The 2025-26 OHL season is officially underway as we take a look at some highly-anticipated names looking to make a splash as they head into their NHL draft year. Ethan Belchetz, Ryan Roobreck, and Chase Reid lead the pack as projected early first-round picks. Tune in as we track players’ progress throughout the season, covering monthly standouts, as well as NHL prospects looking to make a jump to their respective clubs. First Monday of every month, see you there! 

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2026 NHL Draft – Top OHL Prospects 

Ethan Belchetz, LW (Windsor Spitfires) 

Height: 6-5 

Weight: 227 lbs 

DOB: March 30, 2008 

Belchetz is a player who imposes himself on the ice with his impressive blend of size and skill, the type of skill that gets you drafted 1st overall in the 2024 OHL Draft. Standing at 6-5 and listed over 220 pounds, he’s a prototypical power forward. Belchetz had a two-point OHL debut and tallied eight points over his first three games with the Spitfires last season. His rookie campaign ended with 38 points in 56 games. Although these numbers are not eye-opening (especially after such a hot start), he brings a lot more to a lineup than just putting up points. Shielding pucks, winning board battles, and creating offense are what Belchetz thrives in. He uses his long reach and frame to shrug off defenders during possession and is very effective in the cycle. His hockey IQ and understanding of the game are also very apparent when watching him play. He has a unique ability to get to quiet areas of the ice where he opens himself up to beat goalies one-on-one with his heavy shot. Skating-wise, he moves well for a big guy and has good edges, but I do believe this is an area he would like to work on as he continues to progress. Belchetz has come a long way since his rookie season ended. He had a very impressive showing at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup over the summer, where he put up seven points in five games for Team Canada, which was important for him after the decline in production near the end of his rookie season with the Spitfires. Since then, he has eight points in seven games to start the 2025-26 season in Windsor and is off to another hot start. With his eyes set on the 2026 NHL Draft and currently being projected as a top-10 pick, it’ll be fun to track his progress as the season goes on. 

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Chase Reid, RHD (Soo Greyhounds) 

Height: 6-2 

Weight: 185 lbs 

DOB: December 30, 2007 

Reid is a smooth-skating and agile right-shot defenseman. Last season, he transitioned from the NAHL to the OHL, where he quickly adapted and had an impressive rookie season, putting up 40 points in 39 games for the Greyhounds. His vision and playmaking ability are elite, and there’s a 

reason he led all rookie defensemen in assists with 33. Reid sees the ice well and has good decision-making when joining the rush (and he does it often). In the offensive zone, he’s able to find lanes and escape pressuring wingers to set up teammates. His shot is also lethal, and he has showcased it on many occasions, especially on the powerplay, playing the right flank. In his own end, Reid’s skating and long reach allow him to cut off cycle plays and quickly get his stick on pucks. He’s a Michigan State commit, and I’m excited to see how he follows up on his rookie season in the OHL this year. Reid will be a first-round pick in the 2026 NHL Draft and could go early. 

This Chase Reid assist is insane lol pic.twitter.com/TaPcYJxzkY

— Kyle Watson (@kyle_nw) August 21, 2025

Hayes make it a 3 – 0 Hounds lead! pic.twitter.com/PwEfgwNBKz

— Soo Greyhounds (@OHLHoundPower) October 5, 2025

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Ryan Roobreck, C (Niagara IceDogs) 

Height: 6-4 

Weight: 215 lbs 

DOB: September 25, 2007 

Roobreck was the 2nd overall pick in the 2023 OHL Draft and showed us why he earned that over the last two seasons. As a 16-year-old, during his rookie year with Niagara, he put up 51 points in 63 games and was named to the First All-Rookie Team. He broke out last season in his second year in the OHL, combining for 93 points over 69 regular season and playoff games, which led his team in scoring. On his size alone, Roobreck stands out. He’s a 6-4 centreman, weighing in around 215 pounds. Despite his build, his physicality is not his bread and butter. His knack for scoring goals with his heavy and accurate shot is what impresses me the most. He can score goals from all ranges and situations, whether it be a powerplay one-timer or wristing one off the rush, Roobreck simply loves to shoot and put the puck in the net. He has a good stick defensively and is trusted to play on the penalty kill, which adds tremendous value to his draft stock. There’s no doubt he’s going to be a first-rounder in this upcoming NHL draft, but if he can continue to develop his physicality, I could see a lot of GMs fighting to get him.

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Honorable Mentions: Adam Novotny, Nikita Klepov, Beckham Edwards 

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Stay up to date with monthly OHL updates coming to you this season here at Dobber Prospects! 

If you want to see me rant about hockey on Twitter/X, you can follow me personally – @AlforqueE 

‘Til next time, 

Emmanuel Alforque