The NHL Central Scouting has begun evaluating the promising talent for the upcoming 2026 NHL Draft. Several standout players are emerging from various junior leagues, showcasing their skills and potential. This assessment highlights key prospects, their performance statistics, and potential NHL comparables based on their style of play.
Top Prospects for the 2026 NHL Draft
Defensemen
- Carson Carels (6-1, 202, Prince George – WHL)
- 2025-26 Performance: 58 games, 73 points (20 goals, 53 assists), 5 power-play goals
- Best Assets: Competitiveness, physical stability, mobility
- NHL Comparable: Charlie McAvoy (Boston Bruins)
Carels is recognized as a versatile defenseman who excels in both offensive and defensive plays. His ability to manage power play situations and his speed on the ice make him a potential top-pairing candidate in the NHL.
- Chase Reid (6-2, 188, Sault Ste. Marie – OHL)
- 2025-26 Performance: 45 games, 48 points (18 goals, 30 assists), 8 power-play goals
- Best Assets: Passing, matchups, conditioning
- NHL Comparable: Jake Sanderson (Ottawa Senators)
In his second season, Reid has emerged as a decisive player, dominating the ice with his skating and game sense. His ability to transition seamlessly from offense to defense adds to his value as a high-minute defenseman.
Centers
- Caleb Malhotra (6-1, 182, Brantford – OHL)
- 2025-26 Performance: 67 games, 84 points (29 goals, 55 assists), 9 power-play goals
- Best Assets: Passing, hockey sense, competitiveness
- NHL Comparable: Nico Hischier (New Jersey Devils)
Malhotra has quickly made a name for himself with outstanding offensive output. His combination of size, skill, and a strong two-way game positions him as a top prospect for the draft.
Goalies
- Brady Knowling (6-5, 202, USA U-18 – USHL)
- 2025-26 Performance: 27 games, 12-10-1, 3.72 GAA, .880 save percentage
- Best Assets: Recovery, rebound control, competitiveness
- NHL Comparable: Thatcher Demko (Vancouver Canucks)
Knowling displays strong positional awareness and excellent puck-tracking skills. His capacity to read plays effectively further solidifies his place among top goalie prospects.
International Skater
- Ivar Stenberg (5-11, 183, Frolunda – Sweden)
- 2025-26 Performance: 43 games, 33 points (11 goals, 22 assists), 2 power-play goals
- Best Assets: Hockey sense, first-step quickness, competitiveness
- NHL Comparable: Tim Stutzle (Ottawa Senators)
Stenberg’s speed and agility have earned him a regular spot in the highly competitive Swedish Hockey League. His dynamic playing style makes him a constant threat on the ice.
As the NHL approaches the 2026 Draft, these prospects are generating significant attention. Their performances in junior leagues reflect their readiness to take the next step in their hockey careers.
