Your Charlottetown Islanders will make the 32nd overall selection in the 2026 CHL Import Draft, set for Tuesday, June 30, at 11 a.m. ET. The Oshawa Generals of the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) hold the first overall selection, followed by the Baie-Comeau Drakkar of the Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League (QMJHL) and the Lethbridge Hurricanes of the Western Hockey League (WHL).

(See the complete draft order below.)

The Islanders also own the 93rd overall selection in the second round and the 154th overall pick in the third round.

Charlottetown enters this year’s draft with all three import roster spots available, President and General Manager Scott Harris and the Islanders with an exciting opportunity to add impact talent to the lineup ahead of the 2026-27 season.

“The Import Draft is one of the best opportunities to add high-end talent to your organization. This is a draft we’re really excited about. Having three import spots available gives us a unique opportunity to be aggressive. My extensive background in NHL scouting has allowed me to develop a strong network internationally and we’re going to lean on that experience throughout this process," said President & General Manager Scott Harris. "We believe there are some difference-makers available, and we’re looking forward to bringing that type of talent to Charlottetown.”

The club’s import roster opens following the departures of forwards Ivan Ryabkin and Nikita Voyaga. Ryabkin made an immediate impact after being selected 21st overall by the Islanders in the 2025 CHL Import Draft, joining the team midway through the season and quickly establishing himself as one of the league’s most dynamic offensive players. The Russian forward finished the regular season with 13 goals and 29 assists for 42 points in just 20 games, before adding four goals and five assists for nine points in six playoff games. Ryabkin has since re-joined the Chicago Wolves of the American Hockey League, helping the club reach the Calder Cup Finals.

With a clean slate of import positions available, the Islanders have the flexibility to make a significant splash in this year’s draft and continue building an exciting young roster.

For the second straight year, the CHL Import Draft will consist of three rounds as the CHL enters its second season with three import player spots available on each club’s roster. Under updated rules for the 2026 CHL Import Draft, 20-year-old import players will be eligible to be selected in any round, while 16-year-old import players may also be selected, but only in the first round.

CHL clubs may carry a maximum of one 16-year-old import player per season, and that player cannot be traded or replaced by another import player during his 16-year-old season. If a 16-year-old import player is released to another level of hockey during the regular season or removed from a club’s roster, that club will be limited to two import players for the remainder of the regular season and playoffs. CHL clubs have been permitted to trade selections in the 2027 CHL Import Draft since May 5, 2026, while 2026 selections may continue to be traded until Monday, June 29.

The Islanders have found success through the CHL Import Draft over the years. In 2020, Charlottetown selected Jakub Brabenec with the 35th overall pick, while in 2017, the club selected Nikita Alexandrov with the 50th overall selection. Most recently, the Islanders struck gold with Ryabkin in 2025, whose remarkable production in a short span showcased the impact an elite import player can have on a team’s success.

The CHL Import Draft has helped bring a number of future NHL standouts to the CHL, including Leon Draisaitl (Prince Albert Raiders / WHL), Zdeno Chara (Prince George Cougars / WHL), Marian Hossa (Portland Winterhawks / WHL), Mikael Backlund (Kelowna Rockets / WHL), Oliver Bjorkstrand (Portland Winterhawks / WHL), Gabriel Landeskog (Kitchener Rangers / OHL), Nikita Zadorov (London Knights / OHL), Rasmus Andersson (Barrie Colts / OHL), Olli Määttä (London Knights / OHL), Alexander Radulov (Québec Remparts / QMJHL), David Krejci (Gatineau Olympiques / QMJHL), and Nico Hischier (Halifax Mooseheads / QMJHL). That list also includes two-time Hart Trophy winner Nikita Kucherov (Rouyn-Noranda Huskies / QMJHL), along with recent 2026 Stanley Cup champions Andrei Svechnikov (Barrie Colts / OHL) and Nikolaj Ehlers (Halifax Mooseheads / QMJHL).

Since the first CHL Import Draft was held in 1992, more than 2,300 players from outside Canada and the United States have been selected through the annual event.

Fans can follow along with the 2026 CHL Import Draft and view the complete results here beginning at 11 a.m. ET on Tuesday, June 30.

Chicoutimi Saguenéens forward & Anaheim Ducks prospect Maxim Massé becomes just the sixth player in CHL history to win both CHL Rookie of the Year and the CHL David Branch Player of the Year Award over the course of his career

Kearsey’s honour also continues a remarkable run of community leadership from the Charlottetown Islanders. With his recognition Monday, the Islanders become the first club in CHL history to win the CHL Humanitarian of the Year Award in consecutive seasons, following Maxwell Jardine’s 2024-25 victory. Charlottetown has now produced the QMJHL finalist for the honour in four of the last five seasons — including each of the last three — further underscoring the Islanders’ sustained commitment to making an impact beyond the rink.

The appointments come on the heels of a successful 2026 QMJHL Draft, where Harris and Hill worked closely together to lead the Islanders’ draft strategy and selection process.

Harris brings more than 16 years of NHL experience to Charlottetown. He began his career with the Columbus Blue Jackets as a professional video scout, spending nine seasons with the organization before moving on to become Director of Amateur Scouting for the New Jersey Devils. Most recently, Harris served as Director of Scouting for the Colorado Avalanche for two seasons.

Hill enters his new role after serving as the Islanders’ Head Scout and being a key member of the organization’s scouting department since 2021. Beginning as a regional scout, Hill was later promoted to Quebec Head Scout following the passing of longtime scout Al Cusson. Prior to joining the Islanders, Hill spent five seasons with the Drummondville Voltigeurs as an amateur scout before serving as Quebec Head Scout for the Saint John Sea Dogs from 2017 to 2020.

“Scott and Kevin have already demonstrated tremendous leadership and vision through the work they accomplished together during the 2026 QMJHL Draft,” said Board Chair Dave Trainor. “Scott’s extensive NHL experience and proven track record in player evaluation make him an outstanding choice to lead our hockey operations. Kevin has earned this opportunity through years of hard work and dedication to our organization, and we’re excited to see him continue to grow in this expanded role. Scott is excited to work alongside Jason MacLean and the rest of our Islanders staff as we continue building a championship-calibre organization.”

The Charlottetown Islanders congratulate Scott and Kevin on their appointments and look forward to the future under their leadership.

The successful candidate must possess a strong background in player development, a demonstrated ability to recruit elite talent, and a reputation that helps make Charlottetown a destination for players and families. NHL experience as a coach or player, strong NCAA relationships, and an established hockey network are considered significant assets.

Beyond hockey knowledge, we require a teacher, mentor, and communicator. The Head Coach must be organized, disciplined, patient, humble, and committed to helping young athletes maximize their potential both as players and as people.

The Head Coach sets the tone for the locker room and plays a critical role in shaping the organization's culture. We require an individual of high character who leads through accountability, loyalty, professionalism, and strong personal values. The successful candidate must be passionate about developing people, committed to community engagement, and motivated to build an environment where players, staff, and supporters are proud to be Islanders.

The Charlottetown Islanders are in the business of developing both people and hockey players. Our goal is to help young men reach their full potential and advance to the NCAA, professional hockey, and ultimately the NHL. We believe that when player development is placed at the center of everything we do, team success follows. By developing elite athletes, outstanding teammates, and quality people, we create the foundation necessary to compete for the QMJHL title and contend for the Memorial Cup.

The Head Coach must embrace and champion this philosophy every day. The successful candidate must understand that player development, culture, character, and community impact are not separate from winning—they are the foundation upon which winning is built.

If you believe you meet these qualifications and are prepared to lead, develop, and represent the Charlottetown Islanders both on and off the ice, in one of the world's premier development leagues for elite players and coaches, please submit your resume and supporting materials to gm@charlottetownislanders.com.

Only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted by the Charlottetown Islanders Head Coach Selection Committee.

Kearsey becomes the second consecutive Islander to receive the nomination, following Max Jardine, who was named the CHL Humanitarian of the Year last season.

The award recognizes players who have made a significant impact in their communities through volunteerism, leadership, and charitable involvement. Marcus has embodied those values throughout his time in Charlottetown, making a positive difference both on and off the ice.

Congratulations, Marcus, on this well-deserved recognition.

Nineteen CHL clubs represented among 2026 finalists, led by historic seasons from Bryce Pickford, Tommy Bleyl, Nikita Klepov, and Maxim Massé

• Markus Ruck of the Medicine Hat Tigers led the entire CHL with 108 points, while his twin brother Liam finished second with 104, making them the first siblings in CHL history to finish first and second in league scoring in the same season.
• This year marks the first time in CHL history that all three Member League Rookie of the Year recipients are U.S.-born players, with JP Hurlbert of the Kamloops Blazers (WHL), Klepov (OHL), and Bleyl (QMJHL) all nominated for CHL Rookie of the Year.
• Should Bleyl be named CHL Rookie of the Year, he would become just the fourth defenceman to receive the honour, joining Philippe Boucher (Granby Bisons / QMJHL, 1990-91), Bryan Berard (Detroit Jr. Red Wings / OHL, 1994-95), and Landon DuPont (Everett Silvertips / WHL, 2024-25), who captured the award last season.
• Massé, the CHL Rookie of the Year in 2022-23, could become just the sixth player in CHL history to win both CHL Rookie of the Year and the CHL David Branch Player of the Year Award over the course of his career, joining Sidney Crosby, John Tavares, Alex DeBrincat, Alexis Lafrenière, and Gavin McKenna.
• Sam O’Reilly of the Kitchener Rangers enters the ceremony as a finalist for the CHL David Branch Player of the Year Award following a remarkable campaign in which he was named OHL regular-season MVP, OHL Playoff MVP, and Memorial Cup MVP while leading Kitchener to a Memorial Cup title. Should he win the CHL’s top individual honour, the Tampa Bay Lightning prospect would join Brad Richards and Mitch Marner as the only players to capture CHL Player of the Year after completing that rare MVP sweep in the same season.
• Ryder Fetterolf of the Ottawa 67’s is a finalist for CHL Goaltender of the Year after leading the CHL with a .923 save percentage, posting a CHL-best 2.07 goals-against average, and setting a new OHL rookie record with six shutouts. If selected, the 2026 NHL Draft prospect would become only the second rookie goaltender to win the CHL Goaltender of the Year Award — and the first in 31 years — following Martin Biron of the Beauport Harfangs (QMJHL) in 1994-95.
• Steve Hamilton of the Everett Silvertips is nominated for the Brian Kilrea Coach of the Year Award after guiding Everett to a franchise-record 57-win regular season, the first WHL Championship in club history, the Silvertips’ first Memorial Cup appearance, and their first Memorial Cup Final appearance.
• Marcus Kearsey of the Charlottetown Islanders could help make CHL history, as an Islanders win would mark the first time a club has captured the CHL Humanitarian of the Year Award in consecutive seasons. With Kearsey earning his second nomination for this CHL honour in the last three seasons, a Charlottetown Islanders player has now represented the QMJHL as a finalist for the award in four of the last five seasons, including each of the last three.

Humanitarian of the Year Award Nominees: Shane Smith (Kelowna Rockets / WHL), Carson Woodall (Windsor Spitfires / OHL), Marcus Kearsey (Charlottetown Islanders / QMJHL) The CHL Humanitarian of the Year Award is presented annually to the CHL player judged to have made the most notable contribution to his community. The winner of this award is chosen from the recipients of the Doug Wickenheiser Memorial Trophy (WHL Humanitarian of the Year), the Dan Snyder Memorial Trophy (OHL Humanitarian of the Year), and the QMJHL Humanitarian of the Year Award.

The Islanders’ draft class also featured three American-born players, reflecting a historic year for American participation in the QMJHL Entry Draft.

Charlottetown opened the draft by selecting centre Aslan Tremblay with the 11th overall pick in the first round.

A native of Quebec City, QC, Tremblay stands 6’1” and 192 pounds and is coming off an impressive season with the Amos Forestiers of the QM18AAA. The 16-year-old recorded 20 goals and 14 assists for 34 points in 38 regular season games before adding four goals and one assist in the playoffs. He also represented his region at the QMJHL Cup, posting one goal and two assists in three games.

"Tremblay was a kid we interviewed and we liked the interview a lot," said Islanders' Head Scout, Kevin Hill. "He showed his passion and personality in that interview. He’s got size with skill and is something we don’t have in our lineup right now. We couldn’t be more excited to get him."

Ranked eighth overall on the QMJHL Central Scouting final rankings, Tremblay was viewed by many as one of the top forwards available in the draft.

“Aslan checks all of the boxes,” said Islanders scout Cory Arsenault. “He sniffs around the blue paint and doesn’t need much time or space to be deadly.”

The Islanders were thrilled to see Tremblay available at 11th overall and believe they secured tremendous value with their first-round selection.

In the second round, Charlottetown selected defenceman Nathan Frost with the 29th overall pick.

The Drummondville, QC product was ranked 21st overall and fourth among defencemen on the QMJHL Central Scouting final rankings. The 6’1”, 174-pound left-shot blueliner spent the season with the Marie-Rivier Canimex M17 AAA program, recording 11 points in 18 regular season games while adding two points in two playoff contests.

"Frost was a player we thought at 29 we were sitting too low to select him and thought if we can find a partner to trade up with he would be a great asset. With a player of his talents sitting at 29 and also probably in the top 3 in terms of interviewed players this year, for us he was the obvious choice," said Hill. "He’s an offensive defenceman that likes joining the rush or leading it. Something we don’t have right now. He’s going to be a great asset moving forward." 

Frost also impressed at the QMJHL Cup, scoring two goals in four games. A mobile defender with size and significant upside, Frost was a player the Islanders' scouting staff were excited to add to their prospect pool.

After selecting a forward and a defenceman with their first two picks, the Islanders turned their attention to the crease in the fourth round, selecting goaltender Colby O’Shaughnessy with the 65th overall pick.

The Cole Harbour, NS native was ranked as the fifth-best goaltender on the QMJHL Central Scouting list. The 16-year-old netminder stands 6’1” and 170 pounds and spent last season with the March & Mill Co. Hunters U18 program of the Nova Scotia U18 Major Hockey League. O’Shaughnessy appeared in 17 regular season games and six playoff contests before joining the South Shore Lumberjacks of the NSJHL for two playoff games.

According to Islanders goaltending coach Paul Drew, O’Shaughnessy was an exciting addition and a player the organization was eager to bring into the fold.

Charlottetown continued to add offensive talent in the middle rounds, selecting American-born forwards Robert Deklaine of Westborough, MA and Cade Noonan of Boston, MA with back-to-back picks. Followed by their second goaltender of the draft, selecting Caleb Pelletier of Laval, QC.

Charlottetown rounded out its 2026 draft class by selecting forwards Hugo Légaré (Saint-Raymond, QC) and Bodan McFadden (Moncton, NB), along with defencemen Liam Bowles (Island View, NB) and Mason Wohlers (Somers, CT, USA).

2026 Charlottetown Islanders Draft Class

Round 1, Pick 11 – Aslan Tremblay, C, Quebec City, QC

Round 2, Pick 29 – Nathan Frost, D, Drummondville, QC

Round 4, Pick 65 – Colby O’Shaughnessy, G, Cole Harbour, NS

Round 5 – Robert Deklaine, F, Westborough, MA, USA

Round 5 – Cade Noonan, F, Boston, MA, USA

Round 6 – Caleb Pelletier, G, Laval, QC

Round 8 – Hugo Légaré, F, Saint-Raymond, QC

Round 9 – Bodan McFadden, F, Moncton, NB

Round 10 – Liam Bowles, D, Island View, NB

Round 12 – Mason Wohlers, D, Somers, CT, USA

The next event on the hockey operations calendar for the Islanders is the 2026 CHL Import Draft, scheduled for June 30.

The support from Islanders fans continues to play a vital role in the success of our organization, and we are excited to announce the five winners of our Early Bird Prize Draw.

Winners can claim their prize by emailing info@charlottetownislanders.com.

Although the Early Bird draw has concluded, Season Tickets for the 2026-27 season remain available for purchase online and in person at the Eastlink Centre Box Office. Secure your seats today and join us for another exciting season of Islanders hockey at the Eastlink Centre.