Live Blog: OHL at the 2026 NHL Draft

Follow along as we track OHL talent selected in the 2026 NHL Draft, live from the KeyBank Center in Buffalo, New York!

With the first round now complete, tune in for Day 2 of the 2026 NHL Draft on Saturday, as Rounds 2–7 begin at 11:00 a.m (EST), on Sportsnet (Canada) and NHL Network (USA).

• OHL Fan Guide to 2026 NHL Draft
• 2026 NHL Draft Rankings: Where OHL Prospects Stand Across Hockey’s Top Lists 
• NHL Draft Tracker

 

ROUND 1

3rd Overall – Vancouver Canucks select Caleb Malhotra of the Brantford Bulldogs

Caleb Malhotra of the Brantford Bulldogs is the first OHL player to come off the board, being chosen 3rd overall by the Vancouver Canucks. The 6-foot-2 centreman from Toronto, ON., was a finalist for the Emms Family Award as OHL Rookie of the Year after establishing himself as one of the league’s top young forwards. Following a 10-point start through his first 11 games, Malhotra caught fire, setting a new Bulldogs rookie record with 84 points (29-55–84) in 67 regular-season contests. The selection also carries a special family connection, as Caleb’s father, OHL alumnus Manny Malhotra, was recently named head coach of the Vancouver Canucks.

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7th Overall – Seattle Kraken select Chase Reid of the Soo Greyhounds

Chase Reid of the Soo Greyhounds is the second OHL player to come off the board, being chosen 7th overall by the Seattle Kraken. The 6-foot-2 defenceman from Chesterfield, MI., produced a career-best 48 points (18-30–48) and a plus-28 rating in 45 regular-season games for Soo. Reid also represented the United States on home soil at the 2026 IIHF World Junior Championship and was named to the OHL First All-Star team following the conclusion of the 2025-26 season. 

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15th Overall – Anaheim Ducks select Nikita Klepov of the Saginaw Spirit

Trading up to acquire the 15th overall pick, the Anaheim Ducks have selected forward Nikita Klepov from the Saginaw Spirit. The 6-foot winger is coming off a remarkable rookie season in which he captured both the Emms Family Award as OHL Rookie of the Year and the Eddie Powers Memorial Trophy as the league’s leading scorer after recording 97 points (37-60–97) in 67 regular-season games.

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17th Overall – Utah Mammoth select Ethan Belchetz of the Windsor Spitfires

Selected 17th overall by the Utah Mammoth, Ethan Belchetz of the Windsor Spitfires adds a unique combination of size and scoring ability to the organization’s prospect pool. The 6-foot-5 power forward recorded 59 points (34-25–59) in 57 regular-season games before his season was cut short by a broken left clavicle suffered in early March.

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24th Overall – Vancouver Canucks select Adam Novotný of the Peterborough Petes

With the 24th overall pick, the Vancouver Canucks have selected forward Adam Novotný of the Peterborough Petes. The Czech native is a physical, shoot-first forward who isn’t afraid to fire the puck from anywhere in the offensive zone. He enjoyed an outstanding rookie season in the OHL, recording 65 points (34-31–65) and 278 shots on goal – the second-highest total in the league – in 58 regular-season games. Novotný also represented Czechia at the 2026 IIHF World Junior Championship, recording three assists while leading the tournament in shots on goal. 

27th Overall – Philadelphia Flyers select Maksim Sokolovskii of the London Knights

Using the 27th overall pick, the Philadelphia Flyers have selected defenceman Maksim Sokolovskii of the London Knights. Standing 6-foot-8, Sokolovskii is a big player who brings an imposing, hard-hitting presence to the blue line. In his rookie OHL season, he recorded eight points (2-6–8) and 49 penalty minutes in 44 regular-season games.

32nd Overall – Ottawa Senators select Jaxon Cover of the London Knights

With the final selection of the First Round, the Ottawa Senators have selected forward Jaxon Cover of the London Knights. After transitioning from roller hockey in the Cayman Islands just five years ago, Cover has quickly emerged as one of the OHL’s top young forwards, showcasing exceptional stick-handling skills and offensive creativity. In his rookie season with London, he led all Knights rookies in scoring with 52 points (20-32–52) in 67 regular-season games.

 

ROUND 2

33rd Overall – Vancouver Canucks select Brooks Rogowski of the Oshawa Generals

The Canucks begin Day 2 with their third OHL selection as 6-foot-7 Oshawa Generals winger Brooks Rogowski joins Caleb Malhotra and Adam Novotny in Vancouver. The Brighton, Michigan product comes off a 42-point (15-27–42) sophomore season in Oshawa, overcoming an injury that limited him to 46 games. Rogowski entered the OHL as a hidden gem in the second round of the 2024 Priority Selection, being drafted out of Detroit Catholic Central High School. He won a Hlinka Gretzky Cup gold medal with the United States last summer.

35th Overall – Chicago Blackhawks select Ryan Roobroeck of the Guelph Storm

The Blackhawks draft a bona-fide goal-scorer, trading up to select Ryan Roobroeck who was recently dealt by the Niagara IceDogs to the Guelph Storm. A late-born 2007 left-wing, Roobroeck was the second overall pick of the 2023 OHL Priority Selection and has scored 99 goals over three seasons in Niagara. The Blackhawks have a penchant for high-scoring OHL talent, previously selecting OHL goal-scoring leaders Nick Lardis (2023) and Marek Vanacker (2024) out of Brantford.

48th Overall – Florida Panthers select Ryder Cali of the North Bay Battalion

With the 48th overall pick, the Florida Panthers have selected forward Ryder Cali of the North Bay Battalion. A hard-nosed, physical winger, Cali recorded 36 points (16-20–36) in 47 regular-season games during his first full OHL season with the Battalion. 

60th Overall – Toronto Maple Leafs select Alexander Bilecki of the Kitchener Rangers

With the 60th overall pick, the Toronto Maple Leafs have selected defenceman Alexander Bilecki of the Kitchener Rangers. A top-four blueliner on the Memorial Cup-winning Rangers, the hometown product is known for his strong puck-moving ability and confidence carrying the puck through the neutral zone. He doubled his offensive production last season, recording 29 points (9-20–29) in 66 regular-season games before adding three assists during Kitchener’s Memorial Cup championship run.

 

ROUND 3

72nd Overall – Ottawa Senators select Adam Nemec of the Sudbury Wolves

The Ottawa Senators grabbed Sudbury Wolves winger Adam Nemec in the early stages of the third round. Nemec joined the Wolves following a tour of duty with Slovakia at the 2026 World Juniors, where he produced five points (1-4–5) in as many games. The younger brother of newly acquired Calgary Flames blueliner Simon Nemec, Adam produced 35 points (14-21–35) over 31 games with the Wolves in the second half of the season.

86th Overall – Pittsburgh Penguins select Pierce Mbuyi of the Owen Sound Attack

The Pittsburgh Penguins added former OHL Rookie of the Year Pierce Mbuyi towards the back end of the third round. The shifty left-winger comes off a 32-goal season with the Attack, wearing the ‘C’ in his sophomore OHL season. The Mississauga native led the OHL with 19 power-play goals in 2025-26.

92nd Overall – Vegas Golden Knights select Ben Wilmott of the Barrie Colts

The Vegas Golden Knights clearly kept a close eye on the OHL in the second half of the season, selecting Ben Wilmott in the third round. The 2006-born native of Long Valley, New Jersey, was a standout following a mid-season trade from the London Knights to the Barrie Colts, coming up big in Barrie’s playoff push that saw the club win an Eastern Conference title. Wilmott produced 22 points (11-11–22) over 20 playoff contests with Barrie.

94th Overall – Columbus Blue Jackets select Alessandro Di Iorio of the Sarnia Sting

Former second-overall OHL Priority Selection choice Alessandro Di Iorio joins the Columbus Blue Jackets at the back-end of the third round. The 6-foot-1 centreman wears the ‘C’ in Sarnia, and produced 31 points (12-19–31) over an injury-shortened 45 games with the Sting in 2025-26. The Vaughan product has represented Canada internationally several times, most recently at the 2026 IIHF World Under-18 Hockey Championship.

 

ROUND 4

100th Overall – Calgary Flames select Egor Barabanov of the Saginaw Spirit

Egor Barabanov proved to be one of the OHL’s premier playmakers, joining forces with Nikita Klepov and Dima Zhilkin in Saginaw to finish with 91 points (28-63–91) over 68 games. The 2006-born centreman is chosen by Calgary after being passed over in the NHL Draft in each of the past two years.

102nd Overall – New York Rangers select Spencer Bowes of the Ottawa 67’s

Trading up to acquire the 102nd overall pick, the New York Rangers have selected forward Spencer Bowes of the Ottawa 67’s. In his rookie OHL season with the Barber Poles, the 6-foot winger recorded 42 points (23-19–42) and a plus-30 rating in 67 regular-season games.

103rd Overall – L.A. Kings select Thomas Vandenberg of the Ottawa 67’s

With the 103rd overall pick, the L.A. Kings have selected forward Thomas Vandenberg of the Ottawa 67’s, one of the youngest players in the 2026 NHL Draft class. The Nepean, Ont., native enjoyed a strong rookie OHL season, recording 50 points (25-25–50) in 59 regular-season games. He also represented Canada at the 2026 IIHF U18 World Championship. He is also the second consecutive 67’s player to be taken off the board.

108th Overall – Detroit Red Wings select Adam Levac of the Peterborough Petes

With the 108th overall pick, the Detroit Red Wings have selected forward Adam Levac of the Peterborough Petes. The Embrun, Ont., native enjoyed a breakout sophomore campaign, more than tripling his offensive production with 44 points (16-28–44) in 60 regular-season games.

111th Overall – Pittsburgh Penguins select Parker Von Richter of the Barrie Colts

With their second OHL selection of the day, the Pittsburgh Penguins have selected defenceman Parker Von Richter of the Barrie Colts. Acquired by Barrie at the trade deadline, the 2006-born blueliner recorded a career-high 49 points (12-37–49) across 67 regular-season games in his fourth OHL season.

125th Overall – Carolina Hurricanes select Ryder Fetterolf of the Ottawa 67’s

With the 125th overall pick, the reigning Stanley Cup champion Carolina Hurricanes have selected goaltender Ryder Fetterolf of the Ottawa 67’s. The first OHL netminder selected in the draft, Fetterolf earned both CHL and OHL Goaltender of the Year honours after a standout rookie campaign, posting a league-leading 2.07 goals-against average, .923 save percentage and six shutouts. 

127th Overall – San Jose Sharks select Brady Knowling, committed to the Saginaw Spirit for 2026-27

Saginaw Spirit recruit Brady Knowling was selected by the San Jose Sharks with the second-last pick of the fourth round. Entering the NHL Draft as the top-ranked North American netminder by NHL Central Scouting, the 6-foot-5 Knowling spent the past two seasons with the U.S. National Team Development Program. The dual-citizen is originally from Toronto and was drafted by Saginaw in the third round of the 2024 OHL Priority Selection.

 

ROUND 5

131st Overall – Seattle Kraken select Finn Kearns of the Sudbury Wolves

The Seattle Kraken added some muscle to the back end with the addition of 6-foot-3 Sudbury Wolves defenceman Finn Kearns. The Aurora native split 2025-26 between the Wolves and St. Andrew’s College, appearing in 15 OHL contests. In his 53 games at SAC, Kearns recorded 17 goals, 23 assists and 40 points along with 163 penalty minutes.

132nd Overall – Calgary Flames select Simon Katolicky, committed to the Sarnia Sting for 2026-27

The Calgary Flames nabbed 6-foot-5 Sarnia Sting commit Simon Katolicky early in the fifth round. Katolicky, who hails from Czechia, spent 2026-27 in Finland’s top junior circuit where he produced 17 points (6-11–17) over 29 games with Tappara. He was selected by the Sting with the 11th overall pick of the 2025 CHL Import Draft.

133rd Overall – Edmonton Oilers select Andrew Robinson of the Windsor Spitfires

The Edmonton Oilers selected Windsor Spitfires blueliner Andrew Robinson, an Oakville native who produced 24 points (9-15–24) over 63 games in his first OHL season. Robinson was an important piece of Windsor’s blue line down the stretch, recording eight points (2-6–8) over 13 games as the Spits reached the Western Conference Final.

141st Overall – New York Islanders select Vladimir Dravecky of the Guelph Storm

The New York Islanders picked-up newly acquired Guelph Storm blueliner Vladimir Dravecky, who recently donned crimson following a trade with the Brantford Bulldogs. The late 2007-born Dravecky produced 28 points (9-19–28) over 58 games with Brantford in his rookie OHL season. His father, Vladimir Sr., continues to compete in Czechia’s top professional circuit.

143rd Overall – Detroit Red Wings select Beckham Edwards of the Sarnia Sting

The Detroit Red Wings scooped Sarnia Sting centreman Beckham Edwards midway through the fifth round. Edwards posted a second-straight 45-point (19-26–45) season in Sarnia. He represented Canada at last summer’s Hlinka-Gretzky Cup, producing four points (2-2–4) in five games.

146th Overall – Anaheim Ducks select Eric Frossard of the Guelph Storm

The Anaheim Ducks picked 6-foot-4 Guelph Storm blueliner Eric Frossard in the fifth round. The London native put up 14 points (5-9–14) over 51 games in his sophomore OHL season. Frossard was Guelph’s third round pick in 2024 and saw assignments in key defensive situations in 2025-26.

150th Overall – St. Louis Blues select Carter Stevens of the Guelph Storm

The St. Louis Blues selected Guelph Storm right-winger Carter Stevens in the fifth round after the Almonte, Ont. product produced 20 goals as a sophomore in 2025-26. The 6-foot-1, 184Ib. Stevens produced 36 points (20-16–36) for the Storm and will return to compete for a Memorial Cup in 2026-27.

151st Overall – Ottawa Senators select Harris Pangretitsch of the Soo Greyhounds

The Ottawa Senators added size to the back end with the selection of Harris Pangretitsch at 151st overall. The 6-foot-4, 219Ib. right-shot put up 14 points (2-12–14) and a plus-20 rating over 67 games with the Greyhounds in 2025-26. He played the 2024-25 season at Choate Rosemary Hall after being chosen by the Hounds in the fourth round of the 2024 OHL Priority Selection from the Toronto Marlboros.

155th Overall – Dallas Stars select Ryan Brown of the London Knights

The Dallas Stars selected a late bloomer in late 2007-born London Knights forward Ryan Brown. The former first round OHL Priority Selection choice found his rhythm with London, putting up 40 points (16-24–40) over 33 games following a mid-season trade.

157th Overall – Boston Bruins select Jacob Vandeven of the London Knights

The Boston Bruins picked-up 6-foot-5, 183Ib. defenceman Jacob Vandeven towards the end of the fifth round. Vandeven joined the Knights via trade with the Owen Sound Attack, but spent the majority of 2025-26 with the Komoka Kings of the GOHL, producing 32 points (13-19–32) over 47 games. He saw eight regular season games in green and gold before finding the back of the net in one of his four playoff matchups.

 

ROUND 6

162nd Overall – New York Rangers select Andre Mondoux of the Kingston Frontenacs

The New York Rangers select 6-foot-3, 201Ib. Kingston Frontenacs defenceman Andre Mondoux with the second pick of the sixth round. A former 14th round OHL Priority Selection choice from North Bay, Mondoux persevered to become an important part of the Frontenacs blue line, producing 18 points (6-12–18) over 66 games in 2025-26.

163rd Overall – New York Rangers select Darian Anderson of the Flint Firebirds

With their second of back-to-back picks, the New York Rangers selected Flint Firebirds winger Darian Anderson. Yet another 2006-born player who took a big step in 2025-26, Anderson produced 45 points (20-25–45) over 60 games in his first OHL season after coming over from the USHL’s Lincoln Stars.

165th Overall – Carolina Hurricanes select Zachary Jovanovski of the Guelph Storm

The Carolina Hurricanes made Zachary Jovanovski their second OHL goaltender selected of the day, taking him early in the sixth round. The Tecumseh native saw 52 games with the Guelph Storm in 2025-26, going 25-20-4 with a 3.39 goals-against average and .890 save percentage. The 6-foot-3 netminder is poised to defend the crease for the Memorial Cup hosts in 2026-27.

165th Overall – Toronto Maple Leafs select Brody Pepoy of the Saginaw Spirit

With the 165th overall pick, the Toronto Maple Leafs have selected forward Brody Pepoy of the Saginaw Spirit.  The 6-foot-1 forward is a hard-working winger who recorded 29 points (16-13–29) in 67 regular-season games in his rookie season with the Spirit.

176th Overall – Vancouver Canucks select Lucian Bernat, committed to the Owen Sound Attack for 2026-27

Owen Sound Attack recruit Lucian Bernat was selected by the Vancouver Canucks with the 176th overall pick. Ranked 39th among international skaters, the 6-foot-4 winger spent the 2025-26 season with Tappara Tampere U20, where he recorded 31 points (15-16–31). The native of Bratislava, Slovakia, also represented his country at the 2026 IIHF World Under-18 Championship, registering one goal and three assists in seven games.

177th Overall – L.A. Kings select Alex Kostov of the Flint Firebirds

With the 177th overall pick, the L.A. Kings have selected forward Alex Kostov of the Flint Firebirds. The 6-foot-4 winger took significant strides in his third draft-eligible season, becoming the first player in Firebirds history to record hat tricks on back-to-back nights, including a four-goal performance. He finished the season with a career-high 55 points (24-31–55) in 47 regular-season games.

180th Overall – Edmonton Oilers select Caden Harvey of the Windsor Spitfires

With their second pick from the Windsor Spitfires, the Edmonton Oilers selected forward Caden Harvey. The Beaver, PA., native recorded 34 points (11-23–34) in 68 regular-season games in his first OHL season.

181st Overall – Florida Panthers select Cole Zurawski of the Owen Sound Attack

With back-to-back OHL selections, the Florida Panthers took Cole Zurawski from the Owen Sound Attack at 181st overall. The 6-foot-1 winger recorded 46 points (24-22–46) in 63 regular-season games.

186th Overall – Tampa Bay Lightning select Stepan Shurygin of the Saginaw Spirit

With the 186th overall pick, the Tampa Bay Lightning have selected goaltender Stepan Shurygin of the Saginaw Spirit. The third OHL goaltender selected in the draft, the 6-foot-4 netminder faced a league-high 1,704 shots and posted a .888 save percentage during the regular season.

190th Overall – Montreal Canadians select Wesley Royston of the Owen Sound Attack

With the 190th overall pick, the Montreal Canadiens have selected forward Wesley Royston of the Owen Sound Attack. The second Owen Sound player selected in the round, the 6-foot-4 forward was acquired from the Erie Otters during the season and recorded 19 points (12-7–19) in 63 regular-season games between the two clubs.

191st Overall – Vegas Golden Knights select Matthew Minchak of the Kingston Frontenacs

With the 191st overall pick, the Vegas Golden Knights have selected goaltender Matthew Minchak of the Kingston Frontenacs. The second OHL netminder selected in the sixth round, Minchak emerged as a reliable option for the Frontenacs after signing with the club as a free agent in the offseason. He posted a .912 save percentage in 30 regular-season games.

 

ROUND 7

197th Overall – Dallas Stars select Jasper Kuhta of the Ottawa 67’s

With the 197th overall pick, the Dallas Stars have selected 2006-born Jasper Kuhta of the Ottawa 67’s. The first OHL player selected in the seventh round, the Finnish forward joined Ottawa through the CHL Import Draft and quickly emerged as one of the league’s top offensive players in his age group. Kuhta led the 67’s in scoring with 63 points (32-31–63) in 62 regular-season games and also represented Finland at the 2026 IIHF World Junior Championship.

198th Overall – Seattle Kraken select Rylan Singh of the Guelph Storm

With the 198th overall pick, the Seattle Kraken have selected defenceman Rylan Singh of the Guelph Storm. In his third OHL season with the Storm, the right-shot blueliner recorded 23 points (4-19–23) in 52 regular-season games.

201st Overall – San Jose Sharks select Alexander Karmanov of the North Bay Battalion

With the 201st overall pick, the San Jose Sharks have selected defenceman Alexander Karmanov of the North Bay Battalion. Standing at a staggering 7-foot-1 and weighing 280 pounds, the Moldova native signed with North Bay in late November after being selected by the Brantford Bulldogs in the 2025 CHL Import Draft. He recorded two assists and 29 penalty minutes in 20 regular-season games with the Battalion.

202nd Overall – Nashville Predators select Charlie Puglisi of the Kitchener Rangers

Kitchener Rangers recruit Charlie Puglisi was selected by the Nashville Predators in the seventh round of the 2026 NHL Draft. Splitting last season with the Winchendon School, Puglisi recorded 76 points (26-50–76) in 35 regular-season games and is committed to Cornell University for the 2028-29 season.

203rd Overall – St. Louis Blues select Colin Fitzgerald of the Soo Greyhounds

With the 203rd overall pick and the third straight OHL selection, the St. Louis Blues have selected forward Colin Fitzgerald of the Soo Greyhounds. Acquired from the Peterborough Petes in November, the 18-year-old recorded 33 points (15-18–33) in 63 regular-season games split between the two clubs during the 2025-26 season.

214th Overall – Colorado Avalanche select Ondrej Ruml of the Ottawa 67’s

With the 214th overall pick, the Colorado Avalanche have selected defenceman Ondrej Ruml of the Ottawa 67’s. The second Ottawa import selected in the seventh round, the Czech native recorded 28 points (10-18–28) in 66 regular-season games during his rookie OHL season. He also represented Czechia at the 2026 IIHF U18 World Championship, tallying six assists in seven games.

222nd Overall – New Jersey Devils select Quinn McKenzie of the Soo Greyhounds

With the 222nd overall pick, the New Jersey Devils have selected forward Quinn McKenzie of the Soo Greyhounds. The second Soo player selected in the round, McKenzie, emerged as the Greyhounds’ third-leading scorer after joining the team as a free agent in September 2025. The Cranberry Township, PA, product recorded 51 points (21-30–51) in 65 regular-season games.

223rd Overall – L.A. Kings select Lucas Ambrosio of the Erie Otters

With the final OHL selection of the 2026 NHL Draft, the L.A. Kings have selected defenceman Lucas Ambrosio of the Erie Otters. Ambrosio was a steady defensive presence for Erie while contributing 20 points (1-19–20) in 64 regular-season games. The Oakville, Ont., native is regarded as a dependable defensive blueliner with strong shutdown ability.