of my viewings of his this year and feel confident he\u2019ll be the first goalie off the board this year.<\/p>\n

35. Victor Plante, LW (USNTDP)<\/p>\n

\"\"Victor Plante (Steven Ellis\/The Nation Network)<\/p>\n

Plante was one of my favorite prospects in the first half of the season, and I feel like he\u2019s bound to have a big role at the U-18s. He\u2019s a bit undersized, but Plante processes the game at such a high level. His brothers were two of the best playmakers in the NCAA this year \u2013 and Victor is set to join the family party at the University of Minnesota-Duluth next year, too. The two-way threat is a bit undersized, but he makes up for it by being consistently engaged in the offensive zone. He never stops moving, and while he\u2019s not going to take his speed to Formula 1, he\u2019ll often force opponents into giving the puck away by always applying pressure. Plante doesn\u2019t have many glaring flaws, but he doesn\u2019t truly excel anywhere, either.<\/p>\n

36. Adam Gojler, RHD (Trencin, Slovakia)<\/p>\n

I know I\u2019m higher on Goljer than most, but I\u2019m a real believer. He\u2019s raw, but that\u2019s fine because there\u2019s some solid upside. At 6-foot-3, he has size. He also plays with a ton of confidence, allowing him to consistently attack and defend strongly against older competition in the top Slovak league. Playing close to 20 minutes a night against men is no small feat for a 17-year-old, no matter the league. I like his gap control, his proficiency as a passer, and the pure power he plays with. I think he can get a bit antsy and make mistakes with his defensive reads under pressure, and his foot speed needs work. But there\u2019s raw talent there.<\/p>\n

37. Nikita Shcherbakov, LHD (Toros Neftekamsk, VHL)<\/p>\n

There\u2019s bit a bit of variance in Shcherbakov\u2019s ranking publicly. I think he\u2019ll either go late first or early second. The 6-foot-5 defender started the year in the KHL but has primarily played in the second-tier Russian league since the end of September. He\u2019s strong, but he moves well \u2013 which is important for a guy his size. Shcherbakov has definitely grown on me a bit over the past few months, especially after watching him play well against his own age group. His game lacks high-end thinking, and he\u2019ll likely slot in as a third-pairing defender. But he should be a reliable one at that. If he can add some extra offensive juice, I\u2019d be more excited about him, but not every defender needs to be a wizard with the puck \u2013 especially when they\u2019re defensively sound like Shcherbakov.<\/p>\n

38. Niklas Aaram-Olsen, LW (Orebro, Sweden U-20)<\/p>\n

Aaram-Olsen always shines internationally, typically playing a big role for Norway across all age groups. He\u2019s a pure goal-scorer, and he often can be found dominating his own age group. I love him on the power play, where it feels like he does a good job of cycling the puck and then firing quick one-timers. Against men, though. Aaram-Olsen has left a lot to be desired, and scouts have knocked him for having a lack of high-end tools outside of his shot. If he can play with more pace and learn to dominate play through the middle, he could be a good snag. I like the upside, even if some scouts aren\u2019t as convinced.<\/p>\n

39. Jack Hextall, C (Youngstown Phantoms, USHL)<\/p>\n

Hextall had multi-point efforts in nearly all my viewings this year, both internationally and domestically, with Youngstown. He was no stranger to dominant performances, showcasing a dynamic skill set with an endless motor. That\u2019s what I love about his game \u2013 he won\u2019t be a high-end producer in the NHL, but he can play a variety of roles while being effective. He has a good shot, but he\u2019s even better as a set-up guy. On the power play, he doesn\u2019t waste much time blasting shots past goalies. I also think he got better physically as the season wore on. I think he\u2019ll be a solid support guy at the next level. <\/p>\n

40. Simas Ignatavicius, RW (Geneve-Servette, NL)<\/p>\n

We don\u2019t typically see many prospects coming out of the top league in Switzerland. But the Lithuanian-born winger has drawn a ton of attention from scouts this year. He\u2019s a 6-foot-3 forward having a solid season in Switzerland\u2019s top league and has been downright dominant internationally. Ignatavicius is so versatile, finding so many different ways to impact the play both with and without the puck. He\u2019s good defensively, has a great shot release, has obvious muscle and is incredibly skilled, too. Is Ignatavicius notable because he\u2019s a big dude playing pro hockey? Or is there something truly here? That\u2019s the question.<\/p>\n

41. Adam Valentini, C (University of Michigan, NCAA)<\/p>\n

\"\"Adam Valentini (Steven Ellis\/The Nation Network)<\/p>\n

From a pure skill perspective, Valentini is tremendous. Valentini is so energetic that he can chase the whole game without losing much pace. He can be a bit of a pain in the ass around the net because you can almost never keep up with his footwork.\u00a0I like how his game has progressed in college, but he needs to add more muscle. With the puck, though, Valentini brings so much to the table. I\u2019m not worried about his ability to create damage with the puck on his stick. But is he versatile enough? Is he too small? Always bet high on skill.<\/p>\n

42. Giorgos Pantelas, RHD (Brandon Wheat Kings, WHL)<\/p>\n

Pantels was one of the WHL\u2019s most electric defenders earlier in the season but ultimately quieted down with just two assists in his final 15 games between the regular season and the playoffs. At one point, a 50-point pace looked possible, but he only finished with 37. Still, there\u2019s enough to like as a second-round pick. I like how Pantelas never stops moving, has incredible confidence with the puck and sacrifices his body for a play. Pantelas is the type of player who won\u2019t let you down defensively and will continue to improve offensively. He\u2019s a project, by all accounts, but one worth taking a chance on.<\/p>\n

43. Alessandro Di Iorio, C (Sarnia Sting, OHL)<\/p>\n

Di Iorio missed the start of the OHL season and was forced to play a bit of catch-up. He finished the season with underwhelming numbers, but Sarnia wasn\u2019t exactly an offensive hotbed. Even when he\u2019s not putting pucks in the net, Di Iorio is always driving the play, making responsible decisions with the puck, and seems to make everyone around him better. Di Iorio does an excellent job of carrying the puck through the middle of the ice, showcasing his high-end playmaking and his quick release. While he has fallen out of the first round for me and for many others, I still think he\u2019s smart and toolsy enough to find a role in the NHL. A good showing at the U-18s could be beneficial.<\/p>\n

44. Casey Mutryn, C (USNTDP)<\/p>\n

Mutryn is one of my favorite American-born prospects this season. I like his physicality and work ethic and think that could allow him to be a decent third-liner. He\u2019s smart, battles hard and has the ability to find chemistry with just about everyone. Although I don\u2019t think his ceiling is that high, I feel confident Mutryn will be an NHLer. Most likely as a third- or fourth-liner who can grind it out and win most of his battles, but he\u2019ll be a good one at that. He\u2019s the type of guy every team wants come playoff time.<\/p>\n

45. Pierce Mbuyi, LW (Owen Sound Attack, OHL)<\/p>\n

\"PiercePierce Mbuyi (Natalie Shaver\/OHL Images)<\/p>\n

Mbuyi has grown a bit over the past year, eliminating the \u201che\u2019s way too small\u201d conversation. He still hasn\u2019t bulked up by any means, but he plays an aggressive game and isn\u2019t afraid to battle much bigger competition. The Penn State commit loves creating chances on the breakaway, and he rarely loses a 1-on-1 battle in the offensive zone. I\u2019d like to see some improved game-to-game consistency, and I feel like he can shoot more. But the talent is definitely there, and he\u2019s already very multi-faceted. The numbers are solid, too.<\/p>\n

46. Tommy Bleyl, RHD (Moncton Wildcats, QMJHL) <\/p>\n

Bleyl feels like the type of guy the general public loves significantly more than NHL Central Scouting. Personally, there\u2019s a lot to love. He\u2019s a highly skilled two-way defender who came out of nowhere to register 81 points as a QMJHL rookie. He\u2019s exceptionally crafty, skates very well, and doesn\u2019t let bigger competition bother him. Bleyl plays a calm, collected game defensively while consistently getting himself into scoring lanes in the other zone. Right now, he needs to get stronger \u2013\u00a0he gets pushed around too often, especially in front of the net. But his mobility and raw hockey sense are definitely there. I\u2019m interested to see if he can keep the numbers flowing at Michigan State.<\/p>\n

47. Oscar Holmertz, C (Link\u00f6ping HC, Sweden U-20)<\/p>\n

Holmetz has played at just about every level possible in Sweden this year, including the SHL. He didn\u2019t get much ice time with the big club, but it felt like spending time playing against pro forced him to add another level of urgency to his game whenever he got sent back to junior. He put up good numbers with Link\u00f6ping\u2019s U-20 squad and has been a reliable two-way threat internationally. I think he\u2019s most impactful as a support guy you can rely on to kill plays in the D-zone, but I\u2019m not sure he\u2019s skilled enough to have a profound role at the next level. There\u2019s third-line center potential here, though.<\/p>\n

48. Jaxon Cover, RW (London Knights, OHL)<\/p>\n

London had a down year by the team\u2019s standards, especially after consecutive league titles. But Cover quickly established himself as one of the most intriguing prospects, finishing the regular season with 20 goals and 52 points. Cover is one of the most raw prospects in the draft, having only started playing ice hockey at the age of 13. So the fact that he has been so productive with the puck and so dangerous without it has really excited scouts. He\u2019s so quick, using his speed to force turnovers and break into scoring lanes. He\u2019s creative, and as long as he continues to work on the smaller details in his game, he\u2019ll be a solid prospect.<\/p>\n

49. Ben Macbeath, LHD (Calgary Hitmen, WHL)<\/p>\n

Macbeath came out of nowhere this year, registering 51 points in 67 games as a WHL rookie. The 6-foot-2 defender blends size, skill and mobility together to become an absolute force with the puck. Some scouts think the ceiling is high enough to take him in the first round. I\u2019m not there yet because it feels like he can be a bit too passive with his decision-making at times. But as Calgary fought its way to make the playoffs, Macbeath was easily one of its most important players. I think he has a bright future with the potential to be an impact second-pairing defender.<\/p>\n

50. Axel Elofsson, RHD (Orebro, Sweden U-20)<\/p>\n

\"\"Axel Elofsson (Steven Ellis\/The Nation Network)<\/p>\n

Elofsson has intrigued me for a few years now. He\u2019s truly one of the most fascinating puck-movers in this draft class \u2013 he reminds me of Lane Hutson, but without the elite-level skating and hockey sense. But with the puck, Elofsson is outstanding. The numbers have been incredible in both domestic and international competition. When he\u2019s at his best, he can lead the power play and create quality chances through traffic. He\u2019s very elusive with the puck overall. Defensively, though, he needs work, and he\u2019s undersized at 5-foot-11. Still, I\u2019d take a chance on him because the upside is high.<\/p>\n

51. Charlie Morrison, LHD (Quebec Ramparts, QMJHL)<\/p>\n

There isn\u2019t much to Morrison\u2019s offensive game worth getting excited about. Instead, he has built a profile based on being the toughest dude around. He\u2019s a strong skater who isn\u2019t afraid of anything. He played big minutes right away with Quebec as a rookie, showing solid reliability in his own zone. He won\u2019t wow anyone with his puck skills, but he consistently makes himself difficult to play against while keeping his game simple overall. I wouldn\u2019t be surprised to see him go as high as early in the second round.<\/p>\n

52. Lars Steiner, RW (Rouyn-Noranda Huskies, QMJHL)<\/p>\n

Steiner was once seen as a potential first-round pick. I could see him going higher than 52nd, but I\u2019m not sure scouts love him as much as they used to. He was excellent on the power play at the World Juniors, but scouts wanted to see him do a bit more at 5-on-5. A shoulder injury prior to the WJC really seemed to slow him down \u2013 he\u2019s taking a ton of shots still but missing a bit of the velocity that made him so lethal. Offensively, Steiner has proven he\u2019s capable of causing damage, and he has the team\u2019s love. He\u2019s on the smaller side, and I\u2019m not sure he\u2019ll be enough of a game-breaker to overcome that. But I appreciate that Steiner typically plays with a boatload of energy. Interestingly enough, Steiner signed a multi-year deal to play with HC Davos starting next season, meaning he\u2019ll go up against men (potentially in a second-line role) instead of continuing against junior players.<\/p>\n

53. Brooks Rogowski, C (Oshawa Generals, OHL)<\/p>\n

I\u2019ve really liked my viewings of Rogowski, one of the best \u201cbig dudes\u201d in the draft this year. \u00a0At 6-foot-7, he\u2019s obviously got size. But I also appreciated how well he hustled at both ends, chasing pucks and breaking up plays. He\u2019s a smart forward who uses his big frame to win battles, but he also has a good shot and isn\u2019t afraid to launch it from anywhere in an attempt to surprise the goaltender. Rogowski won\u2019t be a big-time offensive threat, but as a supporting player, he has a ton of tools to make himself useful.<\/p>\n

54. Ryder Cali, C (North Bay Battalion, OHL)<\/p>\n

I liked Cali in Jr. A last year \u2013 putting up more than 50 points as a 16-year-old in the OJHL is no small feat, even if the competition has diminished over time. But I was hoping to see more from him offensively in North Bay this year. Cali is built like a tank, though, and he puts a ton of power into every shift, with and without the puck. I can see him becoming a solid bottom-six forward if he can improve his playmaking. I considered ranking him lower, but I know some scouts really like him as a long-term project. With an NHL frame and solid hockey sense, there\u2019s something here.<\/p>\n

55. Gleb Pugachyov, RW (Chaika Nizhny Novgorod, MHL)<\/p>\n

Pugachyov turned some heads with his play with the Russian U-17 team last year, and then impressed scouts with some early season KHL action this year. If you\u2019re looking for flash, you won\u2019t find it here. But Pugachyov is a big, 6-foot-3 forward who played well against men even in limited action. He can physically dominate his own age group, and he has done so this year without getting himself into too much trouble. Pugachyov plays a solid two-way game and won\u2019t stop moving, even if he doesn\u2019t have high-end top speed yet. I think he\u2019ll go higher than this, but I don\u2019t think his offensive game will translate to the NHL outside of a third-line role. Still, scouts really like him, and I think there\u2019s a lot of runway here.<\/p>\n

56. Chase Harrington, LW (Spokane Chiefs, WHL)<\/p>\n

\"ChaseChase Harrington (Larry Brunt\/WHL)<\/p>\n

Harrington has been a bubble prospect for me for a while, but I do appreciate his game. He\u2019s built like a rocket launcher \u2013 he wants to send you flying any time he can. Harrington is no slouch offensively, either, putting up 56 points in 61 games on a Spokane team that often struggled to generate consistent scoring chances. He\u2019s very dangerous around the net, and he\u2019s flashy, too. I think there\u2019s a clear path forward for him as an energy forward in the NHL who could step up into a bigger role if needed.<\/p>\n

57. Timofei Runtso, LHD (Victoria Royals, WHL)<\/p>\n

Runtso was passed over in 2025, but that won\u2019t happen again in June. Runtso wasn\u2019t on anyone\u2019s radar a year ago while playing with the NAHL\u2019s St. Cloud Norsemen. He played around 15-17 minutes a night early on in the season but is now playing north of 20 routinely. Runtso recently had a strong showing at the WHL Prospects Game, which definitely helped his stock. The Royals defender has actually been one of the bigger risers in recent months, to the point where a second-round selection is looking much more likely. Runtso\u2019s offensive game continues to improve, and I think it\u2019s because he\u2019s shown a greater willingness to be aggressive on the attack. He\u2019s fearless, and you notice him (positively) nearly every time he hits the ice.\u00a0<\/p>\n

58. Brady Knowling, G (USNTDP)<\/p>\n

Knowling had a good season with the USNTDP this year, and even made his World Junior debut. The Boston University goaltender has a big 6-foot-5 frame, but he\u2019s quick for his size, too. The Toronto-born goaltender is the No. 1-ranked North American goaltender according to NHL Central Scouting, with scouts noting that he commands the crease without giving up too many costly rebounds. Not every scout is fully sold on him, especially with passive hands that often lag behind when he moves crease-to-crease. But stylistically, he has as close to a perfect stance as any goaltending coach would hope for, and the size doesn\u2019t hurt, either.<\/p>\n

59. Lavr Gashilov, C (Yekaterinburg, MHL)<\/p>\n

Gashilov was the most productive draft-eligible prospect in the MHL by a country mile. The puck seems to be glued to him \u2013\u00a0and he\u2019s an excellent playmaker, to boot. His speed is impressive, and he\u2019s a solid 200-foot player. By all accounts, he has the base to become a true difference-maker \u2013 but he seems allergic to physical play, which is difficult to watch out of a 6-foot-2 forward. His shot needs work, too, but that can be fixed at the next level. <\/p>\n

60. Matias Vanhanen, LW (Everett Silvertips, WHL)<\/p>\n

\"\"Matias Vanhanen (Steven Ellis\/The Nation Network)<\/p>\n

Vanhanen found instant chemistry with fellow Finn Julius Miettinen, and the pair couldn\u2019t stop producing. Vanhanen was one of the WHL\u2019s premier setup guys, showing excellent heads-up hockey sense every time he hit the ice. If it wasn\u2019t for him, Everett\u2019s offense would be significantly less lethal \u2013 Vanhanen seemed to be the primary play-producer. There\u2019s no question he\u2019ll get drafted in his second year of eligibility, but scouts aren\u2019t completely sure what type of player he\u2019ll be at the next level. He lacks any sort of physical play, and he\u2019s not all too quick, either. But, man, his puck play is truly remarkable.<\/p>\n

61. Vladim\u00edr Draveck\u00fd, RHD (Brantford Bulldogs, OHL)<\/p>\n

There have been some viewings where Draveck\u00fd has gotten lost in Brantford\u2019s pure depth. Other times, he\u2019s been my favorite defender. He can be a bit hot-and-cold, but I think there\u2019s tons of upside here. He seems to play better the more he skates, and he defends the rush well. There isn\u2019t anything spectacular about Draveck\u00fd\u2019s game, but he\u2019s stable at both ends and doesn\u2019t take many unnecessary risks. I think Draveck\u00fd will be a safe pick, but one who probably tops out as a third-pair, defensively responsible option.<\/p>\n

62. Jakub Van\u011b\u010dek, LHD (Tri-City Americans, WHL)<\/p>\n

Van\u011b\u010dek has hovered around this mark for most of the season for me. I like how he\u2019s always moving thanks to a non-stop motor and good overall footwork. He beats opponents by taking their space away and forcing them to the perimeter. Van\u011b\u010dek isn\u2019t too shabby with the puck, although his decision-making needs a bit of work. I like his two-way game and I think he\u2019ll force his way into a bottom-pairing situation one day.<\/p>\n

63. Luke Schairer, RHD (USNTDP)<\/p>\n

I\u2019m still not 100 percent sure how I feel bout Schairer. He has the ideal size for a defender at 6-foot-3 and nearly 200 pounds. He does a good job of breaking up plays and keeping the puck away from the net. But that\u2019s really all he seems to do \u2013\u00a0the two-way game just simply isn\u2019t there right now. I just want to see his game evolve in a way that makes him more dynamic and dangerous. I think he\u2019ll be an NHLer, especially since he\u2019s a good skater. But he just doesn\u2019t wow me like I was hoping he would after watching him excel with the U-17 team.<\/p>\n

64. Adam Nemec, LW (Sudbury Wolves, OHL)<\/p>\n

I\u2019m still not sure what to think about Nemec. On one hand, he\u2019s a solid two-way forward who started to find his game in the latter stages of the season. Sudbury was swept in four games during the playoffs, but Nemec was easily the team\u2019s top player. On the other hand, I\u2019m not sure what type of player he\u2019ll be in the NHL. He could be used in defensive roles, and he has some obvious hockey sense. I\u2019m not sure he\u2019s great at anything, though, and that could hold him back. Still, I think he should be at least a third-round pick.<\/p>\n

65. Thomas Vandenberg, C (Ottawa 67s, OHL)<\/p>\n

Vandenberg is one of the youngest players in the draft, having been born about a week before the Sept. 15 cutoff date. But scouts really like the undersized center because he thinks the game at such a high level. He\u2019s not a god skater and he struggles physically, but he makes up for it with quick, heads-up breakout passes and stout defensive play. I love how many individual stick battles he tends to win. Fortunately, skating is one of the easiest fundamentals to fix, and if he can add a bit more speed, he could reasonably become a decent fourth-liner in the NHL.<\/p>\n

66. Mikey Berchild, LW (USNTDP)<\/p>\n

\"MikeyMikey Berchild (Steven Ellis\/The Nation Network)<\/p>\n

Berchild is small but mighty, especially when it comes to his shot. The University of Denver commit is skilled, battles hard along the boards and wins most individual battles. But at 5-foot-9, it\u2019ll be hard to get himself higher on draft boards. If he can spend the next few years bulking up, he might be able to outplay the size concerns. I want to see him keep getting pucks on net because when he\u2019s on his game, he can be so lethal. Game-to-game consistency and play reads remain an issue here. I think teams will like him if he\u2019s their third or fourth pick in the draft, though.<\/p>\n

67. Landon Nycz, LHD (UMass, NCAA)<\/p>\n

When watching Nycz, his mobility is the first thing that stands out. The former Waterloo Black Hawks prospect isn\u2019t going to wow you with his offense \u2013 three points in 34 games won\u2019t excite you all too much. His ice time has fluctuated quite a bit this year \u2013 he frequently played fewer than 10 minutes a night but also skated in as high as 19-20 on multiple occasions. Defensively, he\u2019s solid, but it felt like he was often sheltered from tougher opponents. In flashes, Nycz has the athletic ability to be a difference-maker. I do wonder if he should have spent another year in the USHL before making the move to college. But I still think the basis is there for him to be a decent prospect down the line.<\/p>\n

68. Beckham Edwards, C (Sarnia Sting, OHL)<\/p>\n

I was hoping to see a bit more offense from him \u2013 he matched his 45-point regular season from his rookie campaign. He was known as a highly touted goal scorer during his minor hockey career, but it didn\u2019t come as easily this year as Sarnia struggled as a whole. I like how physically strong he is, and he\u2019s good as a support player. I just wish he found another level to his game, and maybe the U-18s can help prove he can be a good two-way support center.<\/p>\n

69. Tom\u00e1\u0161 Galvas, LHD (B\u00edl\u00ed Tyg\u0159i Liberec, Czechia)<\/p>\n

Galvas was an absolute force at the World Juniors, having perhaps the strongest showing of any draft-eligible prospect. The 19-year-old finished with nine points in seven games en route to a silver medal \u2013\u00a0his third piece of hardware in three years. Beyond that, Galvas looked great playing against men in the top Czech pro league, too. Galvas is as good a skater as you\u2019ll find at this tournament, using his quick footwork to pivot on a dime. He also makes quick, accurate backhand passes that seem to throw off opponents quite frequently. He\u2019s been passed over twice before (he\u2019s small at 5-foot-10), so it\u2019ll be interesting if teams deem his talent too good to ignore at this point.<\/p>\n

70. Egor Barabanov, LW (Saginaw Spirit, OHL)<\/p>\n

One of the more notable re-entry prospects, Barabanov was an absolute delight to watch in Saginaw this year. Barabanov plays with a boatload of skill. He has quick hands and is always scanning for passing lanes, but he knows when he needs to shoot the puck himself, too. Barabanov does a solid job of exploiting open space, and he\u2019s getting better defensively, too. He has always had talent, but the results are finally starting to follow \u2013\u00a0and it\u2019s hard not to adore the nastiness in his game, either.<\/p>\n

\"\"Braidy Wassilyn (Steven Ellis\/The Nation Network)<\/p>\n

From a pure skill perspective, the London Knights forward is one of the most fascinating players in the OHL. Wassilyn is a gifted offensive threat, with his puck control being among the best in his age group. He might not be huge, but he\u2019s tenacious, showing a willingness to take on just about anyone. Wassilyn loves to drive to the net, and while his all-around game can be a bit iffy, he\u2019s best when the pressure is on and you need to generate something, anything, late in a game. Consistency is still an issue, though.<\/p>\n

72. Landon Amrhein, RW (Calgary Hitmen, WHL)<\/p>\n

Amrhein\u2019s numbers won\u2019t bring you out of your seat. But as a complete package, Amrhein has so much going for him. He\u2019s an excellent playmaker, but he\u2019s even better as an off-puck supporting winger. At 6-foot-4, Amrhein takes a lot of physical punishment to make sure his linemates get the puck. He also has flashes of offensive skill that allowed him to push himself up Calgary\u2019s lineup all season long. I could see myself putting him even higher in my final rankings if he continues to thrive during the WHL playoffs.<\/p>\n

73. Ethan MacKenzie, LHD (Edmonton Oil Kings, WHL)<\/p>\n

MacKenzie was a surprise addition to Canada\u2019s World Junior team, and he didn\u2019t disappoint. It was a solid enough stretch that helped ensure he would be selected this year after being passed over twice. MacKenzie\u2019s ability to win individual battles and shut guys down makes him intriguing. His maturity and hockey sense have really blossomed over time, and he can kill plays and play a lot of minutes if needed (as proven with the Oil Kings).<\/p>\n

74. Colin Fitzgerald, C (Soo Greyhounds, OHL)<\/p>\n

Fitzgerald was one of my favorite U-16 players two years ago, and I was hoping to see him explode offensively in the OHL. That never happened, but there are still plenty of translatable skills here. Fitzgerald plays a typical power forward game for a guy standing at 6-foot-2 and 207 pounds. He hits frequently, and he hits HARD. He uses that power to generate offense, but he\u2019s more of a support guy than a play-driver. While Fitzgerald\u2019s skating is still a heavy work in progress, and he\u2019s not as offensively inclined as even a few others around this area, his game is highly projectable in a bottom-line role. I think he\u2019ll make it work.<\/p>\n

75. Vertti Svensk, LHD (SaiPa, Liiga)<\/p>\n

The internet absolutely likes Svensk more than NHL scouting departments do. And I get it, Svensk is way too inconsistent in his own zone, even against his own age group. But he\u2019s so fascinating. For starters, SaiPa, has tried him on the wing at points. He\u2019s excellent with the puck, so it\u2019s worth a try. He fires a lot of chances on net and has been very successful against U-20 competition as a result. It feels like something interesting is going to happen every time he hits the ice. Svensk is a good skater, and he has gotten better at dealing with physical challenges as the season has worn on. Svensk needs to improve his hockey sense if he\u2019s going to be more than just a boom-bust pick. But I absolutely love the raw talent and upside here.<\/p>\n

2026 NHL Draft Prospect Rankings (April Edition)<\/p>\n

#NamePositionTeam\/League1Gavin McKennaLWPenn State University (NCAA)2Ivar StenbergLWFrolunda (SHL)3Chase ReidRHDSoo Greyhounds (OHL)4Keaton VerhoeffRHDUniversity of North Dakota (NCAA)5Carson CarelsLHDPrince George Cougars (WHL)6
Caleb MalhotraCBrantford Bulldogs (OHL)7Alberts \u0160mitsLHD EHC M\u00fcnchen (DEL)8Daxon RudolphRHDPrince Albert Raiders (WHL)9Viggo Bj\u00f6rckCDjurgardens (SHL)10Ryan LinRHDVancouver Giants (WHL)11Tynan LawrenceCBoston University (NCAA)12Ethan BelchetzLWWindsor Spitfires (OHL)13Oscar HemmingLWBoston College (NCAA)14Liam RuckRWMedicine Hat Tigers (WHL)15Adam Novotn\u00fdLWPeterborough Petes (OHL)16Xavier VilleneuveLHDBlainville-Boisbriand Armada (QMJHL)17Oliver SuvantoCTappara (Finland U-20)18Markus RuckCMedicine Hat Tigers (WHL)19Nikita KlepovRWSaginaw Spirit (OHL)20Elton HermanssonRWModo (Sweden U-20)21J.P. HurlbertLWKamloops Blazers (WHL)22Malte GustafssonLHDHV71 (Sweden U-20)23Juho PiiparinenRHDTappara (Liiga)24Wyatt CullenLWUSNTDP25William H\u00e5kanssonLHDLulea (SHL)26Alexander CommandCOrebro (Sweden U-20)27Mathis PrestonRWVancouver Giants (WHL)28Ilia MorozovCMiami University (NCAA)29Marcus NordmarkLWDjurgarden (Sweden U-20)30Egor ShilovCVictoriaville Tigres (QMJHL)31Maddox DagenaisCQuebec Remparts (QMJHL)32Tomas ChrenkoCHK Nitra (Slovakia)33Ryan RoobroeckLWNiagara IceDogs (OHL)34Tobias TrejbalGYoungstown Phantoms (USHL)35Victor PlanteLWUSNTDP36Adam GojlerRHDTrencin (Slovakia)37Nikita ShcherbakovLHDToros Neftekamsk (VHL)38Niklas Aaram-OlsenLWOrebro (Sweden U-20)39Jack HextallCYoungstown Phantoms (USHL)40Simas IgnataviciusRWGeneve-Servette (NL)41Adam ValentiniCUniversity of Michigan (NCAA)42Giorgos PantelasRHDBrandon Wheat Kings (WHL)43Alessandro Di IorioCSarnia Sting (OHL)44Casey MutrynCUSNTDP45Pierce MbuyiLWOwen Sound Attack (OHL)46Tommy BleylRHDMoncton Wildcats (QMJHL)47Oscar HolmertzCLink\u00f6ping HC (Sweden U-20)48Jaxon CoverRWLondon Knights (OHL)49Ben MacbeathLHDCalgary Hitmen (WHL)50Axel ElofssonRHDOrebro (Sweden U-20)51Charlie MorrisonLHDQuebec Ramparts (QMJHL)52Lars SteinerRWRouyn-Noranda Huskies (QMJHL)53Brooks RogowskiCOshawa Generals (OHL)54Ryder CaliCNorth Bay Battalion (OHL)55Gleb PugachyovRWChaika Nizhny Novgorod (MHL)56Chase HarringtonLWSpokane Chiefs (WHL)57Timofei RuntsoLHDVictoria Royals (WHL)58Brady KnowlingGUSNTDP59Lavr GashilovCYekaterinburg (MHL)60Matias VanhanenLWEverett Silvertips (WHL)61Vladim\u00edr Draveck\u00fdRHDBrantford Bulldogs (OHL)62Jakub Van\u011b\u010dekLHDTri-City Americans (WHL)63Luke SchairerRHDUSNTDP64Adam NemecLWSudbury Wolves (OHL)65Thomas VandenbergCOttawa 67s (OHL)66Mikey BerchildLWUSNTDP67Landon NyczLHDUMass (NCAA)68Beckham EdwardsCSarnia Sting (OHL)69Tom\u00e1\u0161 GalvasLHDB\u00edl\u00ed Tyg\u0159i Liberec (Czechia)70Egor BarabanovLWSaginaw Spirit (OHL)71Braidy WassilynRWLondon Knights (OHL)72Landon AmrheinRWCalgary Hitmen (WHL)73Ethan MacKenzieLHDEdmonton Oil Kings (WHL)74Colin FitzgeraldCSoo Greyhounds (OHL)75Vertti SvenskLHDSaiPa (Liiga)<\/p>\n

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Recent Articles by Steven Ellis<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"The 2026 Under-18 World Championship is the last chance for most of the game\u2019s top prospects to showcase…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":604131,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[9],"tags":[49,48,82],"class_list":{"0":"post-604130","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-sports","8":"tag-ca","9":"tag-canada","10":"tag-sports"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/604130","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=604130"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/604130\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/604131"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=604130"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=604130"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=604130"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}