NHL Central Scouting recently shared its preliminary list of players to watch for the 2026 NHL Draft. This list features 469 talented athletes from North America and Europe, categorized into five ratings based on their potential.
- A Rating: First-round candidates
- B Rating: Second or third-round candidates
- C Rating: Fourth or fifth-round candidates
- W Rating: Sixth or seventh-round candidates
- LV: Limited Viewing (injured players who need more assessment)
Among those, 27 players earned an ‘A’ rating. Notable names include Gavin McKenna from Penn State, North Dakota defenseman Keaton Verhoeff, Swedish winger Ivar Stenberg, Muskegon Lumberjacks center Tynan Lawrence, and Ethan Belchetz from the Windsor Spitfires.
Standout Players Rising Early
A few players have especially impressed this season. Forward J.P. Hurlbert from Kamloops, center Caleb Malhotra from Brantford, and Egor Shilov from Victoriaville went from B-grade prospects to A ratings thanks to their stellar performances.
Hurlbert, now leading the WHL in scoring, switched from the NTDP to play a more pivotal role with the Blazers. Malhotra, a Boston University commit, has become a key player on the first-unit power play for the Bulldogs. Shilov has also proved himself as one of the top scorers in the QMJHL as a rookie.
Latvian defenseman Alberts Smits, granted an ‘A’ rating, has gained attention for his strong plays in Finland recently.
Viggo Bjorck’s Rating
Center Viggo Bjorck, despite holding junior scoring records and being a likely member of Sweden’s World Junior team, received a ‘B’ rating. Some scouts believe his height (5-foot-9) affects his draft potential, despite his impressive skills.
Controversial Ratings
Two ‘A’ ratings sparked debate: Brooks Rogowski from Oshawa and Luke Schairer from the NTDP. Many believe Rogowski, a Michigan State commit standing 6-foot-7, might be more suited for a second or third-round pick. His size is impressive, but some question his drive for the pro game. Similarly, Schairer seems to be riding on past performance without convincing recent showcases of first-round potential.
Insight and Trends
As the draft approaches, social media buzz highlights can also help gauge player perception. Fans are keenly discussing standout performances and expressing surprise at various ratings. Keeping an eye on platforms like Twitter and Reddit can reflect evolving opinions on players.
For additional context, consider this: Historical data reveals that taller players often have mixed success in the NHL, leading many scouts to scrutinize their mental game and adaptability more closely. This trend continues as teams look to balance physicality with skill.
For more player insights and in-depth analysis, check out NHL Central Scouting’s official report.
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