Time for the first media/scout poll for the 2026 NHL Draft!
For those unfamiliar with how this works, I poll many of the OHL's brightest minds; those who cover the league incredibly well and know the OHL inside, and out. These contributors supply me with their top 10 available players from the OHL, in addition to some comments. I then put it all together and provide you with a cumulative list. Call it "the consensus."
How this crop is viewed is ever changing. The depth from the OHL is extremely solid this year thanks to the influx of NCAA committed players. The top end talent available is also solid with four players that have a chance to be top ten selections. But the middle? That remains to be seen and will depend on how these players finish out their seasons.
As always, this list involves contributions from a rather colourful cast of characters. Contributing their rankings and thoughts to this preliminary list for 2026 were:
Corey Pronman - NHL Prospects Writer for TheAthletic (@coreypronman)
Dominic Tiano - Writer for The OHL Writers (@dominictiano)
Mike Morreale - Staff writer for NHL.com (@mikemorrealeNHL)
Ryan Kennedy - Editor in Chief for The Hockey News (@THNRyanKennedy)
Scott Wheeler - NHL Prospects Writer for TheAthletic (@scottcwheeler)
Peter Baracchini - Draft Content at The Hockey Writers (@PBaracchini)
Kaeden Ireland - Video Scout at McKeen’s Hockey (@Kaeden25075788)
Steven Ellis - Prospect Analyst for Daily Faceoff (@SEllisHockey)
Kyle Watson - Content Creator at McKeen's Hockey (@kyle_nw)
Rocco Zappia - Co-Host of the Punk Bunker, Independent Scout (@ScoutRocco)
Darren Boyce - Co-Host of the Punk Bunker, Independent Scout (@PuckBunkerBoyce)
and of course...myself (@BrockOtten)
Here's the List:
1. Chase Reid - Defense - Soo Greyhounds
Highest Ranking: 1st (9x)
Lowest Ranking: 2nd (3x)
Total Votes: 12
Comments:
"Reid's talent and offence will carry him in the NHL but he’s also got real development in front of him despite being a late birthday as well, with a frame that will fill out and a developing defensive game." - Anonymous
"You don’t find a right hand shot, mobile puck moving defender with his offensive acumen and vision and not have him high on any list. Every time he has the puck, he has an aggressive mindset, be it in transition carrying the play or on the cycle in the offensive zone. He’s always in activation mode, using his feet and agility well and even when he’s on the point, he’s always in motion and shifting his body to break free from pressure and find those prime shooting lanes. He’s a great passer to spot seams and lanes, but also has a shooters mentality and isn’t afraid to pass on them. Defensively, his aggressive mindset carries over, stepping up to challenge attackers and cut down lanes and a great reach to disrupt plays. He’s reliable and effective and it shows." - Peter Baracchini
"Reid was so impressive to me filling in for Cole Hutson when the latter missed two games due to injury for the United States at the World Junior Championship. He plays a poised and polished game, defends well, will battle hard for pucks, and can quarterback a power play, as he did in a big spot for the U.S. in the absence of Hutson." - Mike Morreale
"Reid always does a good job of slowing things down when it’s needed. He’s a good puck distributor who makes great heads-up passes from his own zone, and he has the defensive awareness to get back after skating up the ice for a rush. I love how he elevates his game against tougher competition – the World Juniors and the recent OHL Top Prospects Game helped prove that. Reid makes excellent moves with the puck, especially on the power play. Reid is in the running to become the first defenseman taken this June. I’d be shocked if he’s not taken by, say, the sixth pick." - Steven Ellis
"Reid’s offensive toolkit is one of the most impressive I’ve seen from an OHL defender in recent years, second only to Zayne Parekh and Matthew Schaefer. His shot is a real weapon; his 18 goals have come from a variety of areas, forcing opponents to respect him as a primary scoring threat. He’s a terrific skater who manipulates defenders at the blueline and in one-on-one situations. What’s impressed me most, though, is how he’s made this Greyhounds team his own this season. He’s proven reliable, if not outright excellent, in all situations and given himself a good chance at being the first defenceman off the board in June." - Kyle Watson
"I may be an outlier here with Reid as my 2nd ranked OHL prospect and that decision ultimately came down to risk tolerance. Reid’s highlight reel speaks for itself, yet I still see instances that give me some pause for concern. While he has improved immensely in the DZ, he is still prone to the odd head-scratcher in terms of decision making that results in a high-quality chance against. The tools are there to be an impact player in his own end, but it’s a work in progress and I feel like you may just need to be prepared to let the good outweigh the bad. I’m also not sure that I see a truly world-class puck mover here - it’s very good, make no mistake, yet I go back-and-forth a bit as to whether I project him as an Elite PP1 guy, an average PP1 guy, or an elite PP2 guy at the NHL level. All of which would be fantastic end-results in a vacuum, but when we’re discussing a potential Top 5 pick these are legitimate discussions that teams will have." - Rocco Zappia
"The highest-upside player in the OHL draft class, with clear #1 power-play quarterback potential. His combination of size and skating projection is elite, and his skating and puck handling allow him to generate clean breakouts and controlled entries with ease. There are still notable concerns defensively. His physical engagement is inconsistent, and he’s prone to the kind of major, game-to-game gaffe that he’ll need to eliminate at the pro level. As a 6’3 right-shot offensive defenseman with power-play-driving ability, this is a rare archetype. Right now, he projects more comfortably as a second-pair defenseman who can run a power play, but improved decision-making could absolutely push him into true first-pair territory — and that’s a bet teams won’t be able to pass on." - Darren Boyce
"The word dynamic just so perfectly describes Reid. He's such an aggressive and intelligent offensive attacker. While there's still a need to pick his spots a little better, he's too good at finding soft spots in coverage for that to be classified as a concern regarding his "IQ." I have absolutely no concerns about the offensive game translating. He's a potential top powerplay quarterback at the NHL level. Defensively, it's going to be about how much he can increase his physical consistency and focus. I think back to a guy like Thomas Harley in his draft year and there were similar concerns. By the time he aged out, those concerns were no longer present and I think Reid can follow a similar kind of development path as a defensive work horse." - Brock Otten
2. Caleb Malhotra - Center - Brantford Bulldogs
Highest Ranking: 1st (3x)
Lowest Ranking: 3rd (1x)
Total Votes: 12
Comments:
"There will be a bit of a premium placed on Malhotra at the draft because he's one of the few elite centers available this season. His numbers in Brantford have been awesome, especially given their veteran depth, and he has the frame and skills to be a difference-maker in the future." - Ryan Kennedy
"I’ve probably gone back and forth multiple times between Caleb Malhotra and Chase Reid for the top spot, but I’m giving the edge to Malhotra. He has just been a model of consistency on both sides of the puck this season. He has been extremely productive, but his ability to read and adapt to situations easily makes him a real threat. He knows when to attack with his speed, sneak in undetected to the open ice and can put pressure on players when he doesn’t have the puck and always puts himself in a great spot to be open. He has the speed to catch defenders off guard on the rush and his playmaking vision is outstanding; spotting seams easily, opening lanes up to attack and can make solid off look passes to fool defenders. He’s a gifted two-way centre and produces like one." - Peter Baracchini
"Caleb Malhotra is perhaps the most improved player from this draft class through the 25-26 OHL season. He’s very athletic and has gotten faster, allowing him to push the pace on the rush and use his hands with speed. I believe he’s clearly established himself as the number one C in the class and projects to be a high-end 2C or fringe 1C." - Kaeden Ireland
"Malhotra is an intelligent, two‑way forward who plays a detail‑driven game built on pace and competitiveness. He’s a strong skater with a quick first few steps, allowing him to pressure defenders, win races, and stay above pucks defensively. Malhotra shows good instincts in the offensive zone, supporting plays in motion and making fast, efficient reads that keep possession alive. His puck touches are clean, and he’s comfortable attacking off the wall or driving the middle with speed. Away from the puck, he’s reliable—engaged on the backcheck, responsible in his routes, and willing to battle in tight areas. As he continues to add strength and assertiveness, Malhotra projects as a versatile, high‑motor forward with the tools to impact the game in all three zones." - Dominic Tiano
"Some scouts think Malhotra could be the first center taken. His ability to wait out opponents before making a last-second pass into a scoring lane is unmatched. Malhotra is a great skater who plays a strong two-way game and loves getting involved physically, as well. Malhotra’s hockey IQ is among the best you’ll find in this class, and he’s a tremendous passer, too. Scouts are still wondering if he can be a first-line center – but most say, at minimum, he’ll be a second-liner." - Steven Ellis
"Every time I watch Malhotra, he’s playing with more confidence. That’s been the story of his season as he’s climbed both the OHL scoring leaderboard and draft rankings. His game is driven by intelligence and puck-carrying ability. He uses his long reach effectively and has strong puck skills. As his skating has improved, he’s become increasingly difficult to contain. Playing on a team as talented as the Bulldogs has done wonders for his development, and I don’t think his point totals are being inflated by being on an offensive juggernaut. He’s driving his own line and has been a constant threat below the goalline on their top powerplay unit. If he maintains this trajectory during Brantford’s Memorial Cup push, he could easily go top-five or higher." - Kyle Watson
"Talk about a guy who has taken leaps and bounds this season in terms of upwards progression. Malhotra’s bread-and-butter would be his detailed and pro-style two-way game, yet it’s been the offensive trajectory that’s really gotten me excited about this prospect lately. Every time I watch him he seems to be either improving on, if not outright adding, an element to his game. While there have been questions about his ultimate offensive upside, including from yours truly earlier this season, I feel like those questions are unfounded at this point and we’re looking at a kid who is just scratching the surface of his ultimate potential. An emerging threat as both a shooter and a passer, it’s his small-area hockey sense that really stands out to me. In my opinion, this will be the first C drafted this year, as well as the first player off the board for the OHL. In a Draft bemoaned for a perceived lack of high-end C prospects, there just may be one hiding in Brantford." - Rocco Zappia
"I've said it a million times in my years of draft coverage, but the last thing you want in a draft eligible player is complacency; that concept of plateauing. Malhotra has been the antithesis of that this season and it's why he might just end up being a top five pick. At the beginning of the season, I was a little hesitant to rank him high because I didn't have a great read on his offensive upside. But it seems like every month he's added new layers to his game. He's improved his explosiveness and pace. He's improved his on puck confidence and creativity. He's become increasingly physical and pest like. If Malhotra has an outstanding OHL playoffs for Brantford and helps them capture a title, does he emerge as a top three candidate just like Desnoyers last year? There's really nothing to dislike in Malhotra's game at this point." - Brock Otten
3. Ethan Belchetz - Wing - Windsor Spitfires
Highest Ranking: 2nd (1x)
Lowest Ranking: 3rd (11x)
Total Votes: 12
Comments:
" I've said it before and I'll say it again: I don't worry about Belchetz only dominating junior because of his size, because he will still be one of the biggest players in the NHL once he gets there. Will be interesting to see if he does a year in NCAA first." - Ryan Kennedy
"Belchetz's smarts off the puck are underrated. He positions himself well to score and leads the OHL class in goals despite being pretty snake-bitten on the doorstep through stretches of the new year. He plays a strong, supportive, complementary game, and I’m almost certain he’ll be an asset to an NHL top six." - Kaeden Ireland
"His identity might not be fully established until he gets to the NHL. Many project him as a power forward at the next level, but he's working on other aspects of his game to become more than that, just as Porter Martone did in three OHL seasons. He’s made noticeable improvements to his footwork and agility, and his hands look faster. He's tough to handle down low and is real strong in the blue paint." - Mike Morreale
"I had Belchetz up much higher back in November, but a slight cooling-off period, as well as a couple of underwhelming showcase events, led to Belchetz falling a bit. Still, that doesn’t change what I like about him. He’s a productive forward who loves to shoot the puck. At 6-foot-5 and nearly 230 pounds, he’s absolutely massive, too. One knock against him is his lackluster skating, and it doesn’t seem like he’ll be a play-driver at the next level. But as a second-line wrecking ball, there’s a lot to love." - Steven Ellis
"An absolute monster of a human being, Belchetz gives you an extremely high floor combined with some decent offensive upside, plus the size & strength that teams can’t get enough during a long playoff run. The question here is are we looking at an elite offensive player, or more of a complimentary piece, and I would tend to veer towards the latter. That said, the old adage of “big guys take longer” needs to be kept in mind here and I wouldn’t be surprised if he took a big jump in terms of offensive impact as he gets older." - Rocco Zappia
"His net-front ability is elite. He generates offence through power moves around the crease, tips, deflections, and second-chance opportunities, and he’s very comfortable operating in traffic. His skating has improved to the point where it’s no longer a major concern, and increased strength has already enhanced his effectiveness in physical areas of the ice. There’s still another step to gain in both burst and strength, but the progression inspires confidence that he can reach that level. This is a prospect who has shown meaningful improvement and should be in demand for teams building playoff-ready lineups. While continued strength development will be important to solidify a long-term top-six role, he already projects as a hard, effective winger who complements skilled line-mates and can contribute offence when games tighten up." - Darren Boyce
4. Adam Novotny - Wing - Peterborough Petes
Highest Ranking: 4th (12x)
Lowest Ranking: -
Total Votes: 12
Comments:
"He had a bit of slow start to the season but Adam Novotny has continued to progress and standout any chance he can get. He is extremely competitive, displays a motor and work ethic that just won’t quit. He relies on his smarts and compete more than his skill as he can be impactful on both sides of the puck. He reacts quickly to prioritize defense and helps out on the back-check and zones in on attackers to force mistakes and turn the puck over. He’s physical in terms of getting the inside track to win battles and can make plays quickly and efficiently when dealing with pressure. He has a great shot and does damage in small spaces as he has great puck skills." - Peter Baracchini
"Real good speed and quickness for a guy with his frame (6-1, 204). His motor and compete level are off the charts and he has soft hands, good touch around the net and a high hockey IQ. His 200-foot game is improving." - Mike Morreale
"Adam Novotny is a smart, pace‑driven forward who brings energy, detail, and strong two‑way habits to every shift. He plays with a quick, attacking mindset, using his skating to pressure defenders, win races, and stay involved in transition. Novotny supports the puck well in all three zones, showing the awareness to slide into soft areas and make himself available as an outlet, while also tracking back responsibly and taking good routes on the backcheck. His puck touches are clean, and he moves play efficiently, favoring quick give‑and‑go sequences and simple, effective decisions that keep the Petes on the front foot. As he continues to add strength and confidence with the puck, Novotny projects as a reliable, high‑motor forward contributing in a variety of roles." - Dominic Tiano
"A bit of a “coaches dream” type player, Novotny can be relied upon in pretty much any situation. He combines a high-end motor with an excellent stick and great details. He has good hockey sense which makes me think he may actually be able to play higher in the lineup than the sum of his offensive tools might suggest. At worst, we have a high-floor player who projects as a pretty safe 3rd line type guy. At best, we are looking at a player who can play in your Top 6 who can contribute with his forechecking, two-way play, and above-average all-around offensive abilities." - Rocco Zappia
"He’s an extremely intelligent forechecker who fits seamlessly into a pro-style system. He consistently creates turnovers and drives possession for his team, projecting as a very high-floor player who should be an effective NHL contributor. He’s comfortable contributing offensively in multiple ways, including on the cycle, off the rush, and along the half boards. The most intriguing part of his offensive profile is the diversity of ways he can generate offence. While none of his tools are truly elite, he’s a difficult player to defend because of how effectively he processes the game and solves problems. Continued growth as a confident playmaker, and not just reverting to the defensive side on every occasion, will be important if he’s going to push into a top-six role. As it stands, he projects as a reliable middle-six NHL winger with upside." - Darren Boyce
"The kind of guy NHL teams are going to love more than amateur public scouts. He plays the game "hard." There's that projection here where you have a player who is a 45 point guy in the regular season, but a near point per game guy in the playoffs. He's built for that kind of hockey. Powerful. Physically engaged. Excels in high traffic areas. There are going to be NHL teams who have him ranked ahead of Belchetz and I truly believe that he could end up being taken in the top eight with a strong finish to the OHL season." - Brock Otten
5. Nikita Klepov - Wing - Saginaw Spirit
Highest Ranking: 5th (6x)
Lowest Ranking: 10th (1x)
Total Votes: 12
Comments:
"Nikita Klepov is as creative and deceptive with the puck as they come. He’s constantly pushing the play at a fast pace and is always making moves without breaking stride. He’s a strong puck facilitator and play generator as he always wants to be involved and make something happen. Even though there are times where he may not be as engaging, he bides his time as his speed allows him to quickly pounce on loose pucks and extend zone time. He can weave his way through traffic and always does a great job to push the high danger areas and always makes himself available without it. While he’s known for his playmaking, he’s an underrated shooter." - Peter Baracchini
"Smarts, compete, skills - Klepov has it all. He looks very likely to be a well-rounded middle-6 forward who can get results on the top PP. His athleticism is holding him back from a top-6 projection in my opinion." - Kaeden Ireland
"Klepov was recently one of the top performers at the OHL Top Prospects Game, where he showed just how lethal he could be in scoring lanes. He’s in his first year of OHL competition, but he’s tracking for around 40 goals and 50 assists. Klepov is equally skilled as a shooter and a playmaker, and I love how often he finds open scoring lanes. Find him a high-end setup guy and he’ll fire shots home all night long." - Steven Ellis
"Klepov looks like he has the puck on a string at times, and he’s a wizard in the shootout. I think he’s more physically engaged and defensively capable than people give him credit for, too. He’s not just a finesse player. He’s working on his off-puck play and has been a solid penalty killer. The defensive side of his game may never be a strength, but his creativity on the puck and pure scoring ability make him a first-rounder for me." - Kyle Watson
"This is a player I’ve gone back and forth on quite a bit throughout this exercise. At his best he is a dynamic offensive player who can pick defenses apart as both a shooter and a playmaker. When he’s not, he looks more like a bit of a tweener, where I’m not seeing much of a fit as a future bottom-6, but someone who may not be quite dynamic enough to play his style of game with success in an NHL Top-6." - Rocco Zappia
"I do believe the brain translates and he absolutely has it. His offensive IQ is outstanding and drives his game. He shows elite offensive vision and high-end in-zone playmaking ability. His decision-making with the puck is excellent, particularly on the half boards and on the power play. He rarely makes a bad play, whether it’s quick one-touch passes, holding and skating, or hitting teammates in stride. He can execute at speed or from a standstill and does so consistently in all three zones. His hand-eye coordination is very good, allowing him to finish plays and clean up around the net, though added strength would help him sustain success in those areas. Below-average skating and limited size are the main factors holding him back from being ranked higher. The key question is whether he can keep up both skating-wise and physically at the pro level. He will need to get stronger and faster, because without improvement in those areas, the NHL translation becomes difficult." - Darren Boyce
6. Ryan Roobroeck - Wing - Niagara IceDogs
Highest Ranking: 5th (1x)
Lowest Ranking: 10th (1x)
Total Votes: 12
Comments:
"Roobroeck’s combination of size and skill made him appealing to scouts early on in his career and will likely still carry him to a career in the NHL but his lack of compete has turned people off." - Anonymous
"He's got all the tools to be a top-line winger and the numbers are strong. If he can work out the inconsistency that has shadowed him since his London Jr. Knights days, he'll be a gem." - Ryan Kennedy
"He possesses an elite shot and knows how to set up linemates with his big frame (6-3, 215). He has that touch around the net that you can’t teach and makes things happen with his creativity, especially off the rush." - Mike Morreale
"Once considered a potential top-10 pick, Roobroeck has fallen in the eyes of scouts, publicly and privately. Most will agree – myself included – that he has the natural ability to dominate shifts. But a lack of effort away from the puck and his overall inconsistency have seen him drop quite a bit. Roobroeck will likely crack the 80-point mark, but scouts simply wanted to see more. That being said, Roobroeck has proven he can still take over games by using his power and quick shot release to obliterate goaltenders. Roobroeck can score from anywhere – but can he do it consistently enough to ignore the lack of effort that sometimes creeps through (and has since his U-15 days)?" - Steven Ellis
"Big players with legitimate handling and playmaking ability are rare, and that’s what keeps Roobroeck in this conversation. That said, his start to the season raised a lot of question marks and forced a reset of expectations. Skating remains the biggest concern. His foot speed is still an issue, though with bigger players there’s often more room for development over time (big guys take longer). There has been some improvement this season, but it’s still a work in progress. The issue is his change of direction and edge work, as well as limited burst. His speed doesn’t currently pressure defenders on the rush, and defenders are generally comfortable. He also remains off-balance too often, and given that he’s an older player, you’d expect him to already be stronger than he is. He’s not a play driver at this stage and needs to become much harder to play against, but as a project pick, the upside tied to his size and offensive instincts keeps him on this list." - Darren Boyce
7. Brooks Rogowski - Center - Oshawa Generals
Highest Ranking: 5th (3x)
Lowest Ranking: Outside the Top Ten (2x)
Total Votes: 10
Comments:
"Rogowski is a skilled forward who blends creativity, competitiveness, and strong offensive instincts. He’s a fluid skater with the ability to change speeds and attack defenders off the rush, using quick hands and smart body positioning to create space. Rogowski shows confidence carrying the puck, often driving play through the middle and generating chances with sharp give‑and‑go sequences or well‑timed passes into dangerous areas. He competes hard without the puck, staying engaged on the forecheck and showing a willingness to battle along the boards to extend possession. As he continues to add strength and refine his finishing touch, Rogowski projects as an energetic, play driver with the upside to impact a team’s top‑six at the OHL level and beyond." - Dominic Tiano
"I’ve really liked my viewings of Rogowski, one of the best “big dudes” in the draft this year. At 6-foot-7, he’s obviously got size. But I also appreciated how well he hustled at both ends, chasing pucks and breaking up plays. He’s a smart forward who uses his big frame to win battles, but he also has a good shot and isn’t afraid to launch it from anywhere in an attempt to surprise the goaltender. Rogowski won’t be a big-time offensive threat, but as a supporting player, he has a ton of tools to make himself useful." - Steven Ellis
"I was quite high on Rogowski to start the season after an impressive performance for Team USA at the Hlinka-Gretzky. I still believe in this player if he’s taken in the right spot and cast for the right role, I just don’t think we are looking at someone with a ton of offensive upside which limits his place on this list. Despite being a big body, you’d probably like to see him play a bit bigger at times. If he can add a bit more consistent snarl to his game while continuing to develop his quickness and first couple steps then I think this could be a very effective Bottom-6 C for a team down the road. He has to continue rounding out his skillset, but you can’t teach big." - Rocco Zappia
"Make sure you take some time to read this terrific article on Rogowski by Breanna McNeill. This is a terrific young athlete who really hasn't taken hockey training incredibly serious for very long. The experience just hasn't been the same as some other high end prospects this year. When that gap closes, what can Rogowski be capable of? The consistency is a major issue, he disappears for stretches offensively. But, I think that when his frame fills out and he gains further confidence in his on puck play, he'll be capable of more. One thing that I'm consistency impressed with is his defensive positioning and IQ, even if I wish he were a little more physically imposing given his size. People talk about Cover being raw and possessing untapped potential, but Rogowski is the same, but with better physical tools." - Brock Otten
8. Alessandro Di Iorio - Center - Sarnia Sting
Highest Ranking: 6th (3x)
Lowest Ranking: Outside of the Top Ten (3x)
Total Votes: 9
Comments:
"I might be higher on Di Iorio than some and it mainly attributes to his high IQ and hockey sense as well as his ability to push the pace of play every time he’s on the ice. He can make plays quickly and accurately, working quick give-and-go plays and open up seam plays. He always seems to put himself in a great spot to be a factor and make something happen, be it with his playmaking or getting a prime scoring opportunity. He’s got great defensive instincts as well, showing great positioning and awareness to get into lanes and provide sound coverage within his own zone. " - Peter Baracchini
"Di Iorio has settled in nicely after returning from an upper-body injury earlier this season. He's competitive and works hard every shift. He finds the open ice and makes himself available for good scoring opportunities." - Mike Morreale
"Alessandro Di Lorio is a play‑driving forward for the Sarnia Sting who blends pace and strong offensive instincts. He’s an agile skater with quick acceleration, allowing him to pressure defenders, jump on loose pucks, and create separation off the rush. Di Lorio handles the puck confidently in motion, showing the ability to weave through traffic and make sharp, timely passes that open up scoring chances. His motor stands out — he stays engaged on the forecheck, tracks back responsibly, and consistently wins races through sheer effort. Around the net, he displays good touch and a willingness to battle for inside ice, giving him multiple avenues to generate offense. As he moves on, Di Lorio projects as an energetic, versatile forward." - Dominic Tiano
"Di Iorio has been great in nearly all my viewings this year. Even when he’s not putting pucks in the net, he’s driving the play, making responsible decisions with the puck, and seems to make everyone around him better. Di Iorio does an excellent job of carrying the puck through the middle of the ice, showcasing his high-end playmaking and his quick release. I think there’s a very safe chance he goes late in the first round, which is where I’ve been projecting him to go throughout most of the season." - Steven Ellis
9. Jaxon Cover - Wing - London Knights
Highest Ranking: 5th (1x)
Lowest Ranking: Outside of the Top Ten (3x)
Total Votes: 9
Comments:
"He's only been playing hockey for five years! The potential with Cover is incredible thanks to his mind and his athleticism." - Ryan Kennedy
"Jaxon Cover is still a work in progress, but very few draft-eligible players have his upside and toolkit. He struggles to string together plays due to his poor balance and tendency to try a bit too much, but he also pulls off some crazy solo efforts. I’m willing to swing on this upside in the first round given his developmental momentum and underrated 200-foot game. Cover creates havoc in the defensive zone with his disruptive stick and agility and earns a lot of odd-man rushes for his team. He could be a highly skilled second-line winger if everything goes right, but I also like his B game of an energy forward with wheels." - Kaeden Ireland
"The production has come in streaks but we are just beginning to see what Cover is capable of at the OHL level. The physical ability is plain to see: Cover is a strong athlete who loves to carry the puck and drive to the net, often combining with his teammates on intricate passing plays off the rush and the cycle. His release is deceptive, and he has a nose for the net. Coming from a roller hockey background, his approach to offence is somewhat intuitive at the moment. I think it both serves and hinders him, as he's trying things no one else would think to. But at the same time, he is perhaps over reliant on scoring from downhill situations and can struggle to create chances for himself. It's so impressive how well he has adapted to the OHL and the Knights' system, though. There are just so many ways one can imagine Cover becoming a pro and you have to trust the development path he has in London." - Kyle Watson
"If you’re looking to take a swing on a high-upside bet, this is the player to do it on. He hasn’t been playing hockey for very long and has already shown significant development and improvement, which makes the projection especially intriguing. Offensively, there’s still too much recklessness in his playmaking and vision to feel comfortable ranking him higher right now. I also don’t see a ton of bottom-six or “B-game” utility at this stage, which adds volatility to his projection. Defensively, he’s willing to engage, but he’s inexperienced when it comes to reading the defensive zone. Coach Dale Hunter has taken him off the ice in late-game situations at times, which reflects the learning curve still ahead. His stick can be effective defensively, and with more reps, can improve. There’s a wide range of outcomes here, and where he ultimately lands in the draft could vary significantly. If the improvement continues at the current rate, there’s plenty of room to move him up. This is a patience-required project, but the upside is here." - Darren Boyce
10. Thomas Vandenberg - Center - Ottawa 67's
Highest Ranking: 6th (2x)
Lowest Ranking: Outside of the Top Ten (7x)
Total Votes: 5
Comments:
"A bit of a do-it-all type, he has excelled under Dave Cameron during his first season in Ottawa. His high-end skating ability and detailed two-way play have earned him his coaches' trust, while his developing offensive game as a pretty creative playmaker is helping him find the scoresheet on a regular basis for the 67s. The numbers won’t jump off the page, and I do question just how much offensive upside there is here at the NHL level, but there looks to be a pretty solid floor here. Add that to the fact that he’s been fantastic in the faceoff circle and there are all the makings of an everyday NHL player who can be relied on to contribute in a variety of roles." - Rocco Zappia
"Thomas Vandenberg is already very well rounded and one of the younger players in this class. He uses his smarts to command the center of the ice, darting around the slot and below the goal line to find dangerous feeds. I would like to see more physical engagement, and it’s starting to come, as seen in his biggest test so far going head-to-head with Caleb Malhotra’s Bulldogs and getting involved after the whistle in early February. His shot is quite solid with decent power and accuracy on the one-timer. Whether he plays center or winger at the next level, I think he’s a good fit for an NHL 3rd line given his versatility, though he could bring value if plugged anywhere in the lineup." - Kaeden Ireland
"Thomas Vandenberg is a smart, competitive forward with poise, and strong two‑way detail to his game. He’s an agile skater with smooth edges, allowing him to slip pressure, stay connected to plays, and support transitions with quick, efficient puck movement. Vandenberg shows good offensive instincts, reading space well and timing his routes to arrive in scoring areas with purpose. His puck touches are clean, and he’s comfortable making plays in motion, whether attacking off the rush or working give‑and‑go sequences in the offensive zone. Off the puck, he’s reliable — engaged on the forecheck, responsible in his defensive routes, and willing to battle in tight areas. As he continues to add strength and assertiveness, Vandenberg projects as a versatile, high‑IQ forward capable of contributing in multiple roles." - Dominic Tiano
"This is the best skater on this list by a wide margin, and he’s fully comfortable operating at that pace. His speed consistently shows up in games, and when you watch him play, there’s clearly more offensive upside than the point totals suggest. Pace translates at the NHL level, which is why I’m very comfortable calling him a first-rounder right now with real offensive upside. He projects as a very smart, dependable two-way centre who can be used in all situations. His foot speed forces defenders into mistakes and allows him to regularly get to the middle of the ice and into quality scoring areas. That same skating translates defensively, where his compete level and ability to close quickly stand out. He’s already excellent in the face-off circle, winning draws at a 58% rate at the time of this submission, and he hasn’t had a game below 50% since December." - Darren Boyce
Honorable Mentions
Ryder Cali - Center - North Bay Battalion
Highest Ranking: 8th (1x)
Total Votes: 5
Comments:
"Ryder Cali has been a name that has continued to intrigue me as his stock continues to rise. He plays a powerful game, is physical in the tough areas and has a strong net front presence. He has great mobility and combines his size and puck protection skills to make plays and get around defenders easily. He’s sound defensively and is always providing support. He had a good showing at the OHL Top Prospects Game and while some of the top players stood out, he was definitely noticeable." - Peter Baracchini
"While I initially saw Ryder Cali as a bottom-6 power forward, his play post-injury has me convinced there could be a gem in the rough with the 6’2” attacker. He hasn’t had the most opportunities to shine in the OHL with an offensively mediocre Battalion squad and many games missed in the early months of the season. I do like the flashes of upside in his hands, and he’s quite intelligent. With such a large runway, it will be interesting to see how the next 5 months unfold for him." - Kaeden Ireland
Pierce Mbuyi - Wing - Owen Sound Attack
Highest Ranking: 6th (1x)
Total Votes: 3
Comments:
"Pierce Mbuyi isn’t the biggest player on the ice and the size factor may come into question, but he plays a much bigger game than his 159-pound frame suggests. He has incredible goal scoring abilities. He can put the puck in the back of the net and can do it in a variety of ways; catch and shoot with a quick release, one-timer, from far out or in tight, he’s a goal scoring threat. He can play a very intense style and doesn’t shy away when the opportunity to battle for possession presents itself compared to other players his size. He can anticipate plays really well and can use his speed to quickly create odd-man rushes." - Peter Baracchini
"I get why he's not ranked higher by people...and it's the same reason why he won't be a high NHL draft pick. But, when we look back on this draft class in five years, I have a feeling that he'll be a guy we'll say...why didn't he go higher? When it comes to undersized forwards, he has almost everything we want to see. He's a determined competitor. He's skilled and creative. He's quick on his feet and can escape pressure. He's not an explosive linear skater. And he probably projects more as a complementary offensive piece at higher levels. However, there's just something about his game that I think makes him an underrated player for this draft. The upside here is a Jake Guentzel type of player. The U18's this year are going to be absolutely huge for him. He'll be counted on big time offensively and if he's up to the task, it'll go a long way as to convincing some that he can be an NHL player." - Brock Otten
Beckham Edwards - Wing/Center - Sarnia Sting
Highest Ranking: 9th (2x)
Total Votes: 3
Comments:
"Another high-motor Sting product, which I'm sure NHL teams will love." - Ryan Kennedy
"He's not in my top 10 currently, but I do understand why some people would have him ranked there. He brings speed, tenacity, and goal scoring upside. I think to a certain degree, Edwards is still learning to adapt to playing at a higher level; adapting to playing and excelling away from the puck and working less as an individual player. Playing on a struggling team in Sarnia has definitely highlighted some of his weaknesses, rather than his strengths. He's another guy that will have a huge opportunity presented to him at the U18's this year." - Brock Otten
Vladimir Dravecky - Defense - Brantford Bulldogs
Highest Ranking: 10th (3x)
Total Votes: 3
Comments:
"Dravecky is a very talented player who is built strong for a 5-11/6-foot D. There are pro attributes there and I expect him to take a big step in a more prominent role in the OHL/at the World Juniors next year." - Anonymous
"There's definitely some offense in Dravecky's game, but on a stacked Bulldogs squad he has played more of a Vladislav Gavrikov kind of role and that's pretty valuable as well." - Ryan Kennedy
"I was disappointed that Dravecký didn’t get into any World Junior games this year, but I still really like his game. He’s a bit undersized, but he makes up for it with a high degree of hockey sense and confidence with the puck. Dravecký rarely makes an unforced error when looking for a linemate, and he’s a solid skater, too. I think scouts will want him to add a bit more speed if he can’t find a way to bulk up (he’s six-foot), but there’s potential for him to be an impact third-pairing blueliner who can keep things simple yet effective." - Steven Ellis
Alexander Bilecki - Defense - Kitchener Rangers
Highest Ranking: 5th (1x)
Total Votes: 2
Comments:
"This is a player I feel has been severely underrated by most of the public scouting sources to date, and I wonder how much of that is due to the fact that his counting stats are lower than what they could be if he wasn’t stuck behind Cam Reid in Kitchener for PP1 duty. Bilecki has the height, skating, puck moving ability, and poise that should make him a target of NHL teams much higher than he’s currently being given credit for. While he is still pretty sleight, I like his chances to add weight to his frame which gives him some really nice upside as a true two-way blueliner." - Rocco Zappia
"I find he is one of the more undervalued players in this draft class. A high-quality LH shot that’s 6’2 and can skate with plenty of room to add strength. He already defends at a solid level, and that part of his game should only improve as he fills out physically. He’s been trusted with defensive responsibility on a strong Kitchener team, and it shows in his overall reliability, particularly in how calm and effective he is moving pucks under pressure with smart high flips and intelligent passing. Offensively, he’s a legitimate puck mover. He runs a power play with pace and purpose, getting the puck off his stick quickly and efficiently. Bold take: I like his power play movement better than his teammate Cameron Reid, and in a different situation, I believe he’d be producing higher point totals." - Darren Boyce
Adam Nemec - Wing - Sudbury Wolves
Highest Ranking: 8th (1x)
Total Votes: 1
Comments:
"Nemec doesn’t have a defining quality like his older brother did but he’s a well-rounded player and worthwhile late-second or third-round pick." - Anonymous
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