Locked On NHL Prospects

While the Montreal Canadiens bowed out in the Conference Finals, the rebuild is officially over and they're only a few key pieces away from true contention. We break down their playoff performances, ask what the front office will have learned through this playoff run, and list potential targets to fill the crucial second line centre vacancy and build out the lineup to get heavier and more possession-oriented. Which of Robert Thomas, Nico Hischier, Elias Pettersson, and Mason McTavish do you think fits best?

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In our May Rankings, we've got some big tiers with lots of potential for rises and falls on draft day, and believe that Gavin McKenna, Ivar Stenberg, and Carson Carels have separated themselves as the top 3 talents in the class. From Viggo Björck at 6 to Wyatt Cullen at 10 and the Ruck twins at 11 and 17 respectively, we take some bullish swings on upside and trajectory. Let us know what you think!

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After a grinding Stanley Cup Playoffs, teams will fall in love with Oliver Suvanto, the hulking two-way centre who may be the draft's second most NHL-ready player. While not the flashiest on-puck forward, Suvanto drives the middle, dominates the net-front, and offers support in transition and the defensive zone mature beyond his years. In a class lacking quantity in first-round centremen, don't be shocked if he cracks the top 12 on draft day.

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In a bit of a delayed upload, we break down NHL central scouting's final rankings for the 2026 draft class, featuring some hot takes and a lot of big boys. From the top 10 in both Europe and North America to some depth gems, we try to present a variety of interesting cases from the rankings on this show.

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While not as flashy as the top tier of defencemen in the 2026 NHL Draft, Ryan Lin's high degree of intelligence, mobility, and defensive physicality could make him a slam-dunk pick in the teens. He's more of a facilitator than a creator and we'd love to see his pass selection and vision in the breakout improve in the coming years, but there's a real foundation for a Ryan Spurgeon-esque impact someday. Despite his stature, Lin's defensive impact and physicality are clearly among the most refined in the class. WOuld you like your team to swing on him?

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In the back half of the campaign, no blueliner raised their draft stock more than Daxon Rudolph did, as he scored plenty of goals and brought tremendous offensive activity to the table. The mobile puck-mover has a booming shot, proactive playmaking insticts, and the ability to kill plays defensively when he's on his game. While defensive consistency and physical engagement remain works in progress, the upside here is sky high.

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The two leading scorers in the WHL this season were twins Liam and Markus Ruck, whose blend of synergy and complementary differences proved unstoppable at points. The two average-sized forwards bring relentless energy, mature defensive habits, and some pretty special offensive skillsets, with Markus adopting the playmaking workload while Liam is the natural finisher between the two. They individually are prospects with top-six level upside, but together, they're near telekinetic and should be targeted as a pair to reach their respective upsides. How high could they go?

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The NHL is increasingly becoming a young man's league, and were spoilt for choice in constructing a full 26-man roster comprised of the top-performing U23 players league-wide. From ridiculous talent up front to emerging young netminders and a generational defenceman, this group could go far in the playoffs as a unit despite severely lacking experience. Who would make your team of the season?

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Ivar Stenberg's season has been nothing short of phenomenal, with a standout impact in the SHL, World Juniors, and World Championships. With a high-end motor, well-rounded offensive tools, and a level of pace and defensive competence that could gain any coach's trust. While he has the highest floor in the draft class, any chance of him going #1 rests on his high-end offensive potential. How would you react if he went first?

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If your team is on the lookout for a potential top-four defenceman in the 2026 NHL Draft, there are a few great options, and Alberts Šmits is among the most electrifying. Joined by Sammy Tirpak from Pro Hockey Group, we dive into the details of his game. With excellent mobility, a rangy frame, and aggressive offensive activations, he possesses many tools necessary to play a top-four puck-moving role in the NHL, but just how far will his decision-making and defensive reads take him?. Where should he go on draft day?

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