If you’re looking for a hot take atop the rankings, I’m sorry to disappoint you.

It’s still Gavin McKenna’s spot to lose at No. 1, although the battle is closer than most would have expected at this point. McKenna is still the top prospect available, and while many question his work ethic on the ice, nobody will doubt his skill. It’s not easy being 17 playing against older college kids, especially when you’re on a team that simply isn’t as dangerous as some of the top contenders.

It’s still too early to call this a deep draft, but it’s starting to look like more first-round caliber talent than first expected. It’s a strong group, especially if you’re chasing after a big defender. With the CHL USA Prospects Challenge happening soon, and the World Junior Championship taking place next month, here’s an updated look at the top 50 prospects for the 2026 NHL Draft:

1. Gavin McKenna, LW (Penn State University, NCAA)

The gap appears to be closing ever so slightly, but McKenna is still the No. 1 prospect. He hasn’t blown the doors off the NCAA, but he has points in just about every game as he continues to adjust to the increased pace and difficulty of the NCAA. For the most part, Penn State hasn’t had too many difficult opponents yet, but McKenna has gotten better with every passing game. At this point, that’s all you’re really asking for. It’s very difficult for a 17-year-old to produce in college, and McKenna rarely takes a night off from the scoresheet. I just wish he’d play with a bit more intensity – his effort level has been an issue for a few years now.

2. Keaton Verhoeff, RHD (University of North Dakota, NCAA)

Many scouts are starting to give Ivar Stenberg the No. 2 spot, but I’m sticking with Verhoeff – for now. I still think his unique blend of size, mobility and offensive awareness will take him far in the NHL. His ice time has fluctuated a bit and his offense has quieted down, but he’s still playing a ton of quality hockey against much older competition. I appreciate that he jumped to the NCAA to push himself, and I think it’ll have positive long-term effects. I’m not sure he’ll be able to exploit opponents with the puck in the NHL like he did in the WHL, but I have full confidence he’ll find multiple ways to be extremely impactful.

3. Ivar Stenberg, LW (Frolunda, SHL)

I truly love everything about Stenberg’s game, from the way he exploits open space to how he can beat just about anyone in 1-on-1 situations. Stenberg is tracking for 37 points this season in the SHL, which would mark one of the best outputs by a U-19 player in league history. Seriously, he’s putting up special numbers that rival the likes of what the Sedin twins and Markus Naslund were capable of in the 1990s. Stenberg could add a bit more muscle nd play a bit more physical, but I’m not concerned about his game right now.

4. Ethan Belchetz, LW (Windsor Spitfires, OHL)

Both Belchetz and Roobroeck below are big forwards – but they use their size differently. You won’t find many better power forwards standing at 6-foot-5 and nearly 230 pounds. Belchetz loves to create havoc anytime he can. He can overwhelm opponents quite easily, both with his shoulder and his shot. From talking to OHLers, Belchetz is the one they’d hate to go up against the most. That means something – and I fully expect him to become a valuable NHLer.

5. Tynan Lawrence, C (Muskegon Lumberjacks, USHL)

Tynan Lawrence (Steven Ellis/The Nation Network)

Lawrence missed the start of the USHL season with an injury, but scouts weren’t too worried. He played well enough at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup to know he’s set for a big season, regardless. He’s the best true center by a mile, which means he’ll get taken quite early. The Boston University commit blends skill and a bit of nastiness. He’s a dynamic scoring threat who can absolutely dominate puck possession, and his two-way game is excellent without sacrificing offensive zone attacks.

6. Ryan Lin, RHD (Vancouver Giants, WHL)

Lin might not be big, but he’s smart and has the skills to take his game up a level. He is putting up outstanding numbers with the Giants, and could end up being one of the WHL’s top draft-eligible scorers – even as a defenseman. His decision-making is near the top of this draft class already, and he has the skating to burn guys. You have to wonder if Lin will head to the NCAA next season to get stronger. But with where his game is right now, I’d be willing to buy in to the high-end upside. I think Belchetz will get taken ahead of Lin because of how much of a force of nature he is, but I’m still betting high on Lin’s puck skills.

7. Ryan Roobroeck, LW (Niagara IceDogs, OHL)

Roobroeck is tracking for around 70 points, which would be a step back from the 87 he had a year ago. That being said, he’s still carrying the load in a big way for the IceDogs, and should still get around 40 goals. The 6-foot-4 forward has an incredible shot, but he also knows how to play specific roles, too. He loves spending a lot of time around the net, and his two-way game has come a long way in the past few years. I wouldn’t be too shocked if he made Canada’s World Junior team – he was outstanding for them at the U-18s.

8. Chase Reid, RHD (Soo Greyhounds, OHL)

Reid had 40 points in 39 games last year and is tracking for about that same pace again with the Greyhounds. He is playing some of his best hockey recently, though – having Brady Martin to pass to definitely helps. At 6-foot-2, the mobile defender has a big frame, and he plays with a ton of power. I love his skating, and I really believe he can rise up the ranks for a team chasing an all-around offensive defender.

9. Alberts Šmits, LHD (Jukurit, Liiga)

When you see a big, 6-foot-3 defender, it’s easy to assume they’re a defense-focused, shutdown guy. Šmits is good in his own zone, for sure. And he can definitely hit guys. But his puck play is incredible, allowing him to skyrocket up draft boards. He’s averaging half a point per game with Jukurit, something very few U-19 defenders have ever come close to in Liiga history. Look for Šmits to play a big role with Latvia at the World Juniors – he’s already playing north of 20 minutes a night against men.

10. Daxon Rudolph, RHD (Prince Albert Raiders, WHL)

Rudolph is a 6-foot-2, 203-pound defender who can make your life miserable. He has great two-way awareness and has looked more engaged with the puck early on this year than he did during most of the 2024-25 season. Rudolph does a good job of getting the puck down the ice while also being involved on the attack. I also think he’s a better skater than some people give him credit for. He can go 1-on-1 with the best of them, both with and without the puck. Look for him to finish with 50 points this year.

11. Mathis Preston, RW (Spokane Chiefs, WHL)

After an explosive showing at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup in the summer, Preston has had somewhat of a quiet start with Spokane. He is still producing around a point per game, as he has all season. But given his incredible rookie season last year, it feels like he’s underwhelmed a bit. Spokane is missing some talent up front with Berkly Catton in the NHL, and it’s not like Preston hasn’t been one of the best players on the team. I think scouts were just hoping for a bit more puck dominance. I’m not worried, though – his hockey sense and pure skill shine through more often than not.

12. J.P. Hurlbert, RW (Kamloops Blazers, WHL)

Hurlbert left the USA Hockey National Team Development Program a year early, and it has helped skyrocket his draft stock. I was worried about his consistency before the year began, but those are a distant memory now. He had 35 points in his first 20 games this year, putting him on track for 120 points over the full season. He’s so skilled, smart and moves well, and it might be enough to earn him CHL MVP honors. There might not be a player I’d trust more in a shootout in this draft class than Hurlbert.

13. Xavier Villeneuve, LHD (Blainville-Boisbriand Armada, QMJHL)

Will NHL teams draft with a tape measure, or will they bet high on skill? Standing at 5-foot-10, Villeneuve is one of the smallest defenders in this draft class. But skill-wise, he’s near the top. Villeneuve is tracking for 80 points with the Armada this year after putting up 62 last year. Add in great numbers at the U-18 World Championship, and it’s hard to argue that he isn’t one of the most skilled defenders this season. He started off November a bit quietly, but he still takes a ton of shots and rarely has a bad night.

14. Carson Carels, LHD (Prince George Cougars, WHL)

Carels had 35 points in his WHL rookie campaign last year but is on pace to double that in an even bigger role this season. It helps that he’s a mobile, 6-foot-2 defender who wants to make an impact at both ends of the ice. Most of his breakouts are smart, and he does a good job of limiting his mistakes. If you need someone who can thrive defensively, Carels is your guy. The added offense is a huge boost to his draft stock, too.

15. Elton Hermansson, RW (MoDo, Sweden U-20)

*Elton Hermansson (Steven Ellis/The Nation Network)*

Hermansson has been incredible with the Swedish U-18 team this year, scoring at a rate of a goal per game while averaging just under two points. He has also put up great numbers in the second-tier Swedish pro league, with the potential to become the first 30-point U-18 player in league history. Hermansson absolutely loves to shoot, but scouts dock him points for some below-average playmaking when he’s not on the man advantage. Still, I really like his offensive potential and hope he keeps it up.

16. Malte Gustafsson, LHD (HV71, Sweden U-20)

Gustafsson plays a smart two-way game and has shown flashes of offensive brilliance. He’s huge at 6-foot-4 and does an excellent job of getting in the way of just about everyone. He likes to hit, and while that does get him in trouble at times, I like how he defends. He has played well against U-20 competition, but I hope we’ll see him a bit more in the SHL before the season ends.

17. Marcus Nordmark, LW (Djurgardens, Sweden U-20)

Nordmark has also been fantastic internationally, highlighted by his seven-goal, 12-point run at the Hlinka. He’s producing well in the Swedish U-20 league, having registered at least a point in all but one game this year. In fact, he has only been left off the scoresheet twice in 25 games across various events. If that’s not consistency, I don’t know what is. I think his physical game is improving, but he needs to add more speed and urgency if he’s going to exceed outside of his age group.

18. Caleb Malhotra, C (Brantford Bulldogs, OHL)

Haven’t you heard? Malhotra is all the rage right now. The Boston University commit left the BCHL to join Brantford and is producing at a 90-point rate. He’s a tremendous playmaker who gives it his all at both ends of the ice. That’s understandable, given his father, Manny, was known for his two-way play. Always bet high on hockey bloodlines, and it never hurts when you’re able to produce as much as Malhotra does. He’ll be the CHL’s captain during the CHL USA Prospects Challenge, and I wouldn’t be surprised to see Brantford go all the way to the Memorial Cup.

19. Adam Novotný, LW (Peterborough Petes, OHL)

Novotný has been one of Czechia’s best U-20 performers this season, although he wasn’t part of the recent 5 Nations tournament in Slovakia. The projected first-round pick is producing at a point-per-game rate and has played some of his best hockey as of late. The Peterborough Petes don’t have a ton of high-end weapons, but Novotný has consistently found ways to get high-volume opportunities on net. Novotný is clearly comfortable playing in North America, and I’d expect him to get better with more confidence. After playing a depth role in Ottawa last year, look for Novotný to be leaned upon more at the World Juniors in December.

20. Oliver Suvanto, C (Tappara, Liiga)

Teams love their big, 6-foot-3 centers. Suvanto had a great showing at the Hlinka Gretkzy Cup and has done decently well against men in the top Finnish league. He’s not lighting the world on fire by any means, but he’s difficult to play against and consistently gets 2-3 shots on net a night. Suvanto has nothing to prove against kids his own age – I like his development path so far.

21. Viggo Björck, C (Djurgardens, SHL)

*Viggo Bjorck (Steven Ellis/The Nation Network)*

Björck might be falling behind a few other Swedish forwards, but he’s still playing around 10-12 minutes a night against men, which can’t be understated. He was great at the recent U-20 tournament in Slovakia, putting up five points in the first two games alone. Björck is a strong skater who can exploit open ice, but his lack of physical play will hurt him ahead of the draft. From a skill perspective, though, Björck is one of the most intriguing prospects coming out of Europe.

22. Nikita Klepov, LW (Saginaw Spirit, OHL)

Kelpov had a good season in the USHL last year but has taken the mantle as the top dog in Saginaw after Michael Misa signed his NHL contract. Klepov is tracking for close to 50 goals and 100 points, which puts him near the top in the CHL. Klepov is a skilled winger who consistently makes moves in open ice while always buzzing around. I loved him at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup with USA, and I’ve liked his puck play even more since moving to Saginaw. Don’t be surprised if Klepov’s dominance with the puck allows him to go much, much higher in the draft, even if other elements of his game are works in progress.

23. Juho Piiparinen, RHD (Tappara, Liiga)

Everyone – even your dog – is talking about Piiparinen right now. The 6-foot-1 defender isn’t flashy by any means, but he does such a great job at handling quality competition in his own zone. He’s smart, defensively responsible and can shut you down without getting himself into trouble. He was one of Finland’s standouts at the U-18s last year and has thrust himself into the first-round conversation quickly this season thanks to his responsible play around the net. I think he’ll play a decent role at the World Juniors, too.

24. Jack Hextall, C (Youngstown Phantoms, USHL)

Hextall had a great start to the year with USA at the Hlinka and has hovered around the point-per-game mark with Youngstown. I love him as a playmaker, but I feel like he’s getting better with his shot selection as well. Hextall isn’t big, but he makes up for it with great hockey sense, speed, and superb puckhandling. I expect him to continue being one of the most productive draft eligibles in the USHL, and maybe he’ll pass the point-per-game mark sooner rather than later.

25. William Håkansson, LHD (Luleå HF, SHL)

Håkansson has been tall from a young age – it doesn’t hurt being 6-foot-4. He is already playing against men and doesn’t look out of place with his physicality. Seriously, he’ll do whatever it takes to keep you from getting close to the net, even if it ultimately penalizes him in the process. Håkansson moves well and is a decent playmaker, so I don’t think he’ll turn into one of those big players who can’t do anything other than crush people.

26. Tomas Chrenko, C (HK Nitra, Slovakia)

*Tomas Chrenko (Steven Ellis/The Nation Network)*

Chrenko had an absolutely bonkers showing at the U-18s back in April and has remained productive in the top Slovak league. The Slovaks didn’t have nearly enough scoring help when he wasn’t on the ice, and he definitely deserved some more all-star team love. He’s a high-shot generator who decimated the Slovak U-20 league last year. I expect Chrenko to play a big role at the World Juniors, especially if given the power-play responsibilities previously held by Dalibor Dvorsky.

27. Beckham Edwards, C (Sarnia Sting, OHL)

Edwards has been around this area for me all year long, and it feels like the right fit. Edwards is a buzzsaw, chasing after opponents to steal pucks and generate chances every time I watch him. It always feels like he saves his best hockey for the third period, with his energetic nature allowing him to outlast opponents on the attack. He’s quick, smart and works his tail off every single shift. His numbers might not be anything special, but he works hard enough to make himself relevant.

28. Niklas Aaram-Olsen, LW (Orebro, SHL)

NAO has always impressed me in my international viewings, and he has put a beating on Swedish U-20 league keepers, as well. The next step is watching him evolve his game against men. He has played a handful of games with Orebro’s SHL team but has been limited to about two shifts a game, max. So it’s hard to see what he’s truly capable of, but I like his shot, hockey sense and skating. You won’t find many shooters around this part of the draft as good as Aaram-Olsen.

29. Yegor Shilov, C (Victoriaville Tigres, QMJHL)

The Boston Unviersity commit is on pace for 95 points this season, which is incredible given he put up 28 in 39 USHL games this year. It took him very little time to establish himself in the Q, and he has sustained that momentum throughout the campaign. The Tigres have had a difficult November but Shilov has continued to make his presence known with the puck.

30. Lars Steiner, C (Rouyn-Noranda Huskies, QMJHL)

*Lars Steiner (Steven Ellis/Daily Faceoff)*

Steiner missed over a month due to injury but has still managed to register a point per game with the Huskies. He’s a valuable member of that organization, and there’s hope he’ll find another gear in the coming games and skyrocket his draft stock. He’s on the smaller side of the spectrum, but he plays with a ton of power and pace. I have high hopes for Steiner, who should be on Switzerland’s top line at the World Juniors.

31. Giorgos Pantelas, RHD (Brandon Wheat Kings, WHL)

Pantelas had a quiet Hlinka Gretzky Cup with Canada, stats-wise. But I liked his own-zone game and have quickly grown very impressed with the Wheat Kings star. He had 10 points a year ago but is tracking for more than 50 while playing 25-plus minutes as a WHL sophomore. He has a solid 6-foot-2, 214-pound frame, skates well and is defensively rigid. I like Pantelas’ shot, but it feels like he’s been a bit unlucky – he should probably have another four or five goals at this point. I have him higher than most others publicly, but I think Pantelas does enough that it’ll make scouts excited to take him late in the first round.

32. Alessandro Di Iorio, C (Sarnia Sting, OHL)

Di Iorio only got into game duty earlier this month, so there’s plenty of catch-up still needed. He’s producing well early and could still break past the 65-point threshold before the season is over and done with. ADI is strong, but he can beat you with quick hands if he needs to. I also like that he can sneak into scoring lanes without much detection – he’s deceptive that way. We’ll see if he can keep the hot start alive in Sarnia after the team’s recent coaching change.

33. Oscar Holmertz, C (Linköping, Sweden U-20)

I’ve loved watching Holmertz in international play, where he has looked excellent at the U-16/17/18 levels. Domestically, he hasn’t blown the doors off the Swedish U-20 league, but he’s becoming more confident the more he plays. And he’s playing a lot, bouncing around the U-18 and U-20 junior leagues. He’s speedy, smart and has a great shot release. If he continues to improve his defensive zone awareness, he’ll be a nice pickup.

34. Oscar Hemming, LW (Sherwood Park Crusaders, BCHL)

It’s been a wild season for Hemming – for all the wrong reasons. He started the year with an impressive run with Finland at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup, and he committed to the OHL’s Kitchener Rangers. But an ugly dispute between Hemming and his previous Finnish club, Kiekko-Espoo, has left Hemming without a spot to play. He signed with the BCHL’s Sherwood Park Crusaders, but Kitchener GM Mike McKenzie has said the IIHF has threatened to prevent Hemming from representing Finland internationally if he does that (Hemming is a key part of Finland’s U-18 program). So, here we are, past the midway point in November, and Hemming still hasn’t played any meaningful hockey. It’s a shame, because his big frame, strong shot, and solid skating mechanics could have thrust him into the top 20. For now, he’ll likely keep falling.

35. Ilia Morozov, C (Miami University, NCAA)

You don’t find many prospects coming out of the Oxford, Ohio-based school. The team has four current NHL prospects, but none with a clear path to the NHL. It is the school that produced Kevyn Adams, Andy Greene, Alec Martinez and Dan Boyle, among others. Morozov is hoping to become the next NHL-bound pick. He’s second in team scoring, but it’s his game away from the puck that scouts love. He’s a 200-foot player who can play a ton of minutes and will never back down to a challenge. Moroz is a good passer, is strong defensively and will send you on your rear end with his 6-foot-3 frame. Teams view him as a useful bottom-six forward in the NHL.

36. Adam Goljer, RHD (Trencin, Slovakia)

*Adam Goljer (Steven Ellis/The Nation Network)*

It hasn’t been easy being a Slovak defender internationally this year. But Goljer has stayed calm, cool and collected every time I’ve watched him. He has rarely not been one of my favorite Slovak players when I’ve seen him, both in U-18 and U-20 competition. Goljer is a smart defender who likes to get physical and he’s no slouch as a playmaker, either. He doesn’t have much to show for against men, numbers-wise, but has played as much as 24 minutes in the top Slovak league this year. I think a trip to North America next season would do him wonders.

37. Colin Fitzgerald, C (Peterborough Petes, OHL)

It took a bit, but Fitzgerald is starting to figure things out offensively. He’s still tracking for below 40 points, but it’s everything else he brings to the game – a heavy play style, two-way reliability – that makes him intriguing. He battles so hard and rarely loses a fight for the puck. He’s very difficult to stop around the net, and he has some good speed for a power forward, as well. I think his shot is still a work in progress, and he can be a lackluster passer, but he’s competitive and should have no issue cracking an NHL roster.

38. Adam Nemec, LW (HK Nitra, Slovakia)

Nemec has watched his brother, Simon, thrive in the NHL this year. Could Adam be next? Adam has spent his career to date playing against men in Slovakia, where he has developed some muscle and speed. He’s not a high-end producer, but he’s intelligent and will win many individual battles. He is producing well for an 18-year-old playing against men, and his two-way commitment has earned him more respect from his coaches. I think he could be a decent support player in the NHL.

39. Adam Valentini, C (University of Michigan, NCAA)

Valentini is so energetic, allowing himself to chase all game long without losing much pace. He can be a bit of a pain in the ass around the net because you can almost never keep up with his footwork. I like how his game has progressed in college, although he needs to add more muscle to intrigue NHL scouts. With the puck, though, Valentini brings so much to the table. Producing at just under a point per game as a 17-year-old in the NCAA isn’t too shabby.

40. Maddox Dagenais, C (Quebec Ramparts, QMJHL)

*Maddox Dagenais (Steven Ellis/The Nation Network)*

I was a big Pierre Dagenais fan back in the day, but his son doesn’t play much like him. There’s a lot more natural skill here, with good footwork and a hard work ethic to boot. Dagenais was the top pick in the 2024 QMJHL Draft, and while he likely won’t translate that over into a high NHL selection, there’s something to build around here. I feel like Dagenais will be one of those forwards who’ll transition into more of a bottom-six threat in the AHL and parlay that into a successful career without bringing much offense to the table.

41. Vladimír Dravecký, RHD (Brantford Bulldogs, OHL)

The Bulldogs are one of the top teams in the CHL, and Dravecký’s play has been a big reason for that. He played a significant number of minutes in the Swedish U-20 league last year and has continued to do so in Brantford, maintaining a point-per-game pace. He’s a hard worker who skates well and can move the puck, although his questionable decision-making under pressure will knock him down a few pegs on draft day. I think he needs some general refinement across the board, but his raw game is already quite impressive. Look for Dravecký to play a decent role for Czechia’s World Junior team.

42. Braidy Wassilyn, RW (London Knights, OHL)

Wassilyn’s skill has been evident from a young age. Wassilyn is a gifted offensive threat, with his puck control being among the best in his age group. He might not be huge, but he’s tenacious, showing a willingness to take on just about anyone. Wassilyn loves to drive to the net, and while his all-around game can be a bit iffy, he’s best when the pressure is on and you need to generate something, anything, late in a game. A trade to London has opened up new opportunities for the Boston University commit (I think he stays in the O for an extra year), and we’ll see if having the Hunter’s on his side helps him rise up the rankings.

43. Mikey Berchild, LW (USNTDP)

Berchild is small but so dangerous. I’ve had some so-so viewings over the past few years, but I’ve loved his play in international competition, especially the recent U-18 5 Nations tournament in Sweden. The University of Denver commit missed some time last year with an injury, but he still managed to be productive with both the U-17 and U-18 teams. But at 5-foot-9, it’ll be hard to get himself higher on draft boards. If he can spend the season bulking up, he might be able to outplay the size concerns. I want to see him keep getting pucks on net because when he’s on his game, he can be so lethal.

44. Casey Mutryn, C (USNTDP)

*Casey Mutryn (Steven Ellis/The Nation Network)*

I’ve been with scouts who’ve watched Mutryn and simply say, “I get the appeal.” I like his physicality and work ethic and think that could allow him to be a decent third-liner. He’s smart, battles hard and has the ability to find chemistry with just about everyone. Mutryn comes from a good hockey family – his brother, Teddy, was drafted 95th overall by the San Jose Sharks last year, while his father, Scott, was once part of the New England Patriots’ organization as a quarterback.

45. Olivers Mūrnieks, C (Saint John Sea Dogs, QMJHL)

Mūrnieks burst onto the scene about three years ago, looking like the best Latvian forward prospect, potentially ever. There’s still a chance for that to happen, but a lot of the shine has worn off after a slow season in the Q. Mūrnieks is tracking for fewer than 40 points, and while the Sea Dogs aren’t a good team, there was still hope Mūrnieks would be more productive at this point. That being said, he’s good down the middle, is responsible defensively, and is built strong, too. I think he’ll be a decent NHLer, but I’m just not as high on Mūrnieks as I used to be. Regardless, I expect him to be Latvia’s No. 1 center at the World Juniors, where he’ll be leaned on in all situations.

46. Brooks Rogowski, C (Oshawa Generals, OHL)

At 6-foot-7 and 231 pounds, it’s really, really, really difficult to miss Rogowski out there. He’s simply massive and he does a lot to remind you that every time he hits the ice. The Generals forward hits hard, but he doesn’t play an overwhelmingly physical game. Instead, he lets his hands and solid mobility do the talking. I’d like to see more intensity, though – if you’ve got that type of size, use it. Fortunately for Rogowski, we’ve seen a number of massive forwards carve out pathways to the NHL – Ilya Protas, Kieron Walton and Dean Letounreau come to mind. We’ll see if Rogowski can follow the same path.

47. Axel Elofsson, RHD (Orebro, Sweden U-20)

I’ve been very impressed with just how effective Elofsson is with the puck. The 5-foot-10 defender plays with a ton of skill and he loves exploiting opponents on the man advantage. He does shy away from physical games, which isn’t ideal. But you’ll have that when you’re on the smaller side. His lack of size will hurt his draft stock, but he’s as skilled with the puck as you’ll find in this draft class.

48. Nikita Shcherbakov, LHD (Salavat Yulaev Ufa, KHL)

NHL teams like big Russian defenders, and Shcherbakov meets the criteria. The 6-foot-5 defender started the year in the KHL but has primarily played in the second-tier Russian league since the end of September. He has missed plenty of time due to injury, though, which doesn’t help. He’s strong, but he moves well – which is important for a bigger defender. Shcherbakov is very intriguing, but I want to see him back in more consistent game action sooner rather than later.

49. Lavr Gashilov, C (Avto Yekaterinburg, MHL)

Gashilov has been incredibly productive in the MHL this season, plugging along at a 69-point pace. It’s not a fluke, either, given he nearly had a point-per-game a year ago, too. You often want older prospects (late 2007-born players, in Gashilov’s case) to play against tougher competition, but I’d rather have him focus on getting stronger and prioritizing playing time than getting stuck on the bench for 59 minutes a game against men. There’s a lot of natural skill here, but I’d like to see him add some quickness to his game. If he can, I could see a team taking a chance on him in the first round.

50. Luke Schairer, RHD (USNTDP)

*Luke Schairer (Steven Ellis/The Nation Network)*

Schairer is the USNTDP’s top defensive prospect, and it’s easy to understand why. He’s big at 6-foot-3, skates well and plays with a boatload of confidence without trying to out-skill himself. I feel like his two-way game is still a work in progress, and his consistency can be an issue. The CHL USA Prospects Challenge will be a perfect opportunity for Schairer to show potential as a high-end puck-mover. I’m not sure he will, but a good two-game showcase could prove beneficial.

SPONSORED BY bet365