Welcome back to the beginning of another NHL Draft cycle with the Dobber Prospects Draft Team.
This year comes with a swath of changes to our group, bringing some exciting infusions of new blood into our ranks. Among the people we’ve added—whose info you can locate below—you’ll find a group of highly motivated and knowledgeable scouts who have been steadily making names for themselves in the public sphere.
Of course, the new year brings with it a fresh cast of characters for us to follow as well. Centre Gavin McKenna and defender Keaton Verhoeff—the top two players on our list—are already household names thanks to their body of work in the WHL. Their transition to the NCAA will be closely studied.
Winger Ivar Stenberg will be their main challenger. Though not quite the level of teenage phenom as the other two, Stenberg is nonetheless somewhat of a known quantity, thanks to impressive play in top Swedish leagues over the past two years.
Forward Ryan Roobroeck has also been well-known since his AAA days, and—along with USHL Playoff MVP Tynan Lawrence and OHL All-Rookie First Team defender Chase Reid—is part of a highly competitive second tier of players. The remaining players in our lottery range (including such names as Viggo Björck, Mathis Preston and Daxon Rudolph) make up an exciting third tier that is unquestionably more interesting than that of last year.
All in all, after an up-and-down 2025 Draft, the 2026 class is truly captivating.
If you like what you read, don’t forget to follow some of the members of our team:
Luke Sweeney—Director of North American Scouting(@SweeneyLuke17)
Jordan Harris—Director of European Scouting(@jordan_NHLDraft)
Anni Karvinen—Crossover Scout (@ScoutWithAnni)
Éloi Biondo—Crossover Scout (@eloi632211)
Austin Kelly—Crossover Scout (@AustinReporting)
Ethan Lindley—Swedish Regional Scout (@gtcj10)
Collin Wilcox—WHL Regional Scout (@bombs_clap)
Ryan Ma—USA Regional Scout (@RyanMaScouting)
Zak Egan—Russia Regional Scout (@HockeyWithZak)
James Connelly—QMJHL Regional Scout (@JamesConnelly37)
***
1. Gavin McKenna, C (6-0, 185 lbs)—Penn State (NCAA)
Luke Sweeney—This time last year, another prodigious centre, known to the hockey world since their tweens, was locked-in at first-overall and primed to make his mark on the college circuit. While James Hagens went on to play through a bumpy season, (ultimately landing at 7th) we’re not likely to have a repeat in 2026: Gavin McKenna just isn’t the same player.
The two don’t come without similarities, however. McKenna is also a slight, average sized, left-handed centre, and born is on the older side of the class. But, he also possesses almost every offensive tool under the sun. He’s not a burner, but McKenna is agile, shifty, and can accelerate quickly from a standstill. His deceptive handling ability—especially coupled with his pre-cognizant read of the game—makes him a slippery mark in all three zones. This is particularly true off the wall, high in the OZ, or off the rush, where his skill and gravity pull in defenders.
There are a number of areas however where McKenna sets himself apart. Unlike Hagens, McKenna’s shooting ability has looked high-end through his two full WHL seasons. McKenna is excellent at settling bouncing pucks and can convert on snap-shots, curl-and-drags and one-timers all with regularity, often in motion. McKenna also projects better defensively, with strong stick habits and the ability to manipulate puck carriers.
Really though, the biggest separator is McKenna’s approach with the puck. For better or worse, McKenna has a huge risk threshold and loves to hang onto the puck. His skill and creativity are perhaps unmatched (finishing multiple plays I’ve never seen someone even attempt before) but it also leads to him getting caught, sometimes in grimace-inducing ways.
How McKenna’s season pans out, leading the charge for a newly-minted NCAA powerhouse, will likely depend on how those latter few qualities translate. McKenna has the potential to bring a level of creativity and scoring never seen from a college freshman.
2. Keaton Verhoeff, D (6-4, 212 lbs)—North Dakota (NCAA)
Luke Sweeney—Verhoeff has spent a lot of time in McKenna’s shadow. While McKenna was setting the league on fire, Verhoeff was also setting franchise records and scoring at a historical pace. While his WHL compatriot was making all the headlines jumping to the NCAA, Verhoeff made the leap too and looks just as poised for a run at a top selection in June.
Verhoeff has, essentially, the most coveted profile in the sport. He’s a 6-4, RHD who skates very well and is born late in the draft cohort. Verhoeff is also a player who can be relied upon heavily on either side of the puck. Defensively, Verhoeff has strong stick details, closes gaps efficiently, and plays proactively and physically, whether that be in the corners, in front of his net, or standing up at both bluelines. He’s also poised under pressure and makes plenty of slick retrievals and outlet plays in the DZ.
Offensively, Verhoeff can lead the rush with his feet or use his playmaking ability to advance the puck. He walks the line confidently, handles the puck well (occasionally flashing high-end skill) and, of course, has a bullet of a shot from the point.
In many other years, Verhoeff would rightfully be seen as the gem of the class. Instead, he’ll just have another chance to prove his worth.
3. Ivar Stenberg, W (6-0, 181 lbs)—Frolunda (SHL)
Jordan Harris—It’s uncommon for players to play more than a handful of games in the SHL in their DY-1 season. It’s even rarer for players to play meaningful minutes, and excel, in the SHL playoffs in their DY-1 season. The rarity of this accomplishment is why Ivar Stenberg comes in as our 3rd rated prospect.
Stenberg is a unique player due to possessing both a complete game with very few weaknesses, while having near elite level skill as well. He is equally a scorer and playmaker and can do both in a multitude of ways. He plays with intensity and displayed above average compete level in the SHL last season. Stenberg’s skill and hands are near the top of the draft class and can make opposing players look foolish with both subtle feints and spectacular dekes.
The only drawbacks to Stenberg’s NHL projection are that while he’s not a small player, he’s also not a big player. At his size, his skating is considered just above average, and for a player ranked in the top 3, you’d hope for a more appealing combination of size and skating. Still, none of these are weaknesses, just things that might prevent him from becoming a superstar player, even if star level is well within reach.
Overall, Stenberg should play a big role for Frolunda in the middle of the lineup at 5-on-5, while being a fixture on the PP. For my money, he’s in the Lucas Raymond tier of prospect if we’re comparing him to other high-end Swedish draft prospects in recent history.
4. Tynan Lawrence, C (6-0, 168 lbs)—Muskegon (USHL)
Ryan Ma—Tynan Lawrence is the next in line of a US Region that looks scarier by the day. The first thing that jumps out about Lawrence is definitely his smooth, effortless skating. He’s constantly in motion, covering ice in both ends with excellent off-puck movement and positioning. Lawrence also uses his speed as a dual threat, tracking back and killing odd man rushes defensively, while also jumping into the rush offensively.
This speed makes Lawrence a transition demon: he was a zone entry and exit machine for Muskegon last year, moving the puck through the neutral zone with pace and efficiency. He avoids forcing plays and instead opts for controlled, reliable decisions, though I would like to see him experiment more and be more daring in attacking defenders 1-on-1. He’s admittedly not the most dynamic puckhandler. Instead, he relies on intelligent reads, recognizing when to attack open space and executing clever passes under pressure, using an array of soft chips, aerial feeds, and smart banks off the boards. He also owns a compact, accurate shot that he can fit through traffic.
Defensively, Lawrence shows high-end instincts, particularly with timely stick checks that lead to rushes the other way. I would like to see more urgency and commitment however; he can appear passive at times defensively, especially on the penalty kill, and could be more consistently competitive in board battles. Overall, Lawrence’s total package of speed, hockey sense, and north-south transition ability makes him one of the premier potential playdrivers in this draft class.
5. Chase Reid, D (6-2, 185 lbs)—Sault Ste. Marie (OHL)
G.M.—Reid possesses a great combination of size and skill across all 200-feet of the ice surface. He is an intelligent and mobile two-way, right-shot defenseman who knows when to act and where to be. He has a heavy shot which he likes to showcase from the point, especially on the man advantage. Inside the offensive zone, he knows when to pinch up and support the offense. He showcases a high-end level of vision with an ability to find open teammates in good scoring areas. These traits, combined with his mobility, help him as a puck transporter, sometimes opting to take the puck up the ice himself and carrying it across both bluelines.
Reid also has some flair to his game, flashing some deceptive ability, faking out his opponents and opening up space. On the defensive end, he uses his feet and an active stick to keep a tight gap, staying above the opposition and knocking it loose. He also does well at keeping the opposing player to the outside. His 6-2 and 185 lbs gives Reid a strong frame to work from and provides projectability, but all of his other high-end skills set his ceiling sky high.
6. Ryan Roobroeck, C/W (6-4, 190 lbs)—Niagara (OHL)
G.M.—It was a very close race between Chase Reid and Ryan Roobroeck at the five and six spot. Ultimately, Reid won out but, with Roobroeck, there is still a special player.
He has a very projectable frame along with the foundations of a good two-way game, though his ability to be aggressive on the puck, especially while forechecking, is inconsistent. At his foundation, Roobroeck is a highly skilled player with an elite dual threat game. He can make high end plays with the puck all over the ice, hitting open teammates and creating prime scoring opportunities. On top of this, he has arguably one of the best shots in the draft, as evidenced by his 41 goal DY-1 campaign.
7. Viggo Björck, C/W (5-9, 172 lbs)—Djurgardens U20 (J20)
Anni Karvinen—Viggo Björck is an extremely intelligent forward out of Sweden who put up a record-breaking DY-1 season. He plays the game in a smooth, effortless way, always two steps ahead and anticipating plays better than anyone else on the ice. While not overly explosive, he’s quick, agile, and slippery in tight spaces. At first glance, Björck might not wow you, since much of his offense comes from subtly exposing mistakes rather than overpowering opponents with speed or dekes. Many scouts worry about his size and tendency to avoid the middle, but cracking an SHL lineup could quiet a lot of those concerns.
8. Daxon Rudolph, D (6-1, 194 lbs)—Prince Albert (WHL)
James Connelly—Rudolph is one of, if not the best, 1-on-1 defenders in the class. He stifles attacking players with elite stick work, gap control, and physicality. He already has an NHL frame at 6-1 and 195 lbs. Offensively, Rudolph’s playmaking is solid, and he has flashes of brilliance with his passing. His shot is a heavily underrated aspect of his game and could surprise many people this coming year. For Rudolph to improve upon his current ranking, he will need to get quicker feet and be stronger on his edges. His upside is a high-end two-way top-pairing defenseman with a floor as a bottom-four shutdown defender.
9. Mathis Preston, W (5-11, 168 lbs)—Spokane (WHL)
Collin Wilcox—A dynamic scoring forward with high end speed, Mathis Preston is poised for a breakout draft year. Capable of playing across the forward line, Preston’s skating enables him to create separation and find space to unleash his deadly shot. Last season, Preston played a key role in Spokane’s run to the WHL Finals while putting up a little under a point per game through the regular season and playoffs. He then followed that up with 7pts in 5 games at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup. With more minutes and an expanded role this season, Preston is ready for lift-off.
10. Ethan Belchetz, W (6-5, 227 lbs)—Windsor (OHL)
G.M.—Ethan Belchetz is a unicorn. He is a physical specimen at 6-5 227 lbs but has the smooth puck skills of a player much smaller. He is able to flat out physically dominate the opposition, especially down low, using his body to shield the puck. He also shows some flashes of a higher end playmaking game; if he can make that a more prominent attribute this coming season, he will surely find himself higher on boards. Though the raw elements to his game mixed with the physical attributes make him an easy player to project at the next level, it is tough at this stage to gauge exactly how high his ceiling may truly be.
11. Adam Novotny, W (6-1, 198 lbs)—Peterborough (OHL)
G.M.—The best way to describe Adam Novotny is that he is a true work horse with a relentless motor and competent aggression. He is able to make some smart plays with the puck, reading and reacting quickly, but usually tries to play a more simplified game inside the offensive zone with some flashes of higher skill. The Peterborough Petes are a great fit for the Czech import who will have a chance to play a prominent role on a top line in Major Junior.
12. Ryan Lin, D (5-11, 172 lbs)—Vancouver (WHL)
Éloi Biondo—Ryan Lin is a highly reliable two-way defensemen with tremendous hockey IQ and skating ability. Despite being under sized, he’s very effective at defending the rush using his skating ability and his stick, often coming out on top in board battles. He’s a confident and aware puck carrier who transitions the game quickly from defense to offence using his brain, stickhandling and feet. Lin is very involved offensively. He uses his speed to attack directly off the rush or uses his agility and hands to create time and space for himself in the offensive zone. Already a crucial piece of the Vancouver Giants at 16, he looks like one of the most promising blueliners for the upcoming draft.
13. Carson Carels, D (6-1, 174 lbs)—Prince George (WHL)
Collin Wilcox—Carson Carels is an intelligent two-way defenseman with some snarl, but don’t sleep on his offensive game. He is decisive on breakouts and can be dynamic in transition, though sometimes lacks the explosiveness to build speed quickly. One would expect his skating to improve as he adds strength to his lower body. In his own end, Carels tends to rely more on positioning and an active stick, but he is very effective at disrupting attacks. By season’s end, Carels should at least be in conversation for the top draft eligible defenseman in the WHL.
14. Xavier Villeneuve, D (5-10, 150 lbs)—Blaineville-Broisband (QMJHL)
James Connelly—Last year, only two QMJHL defensemen scored over a point-per-game clip; Villeneuve was one of those two. An incredibly offensively minded defenseman, Villeneuve can thread needles like few others in the class and is incredibly shifty with the puck on his stick. He has a bit of a mean streak to his game and plays with some grit. He is also a fierce competitor and desperately wants to be the reason his team wins the game. However, Villeneuve will need to get stronger and improve his defensive play this year to improve his draft position. Expect him to have another monster year in the QMJHL.
15. Jack Hextall, C (6-0, 183 lbs)—Youngstown (USHL)
Ryan Ma—Jack Hextall is one of my early season crushes this year after my initial viewings. Just a relentless player who really impressed in a bottom-six role last year. The 6-0 winger skates well enough and consistently pressures defenders with his long reach, creating turnovers and winning board battles. He showed flashes of higher end skill, settling aerial passes, executing net drives with drop passes, and pulling off audacious toedrags off the rush.
Hextall’s physicality and frame allow him to also thrive in the cycle and the net front. Passing decisions remain inconsistent, but his motor, physicality, and intriguing flashes of skill makes him a guy who I think will rocket up draft boards in an expanded role with Youngstown this year.
16. Beckham Edwards, C (6-1, 170 lbs)—Sarnia (OHL)
G.M.—Beckham Edwards is an offensive forward with a strong motor, playing a bit of a puckhound role where he forechecks and backchecks hard. Offensively, he makes some quick dishes to his teammates and pushes play in a positive direction more often than not. Combined with some elements of flair to his game and a heavy shot that he can get off quickly, there is a very intriguing package.
17. Mikey Berchild, C (5-9, 172 lbs)—USNTDP (USHL)
Ryan Ma—Despite the flashes of skill in space, alongside confident rushes, strong intelligence, and a quick release, the highly touted USNTDP product is shockingly our 5th-ranked US Region player. While he still needs to add a ton of play strength and improve his shiftiness (especially at his size) there is enough here for now to keep Berchild penciled in as a first-round talent
18. Marcus Nordmark, W (6-1, 183 lbs)—Djurgardens U20 (J20)
Ethan Lindley—Marcus Nordmark combines elite awareness with high end evasiveness and very impressive hands, exploiting strong defenses with ease. He can deceive opponents with a vast arsenal of moves and is tough to defend against because of his dual threat ability as a passer and shooter.
19. Liam Ruck, W (5-11, 176 lbs)—Medicine Hat (WHL)
James Connelly—An ultra-competitor, Ruck is always looking to get to the right areas to make an impact on the game, consistently beating out larger, stronger defenders. Armed with a high-end shot and the ability to get it off in tight, Ruck projects as a middle-six winger who is a reliable net-front presence on an NHL team’s top powerplay unit.
20. Viktor Fyodorov, W (5-10, 176 lbs)—Chaika Novogrod (MHL)
Anni Karvinen—Viktor Fyodorov is a quick and versatile forward who combines slick puck skills and creative passing with a relentless motor. Despite his smaller frame, he can still play through contact and bring enough compete that his size concerns feel more like a challenge than a major weakness.
21. Lars Steiner, W (5-10, 181 lbs)—Rouyn-Noranda (QMJHL)
James Connelly—An undersized winger who is incredibly sturdy on his feet, Steiner projects as a potential top-six winger who can chip in in all situations. Having high IQ and explosivity, as well as a high-end shot and defensive stick, Steiner’s ability to impact the game is evident, but he will need to work on his consistency in order to wind up higher in the class.
22. Juho Piiparinen, D (6-3, 203 lbs)—Tappara (U20 SM Sarja)
Anni Karvinen—Juho Piiparinen is a mean, physical right-shot defender who loves to smother opponents with an active stick and overpowering physical presence. With good four-way mobility, a booming shot, and solid puck-handling ability, he offers intriguing offensive upside, though his average hockey sense may limit his ceiling.
23. Elton Hermansson, W (6-1, 181 lbs)—Orebo U20 (J20)
Ethan Lindley—Elton Hermansson is incredibly individually talented. He’s strong on his skates and uses his frame well to protect the puck which allows him to force his way through coverage even if it’s not the most projectable method of attack. He has a powerful shot but leans on it a little too much and could stand to involve his teammates more.
24. Malte Gustafsson, D (6-4, 190 lbs)—HV71 U20 (J20)
Ethan Lindley—Malte Gustafsson is a rangy defenseman with strong physical tools. He uses his mobility and size to pre-emptively shut down opponents and understands when to use his physicality effectively. His offense also offers some intriguing potential because of his strong activation instincts and creativity with the puck.
25. Tobias Tomik, W (6-1, 190 lbs)—Vancouver (WHL)
Luke Sweeney—Tomik, who played 40 games last year in Slovakia’s top circuit and is now CHL-bound, is an offensive winger with moments of pure brilliance. He can make defenders miss with his hands, can feather passes cross-ice, and showed he can beat pro goalies clean from distance. Tomik also plays with plenty of pace and can play a powerful, downhill game, making him one of ‘26’s most exciting prospects.
26. Chase Harrington, W (6-0, 196 lbs)—Spokane (WHL)
Austin Kelly—Chase Harrington is a mature, hard-working player who plays an intense game at both ends. Harrington is capable of playing as either a playmaker or goalscorer depending on the situation and is highly adaptable as a support forward. Harrington’s strong skating and craftiness with the puck, along with a well-rounded hockey sense, make him a highly appealing player who already has some well-developed hockey habits.
27. Alessandro Di Iorio, W (6-1, 190 lbs)—Sarnia (OHL)
Éloi Biondo—Di Iorio is a strong, High-IQ center who’s responsible in all three zones, sees the ice well and possesses slick stick-handling ability. A potential first rounder, but his feet and transition game will have to improve.
28. Adam Valentini, C (5-11, 185 lbs)—University of Michigan (NCAA)
Austin Kelly—Adam Valentini is a very active player overall who does a bit of everything on the ice and is highly engaged throughout the game. Valentini isn’t very big but plays an up-tempo, physical style of play that could help him overcome his smaller stature. Valentini stirred up some controversy after not honoring his commitment to the Kitchener Rangers for the University of Michigan, which may rub some the wrong way and will take a hot season to cool doubts down.
29. Braidy Wassilyn, (5-11, 194 lbs)—Niagara (OHL)
G.M.—Braidy Wassilyn is at his best when he is aggressive inside his own end and is able to create turnovers and get pucks up the ice. He is a smooth skater with some nifty mitts, helping him transport the puck and make some truly high-end plays, threading needles and setting up open teammates inside the offensive zone.
30. Niklas Aaram-Olsen, W (6-0, 183)—Orebo U20 (J20)
Ethan Lindley—Niklas Aaram-Olsen has a very high motor and plays with a lot of energy and intensity. He also possesses the soft skill to make creative plays in tight areas and the willingness to go there.
31. Ilia Morozov, C (6-3, 196 lbs)—Tri-City (USHL)
Ryan Ma—Another one of my early season favourites. At 6-3 with an August birthday, Ilia Morozov is a standout defensively thanks to his reach, board battle dominance, and natural centreman instincts, consistently supporting down low and excelling in faceoffs and coverage. Unfortunately, his lack of speed, reluctance to carry the puck, and poor offensive vision limit his impact with the puck on his stick, making him a lower upside pick.
32. Lavr Gashilov, C (6-2, 170 lbs)—Avto Yekaterinburg (MHL)
Zak Egan—Gashilov has the prototypical build that NHL front offices look for in a center. While the weight currently does not match the height, he is built well which is showcased with his physical play on the forecheck and his ability to win board battles frequently. Lavr has a really quick release on his shot and does not need much space to get it off. He has good details as a young center, consistently on the right side of the puck and offering an option to teammates.
Gashilov’s hockey intelligence is on display with and without the puck. With the puck he sees passing lanes and has the ability to hold onto pucks until they open up. Without the puck he anticipates the play extremely well, whether that’s reading the forecheck and forcing a turnover or finding space in the offensive zone to receive a pass. Gashilov has soft hands and is capable of the occasional highlight reel dangle. Lavr is a true center that can play power play and penalty kill. I think Gashilov plays a projectable game. After a productive(.93ppg) DY-1 year, Lavr will look to build on that momentum, and increase his offensive output at the MHL level this season.