Set the Penn State single-season records for points (51) and assists (36) in 35 games. Recorded an 8-point game vs Ohio State. CHL and WHL Player of the Year in 2024-25 with Medicine Hat. Toronto holds the No. 1 overall pick. Widely viewed as the most exciting and dynamic player in the class.
Posted 11 goals and 33 points in 43 SHL games — one of the most impressive U-19 seasons in SHL history. Won gold at the World Juniors and a Champions Hockey League title with Frölunda. Virtually no holes in his game: dynamic in possession, lethal shot, high-end hockey sense and a complete two-way profile.
18 goals and 48 points in 45 OHL games. Most scouts' top defenseman in the class. Outstanding puck skills, elite skater, confident at both ends. Committed to Michigan State. His name has surfaced as a legitimate No. 1 pick candidate. Statistical comparable: Evan Bouchard.
Premier center in the class. Steady and intelligent two-way game. 13 goals and 26 points in just 15 playoff games. Son of NHL veteran Manny Malhotra; nephew of Steve Nash. Committed to Boston University. Scouts debate his offensive play-driving ceiling but love his compete level.
Moved from WHL to NCAA as an 18-year-old. Played top-four minutes at North Dakota. Massive 6-foot-4 frame with high-end passing in the offensive zone and willingness to hit. Still developing speed for a top-pairing role, but the ceiling is sky-high.
Elite defensive awareness, two-way game, punishing physique and off-the-charts hockey IQ. One of the best young defenders in all of the CHL. Some scouts rank him as the first defenseman off the board. Brings a rugged farm-country work ethic to the ice every night.
Absolutely fearless despite his lack of size. Top center for Sweden at the World Championship. Deceptive shot and quick release on the power play. Compared to a younger Zach Benson. Posted 20 points in nine playoff games at the U-20 level. Dominated the middle of the ice with creativity and pace.
Led Latvia in ice time at the World Juniors and Olympics. Huge frame with smooth skating and high-end puck skills for a defenseman. Power-play quarterback at 18. Spent time in Finnish Liiga with Jukurit before being loaned to München. Highest upside blueliner in the class per many scouts.
Excellent hockey sense — never tries to force plays he can't make. Booming shot, great breakout passes, and can knock opponents down. Fantastic WHL playoff numbers. Scouts debate his passivity in the defensive zone. Projects as a future top-four defender who can quarterback a power play.
USA's top player at the U-18 World Championship. High-end hockey sense with quick footwork and lateral mobility. Constant scoring threat from dangerous ice. Some scouts see legitimate top-five potential. One of the fastest risers in this draft class in the second half of the season.
One of the smartest forwards in the draft. Elite at reading open ice and making the right pass through traffic. Plays with power and boatload of energy. Mid-season league change complicated his year. Strong two-way game with excellent defensive motor.
Despite undersized frame, stands out as one of the most naturally skilled defensemen in the class. Explosive skater and elite decision-maker. Consistently dominant possession numbers. One-man transition machine who rarely gives up the puck and dictates pace of play.
Not flashy but has all the makings of a reliable all-situations center. Smart, solid two-way game. Rarely has an off shift. Can contribute offensively while winning faceoffs, blocking shots, and making moves with intent. Projects as a second/third-line NHL center.
Broke his left clavicle in March after pushing into top-10 territory. Tasmanian Devil on skates who plays with power through the middle of the ice. Had size, skill, and a lethal release before the injury. Top-six offensive potential if health cooperates.
Big-bodied defenseman who played well in the SHL despite modest scoring. Mobile game for his size. Showed more offensive flash late in the year and at the U-18s. One of the most competitive defensemen in the class. Some scouts think he could go top-10.
Led all draft eligibles with 45 goals and ranked 7th in WHL scoring. Extremely dangerous around the net with a variety of shot choices. Chemistry with twin brother Markus was electric. Difficult to select both brothers in one draft without trades.
Missed first half of season due to contract dispute before arriving at Boston College. At his best: absolute menace who beats you with size, speed, and skill. Finished with weak end-of-season numbers. A full college year should do wonders. Top-six NHL potential remains.
Rugged power forward with 30 goals as an OHL rookie. Solid two-way game with a committed defensive conscience. Projects as a high-impact top-six power forward in the 40-50 point range. Navigated transition to North American ice seamlessly.
37 goals and 60 assists in 67 OHL games. One of the best playmakers in the CHL with elite puck control and a dual threat as scorer and passer. Quick release and comfortable holding the puck under pressure. A physically strong player for his size.
Goal-per-game pace with Sweden's U-18 national team. Solid numbers in the second-tier Swedish league. Best at the hardest thing in hockey — scoring goals. Power play threat with improving off-puck game. Still needs more urgency when not piling shots on net.
42 goals and 97 points as a WHL rookie — no CHL rookie was as lethal. One-touch shot that regularly fires on the power play. Exceptionally smart puck-mover. Committed to University of Michigan. Pre-season concerns about speed and off-puck play remain, but the raw skill is obvious.
Was a potential top-10 pick before scouts wanted more. Reinvigorated himself as one of Canada's top players at the U-18 World Championship. Remarkable NHL-ready shot and ability to create space. Fast with great start-stop and evasive skating.
Youngest player in college hockey this season. Imposing pivot who commands the center. Respectable numbers despite limited offensive firepower around him. Threads confident passes through traffic. Mature off-puck habits and projectable power-center profile.
Twin of Liam Ruck. Special playmaker who does the dirty work to make plays happen for anyone on the ice. Hard worker with obvious chemistry with his brother. Scouts worry about his skating and that he was pushed around too much in the playoffs.
32 goals and 82 points for a last-place QMJHL team. Dominates the puck game and as skilled as you'll find in the CHL. Had instant chemistry with Alexei Vlasov. Scouts worry he watches the puck too often and lacks the pace to thrive at the NHL level.
Spent most of season playing against men in Liiga. Reliable two-way game with great attention to detail. Strong habits with the puck and consistently makes smart plays. Mature for his age. Projects as a dependable NHL bottom-six with upside if offense develops.
Came out of nowhere to register 81 points as a QMJHL rookie. Exceptionally crafty skater who plays a calm, collected defensive game. Gets pushed around — needs to get stronger. Committed to Michigan State. Raw hockey sense and mobility are impressive.
Point-per-game in 62 games for Quebec. Son of former NHLer Pierre Dagenais. NHL-caliber frame at 6-foot-4. Smart, toolsy two-way player who sometimes dominates the puck better than anyone in the class. Strong playoff run boosted his stock. Projects as a reliable middle-six NHL center.
Smaller frame at 5-foot-11 but one of the best at the 2025 U-18 World Championship for gold-medal Canada. 62 points in previous season. Plays with killer instinct as a passer and puck carrier. Ranked lower due to size but is one of the most dynamic offensive defensemen in the class.
Smart and smooth Swedish defenseman with a solid all-around game. Good skater with strong positioning and an underrated offensive contribution. Projects as a reliable NHL defenseman who can chip in offensively.
Big, strong two-way center with a mature understanding of the game. Reliable in all situations with improving offensive instincts. Projects as a checking-line center with top-six potential if he continues to develop his scoring touch.
Smart two-way center with good size and a reliable defensive foundation. Brings a consistent work ethic every shift. Good passer with improving offensive creativity. Scouts see him as a future bottom-six NHL contributor with upside.
Skilled Finnish defenseman with pro Liiga experience. Good skating with offensive instincts from the blue line. Smart positional play in his own zone. Projects as a reliable top-four NHL defender in the right system.
Skilled right wing with strong offensive awareness. Good hands and a creative game offensively. Played well in Swedish junior competition and showed consistent two-way engagement. Projects as a top-six winger with NHL-caliber skill.
Smart center with good compete level and reliable two-way play. Strong on faceoffs and brings a work-first approach to every game. Projects as a reliable NHL depth center with a high floor.
Slovak defenseman with solid positional play and a growing offensive game. Good skater with physical presence. International experience adds to his toolbox as a developing NHL prospect.
Skilled Norwegian right wing playing in Sweden. Physical presence with strong offensive instincts and ability to score in traffic. Good skater with improving two-way game. First-round talent with international tournament experience.
Productive right wing with strong instincts around the net. Good shot and above-average hockey sense. Consistent performer who makes things happen offensively whether as a finisher or playmaker.
Solid American center with a well-rounded game. Good compete level with above-average hockey sense. Two-way game projects well for an NHL career as a reliable contributing center.
International center from Lithuania who plays a smart, reliable two-way game. Good vision and passing ability. Developing skill in a competitive European environment.
Slovak winger with strong skating and offensive instincts. Played against professional competition which has accelerated his development. Good shot with above-average compete level.
Russian center who put up big numbers in the MHL. Good skating and offensive creativity with strong playmaking instincts. Russian-born talent who will need to navigate the path to the NHL.
Two-way center with a strong work ethic and consistent compete level. Good hockey IQ and above-average skating. Projects as a reliable bottom-six NHL center with depth value.
Productive right wing in the WHL with strong offensive instincts. Good hands and skating with an above-average shot. Solid combine results backed up his on-ice ability.
Skilled winger with good offensive awareness and shooting ability. Above-average skater who can create his own offense. Projects as a second-round contributor who could develop into a top-six winger.
Greek-Canadian defenseman with a solid two-way game. Good skating and responsible in the defensive zone. Plays with poise and developing offensive upside from the blue line.
Michigan commit who brings a reliable two-way game and good skating. Smart playmaker with above-average defensive conscience. Projects as a contributing center at the next level.
American defenseman with solid skating and good offensive instincts. Steady two-way play in the USNTDP program. Projects as a reliable NHL defenseman who can contribute on the power play.
American center with solid two-way instincts and reliable skating. Plays a composed game and brings consistency to both ends of the ice. Good compete level for his age.
Russian right wing with good offensive instincts and skating ability. Productive in the MHL with strong compete level. Russian-born talent that will intrigue teams looking for depth skill.
Skilled Swedish defenseman with solid offensive instincts and reliable two-way play. Good skater who makes smart decisions with the puck. Projects as a contributing NHL defenseman.
Known as a highly touted goal scorer from minor hockey. Struggled in Sarnia's difficult team environment but physically strong as a support player. Needs another level of offensive development.
Steady defensive defenseman who plays a simple, responsible game. Good skating and positioning. Doesn't make a lot of mistakes. Projects as a reliable depth defenseman in the NHL.
Swedish center with good two-way instincts and reliable skating. Strong hockey sense and composure under pressure. Projects as a quality NHL depth center.
Slovak defenseman with good skating and offensive instincts. Part of Brantford's strong defensive group that included Caleb Malhotra. Smart and mobile with improving defensive play.
Czech goaltender with good reflexes and competitive instincts. Solid technique with improving positioning. Projects as a developmental goaltending prospect worth monitoring.
Finnish right wing who played in a competitive Tappara program. Good hands and offensive awareness. Part of a deep Finnish junior class. Projects as a contributing NHL forward.
Finnish defenseman with pro Liiga experience. Strong skating with responsible defensive play and developing offensive ability from the blue line.
Right wing with solid offensive instincts and skating. Good shooter with above-average compete and consistent effort. Projects as a depth forward with NHL potential.
Left wing with good skating and offensive awareness. Strong work ethic and above-average two-way game. Projects as a depth winger with development upside.
Mobility stands out immediately. Three points in 35 NCAA games but an impressive physical profile that intrigue scouts. Projects as a defensive defenseman with physical tools that can develop into an NHL roster player.
Young Russian goaltender with solid fundamental positioning and a strong glove hand. Calm and composed in the crease. Projects as a developmental goaltending prospect worth selecting in the middle rounds.
Left-handed defenseman who was a key piece of the Soo's defensive corps alongside Chase Reid. Good skater with responsible positioning and developing offensive instincts.
Left wing with solid production in one of the OHL's top programs. Good skating and offensive instincts playing alongside high-end talent at London. Projects as a quality NHL depth forward.
Russian defenseman with good skating and developing offensive instincts. Smart two-way player who competes hard every shift. Will require the usual patience associated with Russian prospects.
Latvian center who played for Latvia at the World Juniors at just 16. Smart passer and strong faceoff man with reliable two-way play. Committed to Boston College. Premier setup guy for Latvia; without him Latvia wouldn't have made the medal round. Scouts concerned about his lack of a high-end shot.
Two-way forward with solid skating and developing offensive instincts. Projects as a reliable NHL depth player. Good compete level and a consistent work ethic.
Czech defenseman with solid skating and reliable defensive play. Good puck-mover with developing offensive instincts. Czech pro experience adds to his projectable NHL trajectory.
Small but creative American forward with 8 goals and 19 points in 21 USHL games. Dynamic with the puck and plays with pace. Will need to compensate for size with elite skill development.
Russian center with solid offensive instincts and good skating. Productive in the MHL. Projects as a depth NHL center with the typical patience required for Russian prospects.
Left wing with reliable offensive production in the WHL. Good skating and work ethic. Projects as a depth NHL forward. Strong season earned him consideration in the late second/early third round.
3 goals and 28 assists in 33 U20 SM-sarja games. Skilled Finnish blueliner who is a quality puck-mover. Light on his feet with excellent passing ability from the blue line. Needs to add strength.
The No. 1-ranked North American goaltender per NHL Central Scouting. Big 6-foot-5 frame; commands the crease; quick for his size. Made World Junior debut. However scouts note passive hands when moving crease-to-crease and some concern about weak-side goals.
Towering 6-foot-8 Czech goaltender — one of the tallest goalie prospects in recent draft history. 42 WHL games with a .906 SV%. Has natural advantages in the crease given his enormous frame. A high-upside developmental project.
Latvian goaltender with an impressive 1.50 GAA and .927 SV% in 16 games. Excellent reflexes and strong positioning. Projects as one of the better goaltending prospects in this class.
Left wing with solid offensive production and good skating. Reliable contributor with above-average shot. Projects as a depth NHL forward with development potential.
Two-way defenseman with solid skating and responsible defensive play. Good positioning with developing offensive instincts from the blue line.
Czech defenseman with smart positional play and good skating. Developing offensive game with a reliable defensive foundation. Will benefit from more structured development.
Right wing with solid offensive instincts and above-average skating. Consistent performer with developing shot and hockey sense. Projects as a depth NHL forward.
Skilled center from the American development program with good hockey sense and passing ability. Developing offensive game with solid skating foundation.
Swedish defenseman with solid skating and a developing offensive game. Smart positional play with improving decision-making under pressure. Projects as a depth NHL defenseman.
Young goaltender with solid size and developing technique. Competes hard and shows good reflexes. A developmental pick with long-term upside as his positioning and reading of plays continues to improve.
American center who brings a solid two-way game to the table. Good hockey sense with reliable skating. Consistent contributor who makes teammates better. Projects as a depth NHL center.
Defenseman with solid fundamentals and a reliable two-way game. Good skating with intelligent positional play. Projects as a depth NHL defenseman with development potential.
Responsible defenseman with solid positioning and good skating. Consistent defensive play with developing offensive contributions. Projects as a reliable NHL defensive depth player.
Swedish center with a reliable two-way game. Smart on-ice decisions with improving offensive instincts. Part of a deep Swedish 2026 class. Projects as a contributing NHL center.
Smooth-skating Swedish defenseman with developing offensive instincts. Smart positional play with the ability to jump into the attack when the opportunity presents itself.
Swedish center with reliable two-way play and good hockey sense. Competes hard in both ends of the ice. Projects as a depth NHL center with an NHL-ready defensive conscience.
Czech defenseman with solid positional play and developing offensive instincts. Part of a talented Czech defensive class. Smart with the puck and competes hard defensively.
Czech defenseman with a physical game and smart positioning. Part of the Czech 2026 class that has received consistent attention from NHL scouts.
Reliable Czech defenseman with sound positioning and developing offensive game. Consistent two-way contributions in Czech junior competition. Projects as a depth NHL defenseman.
Czech center with good skating and two-way instincts. Smart playmaker who reads the game well. Part of a well-regarded Czech forward group in this class.
Swedish defenseman with a developing two-way game and solid skating. Part of a strong Swedish defensive class in 2026. Projects as a depth NHL defenseman with upside.
Czech forward who brings reliable two-way play and good skating. Smart on-ice decisions and a consistent worker. Projects as a quality NHL depth forward.
Russian center who brings a reliable two-way game and above-average skating to the table. Consistent MHL performer with developing offensive creativity.
Russian right wing with good offensive instincts and skating. Productive in Russian junior hockey with above-average compete level. Requires the typical patience associated with Russian draft prospects.
Swedish defenseman who rounds out the top 100. Reliable positioning and developing offensive contributions. Projects as a depth NHL defenseman who benefits from strong Swedish development infrastructure.
Czech goaltender who closes out the top 100. Solid fundamental positioning with good reflexes. A developmental goaltending prospect with potential to develop into an NHL backup over time.