The hockey season is in full swing as we approach one of the marquee events on the scouting calendar—the World Junior Championship—making this a perfect time to release our second ranking of the draft cycle. 

There has been a fair amount of movement since our preliminary board in September. What initially looked like a promising class has left us somewhat underwhelmed so far, with a noticeable lack of elite centers. If this class is rich anywhere, it’s on the blue line. Whether a team is looking for a steady stay-at-home defender or a skilled puck mover with higher offensive upside, there should be a plethora of quality options in the top 15–20 range. 

The race for the top spot feels closer than ever, with several players making legitimate cases for the number-one position. The upcoming WJC will provide a valuable opportunity to evaluate prospects from different leagues in a shared environment. As the second half of the season unfolds, we’re hopeful to uncover a few more diamonds in the rough. 

As always, if you like what you read, be sure to follow our team:

Jordan Harris—Director of North American Scouting (@jordan_NHLDraft)

Anni Karvinen—Director of European Scouting (@ScoutWithAnni)

Éloi Biondo—Crossover Scout (@eloi632211)

Austin Kelly—Crossover Scout (@AustinReporting)

Ethan Lindley—Swedish Regional Scout (@gtcj10)

Collin Wilcox—WHL Regional Scout (@notthatcollin.bsky.social)

Ryan Ma—USA Regional Scout (@RyanMaScouting)

Zak Egan—Russia Regional Scout (@HockeyWithZak)

James Connelly—QMJHL Regional Scout (@JamesConnelly37)

Gordon Munro—OHL Regional Scout (@GordonMunro)

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1.         Gavin McKenna, C (6-0, 185 lbs)– Penn State (NCAA)

Jordan Harris – After a much-anticipated build-up to his NCAA career which featured a tough decision where to play and some record setting NIL money, Gavin McKenna’s first two months with the Nittany Lions have been underwhelming. At first glance, the production looks good, with 18 points in his first 16 games. Unfortunately, this level of production tracks well-behind recent draft eligible freshmen who’ve gone in the top three picks like Macklin Celebrini, Adam Fantilli, and Jack Eichel. While this isn’t an exercise in comparing box scores, the game tape still shows a player with incredible skills, brain, and playmaking but many reasons to be concerned as well.

The positives to McKenna’s game are still the same positives we’ve known for years. He’s an incredibly smooth mover, especially as a puck carrier, as it looks like he has the puck on a string. He sets players up with slick passes that few college players would attempt, and even fewer would complete. His vision is truly elite as he can find a crease and attack it or locate a passing line and hit it. He has a good shot even if you’d expect more goals so far. With the puck on his stick, you generally like what you’re seeing.

The issues in McKenna’s game lie with what happens when he’s without the puck. To be blunt, McKenna has not shown the requisite effort away from the puck that’s commensurate of a potential high-end NHL player. There have been too many lost puck battles, or not even attempted puck battles, and drive-by back-checks. The lack of urgency and competitiveness at his stature is a big cause for concern with how impactful McKenna can really be at the NHL level. 

Despite the red flags, our scouting team is considering the body of work he’s shown over the last few seasons torching the WHL at such a young age where he looked like a 1st overall lock. We don’t want to completely change our opinion of him after 16 games. If McKenna doesn’t pick up his play and become a more competitive player, he will not be #1 in our next ranking. There’s still plenty of time left in the draft season, so there’s plenty of time for McKenna to put this underwhelming start behind him and be the #1 pick. Time will tell. 

2.         Ivar Stenberg, F (6-0, 181 lbs) – Frölunda (SHL)

Éloi Biondo – Stenberg is having a historic season at the SHL level and is beginning to enter the conversation for the first overall selection next June. At just 18 years old, he’s already approaching a point-per-game pace with 24 points in 25 games in one of the most competitive men’s leagues in the world. While Frölunda is a well-oiled machine, the young prospect stands out, displaying high-end hockey IQ, elite puck skills, and two-way engagement.  

The young Swede is constantly aware of his surroundings. Despite being average in size and having above-average skating, he finds ways to create and execute plays quickly and effectively, even under a lot of pressure with little to no space. He possesses excellent hands and uses them to create opportunities off the rush or get himself through traffic to get opportunities in the middle of the ice. Stenberg competes relentlessly, protects the puck along the boards with strong balance and strength, and consistently supports teammates defensively. If his development continues, he projects as a high-end, well-rounded first-line winger in the NHL. 

3.         Keaton Verhoeff, D (6-4, 212 lbs) – North Dakota (NCAA)

Jordan Harris – Verhoeff accelerated his schooling to be eligible for college hockey as a 17-year-old. He is the youngest defenseman in the NCAA, but has acclimated very well with North Dakota. Verhoeff boasts elite level size combined with a great motor and intensity. This impressive combination allows Verhoeff to kill plays with his stick or by imposing his will on opponents, but he can also find himself too aggressive and over committing, leading to mistakes. Verhoeff has a cannon of a shot and is a big-time shooting threat at even strength and on the power play. He can distribute the puck in the offensive end, even if he doesn’t have the high-end playmaking that a player like Xavier Villeneuve has. 

The biggest weakness for Verhoeff is his mobility. He does not have the prettiest stride, which will give him problems handling speedy and shifty players, but he makes up for a lot of the skating deficiencies with the elite combination of reach and compete level.  

There has been a lot to like about Verhoeff so far. The only reason for him falling from two to three on our list is because Ivar Stenberg has been too good not to move up. The team is excited to see how Verhoeff does the rest of the season

4.         Tynan Lawrence, C (6-0, 168 lbs) – Muskegon (USHL)

James Connelly – In a notoriously thin class for centers, Tynan Lawrence is far and away the crown jewel down the middle. Despite being limited to start the year due to injuries, Lawrence is proving to be one of the most dynamic talents in the class. Lawrence turns stout defensive play into transition offense in an instant. His speed is almost unparalleled in the USHL and will help him translate to the NHL smoothly one day. He works well off his teammates, which is quite impressive. Some players who have such a high skill gap compared to their teammates/competition can become too possessive of the puck and individualistic, but not Lawrence. As the competition and quality of teammates get better, so will Lawrence. Long-term, Lawrence has a first-line center upside with the floor of a second-line contributor on a decent team. 

5.         Chase Reid, D (6-2, 185 lbs) – Sault Ste. Marie (OHL)

Gordon Munro – Reid is right-shot defenseman who plays a well refined game, possessing very good mobility with speed and efficient skating ability. As a result, he is willing to join the attack, carrying the puck himself in transition and using his offensive vision and hockey IQ to distribute the puck to teammates finding open seams consistently. One of his greatest weapons is his booming shot that he has shown off this year, scoring at a nearly 0.5 goals per game rate. On the defensive end he uses his reach to his advantage, wielding an active stick, pressuring opponents to the outside and creating turnovers. 

6.       Ethan Belchetz, F (6-5, 227 lbs) – Windsor (OHL)

James Connelly – There is an argument that Belchetz has the highest ceiling among all players in the 2026 class. Very rarely does an aggressive 6-5 forward have the skill of a player half a foot shorter. Belchetz constantly turns what should be 50:50 puck battles into advantages for him.  He has already surpassed his goal total from last year in about half the time and is not far from his point totals. Belchetz is a player you see on cup contending teams (akin to Matthew Tkachuk) who not only impacts the game offensively but also physically in the trenches. Watch for Belchetz to climb even higher on draft boards if he proves to be a playoff performer this spring, as everybody expects him to. 

7.       Carson Carels, D (6-2, 194 lbs) – Prince George (WHL)

Gordon Munro – Carels is a defensively responsible two-way defender who has an incredibly projectable game. He is a toolsy player with the ability to contribute on both sides of the puck with strong mobility all four ways. Defensively, he checks a lot of boxes. He is willing to engage physically in battles and throws the body. Carels is unafraid to sacrifice his body to block shots and take abuse from opposing players. On top of his classic defensive skillset, he possesses a smart defensive stick that he uses to block passes and poke pucks free from opponents. Carels is often tasked with going back for puck retrievals, often making well timed breakout passes, hitting his forwards in transition. Inside the offensive end, he flashes some good vision with well-placed passes and finding open teammates consistently. He is also good at reading and reacting to play around him well and keep the puck inside the opposing end.

8.         Daxon Rudolph, D (6-1, 194 lbs) – Prince Albert (WHL)

Collin Wilcox – At his best, Rudolph is an absolutely effortless two-way defenseman. His combination of exceptional positioning and high-level processing means that he often looks like he’s in cruise control, and his play has a real calming presence on the blue line. The downside of that casual nature is that it has a tendency to make his errors all the more frustrating and conspicuous. Still, at this level the miscues are infrequent and often without consequence, and there’s little doubt that Rudolph can be a suffocating play killer at the highest level. 

All told, Rudolph has the combination of size, skill, mobility and processing that NHL teams covet. He has a powerful shot, and his ceiling is probably as high as any defenseman in this class, he just needs to find a way to eliminate unfocused/unforced errors while maintaining the poise that makes him so effective on the whole.  

9.         Viggo Björck, F (5-10, 172 lbs) – Djurgårdens (J20/SHL)

Éloi Biondo – Björck has had a very impressive first half of the season so far, establishing himself as a full-time SHL player at 17 years old. He might not immediately wow with his speed, particularly for a 5-10 forward, but he is one of the most intelligent players in this draft class. Björck consistently finds the right spots to support the play and makes smart decisions with the puck. Agile and strong on his feet, he uses a low center of gravity to protect the puck and make plays along the wall. Defensively, he’s got an active stick, and he can angle players effectively in an intelligent way. While he isn’t the most dynamic offensive player at this level yet, his intelligence and overall game are highly impressive for a player of his age. If he improves his speed and continues to expand his offensive arsenal, he could become a useful middle-six forward or even top-six contributor at the next level.

10.         Mathis Preston, F (5-11, 176 lbs) – Spokane (WHL)

Collin Wilcox – Preston is a speed demon. He has blistering pace in open ice and is extremely twitchy in tight spaces. His quick hands enable him to not only be dangerous in possession but also a real nuisance on the forecheck, and he is often first to loose pucks. All this amounts to a dynamic and puck dominant winger with real scoring juice. Although Preston’s production (29 games – 10 goals, 13 assists as of this writing) has yet to take off, it is only a matter of time; and it would’ve been fair to expect an early season adjustment period given Spokane’s lengthy playoff run and heavy roster turnover in the summer. Preston is still highly involved in his team’s offense, and his release is too good for this sub-10% shooting to continue much longer. No reason to think he will not have a big second half.  

11.       Alberts Šmits, D (6-4, 205 lbs) – Mikkelin Jukurit (Liiga)

Anni Karvinen – For many scouts, AŠmits has seemingly emerged out of nowhere, impressing viewers with his level of play as Jukurit’s top defender in Liiga. The rangy Latvian is an excellent skater who can pull off jaw-dropping moves thanks to his aggressive approach, strong puck-handling skills, and elusive mobility. While his offensive flashes have drawn most of the attention, his defensive game shouldn’t be overlooked. With quick feet, Šmits closes on opponents rapidly, and in his own zone his size and mobility allow him to cover an enormous amount of ice. Skeptics may question how well his style translates to the North American pace—a concern worth monitoring at the upcoming WJC where he will face North American competition. 

12.       Xavier Villeneuve, D (5-11, 157 lbs) – Blaineville-Broisband (QMJHL)

Gordon Munro – Few players possess the dynamic abilities and see the ice surface as well as Villeneuve does. Villneuve certainly has room to grow defensively, but we think he’s further along than what other scouts think. He is good on retrievals and due to his high IQ and has good spacing. He can read and adapt to play well and create turnovers and win possession of pucks. Once Villeneuve possesses the puck, he has many tools in his belt to utilize. He utilizes quick fakes to deceive opponents and create space to find teammates with passes through traffic. His footwork and puck skills are truly dynamic and give him high ceiling potential.

13.       Ryan Lin, D (5-11, 176 lbs) – Vancouver (WHL)

James Connelly – Despite his smaller stature, Lin more than makes up for it with his mechanics, technique, and physical edge. Currently, he ranks third in WHL draft-eligible scoring and is on pace for far and away the most explosive draft year from a WHL defender this century. While the scoring is coming now, there are concerns that he may not be able to translate to the highest level. Still, even if the scoring doesn’t translate completely, he has the B game to be a reliable defender in a top four role.

14.       Adam Novotny, F (6-1, 205 lbs) – Peterborough (OHL)

Ryan Ma – There are few players in this year’s class whose details and physical traits are as strong as Novotny’s. Strong skating and puck handling allows him to be an active member in generating controlled entries through the neutral zone, and a hard shot makes him one of the more dangerous goal threats in the OHL. He has the ability to dip a shoulder and make power moves to the net, with a laudable motor. Not the most accurate passer, and while some games he looks like a game wrecker that could challenge Belchetz as the premier power forward in the class, others have been pedestrian. 

15.         Ryan Roobroeck, F (6-4, 216 lbs) – Niagara (OHL)

James Connelly – Roobroeck is one of the biggest fallers on our list, and that has nothing to do with his ceiling. He could certainly become one of the best players in this class and be a true game-changing centre at the NHL level. However, Roobroeck has seemingly regressed this year, not displaying his high-end skillset as often as we would like, while also looking less engaged on any given night. Despite this, he is still on pace for nearly 40 goals and 80 points, and coupled with his size, still makes him a strong bet for a top-six forward in the NHL. 

16.       Juho Piiparinen, D (6-3, 203 lbs) – Tappara (U20 SM-Sarja)

Gordon Munro – A calm and poised presence on the blue line, Finnish right-shot defender Piiparinen is a mature defenseman with good abilities on both sides of the puck. His defensive IQ is well refined for a draft-eligible player, allowing him to angle effectively and consistently steer play to the outside. Strong and physically engaged, he ties up opponents with his stick and uses his frame to win positional battles. His game is not pure defense either, he has a good first pass and shows some intriguing potential as a puck mover, scanning the ice and knowing the right play to make at the right times. 

17.       Oliver Suvanto, C (6-3, 209 lbs) – Tappara (Liiga)

Anni Karvinen – It’s rare to see a player completely skip a level, but Oliver Suvanto has done exactly that, jumping from U18 SM-Sarja last season straight into Liiga play this year. What makes it even more impressive is that he is doing it on a league-leading Tappara team, where he’s fully earned his ice time. Suvanto won’t wow you with flash, but he consistently impresses with a detailed, mature two-way game that helps teams win hockey games. He shows strong hockey IQ, plays well off his teammates, and times his movements effectively. Despite being one of the youngest players in this draft class, he’s a physical presence who earns his living around the crease. While his lack of dynamic offensive tools may limit his ceiling, Suvanto projects as a reliable player built for spring and playoff hockey. 

18.       Jack Hextall, C (6-0, 185 lbs) – Youngstown (USHL)

Ryan Ma – Hextall remains, in my opinion, the best USHL prospect in the 2026 NHL Entry Draft after Tynan Lawrence. Everything I loved about him during the preliminary rankings has translated, even in a bigger role this year for Youngstown. Just a super smart player with great details. Elite forechecking and physicality, where he leverages his well above average skating, length, and efficient routes to pressure defenders into making mistakes. Higher level execution of passing decisions and strong contact balance paired with continued flashes of higher-end puck skills makes him a player well worth drafting in the mid-first round for me. 

19.       Malte Gustafsson, D (6-4, 201 lbs) – HV71 (J20)

Ethan Lindley – Gustafsson is equipped with high-end tools. His mobility, strength, and poise are all impressive, and he knows how to use his size and reach effectively. Gustafsson has moments where he blends these tools together with his puck handling ability to lead transitions for his team. His offensive game is still very raw but shows strong potential to develop over time, thanks to his strong instincts and an ability to process and execute skilled plays with pace. He needs become harder to play against, particularly by cleaning up his passive gap control at the blue line but those areas are expected to improve. 

20.       Caleb Malhotra, C (6-2, 183 lbs) – Brantford (OHL)

Jordan Harris – Malhotra is one of the biggest risers early in the 2026 draft season. He burst onto the scene putting up well over a point per game pace playing on the OHL’s best team and most potent offense. Malhotra is such a likeable player because he plays a smart, responsible and detailed game. He is the linchpin that holds his line together letting his linemates go wild. Malhotra does not have many weaknesses. He’s a strong skater who competes hard and can both score and make plays. He would rank higher, but the scouting team is a bit concerned he might not have the high-end offense you’d hope to see of a potential top six C. Because of this, we’re not comfortable moving him up and view him more as a middle-six C option. There’s plenty of time left in the season for Malhotra to show more of the high-end skill we’d like to see and continue to ascend on draft boards.

21.       Alexander Command, C (6-1, 183 lbs) – Örebro (J20)

Ethan Lindley — Command is a toolsy centre who competes extremely hard and plays with a nasty bite. He wreaks havoc on the forecheck constantly disrupting breakouts with his speed and physicality. He punishes players who are between him and the puck, and once he gains possession, he has the skill to either find teammates in good scoring positions or drive the net and finish himself. Command’s two-way ability combined with his relentless effort, size, and mobility, creates a strong foundation for his game. It will be interesting to see if he can add more creativity to his offense and develop into a middle-six centre at the next level.

22.      llia Morozov, F (6-3, 205 lbs) – Miami (OH) (NCAA)

Ryan Ma – It’s a big jump for Morozov after we were the first major public scouting site to have him ranked in the 1st Round. The 6-3 centreman is likely scoring at an unsustainable rate, but the physicality, defensive instincts and board battle dominance remains. The skating and hands are also far better than I gave him credit for when I watched him with Tri-City. He’s still not the most dynamic player, but the high floor I saw in September remains. His game holding up, even as an August birthday, against the NCHC (albeit a weak opening schedule) is incredibly impressive. 

23.       Elton Hermansson, W (6-1, 181 lbs) – Örebro (J20)

Ethan Lindley — Hermansson shows high-end creativity with the puck, strong puck protection ability and smart shooting instincts. He has the ability to put two or three defenders on his back while shifting his angles and protecting the puck long enough to identify the best option. Hermansson doesn’t shy away from contact and will play through it, though he still leaves a bit to be desired with his 6-1 frame. He also shows effort and intensity defensively, though his hockey sense seems average. Hermansson needs to improve his shift-to-shift consistency and continue to develop his ability to play through his teammates on a more regular basis.

24.       Marcus Nordmark, W (6-2, 187 lbs) – Djurgårdens (J20)

Ethan Lindley — Nordmark is one of the more polarizing players in this year’s class. He shows flashes of electric creativity and vision, making defenders miss before firing no-look cross-slot passes to teammates for easy tap-ins. At the same time, there are stretches where he loses a puck trying to do too much and doesn’t attempt to stay engaged in the play. Nordmark’s intensity level, particularly in the defensive zone, needs to improve, as he can be far too nonchalant with his movement. He has the ability to be more dominant on the puck and consistently involved, but that version of his game hasn’t shown up regularly yet.

25.       Yegor Shilov, C (6-1, 181 lbs) – Victoriaville (QMJHL)

Éloi Biondo – Shilov’s game stands out most because of his skill and hockey sense. He is a master of deception and decelerating the play with the puck on his stick. His vision stands out, delivering quick and accurate passes in the tightest seams. His stickhandling ability is also very impressive; he can embarrass players 1-on-1 and get himself out of pressure seamlessly. However, his effort level can vary, and his pace of play/feet are notable weaknesses. He will have to improve those if he wants a chance to play at the next level, but the skill and creativity give him a tantalizing top-six upside. 

26.       JP Hurlbert, F (6-0, 183 lbs) — Kamploops (WHL)

Ryan Ma – Hurlbert is a frustrating talent. The production is undeniable, and on the puck, he shows much of what is great about his game. Smooth hands, good playmaking instincts, and a deadly release. Unfortunately, off the puck, I find the motor and hockey intelligence lacking, and his one-on-one approach at times with the puck can lead to crossed wires and turnovers. The consistency from a shift-to-shift basis is something that must improve, especially without the puck. The production and on-puck prowess move him into our Top 32, but there’s a lot of work to be done for him to keep it. 

27.       Nikita Shcherbakov, D (6-5, 187 lbs) – Tolpar/Toros Neftekamsk/Salavat Ufa (MHL/VHL/KHL)

Zak Egan – Shcherbakov has prototypical NHL size. He skates well for his frame and shows great bursts of acceleration; his first three steps allow him to create separation or close down on opponents. He uses a strong defensive stick for lifts and to block passing lanes, and his size and mobility allow him to cover a ton of ice throughout the game. While not an elite skill player, Shcherbakov possesses a heavy wrist shot and a decent slapper that could become an effective offensive weapon to help provide offense down the road. Defensively, his gap control in transition is solid, though he can get lost in coverage and switches, which is an area he will have to improve on.

28.       Viktor Fyodorov, W (5-10, 176 lbs) – Chaika/Torpedo Gorky/Nizhny Novgorod (MHL/VHL/KHL)

Zak Egan – Fyodorov is an intelligent playmaker who consistently finds second and third passing lanes. He’s bounced through all three Russian leagues, producing respectable numbers at each level. While he plays centre in the MHL and wing in the VHL and KHL, his vision, anticipation, and ability to make the right reads make him a strong candidate to stick at centre long-term. Despite his size, he plays with surprising physicality—finishing checks on the forecheck, closing off opponents in the defensive zone, and occasionally throwing open-ice hits. Fyodorov can also finish plays, showing a good release and willingness to attack the middle of the ice. His skating and size are the biggest concerns, but his drive to control the puck and ability to drive play make him an exciting prospect.

29.       Brooks Rogowski, C (6-6, 231 lbs) – Oshawa (OHL)

Jordan Harris – Finally, a player bigger than Belchetz. Rogowski is a mountain of a young man stuck on the worst team in the OHL. Rogowski is a physical defensive C who can still put up offense and put up points in the difficult areas of the ice. He is not the most mobile player given how big he is, but he competes well and is very strong. He projects as a C at the NHL, but even if he doesn’t stick there, he could transition to the wing in a bottom-six forechecking role. 

30.       Niklas Aaram-Olsen, W (6-1, 185) — Örebro (J20)

Ethan Lindley — Aaram-Olsen demonstrates strong energy and speed, causing his opponents trouble both in their own zone and in transition. He’s a good puck carrier thanks to his shiftiness and explosiveness, though his hands occasionally lag behind. He flashes creativity with the puck but struggles to execute consistently, either hesitating or processing the play more slowly than he skates. Aaram-Olsen can take over shifts with his blend of intensity and skill, but his overall impact is limited by a lack of high-end finishing ability.

31.       Beckham Edwards, C (6-1, 170 lbs) – Sarnia (OHL)

James Connelly — Despite a lacking supporting cast, Edwards still looks like one of the more dynamic players in the OHL, leading the Sarnia Sting in scoring. Edwards shines as more of a complementary piece, meaning he thrives the most when he is a second option (which he projects to be at the NHL level), but is proving that he can drive play when relied upon. With his speed and skating, Edwards has a dynamic upside and could very easily outplay his current ranking as the years progress. However, his floor limits him, leaving him at the tail end of our first round. 

32.       Oscar Hemming, F (6-4, 196 lbs)

Anni Karvinen – It may seem bizarre to rank a player who hasn’t appeared in a game this season but hear us out. Oscar Hemming stands out in a draft class where high-end skill depth is fairly thin. He shares many of the same calling cards as his older brother, most notably a plus-level shot. When you combine that release with his 6-4 frame and solid skating base, you get a player worth first-round consideration. Big skaters who aren’t shy about engaging physically and can also score don’t grow on trees. Now please, let’s get this kid some meaningful playing time.

HM.       Vilho Vanhatalo, F (6-4, 194 lbs) – Tappara (U20 SM-Sarja / Liiga)

Anni Karvinen – Vilho Vanhatalo is an intriguing skater who hasn’t drawn much attention on public draft boards yet but probably should. The rangy winger flashes a good shot and puck-handling ability. Combine that with his physical profile and great hockey sense, and we are looking at a player I wouldn’t be shocked to see climb into the first round as the second half of the season starts to unfold. 

HM.       Cole Zurawski F (6-1, 190 lbs) – Owen Sound (OHL)

Ryan Ma – This honourable mention is based on the player I think Zurawski will be by the end of the year. He is a fluid skater with slick hands. A bit too much blowing the zone looking for rush opportunities and he needs to learn to make the hard plays, but he’s a confident rush attacker with some nice playmaking ideas.

HM.       Brayden Klimpke, D (6-0, 168 lbs) – Saskatoon (WHL)

Collin Wilcox – Simply put: Klimpke has been too good this season to still be so under the radar. He is heavily utilized on both the power play and penalty kill and is highly effective at both. He is a very intelligent puck carrier with exceptional scanning habits, and if you watch him away from the puck, he is constantly moving to provide support/outlets for teammates. Definitely a player to watch as the season progresses.

HM.       Lavr Gashilov, C (6-2, 170 lbs) – Avto Yekaterinburg/Gornyak-UGMK (MHL/VHL)

Zak Egan – Lavr is a puck hound, whose relentless effort allows him to create turnovers in high-danger areas. With strong puck protection and deceptive playmaking, he generates openings for himself and teammates. Gashilov is currently one of the top producers in the MHL.

HM.       Giorgos Pantelas, D (6-2, 214 lbs) – Brandon (WHL)

Jordan Harris – Pantelas is a big right-shot defenseman who’s plays a very aggressive style of game. He’s willing to take risks by attacking as a defenseman, even if he miscalculates the risk/reward calculus. He offers two-way upside as a prospect and has the size and intensity to be a valued stopper in the NHL.

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Thanks for reading, remember to stay up to date by following our scouts, frequenting Dobber Prospects, and stay tuned for when the next rankings drop!