Canadian Hockey League - Feed https://chl.ca/video-channels/chl-top-10/ Wed, 08 Jul 2026 17:07:59 +0000 en-CA hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=7.0 CHL coaches and support staff named to Canada’s National Men’s Summer Under-18 Team for 2026 Hlinka Gretzky Cup https://chl.ca/article/chl-coaches-and-support-staff-named-to-canadas-national-mens-summer-under-18-team-for-2026-hlinka-gretzky-cup Wed, 08 Jul 2026 17:00:51 +0000 Matt Tidcombe https://chl.ca/article/chl-coaches-and-support-staff-named-to-canadas-national-mens-summer-under-18-team-for-2026-hlinka-gretzky-cup

Ryan Oulahen (North Bay Battalion / OHL) will serve as Team Canada’s head coach, while Ryan McDonald (Prince Albert Raiders / WHL), Brad MacKenzie (Halifax Mooseheads / QMJHL) and Kyle Chipchura (Edmonton Oil Kings / WHL) will join him as assistant coaches

The Canadian Hockey League (CHL) is pleased to congratulate several coaches and hockey operations staff members from the Western Hockey League (WHL), Ontario Hockey League (OHL), and Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League (QMJHL) who have been named to Canada’s National Men’s Summer Under-18 Team for the 2026 Hlinka Gretzky Cup, which will be held Aug. 3-8 in Edmonton, Alberta. Ryan Oulahen (North Bay Battalion / OHL), who served as an assistant coach when Canada won gold at the 2024 Hlinka Gretzky Cup in Edmonton, will lead Team Canada as head coach as the country looks to capture its 26th summer U18 gold medal. Oulahen will be joined behind the bench by assistant coaches Ryan McDonald (Prince Albert Raiders / WHL), Brad MacKenzie (Halifax Mooseheads / QMJHL) and Kyle Chipchura (Edmonton Oil Kings / WHL), along with goaltending coach Jeff Harvey (Saskatoon Blades / WHL) and video coach Matthew Smith (Newfoundland Regiment / QMJHL). “We are thrilled to welcome Ryan, Ryan, Brad and Kyle to the staff for the Hlinka Gretzky Cup,” said Alan Millar, general manager of the Program of Excellence. “Each brings a pedigree of coaching experience, particularly in short-term international competition, which will be a tremendous asset as we prepare for the tournament. We’re excited to continue the process of building a team and working with a group of players who will proudly represent Canada and showcase their talent to hockey fans in Edmonton in August.” Oulahen, from Newmarket, Ontario, recently completed his seventh season as head coach of the OHL’s North Bay Battalion and his second season as the club’s assistant general manager. Prior to returning to North Bay, he spent three seasons as head coach of the OHL’s Flint Firebirds and six seasons as an assistant coach with the Battalion. A former Battalion captain during his playing days, Oulahen spent three seasons as a forward with the franchise before being selected by the Detroit Red Wings in the fifth round of the 2003 NHL Draft and playing four seasons with the Grand Rapids Griffins, Detroit’s American Hockey League affiliate. Internationally, Oulahen has won two gold medals as an assistant coach with Canada’s National Men’s Summer Under-18 Team, helping Canada capture gold at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup in 2024 and 2018. He has also served behind the bench at the World Under-17 Hockey Challenge on three occasions, including as an assistant coach with Canada Red in 2014 and Canada Black in 2015, and as head coach of Canada White in 2017. Additionally, Oulahen served as an assistant coach for Team CHL at the inaugural 2024 CHL USA Prospects Challenge, helping guide the CHL to a series victory over the U.S. National Under-18 Team. McDonald, from Prince Albert, Saskatchewan, completed his first full season as head coach of the WHL’s Prince Albert Raiders in 2025-26, guiding the club to its first 50-win season since 2018-19 and an appearance in the WHL Championship Series. Prior to being named head coach, McDonald served as an assistant coach with the Raiders before being named interim head coach in March 2025. A former WHL forward, McDonald spent five seasons with the Regina Pats and Prince Albert Raiders from 2004-09, appearing in more than 300 regular-season games. Internationally, he won gold as an assistant coach alongside MacKenzie with Canada White at the 2024 U17 World Challenge and also captured silver as an assistant coach with Team Saskatchewan at the 2023 Canada Winter Games. MacKenzie, from Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, was promoted to head coach of the QMJHL’s Halifax Mooseheads in July 2025 and guided the club to the playoffs in his first season behind the bench. He previously served as associate coach with the Mooseheads in 2024-25 after three seasons as an assistant coach with the club. Before joining Halifax, MacKenzie was head coach of the Grand Falls Rapids of the Maritime Hockey League, where he earned MHL Coach of the Year honours in 2020-21. He also won gold as an assistant coach with Canada White at the 2024 U17 World Challenge. Chipchura, from Westlock, Alberta, recently completed his second season as an assistant coach with the WHL’s Edmonton Oil Kings after previously serving as the club’s development coach in 2023-24. Prior to joining the Oil Kings’ coaching staff, Chipchura spent two seasons with the Northern Alberta Xtreme of the Canadian Sport School Hockey League, including one season as head coach of the U17 Prep team. A former WHL forward, Chipchura spent four seasons with the Prince Albert Raiders and was selected by the Montreal Canadiens in the first round of the 2004 NHL Draft. In his final season with the Raiders, he served as team captain and also captained Canada to gold at the 2006 IIHF World Junior Championship. He went on to play 15 seasons of professional hockey from 2006-20, including 482 regular-season games in the NHL. Internationally, Chipchura also served as an assistant coach with Canada White at the 2025 U17 World Challenge. The support staff for Canada’s National Men’s Summer Under-18 Team will also include several representatives from across the CHL:
  • Head athletic therapist Colton Reiley (Cape Breton Eagles / QMJHL)
  • Athletic therapist Taylor Cochrane (Kamloops Blazers / WHL)
  • Team physician Dr. Danielle Kelton (London Knights / OHL)
  • Head equipment manager Andrew MacNeill (Charlottetown Islanders / QMJHL)
  • Equipment manager J.R. Grant (Windsor Spitfires / OHL)
The coaching staff was selected by Program of Excellence general manager Alan Millar, Yanick Lemay (Drummondville Voltigeurs / QMJHL), assistant general manager of Canada’s National Men’s Summer Under-18 Team, Scott Salmond, senior vice-president of high performance and hockey operations, and Benoit Roy, director of hockey operations. Canada’s National Men’s Summer Under-18 Team will hold a training camp from July 27-30 at NAIT Arena in Edmonton, which will include practices and a game against Sweden on July 30. Canada will also face Czechia on Aug. 1 as part of the Hlinka Gretzky Cup pre-tournament schedule. Canada will open the 2026 Hlinka Gretzky Cup on Aug. 3 at 5 p.m. MT against Switzerland before facing Slovakia on Aug. 4 and Sweden on Aug. 5 to close out the preliminary round. The tournament will conclude with the medal games on Aug. 8. The roster for Canada’s National Men’s Summer Under-18 Team training camp will be announced at a later date. For more information on Hockey Canada and Canada’s National Men’s Summer Under-18 Team, please visit HockeyCanada.ca, or follow along via social media on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and TikTok.]]> 19 NHL prospects selected in 2026 CHL Import Draft https://chl.ca/article/19-nhl-prospects-selected-in-2026-chl-import-draft Wed, 08 Jul 2026 13:58:36 +0000 Matt Tidcombe https://chl.ca/article/19-nhl-prospects-selected-in-2026-chl-import-draft Photo credit: Natalie Shaver Once again, the CHL Import Draft will provide European NHL prospects the opportunity to play in the league. A total of 19 NHL prospects were selected in last week's event that included 13 from the class of 2026. That list was highlighted by Finnish forward Juho Piiparinen who was the 29th overall pick by the Vegas Golden Knights who then became the 101st selection by the London Knights.   On the flip side, Jakub Floris was the highest 2026 NHL prospect taken in the CHL Import Draft when he went ninth overall to the Vancouver Giants. Just days earlier, the Slovakian d-man was the 106th overall pick by the Nashville Predators. In all, seven prospects from the 2026 NHL Draft were chosen in the first round of the 2026 CHL Import Draft. A pick later at no. 10 in the CHL Import Draft was Ivan Tkach-Tkachenko by the Sarnia Sting who had heard his name called at the 2025 NHL Draft by the Utah Mammoth in the fifth round. The Russian goalie was one of five NHL prospects selected from the 2025 NHL Draft class. Finally, Ilya Pautov was taken eighth overall in the 2026 CHL Import Draft by the Gatineau Olympics and was the lone player from the 2024 NHL Draft chosen after he was the 173rd pick by the Philadelphia Flyers. In total, nine of the NHL prospects are from the WHL, five from the OHL and four from the QMJHL. Since the first CHL Import Draft was held in 1992, more than 2,400 players from outside Canada and the United States have been selected through the annual event. Over the years, the draft has helped bring a long list 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), who captured the award for the second time in his career during the 2025-26 season, as well as recent 2026 Stanley Cup champions Andrei Svechnikov (Barrie Colts / OHL) and Nikolaj Ehlers (Halifax Mooseheads / QMJHL), who helped the Carolina Hurricanes win the 2026 Stanley Cup. 2026 NHL Draft picks selected in the 2026 CHL Import Draft (13) 1/9 Jakub Floris (Vancouver Giants / WHL) drafted by the Nashville Predators (4/106) 1/27 Vladimir Proskurin (Victoria Royals / WHL) drafted by the St. Louis Blues (4/123) 1/39 Mikhail Cherepanov (Kamloops Blazers / WHL) drafted by the Dallas Stars (7/219) 1/42 Martin Psohlavec (Saskatoon Blades / WHL) drafted by the Philadelphia Flyers (2/62) 1/49 Matvei Nikonovich (Barrie Colts / OHL) drafted by the Pittsburgh Penguins (5/160) 1/52 Vilho Vanhatalo (Ottawa 67’s / OHL) drafted by the Florida Panthers (6/168) 1/53 Yegor Rybkin (Moncton Wildcats / QMJHL) drafted by the Los Angeles Kings (3/89) 2/65 Luka Arkko (Erie Otters / OHL) drafted by the Detroit Red Wings (6/175) 2/66 Vertti Svensk (Saint John Sea Dogs / QMJHL) by the Los Angeles Kings (5/145) 2/76 Samuel Hrenak (Moose Jaw Warriors / WHL) by the Winnipeg Jets (3/71) 2/78 Patriks Plumins (Chicoutimi Saguenéens / QMJHL) by the Toronto Maple Leafs (4/114) 2/88 Noel Pakarinen (Penticton Vees / WHL) by the Vegas Golden Knights (7/207) 2/101 Juho Piiparinen (London Knights / OHL) by Vegas Golden Knights (1/29) 2025 NHL Draft picks selected in the 2026 CHL Import Draft (5) 1/10 Ivan Tkach-Tkachenko (Sarnia Sting / OHL) drafted by the Utah Mammoth (5/142) 1/24 Zeb Lindgren (Red Deer Rebels / WHL) drafted by the New York Rangers (5/139) 1/48 Jakob Leander (Calgary Hitmen / WHL) drafted by the Calgary Flames (7/208) 1/59 Arvid Drott (Medicine Hat Tigers / WHL) drafted by the Florida Panthers (6/192) 2/94 Reko Alanko (Seattle Thunderbirds / WHL) drafted Utah Mammoth (6/182) 2024 NHL Draft picks selected in the 2026 CHL Import Draft (1) 1/8 Ilya Pautov (Gatineau Olympiques / QMJHL) drafted by the Philadelphia Flyers (6/173)]]> Red menace – Cats, Remparts were memorable foes in ‘06 https://chl.ca/article/red-menace-cats-remparts-were-memorable-foes-in-06 Mon, 06 Jul 2026 16:23:38 +0000 Matt Tidcombe https://chl.ca/article/red-menace-cats-remparts-were-memorable-foes-in-06 By Will MacLaren Over the past three decades, the fates of the Moncton Wildcats and Quebec Remparts have collided time and again. As the two clubs now await which one will host the 2028 Memorial Cup presented by Kubota, memories of fans from a certain era can’t help but recall the first time both of these clubs faced off with a CHL title on the line. Nobody who was there in either city will ever forget what these two clubs brought to the rink night in and night out during the 2005-06 season. The Remparts were at the top of their cycle, having quickly regrouped after hosting the Memorial Cup in 2003. Led on the ice by soon-to-be NHL star Alexander Radulov, the Remparts were a force to be reckoned with. Up front, Brent Aubin, acquired from Rouyn-Noranda mid-season, 16-year-old Angelo Esposito and veteran Mathieu Melanson set the tone for the league’s top goal-scoring squad that year. Before posting major minutes for the San Jose Sharks, Marc-Edouard Vlasic was patrolling the Quebec blueline alongside veterans Michael Sersen, Andrew Andricopoulos and Joey Ryan. Cedric Desjardins, fresh off a run to the Memorial Cup Final with Rimouski the previous year, was looking for redemption between the pipes. However, the biggest move the Remparts made that year occurred just five games into the season when the club responded to a 1-4 start by dismissing Head Coach Eric Lavigne and bringing in long time Owner and GM Patrick Roy. It may have been the legendary Roy’s first foray behind the bench but by the time the year was over, he would exude the aura of a savvy veteran. The Remparts’ goal was a ticket to Moncton where the Wildcats, two years removed from its first-ever appearance in the QMJHL Finals, were preparing to host the 2006 Memorial Cup. The Cats proved a worthy host before the first month of the campaign had concluded, starting 5-0 and never looking back. Seven players posted at least 20 goals, led by Stephane Goulet’s 51. Phillipe Dupuis joined the club a month into the season after helping lead Gatineau to back-to-back league titles in 2003 and 2004. 17-year-old Brad Marchand began to show the flashes of skill and combativeness that would lead to a lengthy NHL career while Latvian Martin Karsums turned in a productive but injury-shortened campaign. The back end was led by Keith Yandle, whose lone season in the ‘Q’ ended with the CHL’s Top Defenceman Award. Fellow future NHLers Andrew MacDonald was another blueline anchor alongside veteran Nathan Welton. A mid-season trade with Val-d’Or brought native New Brunswicker Luc Bourdon, fresh off a gold medal performance at that year’ World Juniors, into the fold. Another Christmastime transaction saw overager Josh Tordjman make his way from Victoriaville to solidify Moncton’s presence between the pipes. As was the case in Quebec, the most noteworthy addition may well have been behind the bench as Ted Nolan rejoined the coaching ranks several years after his award-winning stint with the Buffalo Sabres. All season long, the two clubs battled for top spot. It would take a win on the final afternoon of the regular season for the Wildcats to claim its first Jean-Rougeau Trophy as regular season champions. While the Cats went 12-3 through the first three round of the postseason by dispatching Victoriaville, Halifax and Gatineau, the Remparts defeated Val-d’Or and Shawinigan in five games each before outlasting Acadie-Bathurst in game seven to create the final matchup fans around the league had long anticipated. In a series that featured four overtime contests, the Cats took the first two on home ice thanks to OT winners from Karsums and depth forward Tim Spencer. The Remparts would draw even back home in Quebec before Karsums again player the hero in extra time to send the Cats back to Moncton with a 3-2 series lead and a chance to capture the team’s first playoff championship. They did just that two nights later, securing a 3-2 game six triumph and earning Karsums playoff MVP honours thanks to his seven game winning goals in the postseason. Both clubs qualified for the Memorial Cup, the Remparts joining in as the second ‘Q’ representative. With a ticket to Championship Sunday on the line, and plenty of posturing in the media in the lead up, the two clubs met to cap off the round robin. In a back-and-forth contest, it would be Andricopoulos who finally broke a 3-3 deadlock with under four minutes remaining to send Quebec to the Final. Facing them would be, who else, the Wildcats thanks to a 3-1 semi-final triumph over the WHL Champion Vancouver Giants. It would be the first all-QMJHL Final in Memorial Cup history. The Wildcats came storming out of the games, holding a 7-1 shots edge early on. Desjardins would weather the store before defensive defenceman Pierre Bergeron opened the scoring midway through the first. The Remparts would roll from them, building a 4-0 lead en route to a 6-2 triumph and Quebec’s first Memorial Cup since 1971. It would also prove, to date, the only time in tournament history in which a team won the title while not acting as host nor winning their own league’s playoff championship. In the end, Radulov would have the last laugh, earning tournament MVP honours before embarking on an electrifying career in both the NHL and KHL. The two clubs have faced each other in the postseason twice more in the past 20 years; Quebec sweeping the Cats in 2015 and Moncton returning the favour in four straight in 2025. But nothing has come close to reaching the fever pitch these two teams reached in one of the most thrilling QMJHL seasons of all time.]]> Moncton Wildcats & Québec Remparts named finalists to host the 2028 Memorial Cup presented by Kubota https://chl.ca/article/moncton-wildcats-quebec-remparts-named-finalists-to-host-the-2028-memorial-cup-presented-by-kubota Mon, 06 Jul 2026 14:55:03 +0000 Matt Tidcombe https://chl.ca/article/moncton-wildcats-quebec-remparts-named-finalists-to-host-the-2028-memorial-cup-presented-by-kubota The Canadian Hockey League (CHL) is proud to announce that the Moncton Wildcats and Québec Remparts of the Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League (QMJHL) have been selected as the two finalist clubs in the bid to host the 2028 Memorial Cup presented by Kubota. Moncton and Québec were selected by the 2028 Memorial Cup Site Selection Committee, an independent panel of five individuals with extensive experience across the sports landscape. As the first step in the process, the committee reviewed submissions from QMJHL clubs that declared their intent to bid before identifying the two finalist clubs that would advance. Both organizations will now be invited to submit formal written bids, before delivering bid presentations and hosting site visits. The committee will evaluate each bid across four categories: Business Operations; Local Atmosphere, Events & Community Engagement; Event Logistics; and Hockey Operations, before determining the host of the 2028 tournament. The 2028 host city is expected to be announced by the end of October. “The Memorial Cup holds a special place in our game because of the players, fans, volunteers, and communities who bring it to life each year,” said Dan MacKenzie, President of the CHL. “Moncton and Québec are two proud hockey markets with deep connections to this championship, passionate fan bases, strong organizational leadership, and a clear understanding of what it takes to host an event of this calibre. We are confident either city would provide an exceptional stage for the 2028 Memorial Cup presented by Kubota, and we thank all of the QMJHL clubs that expressed interest in being part of this process.” “The Moncton Wildcats are thrilled to be named a finalist to host the 2028 Memorial Cup. We look forward to presenting our vision of this major event to the selection committee. We know we have the fans, sponsors, hockey organization, and community support both in the Greater Moncton Area and the province to host another successful national championship,” shared R.J. Irving, President of the Moncton Wildcats. “We also have state-of-the-art facilities and an established standard of winning on the ice. With additional events planned in the community to complement the on-ice competition, Moncton will be the place everyone will want to be in May 2028.” “We are very pleased to have been selected as finalists and are very confident that the bid we submit will be strong and meet the expectations of the CHL’s Site Selection Committee,” stated Tommy Castonguay, Vice-President of Operations for the Québec Remparts. “For the past three years, we have expressed our interest in hosting this tournament, which will coincide with our team coming into its own. The work is only just beginning, and we will put everything in place to demonstrate that the Remparts and the beautiful city of Québec are recognized for hosting major events like the 2028 Memorial Cup presented by Kubota.” The Moncton Wildcats and Québec Remparts each boast meaningful connections to the Memorial Cup and a proven track record of hosting major hockey events. Moncton proudly hosted the tournament in 2006, when the Wildcats reached the championship game against the Remparts, and later returned to the Memorial Cup as QMJHL champion in 2010 and 2025. The city has also welcomed several major CHL events, including the 1994 CHL All-Star Challenge, Canada/Russia Series games in 2005, 2017 and 2019, and the 2024 CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game at the Avenir Centre. Québec, meanwhile, owns one of the richest Memorial Cup histories in the CHL. Across the original and current Remparts eras, the club has captured the Memorial Cup three times, winning in 1971, 2006 and most recently in 2023, when the Remparts capped a run of four straight Memorial Cup titles by QMJHL clubs — the longest championship streak by any CHL Member League since the tournament adopted its round-robin format in 1972. Québec City has also served as a frequent stage for the event, staging the 1971 championship and hosting the Memorial Cup tournament in 1991, 2003 and 2015, while welcoming major CHL showcases such as the 2007 and 2017 CHL/NHL Top Prospects Games and Canada/Russia Series contests in 2004 and 2011. The Remparts are also set to serve as one of two host clubs for the 2026 CHL USA Prospects Challenge, with Game 2 scheduled for Dec. 2 at Vidéotron Centre. The most recent Memorial Cup was held this past May in Kelowna, B.C., where the Kitchener Rangers defeated the Everett Silvertips 6-2 in the final to capture the third Memorial Cup title in franchise history. With the victory, Kitchener joined the Cornwall Royals, Kamloops Blazers, Windsor Spitfires, and London Knights as the only clubs to win three Memorial Cup titles since the tournament adopted its round-robin format in 1972. The championship marked Kitchener’s first since 2003, capped a perfect 4-0 run at the 2026 Memorial Cup presented by Kubota, and extended the OHL’s Memorial Cup winning streak to three straight years following Saginaw in 2024 and London in 2025. Looking ahead, the 2027 Memorial Cup presented by Kubota will be hosted by the Guelph Storm of the OHL and staged in Guelph, Ontario, from Thursday, May 20, through Sunday, May 30, 2027. The 107th edition of the tournament will mark the Royal City’s third time hosting junior hockey’s premier championship and will coincide with Guelph’s bicentennial celebrations. About the Memorial Cup The Memorial Cup is the Canadian Hockey League’s iconic championship event, bringing together the league champions of the Western Hockey League (WHL), Ontario Hockey League (OHL), and Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League (QMJHL), along with a host team, in a four-club round-robin tournament to crown the CHL champion. First awarded in 1919, the Memorial Cup has become one of the most storied and prestigious trophies in hockey, shaping more than a century of junior hockey history in North America. Originally donated by the Ontario Hockey Association to honour Canadian soldiers who gave their lives in the First World War, the trophy was rededicated in 2010 to commemorate all fallen members of the Canadian Armed Forces. Today, the Memorial Cup stands as a powerful symbol of remembrance, sacrifice, and national pride, while showcasing the best junior hockey talent in the world.]]> CHL to supply plethora of 2027 NHL Draft talent https://chl.ca/article/chl-to-supply-plethora-of-2027-nhl-draft-talent Thu, 02 Jul 2026 19:33:52 +0000 Matt Tidcombe https://chl.ca/article/chl-to-supply-plethora-of-2027-nhl-draft-talent Landon DuPont - Everett Silvertips / WHL In the two seasons since being granted exceptional status, there's very little DuPont hasn't achieved. In 127 games, he tallied 133 points, the fifth most in franchise history. This past season, 73 points were fourth most among WHL d-men as he helped guide the Tips to their first WHL title as well as an appearance in the Memorial Cup final. He was named to the tournament's All-Star team as well as the CHL's Third All-Star Team and the WHL's West First All-Star Team. "When you see what Landon DuPont has done in his first two years in the WHL, he would have to be considered for the No. 1 spot," NHL Central Scouting associate director David Gregory said. "He's been able to process the game at an elite level from a very young age. Very few prospects can do this, playing against bigger, stronger and older opponents. He combines this with elite skating ability and excellent edges. He can make a play from anywhere on the ice. Internationally, the Calgary, AB., native won bronze at the 2025 Hlinka Gretzky Cup. "As of today, DuPont would be my top guy for 2027 in the West," said Central Scouting's senior western scout John Williams. "What's been so impressive with Landon is how his game has evolved since last year. When he came into the league, he was surrounded by a very deep and mature defense corps, so he was free to play a more offensive style of game. This year, he's the No. 1 guy playing against top lines, 5-on-5, top penalty kill and power play." https://twitter.com/CHLHockey/status/2060538938872512985 Alexis Joseph - Saint John Sea Dogs / QMJHL  The first overall pick in the 2025 QMJHL Draft, Joseph delivered as a rookie where he tallied 60 points in 54 games. His 24 goals were the eighth most among Q rookies while he finished sixth in scoring. "He's that big centerman that can do it all and is a really good skater," NHL Central Scouting's senior eastern scout Jean-Francois Damphousse said. "He attacks the net with strength for a 16-year-old. To play that power game is not an easy thing and he's done it. He was arguably the best player at the Under-17 World Challenge. "I do think he's definitely a high-end prospect for next season." Internationally, Joseph dominated at the 2025 World U17 Hockey Challenge where he won gold with Canada Red and led the tournament with six goals and also tallied 13 points to be named to the All-Star team. The Lachenaie, QC., native also represented Canada at the 2026 U18 World Championships. Dima Zhilkin - Saginaw Spirit / OHL Across two seasons Zhilkin has shown his offensive brilliance in Saginaw after being the 19th overall pick in the 2024 OHL Draft. After a 43-point rookie campaign in 2024-25 - where he was named to the OHL's First All-Rookie Team - this past season he pushed his total to 36 goals and 75 points to finish third in Spirit scoring. "Dimian is a beast and the captain for a reason," said Nick Smith of NHL Central Scouting. "He plays the right way and is a really hard worker on and off the ice. I was chatting with Saginaw's assistant general manager about him, and he was telling me how hard it is to even get him off the ice or to take a day off. "He has game-breaking type skills with really good sense, but what sets him apart is that compete. He's a dog on a bone and gets in the trenches." With Canada, Zhilkin has shined recently. At the 2025 Hlinka Gretzky Cup he had three goals as Canada claimed bronze while at this year's U18's, he led Canada with five goals and seven points. https://twitter.com/CHLHockey/status/2048766372688134560 Jaxon Jacobson - Brandon Wheat Kings / WHL Brandon's Jacobson took a big leap in 2025-26 as he tallied a career high 25 goals and 85 points. The fifth overall pick in the 2023 WHL Draft, Jacobson had 44 points in his rookie season before he nearly doubled that total this past season as he was named to the WHL's East Second All-Star Team. On the international stage, the Brandon native won silver with Canada Red at the 2024 World U17 Hockey Challenge. Ryerson Edgar - Niagara IceDogs / OHL The 10th overall pick in the 2025 OHL Draft, Edgar made his presence felt in Niagara as a rookie. The Holland Landing, ON., native had 23 goals and 49 points across 64 appearances to finish fourth in team scoring. His play earned him a spot on the OHL's Second All-Rookie Team while he too claimed gold at the 2025 World U17 Hockey Challenge with Canada Red. Ilya Kolmakov - Sherbrooke Phoenix / QMJHL A native of Perm, Russia, Kolmakov impressed in his debut season with Sherbrooke. The 27th overall selection in the 2025 CHL Import Draft, Kolmakov tallied 48 points for the Phoenix, 13 of which were goals. In the postseason, he played at a point-per-game across their seven game series defeat to Shawinigan. Other notables:  Brock Cripps - Prince Albert Raiders / WHL Patrick Deniger - Quebec Remparts / QMJHL Brock England - Seattle Thunderbirds / WHL Kohyn Eshkawkogan - Ottawa 67's / OHL Shaeffer Gordon Carroll - Medicine Hat Tigers / WHL Levi Harper - Saginaw Spirit / OHL Timothy Kazda - Guelph Storm / OHL James Scantlebury - Quebec Remparts / QMJHL]]> 14 CHL developed players named to USA’s roster for 2026 World Juniors Summer Showcase https://chl.ca/article/14-chl-developed-players-named-to-usas-roster-for-2026-world-juniors-summer-showcase Thu, 02 Jul 2026 16:01:36 +0000 Matt Tidcombe https://chl.ca/article/14-chl-developed-players-named-to-usas-roster-for-2026-world-juniors-summer-showcase click here. For the full schedule, click here. 14 CHL developed players named to USA World Juniors Summer Showcase roster: Goaltender Harrison Boettiger - Kelowna Rockets / WHL Ryder Fetterolf - Ottawa 67's / OHL Xavier Wendt - Tri-City Americans / WHL Defencemen Tommy Bleyl - Moncton Wildcats / QMJHL Henry Brzustewicz - London Knights / OHL Blake Fiddler - Edmonton Oil Kings / WHL Chase Reid - Soo Greyhounds / OHL Timofei Runtso - Victoria Royals / WHL Odin Vauhkonen - Victoria Royals / WHL Forwards Shaeffer Gordon-Carroll - Medicine Hat Tigers / WHL JP Hurlbert - Kamloops Blazers / WHL Jacob Kvasnicka - Penticton Vees / WHL Teddy Mutryn - Moncton Wildcats / QMJHL Brooks Rogowski - Oshawa Generals / OHL  ]]> 114 players selected during the 2026 CHL Import Draft https://chl.ca/article/114-players-selected-during-the-2026-chl-import-draft Tue, 30 Jun 2026 19:01:29 +0000 Matt Tidcombe https://chl.ca/article/114-players-selected-during-the-2026-chl-import-draft

Historic class highlighted by the youngest No. 1 selection, 19 NHL Draft picks, and record highs for Russia, Finland and Austria

The Canadian Hockey League (CHL) is proud to announce the results of the 2026 CHL Import Draft. In its 35th edition — and the second to feature three rounds — 114 players were selected from 13 countries, including 71 forwards, 32 defencemen, and 11 goaltenders. This year’s draft marked a historic step forward for the CHL’s international player pathway. For the first time, 16-year-old import players were eligible to be selected in the opening round, with eight players from the 2010-born age group chosen in Round 1 — led by first overall pick Matyas Michalek of Czechia, who became the youngest player ever selected with the top pick in the CHL Import Draft. Under the updated rules, 20-year-old import players were also eligible to be selected in any round, with two chosen on Tuesday, including Gatineau Olympiques’ eighth overall pick Ilya Pautov, a 2024 sixth-round pick of the Philadelphia Flyers. The 2026 edition also continued to underline the CHL Import Draft’s importance as a pathway to the NHL. A total of 19 NHL Draft picks were selected across the three rounds, including 13 players chosen at last week’s 2026 NHL Draft, five selected in 2025, and one from the 2024 NHL Draft. Among those 19 NHL-drafted players were seven goaltenders. Russia led all nations with a record 32 players selected, surpassing its previous high of 28 set just last year in 2025. Czechia followed with 30 selections, marking the fourth time in CHL Import Draft history that it has produced at least 30 picks in a single year. Finland also established a new national record with 16 selections, topping its previous high of 15 set in 2024, while Austria reached a new benchmark with six players chosen, surpassing its previous mark of four from 2019. Selecting first overall for the first time in franchise history at the CHL Import Draft, the Oshawa Generals of the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) used the top pick to select Czech defenceman Matyas Michalek, a 16-year-old left-shot blueliner from Prague who is eligible for the 2028 NHL Draft. Michalek’s selection marks the highest in Generals history at the CHL Import Draft, surpassing Nicklas Jensen, who was taken eighth overall by Oshawa in 2010 before later becoming a first-round pick of the Vancouver Canucks in 2011. The pick also carried league-wide significance, as Michalek became the first CHL Import Draft selection eligible to play his 16-year-old season in the CHL under the new rule allowing 2010-born players to be chosen in the first round only. The 6-foot-3, 192-pound defender produced 39 points (13G-26A) in 30 games with Sparta Prague’s U17 team last season, then added eight points (3G-5A) in 12 playoff games to help the club capture the Czech U17 championship. Internationally, Michalek represented Czechia at both the World Under-17 Hockey Challenge and the IIHF World Under-18 Championship, helping his country win bronze at the latter event. Picking second overall for the first time in franchise history at the CHL Import Draft, the Halifax Mooseheads of the Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League (QMJHL) selected Austrian forward Paul Sintschnig. Halifax acquired the No. 2 pick from the Baie-Comeau Drakkar after originally holding the 20th selection. A 17-year-old left-shot winger from Klagenfurt who is eligible for the 2027 NHL Draft, Sintschnig played across several levels during the 2025-26 season, including 32 games with Villacher SV in Austria’s ICEHL, while totaling 35 points (16G-19A) over 49 games. Internationally, Sintschnig represented Austria at the IIHF World Junior Championship Division I, Group A tournament and also became one of the youngest players to debut for Austria’s senior national team at 16 years old. Rounding out the top three was the Lethbridge Hurricanes of the Western Hockey League (WHL), who selected Czech defenceman Dominick Radim Byrtus with the third overall pick. A 17-year-old left-shot blueliner eligible for the 2027 NHL Draft, Byrtus spent the 2025-26 season with HC Ocelari Trinec’s U20 team, recording 12 points (4G-8A) in 23 regular-season games before adding seven assists and a plus-11 rating over 10 playoff contests. He also appeared in 22 games with HC Frydek-Mistek in Czechia’s second division. Internationally, Byrtus represented Czechia at both the World Under-17 Hockey Challenge and the IIHF World Under-18 Championship, where he recorded three assists in seven games and helped Czechia capture bronze. As they prepare to host the 2027 Memorial Cup presented by Kubota, the Guelph Storm used the fourth overall pick to select Slovakian forward Timothy Kazda, a 17-year-old right winger from Ilava who is eligible for the 2027 NHL Draft. The Storm, who acquired the pick from the Erie Otters, selected inside the top five at the CHL Import Draft for the third time in franchise history. Kazda spent the 2025-26 season with the USHL’s Chicago Steel, recording 41 points (22G-19A) in 59 games before being named to both the USHL All-Rookie First Team and All-Academic Team this past spring. Internationally, he represented Slovakia at the 2026 IIHF World U18 Men’s Championship, where he recorded 12 points (6G-6A) in seven games, was named tournament MVP, and helped lead his country to a silver medal — matching Slovakia’s best result in tournament history. In addition to the 19 NHL Draft picks selected Tuesday, the 2026 CHL Import Draft featured 47 first-year draft-eligible prospects for the 2027 NHL Draft. Notable names included Kazda (Guelph Storm / OHL), Czech forward Michal Hartl (Chicoutimi Saguenéens / QMJHL), German centre Max Calce (Brantford Bulldogs / OHL), Finnish forward Luca Santala (London Knights / OHL), and Slovakian defenceman Lukas Kachlir (Edmonton Oil Kings / WHL). A total of 55 CHL clubs made a selection during Tuesday’s draft, led by 21 WHL teams that combined for 44 picks. They were followed by 17 QMJHL clubs, who selected 38 players, while 17 OHL clubs combined to draft 32 players. In total, 43 clubs made multiple selections, while 12 clubs selected one player. The 2026 CHL Import Draft was held under updated rules that permitted 20-year-old import players to be selected in any round, while 16-year-old import players were eligible to be selected in the first round only. CHL clubs may carry a maximum of one 16-year-old import player per season. That player cannot be traded or replaced by another import player during his 16-year-old season. The CHL Import Draft has long served as an important pathway for international players to develop in the WHL, OHL and QMJHL before later hearing their names called at the NHL Draft. Since the event’s inception in 1992, 344 players selected through the CHL Import Draft have gone on to be chosen at the NHL Draft. At the 2026 NHL Draft in Buffalo, a CHL-record 22 players previously selected through the CHL Import Draft were chosen by NHL clubs, surpassing the previous high of 18 set in both 2011 and 2001. That group was led by first-round selections Nikita Klepov (Saginaw Spirit, OHL / Anaheim Ducks), Adam Novotný (Peterborough Petes, OHL / Vancouver Canucks) and Maksim Sokolovskii (London Knights, OHL / Philadelphia Flyers). Other CHL Import Draft alumni selected at the 2026 NHL Draft included Matias Vanhanen (Everett Silvertips, WHL / New Jersey Devils), Egor Shilov (Victoriaville Tigres, QMJHL / Colorado Avalanche), Oleg Kulebiakin (Halifax Mooseheads, QMJHL / Tampa Bay Lightning), Jakub Vanecek (Tri-City Americans, WHL / Dallas Stars), Danai Shaiikov (Gatineau Olympiques, QMJHL / New York Rangers), Adam Nemec (Sudbury Wolves, OHL / Ottawa Senators), Michal Orsulak (Prince Albert Raiders, WHL / Detroit Red Wings), Yaroslav Bryzgalov (Medicine Hat Tigers, WHL / Vancouver Canucks), Marek Sklenicka (Seattle Thunderbirds, WHL / Philadelphia Flyers), Olivers Murnieks (Saint John Sea Dogs, QMJHL / Buffalo Sabres), Tobias Tvrznik (Wenatchee Wild, WHL / Colorado Avalanche), Filip Ruzicka (Brandon Wheat Kings, WHL / Minnesota Wild), Vladimir Dravecky (Guelph Storm, OHL / New York Islanders), Lars Steiner (Rouyn-Noranda Huskies, QMJHL / St. Louis Blues), Stepan Shurygin (Saginaw Spirit, OHL / Tampa Bay Lightning), Jasper Kuhta (Ottawa 67’s, OHL / Dallas Stars), Alexander Karmanov (North Bay Battalion, OHL / San Jose Sharks), Ondrej Ruml (Ottawa 67’s, OHL / Colorado Avalanche), and Max Vilen (Moncton Wildcats, QMJHL / Tampa Bay Lightning). Since the first CHL Import Draft was held in 1992, more than 2,400 players from outside Canada and the United States have been selected through the annual event. Over the years, the draft has helped bring a long list 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), who captured the award for the second time in his career during the 2025-26 season, as well as recent 2026 Stanley Cup champions Andrei Svechnikov (Barrie Colts / OHL) and Nikolaj Ehlers (Halifax Mooseheads / QMJHL), who helped the Carolina Hurricanes win their second championship in franchise history.  For full results from the 2026 CHL Import Draft, visit chl.ca/draft/chl/2026. 2026 CHL Import Draft Summary Number of Draft Picks by League WHL – 44 OHL – 32 QMJHL – 38 Number of Teams with a Draft Pick WHL – 21 OHL – 17 QMJHL – 17   Teams with One Pick WHL (4) – Tri-City, Red Deer, Portland, Prince Albert OHL (5) – Oshawa, Guelph, Peterborough, Windsor, Ottawa QMJHL (3) – Victoriaville, Val-d’Or, Drummondville Teams with Multiple Picks WHL (17) – Lethbridge (3), Swift Current (3), Regina (3), Spokane (3), Saskatoon (3), Edmonton (3), Vancouver (2), Moose Jaw (2), Victoria (2), Kelowna (2), Kamloops (2), Brandon (2), Calgary (2), Medicine Hat (2), Everett (2), Penticton (2), Seattle (2) OHL (12) – Brantford (3), Barrie (3), Kitchener (3), Brampton (2), Sarnia (2), Saginaw (2), Erie (2), Owen Sound (2), Niagara (2), Flint (2), Soo (2), London (2) QMJHL (14) – Saint John (3), Baie-Comeau (3), Chicoutimi (3), Charlottetown (3), Shawinigan (3), Newfoundland (3), Moncton (3), Halifax (2), Rimouski (2), Gatineau (2), Sherbrooke (2), Québec (2), Rouyn-Noranda (2), Blainville-Boisbriand (2)  Teams with No Picks WHL (2) – Prince George, Wenatchee OHL (3) – Sudbury, North Bay, Kingston QMJHL (1) – Cape Breton Draft Picks by Position Forward – 71 Defenceman – 32  Goaltender – 11 Draft Picks by Country Russia – 32 (record high) Czechia – 30 (third highest all-time, behind 2025 and 2007) Finland – 16 (record high) Slovakia – 11 Sweden – 6 Austria – 6 (record high) Germany – 4 Latvia – 4 Switzerland – 1 Belarus – 1 Kazakhstan – 1 Ukraine – 1 Norway – 1 2026 NHL Draft picks selected in the 2026 CHL Import Draft (13) 1/9 Jakub Floris (Vancouver Giants / WHL) drafted by the Nashville Predators (4/106) 1/27 Vladimir Proskurin (Victoria Royals / WHL) drafted by the St. Louis Blues (4/123) 1/39 Mikhail Cherepanov (Kamloops Blazers / WHL) drafted by the Dallas Stars (7/219) 1/42 Martin Psohlavec (Saskatoon Blades / WHL) drafted by the Philadelphia Flyers (2/62) 1/49 Matvei Nikonovich (Barrie Colts / OHL) drafted by the Pittsburgh Penguins (5/160) 1/52 Vilho Vanhatalo (Ottawa 67’s / OHL) drafted by the Florida Panthers (6/168) 1/53 Yegor Rybkin (Moncton Wildcats / QMJHL) drafted by the Los Angeles Kings (3/89) 2/65 Luka Arkko (Erie Otters / OHL) drafted by the Detroit Red Wings (6/175) 2/66 Vertti Svensk (Saint John Sea Dogs / QMJHL) by the Los Angeles Kings (5/145) 2/76 Samuel Hrenak (Moose Jaw Warriors / WHL) by the Winnipeg Jets (3/71) 2/78 Patriks Plumins (Chicoutimi Saguenéens / QMJHL) by the Toronto Maple Leafs (4/114) 2/88 Noel Pakarinen (Penticton Vees / WHL) by the Vegas Golden Knights (7/207) 2/101 Juho Piiparinen (London Knights / OHL) by Vegas Golden Knights (1/29) 2025 NHL Draft picks selected in the 2026 CHL Import Draft (5) 1/10 Ivan Tkach-Tkachenko (Sarnia Sting / OHL) drafted by the Utah Mammoth (5/142) 1/24 Zeb Lindgren (Red Deer Rebels / WHL) drafted by the New York Rangers (5/139) 1/48 Jakob Leander (Calgary Hitmen / WHL) drafted by the Calgary Flames (7/208) 1/59 Arvid Drott (Medicine Hat Tigers / WHL) drafted by the Florida Panthers (6/192) 2/94 Reko Alanko (Seattle Thunderbirds / WHL) drafted Utah Mammoth (6/182) 2024 NHL Draft picks selected in the 2026 CHL Import Draft (1) 1/8 Ilya Pautov (Gatineau Olympiques / QMJHL) drafted by the Philadelphia Flyers (6/173)]]> Final order set for Tuesday’s 2026 CHL Import Draft https://chl.ca/article/final-order-set-for-tuesdays-2026-chl-import-draft Mon, 29 Jun 2026 21:17:21 +0000 Matt Tidcombe https://chl.ca/article/final-order-set-for-tuesdays-2026-chl-import-draft

Oshawa to select first overall; Halifax moves into No. 2 spot following trade with Baie-Comeau

The. Canadian Hockey League (CHL) announced today the finalized draft order for the 2026 CHL Import Draft, which will take place tomorrow, Tuesday, June 30, at 11 a.m. ET. The Oshawa Generals of the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) will select first overall, followed by the Halifax Mooseheads of the Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League (QMJHL), who acquired the second overall selection in a trade with the Baie-Comeau Drakkar. The Lethbridge Hurricanes of the Western Hockey League (WHL) will select third overall, while the Guelph Storm of the OHL, hosts of the 2027 Memorial Cup presented by Kubota, will round out the top four after acquiring the fourth overall selection in a trade with the Erie Otters. Halifax’s move into the No. 2 spot is one of several recent changes reflected in the finalized order, which is listed in full below. 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. As a reminder, new rules are in effect for this year’s draft: 20-year-old import players are eligible to be selected in any round, while 16-year-old import players may only be selected in the first round. CHL clubs may carry a maximum of one 16-year-old import player per season. 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 deleted from a club’s roster, that club will be limited to two import players for the remainder of the regular season and playoffs. The Mooseheads have selected within the top three on three previous occasions in CHL Import Draft history, but 2026 marks the first time Halifax will make the second overall selection. At last year’s CHL Import Draft, the Mooseheads selected Oleg Kulebiakin ninth overall before adding Finnish forward Jasu Mensonen in the second round at No. 70. Kulebiakin went on to lead Halifax with 73 points in 64 games during the 2025-26 season before being selected 52nd overall by the Tampa Bay Lightning at the 2026 NHL Draft, while Mensonen added 33 points in 64 contests. Halifax has built one of the CHL Import Draft’s strongest track records for developing high-end international talent, with alumni including Jakub Voracek, 2017 first-overall NHL Draft pick Nico Hischier, Timo Meier, Ladislav Nagy, Filip Zadina and 2026 Stanley Cup champion Nikolaj Ehlers. The CHL Import Draft has long served as an important pathway for international players to develop in the WHL, OHL and QMJHL before later hearing their names called at the NHL Draft. At the 2026 NHL Draft in Buffalo, 22 players previously selected through the CHL Import Draft were chosen by NHL clubs, including first-round selections Nikita Klepov (Saginaw Spirit, OHL / Anaheim Ducks), Adam Novotný (Peterborough Petes, OHL / Vancouver Canucks) and Maksim Sokolovskii (London Knights, OHL / Philadelphia Flyers). Other CHL Import Draft alumni selected at the 2026 NHL Draft included Matias Vanhanen (Everett Silvertips, WHL / New Jersey Devils), Egor Shilov (Victoriaville Tigres, QMJHL / Colorado Avalanche), Oleg Kulebiakin (Halifax Mooseheads, QMJHL / Tampa Bay Lightning), Jakub Vanecek (Tri-City Americans, WHL / Dallas Stars), Danai Shaiikov (Gatineau Olympiques, QMJHL / New York Rangers), Adam Nemec (Sudbury Wolves, OHL / Ottawa Senators), Michal Orsulak (Prince Albert Raiders, WHL / Detroit Red Wings), Yaroslav Bryzgalov (Medicine Hat Tigers, WHL / Vancouver Canucks), Marek Sklenicka (Seattle Thunderbirds, WHL / Philadelphia Flyers), Olivers Murnieks (Saint John Sea Dogs, QMJHL / Buffalo Sabres), Tobias Tvrznik (Wenatchee Wild, WHL / Colorado Avalanche), Filip Ruzicka (Brandon Wheat Kings, WHL / Minnesota Wild), Vladimir Dravecky (Guelph Storm, OHL / New York Islanders), Lars Steiner (Rouyn-Noranda Huskies, QMJHL / St. Louis Blues), Stepan Shurygin (Saginaw Spirit, OHL / Tampa Bay Lightning), Jasper Kuhta (Ottawa 67’s, OHL / Dallas Stars), Alexander Karmanov (North Bay Battalion, OHL / San Jose Sharks), Ondrej Ruml (Ottawa 67’s, OHL / Colorado Avalanche), and Max Vilen (Moncton Wildcats, QMJHL / Tampa Bay Lightning). Since the first CHL Import Draft was held in 1992, more than 2,310 players from outside Canada and the United States have been selected through the annual event. The draft has helped bring many 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), who captured the award for the second time in his career during the 2025-26 season, as well as recent 2026 Stanley Cup champions Andrei Svechnikov (Barrie Colts / OHL) and Nikolaj Ehlers (Halifax Mooseheads / QMJHL), who helped the Carolina Hurricanes capture their second championship in franchise history.  Fans and media can follow the 2026 CHL Import Draft and view full results beginning tomorrow at 11 a.m. ET at chl.ca/draft.   Finalized Order of Selections for the 2026 CHL Import Draft
First Round Second Round Third Round
No. Team No. Team No. Team
1 Oshawa Generals 62 Brantford Bulldogs (from Oshawa) 123 Oshawa Generals
2 Halifax Mooseheads (from Baie-Comeau) 63 Baie-Comeau Drakkar 124 Baie-Comeau Drakkar
3 Lethbridge Hurricanes 64 Lethbridge Hurricanes 125 Lethbridge Hurricanes
4 Guelph Storm (From Erie) 65 Erie Otters 126 Erie Otters
5 Rimouski Océanic 66 Saint John Sea Dogs (from Chicoutimi via Rimouski) 127 Rimouski Océanic
6 Everett Silvertips (from Swift Current) 67 Swift Current Broncos 128 Swift Current Broncos
7 Brampton Steelheads 68 Brampton Steelheads 129 Brampton Steelheads
8 Gatineau Olympiques 69 Drummondville Voltigeurs (from Gatineau) 130 Gatineau Olympiques
9 Vancouver Giants 70 Vancouver Giants 131 Vancouver Giants
10 Sarnia Sting 71 Sarnia Sting 132 Sarnia Sting
11 Victoriaville Tigres 72 Moncton Wildcats (from Victoriaville) 133 Victoriaville Tigres
12 Tri-City Americans (from Wenatchee) 73 Medicine Hat Tigers (from Everett via Wenatchee) 134 Wenatchee Wild
13 Brantford Bulldogs (From Sudbury) 74 Kitchener Rangers (from Sudbury) 135 Sudbury Wolves
14 Saint John Sea Dogs 75 Blainville-Boisbriand Armada (from Saint John) 136 Saint John Sea Dogs
15 Moose Jaw Warriors 76 Moose Jaw Warriors 137 Moose Jaw Warriors
16 Saginaw Spirit 77 Saginaw Spirit 138 North Bay Battalion (from Saginaw)
17 Val-d'Or Foreurs 78 Chicoutimi Saguenéens (from Saint John via Val-d'Or) 139 Val-d'Or Foreurs
18 Regina Pats (from Red Deer) 79 Red Deer Rebels 140 Red Deer Rebels
19 Erie Otters (from Guelph) 80 Guelph Storm 141 Guelph Storm
20 Baie-Comeau Drakkar (from Halifax) 81 Halifax Mooseheads 142 Halifax Mooseheads
21 Swift Current Broncos (from Tri-City) 82 Calgary Hitmen (from Tri-City) 143 Tri-City Americans
22 Owen Sound Attack 83 Owen Sound Attack 144 Owen Sound Attack
23 Chicoutimi Saguenéens (from Cape Breton) 84 Shawinigan Cataractes (from Cape Breton) 145 Cape Breton Eagles
24 Red Deer Rebels (from Regina Pats) 85 Regina Pats 146 Regina Pats
25 Niagara IceDogs 86 Niagara IceDogs 147 Niagara IceDogs
26 Sherbrooke Phoenix 87 Sherbrooke Phoenix 148 Sherbrooke Phoenix
27 Victoria Royals 88 Penticton Vees (from Victoria) 149 Victoria Royals
28 Flint Firebirds (from Kingston) 89 Flint Firebirds (from Kingston) 150 Kingston Frontenacs
29 Québec Remparts 90 Québec Remparts 151 Québec Remparts
30 Portland Winterhawks 91 Swift Current Broncos (from Portland) 152 Portland Winterhawks
31 Saginaw Spirit (from North Bay) 92 North Bay Battalion 153 North Bay Battalion
32 Charlottetown Islanders 93 Charlottetown Islanders 154 Charlottetown Islanders
33 Kelowna Rockets (from Seattle) 94 Seattle Thunderbirds 155 Seattle Thunderbirds
34 Soo Greyhounds 95 Soo Greyhounds 156 Soo Greyhounds
35 Shawinigan Cataractes 96 Shawinigan Cataractes 157 Cape Breton Eagles (from Shawinigan)
36 Spokane Chiefs 97 Spokane Chiefs 158 Spokane Chiefs
37 Peterborough Petes 98 Peterborough Petes 159 Peterborough Petes
38 Newfoundland Regiment 99 Newfoundland Regiment 160 Newfoundland Regiment
39 Kamloops Blazers 100 Kamloops Blazers 161 Kamloops Blazers
40 London Knights 101 London Knights 162 London Knights
41 Gatineau Olympiques (from Drummondville) 102 Newfoundland Regiment (from Drummondville) 163 Drummondville Voltigeurs
42 Saskatoon Blades 103 Saskatoon Blades 164 Saskatoon Blades
43 Flint Firebirds 104 Kingston Frontenacs (from Flint) 165 Kingston Frontenacs (from Flint)
44 Saint John Sea Dogs (from Blainville-Boisbriand) 105 Blainville-Boisbriand Armada 166 Blainville-Boisbriand Armada
45 Brandon Wheat Kings 106 Brandon Wheat Kings 167 Brandon Wheat Kings
46 Windsor Spitfires 107 Windsor Spitfires 168 Windsor Spitfires
47 Rouyn-Noranda Huskies 108 Rouyn-Noranda Huskies 169 Rouyn-Noranda Huskies
48 Calgary Hitmen 109 Everett Silvertips (from Calgary) 170 Calgary Hitmen
49 Barrie Colts 110 Barrie Colts 171 Barrie Colts
50 Rimouski Océanic (from Chicoutimi) 111 Chicoutimi Saguenéens 172 Chicoutimi Saguenéens
51 Edmonton Oil Kings (from Kelowna) 112 Seattle Thunderbirds (from Kelowna) 173 Kelowna Rockets
52 Ottawa 67's 113 Ottawa 67's 174 Ottawa 67's
53 Moncton Wildcats 114 Moncton Wildcats 175 Moncton Wildcats
54 Saskatoon Blades (from Prince George) 115 Prince George Cougars 176 Prince George Cougars
55 Kitchener Rangers 116 Kitchener Rangers 177 Sudbury Wolves (from Kitchener)
56 Edmonton Oil Kings 117 Edmonton Oil Kings 178 Kelowna Rockets (from Edmonton)
57 Brantford Bulldogs 118 Sudbury Wolves (from Brantford) 179 Oshawa Generals (from Brantford)
58 Victoria Royals (from Penticton) 119 Penticton Vees 180 Penticton Vees
59 Medicine Hat Tigers 120 Medicine Hat Tigers 181 Medicine Hat Tigers
60 Prince Albert Raiders 121 Prince Albert Raiders 182 Prince Albert Raiders
61 Everett Silvertips 122 Everett Silvertips 183 Everett Silvertips
 ]]> 106 CHL-developed players selected at 2026 NHL Draft https://chl.ca/article/106-chl-developed-players-selected-at-2026-nhl-draft Sat, 27 Jun 2026 23:03:57 +0000 Matt Tidcombe https://chl.ca/article/106-chl-developed-players-selected-at-2026-nhl-draft

The CHL’s 106 selections marked its highest total since 2010, led all development leagues worldwide, and further reinforced the WHL, OHL and QMJHL as the game’s premier development pathway

The Canadian Hockey League (CHL) is proud to announce that 106 players developed across the Western Hockey League (WHL), Ontario Hockey League (OHL), and Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League (QMJHL) were selected across seven rounds of the 2026 NHL Draft at KeyBank Center in Buffalo, representing the most of any development league in the world. The CHL’s 106 selections were its highest total in 16 years, dating back to 2010, and marked the first time since 2013 that the CHL reached the 100-pick mark at the NHL Draft. In the seven-round era, which began in 2005, the 2026 NHL Draft now stands as the CHL’s fourth-highest total, trailing only 2008 (110), 2005 (109) and 2010 (107). The CHL’s impact was felt immediately, with Medicine Hat Tigers (WHL) alumnus Gavin McKenna selected first overall by the Toronto Maple Leafs. McKenna became the 43rd CHL-developed player selected No. 1 overall since 1969, giving the CHL the first overall pick for the second straight NHL Draft and the third time in the last four years, following Matthew Schaefer in 2025 and Connor Bedard in 2023. McKenna’s selection opened a first round that once again showcased the CHL at the very top of the Draft. In total, 16 CHL-developed players were selected in Round 1, accounting for 50 per cent of the opening round. CHL players represented six of the first 10 selections and three of the first four, with McKenna going No. 1 to Toronto, Brantford Bulldogs (OHL) forward Caleb Malhotra going No. 3 to the Vancouver Canucks, and Prince Albert Raiders (WHL) defenceman Daxon Rudolph going No. 4 to the Buffalo Sabres. The opening round also highlighted one of the CHL’s strongest defensive groups in recent memory. Seven CHL-developed defencemen were selected in the first round, while 13 blueliners came off the board across the opening two rounds. In all, 36 CHL defencemen were chosen over the two-day Draft, alongside 57 forwards and 13 goaltenders, underscoring the positional depth produced by the WHL, OHL and QMJHL. The strength of the 2026 class carried well beyond the first round. The CHL had 32 players selected through two rounds, its most in 11 years and highest total since 36 were chosen across the opening two rounds in 2015. Through three rounds, the CHL’s 47 selections matched its best three-round showing since 2015, while its 61 players selected through four rounds were also its most since 2015. By the end of Round 6, the CHL had already surpassed its full 2025 NHL Draft total, with 94 selections. The CHL ultimately had at least 12 players chosen in each of the seven rounds, something that had only happened once before in the seven-round era, in 2005. The league also set a seven-round era high with 59 players selected from Rounds 4 through 7, including 45 from Rounds 5 through 7 and 29 over the final two rounds. The Ontario Hockey League (OHL) led all three CHL Member Leagues with 47 selections, its highest total since 2016 and one shy of its seven-round era high. The Western Hockey League (WHL) followed with 39 selections, its highest total since 2010, while also producing the first overall pick in McKenna. The Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League (QMJHL) reached 20 selections for the first time since 2021 and produced multiple first-round picks for the second straight NHL Draft. In total, the CHL’s 106 selections came from 51 different clubs, with 19 OHL clubs, 19 WHL clubs and 13 QMJHL clubs represented. The Medicine Hat Tigers and Ottawa 67’s led all CHL clubs with five players selected, followed by the Guelph Storm, London Knights, Saginaw Spirit and Soo Greyhounds, who each had four. Edmonton, Portland, Prince Albert, Saskatoon and Vancouver each produced three selections from the WHL, while Moncton and Québec led the QMJHL with three selections apiece. All 32 NHL clubs selected at least one CHL-developed player at the 2026 NHL Draft. The Colorado Avalanche, New York Rangers and Toronto Maple Leafs led all NHL clubs with six CHL selections each, while the Anaheim Ducks, Los Angeles Kings and Vegas Golden Knights each selected five. In total, 13 NHL clubs selected at least four CHL players, further demonstrating the league-wide demand for talent developed across the WHL, OHL and QMJHL. The 2026 NHL Draft also reinforced the impact of the CHL USA Prospects Challenge, with 11 of the 16 CHL-developed first-round selections having competed in the 2025 edition of the event. The two-game showcase continues to provide a best-on-best platform for NHL Draft-eligible players from across the CHL against the U.S. National Under-18 Team. From the first overall pick to the final rounds, the 2026 NHL Draft served as another clear reminder of the CHL’s unmatched role in developing NHL talent. With high-end skill at the top of the Draft, record-setting depth in later rounds, representation across every position, and selections from every NHL organization, the WHL, OHL and QMJHL once again stood at the centre of hockey’s global development landscape. 106 CHL-developed players in the 2026 NHL Draft *denotes players who competed in the 2025 CHL USA Prospects Challenge FIRST ROUND (16) 1. Gavin McKenna (Medicine Hat Tigers / WHL, LW) – Toronto Maple Leafs 3. Caleb Malhotra (Brantford Bulldogs / OHL, C)* – Vancouver Canucks 4. Daxon Rudolph (Prince Albert Raiders / WHL, D)* – Buffalo Sabres 6. Carson Carels (Prince George Cougars / WHL, D)* – Calgary Flames 7. Chase Reid (Soo Greyhounds / OHL, D)* – Seattle Kraken 9. Keaton Verhoeff (Victoria Royals / WHL, D) – San Jose Sharks 15. Nikita Klepov (Saginaw Spirit / OHL, RW)* – Anaheim Ducks 16. Maddox Dagenais (Québec Remparts / QMJHL, C)* – St. Louis Blues 17. Ethan Belchetz (Windsor Spitfires / OHL, LW)* – Utah Mammoth 21. Ryan Lin (Vancouver Giants / WHL, D)* – San Jose Sharks 22. Liam Ruck (Medicine Hat Tigers / WHL, RW)* – Pittsburgh Penguins 23. JP Hurlbert (Kamloops Blazers / WHL, RW)* – Detroit Red Wings 24. Adam Novotný (Peterborough Petes / OHL, LW)* – Vancouver Canucks 27. Maksim Sokolovskii (London Knights / OHL, D) – Philadelphia Flyers 31. Tommy Bleyl (Moncton Wildcats / QMJHL, D) – Nashville Predators 32. Jaxon Cover (London Knights / OHL, LW) – Ottawa Senators SECOND ROUND (16) 33. Brooks Rogowski (Oshawa Generals / OHL, RW) – Vancouver Canucks 34. Xavier Villeneuve (Blainville-Boisbriand / QMJHL, D)* – Chicago Blackhawks 35. Ryan Roobroeck (Guelph Storm / OHL, LW )* / developed over the last three seasons with the Niagara IceDogs – Chicago Blackhawks 36. Chase Harrington (Spokane Chiefs / WHL, LW)* – Calgary Flames 37. Matias Vanhanen (Everett Silvertips / WHL, LW) – New Jersey Devils 39. Markus Ruck (Medicine Hat Tigers / WHL, C) – Pittsburgh Penguins 43. Egor Shilov (Victoriaville Tigres / QMJHL, C)* – Colorado Avalanche 46. Liam Lefebvre (Cape Breton Eagles / QMJHL, RW) / developed over the last season with the Chicoutimi Saguenéens – Los Angeles Kings 48. Ryder Cali (North Bay Battalion / OHL, C) – Florida Panthers 50. Mathis Preston (Vancouver Giants / WHL, RW)* – Anaheim Ducks 52. Oleg Kulebiakin (Halifax Mooseheads / QMJHL, LW) – Tampa Bay Lightning 53. Brek Liske (Everett Silvertips / WHL, D) – Philadelphia Flyers 57. Timofei Runtso (Victoria Royals / WHL, D) – Montréal Canadiens 59. Jakub Vanecek (Tri-City Americans / WHL, D) – Dallas Stars 60. Alexander Bilecki (Kitchener Rangers / OHL, D) – Toronto Maple Leafs 64. Ben MacBeath (Calgary Hitmen / WHL, D) – New York Rangers THIRD ROUND (15) 65. Joe Iginla (Vancouver Giants / WHL, RW) – Calgary Flames 67. Danai Shaiikov (Gatineau Olympiques / QMJHL, G) – New York Rangers 68. Zachary Lansard (Regina Pats / WHL, RW) – Carolina Hurricanes 69. Ethan MacKenzie (Edmonton Oil Kings / WHL, D) – Toronto Maple Leafs 72. Adam Nemec (Sudbury Wolves / OHL, LW) – Ottawa Senators 73. Zach Olsen (Saskatoon Blades / WHL, RW) – Toronto Maple Leafs 74. Beckett Hamilton (Red Deer Rebels / WHL, RW) – Colorado Avalanche 77. Charlie Morrison (Québec Remparts / QMJHL, D)* – New York Rangers 79. Michal Orsulak (Prince Albert Raiders / WHL, G) – Detroit Red Wings 82. Rian Chudzinski (Moncton Wildcats / QMJHL, RW) – Anaheim Ducks 86. Pierce Mbuyi (Owen Sound Attack / OHL, LW) – Pittsburgh Penguins 91. Louis-Félix Bourque (Drummondville Voltigeurs / QMJHL, C) – Ottawa Senators 92. Ben Wilmott (Barrie Colts / OHL, C) – Vegas Golden Knights 94. Alessandro Di Iorio (Sarnia Sting / OHL, C)* – Columbus Blue Jackets 95. Sean Burick (Penticton Vees / WHL, D) – Vegas Golden Knights FOURTH ROUND (14) 97.  Yaroslav Bryzgalov (Medicine Hat Tigers / WHL, LW) – Vancouver Canucks 100. Egor Barabanov (Saginaw Spirit / OHL, C) – Calgary Flames 101. Tyus Sparks (Spokane Chiefs / WHL, RW) – Washington Capitals 102. Spencer Bowes (Ottawa 67’s / OHL, LW) – New York Rangers 103. Thomas Vandenberg (Ottawa 67’s / OHL, C) – Los Angeles Kings 108. Adam Levac (Peterborough Petes / OHL, C) – Detroit Red Wings 111. Parker von Richter (Barrie Colts / OHL, D) – Pittsburgh Penguins 112. Kayden Lemire (Prince George Cougars / WHL, RW) – Minnesota Wild 113. Jonah Sivertson (Prince Albert Raiders / WHL, RW) – Vegas Golden Knights 117. Brayden Klimpke (Saskatoon Blades / WHL, D) – Montréal Canadiens 120. Marek Sklenicka (Seattle Thunderbirds / WHL, G) – Philadelphia Flyers 124. Olivers Murnieks (Saint John Sea Dogs / QMJHL, C) – Buffalo Sabres 125. Ryder Fetterolf (Ottawa 67’s / OHL, G) – Carolina Hurricanes 126. Tobias Tvrznik (Wenatchee Wild / WHL, G) – Colorado Avalanche FIFTH ROUND (16) 131. Finn Kearns (Sudbury Wolves / OHL, D) – Seattle Kraken 133. Andrew Robinson (Windsor Spitfires / OHL, D) – Edmonton Oilers 135. Alexandre Taillefer (Québec Remparts / QMJHL, D) –  Winnipeg Jets 137. Filip Ruzicka (Brandon Wheat Kings / WHL, G) – Minnesota Wild 141. Vladimir Dravecky (Guelph Storm / OHL, D) / developed over the last season with the Brantford Bulldogs – New York Islanders 142. Parker Snell (Edmonton Oil Kings / WHL, G) – Columbus Blue Jackets 143. Beckham Edwards (Sarnia Sting / OHL, C)* – Detroit Red Wings 146. Eric Frossard (Guelph Storm / OHL, D) – Anaheim Ducks 147. Florent Houle (Sherbrooke Phoenix / QMJHL, RW) – Utah Mammoth 150. Carter Stevens (Guelph Storm / OHL, RW) – St. Louis Blues 151.Harris Pangretitsch (Soo Greyhounds / OHL, D) – Ottawa Senators 153. Giorgos Pantelas (Brandon Wheat Kings / WHL, D)* – Los Angeles Kings 155. Ryan Brown (London Knights / OHL, LW) – Dallas Stars 157. Jacob Vandeven (London Knights / OHL, D) – Boston Bruins 158. Cooper Williams (Saskatoon Blades / WHL, C) – Toronto Maple Leafs 159. Will McLaughlin (Portland Winterhawks, WHL, D) – Vegas Golden Knights SIXTH ROUND (17) 162. André Mondoux (Kingston Frontenacs / OHL, D) – New York Rangers 163. Darian Anderson (Flint Firebirds / OHL, RW) – New York Rangers 165. Zachary Jovanovski (Guelph Storm / OHL, G)* – Carolina Hurricanes 169. Brody Pepoy (Saginaw Spirit / OHL, RW) – Toronto Maple Leafs 171. Lars Steiner (Rouyn-Noranda Huskies / QMJHL, G) – St. Louis Blues 172. Luke Wilfley (Portland Winterhawks / WHL, C) – New Jersey Devils 174. Jake Gustafson (Portland Winterhawks / WHL, C) – San Jose Sharks 177. Alex Kostov (Flint Firebirds / OHL, C) – Los Angeles Kings 179. Benjamin Cossette Ayotte (Val-d’Or Foreurs / QMJHL, D) – Nashville Predators 180. Caden Harvey (Windsor Spitfires / OHL, RW) – Edmonton Oilers 181. Cole Zurawski (Owen Sound Attack / OHL, RW) – Florida Panthers 185. Jonas Woo (Medicine Hat Tigers / WHL, D) – Columbus Blue Jackets 186. Stepan Shurygin (Saginaw Spirit / OHL, G) – Tampa Bay Lightning 188. Dylan Dumont (Drummondville Voltigeurs / QMJHL, RW) – Buffalo Sabres 190. Wesley Royston (Owen Sound Attack / OHL, RW) – Montréal Canadiens 191. Matthew Minchak (Kingston Frontenacs / OHL, G) – Vegas Golden Knights 192. Noah Kosick (Seattle Thunderbirds / WHL, C) – Anaheim Ducks SEVENTH ROUND (12) 195. Shawn Carrier (Halifax Mooseheads / QMJHL, LW) – Colorado Avalanche 197. Jasper Kuhta (Ottawa 67’s / OHL, C) – Dallas Stars 198. Rylan Singh (Guelph Storm / OHL, D) – Seattle Kraken 199. Noa Ta'amu (Edmonton Oil Kings / WHL, D) – Winnipeg Jets 201. Alexander Karmanov (North Bay Battalion / OHL, D) – San Jose Sharks 203. Colin Fitzgerald (Soo Greyhounds / OHL, C) – St. Louis Blues 214. Ondrej Ruml (Ottawa 67’s / OHL, D) – Colorado Avalanche 215. Alexandre Raymond (Rouyn-Noranda Huskies / QMJHL, G) – Colorado Avalanche 217. Louis-Antoine Denault (Newfoundland Regiment / QMJHL, G) – Florida Panthers 218. Max Vilen (Moncton Wildcats / QMJHL, D) – Tampa Bay Lightning 222. Quinn McKenzie (Soo Greyhounds / OHL, C) – New Jersey Devils 223. Lucas Ambrosio (Erie Otters / OHL, D) – Los Angeles Kings]]>  16 players developed across the CHL selected in First Round of 2026 NHL Draft https://chl.ca/article/16-players-developed-across-the-chl-selected-in-first-round-of-2026-nhl-draft Sat, 27 Jun 2026 04:22:54 +0000 Matt Tidcombe https://chl.ca/article/16-players-developed-across-the-chl-selected-in-first-round-of-2026-nhl-draft

The WHL, OHL, and QMJHL accounted for 50 per cent of Round 1, including six of the top 10 and three of the top four selections

The Canadian Hockey League (CHL) is proud to announce that 16 players developed across the Western Hockey League (WHL), Ontario Hockey League (OHL), and Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League (QMJHL) were selected in the first round of the 2026 NHL Draft at KeyBank Center in Buffalo, accounting for 50 per cent of all Round 1 selections — more than any other development league in the world. The CHL’s impact was felt immediately at the top of the Draft, with CHL-developed players representing six of the first 10 selections and three of the first four. Medicine Hat Tigers (WHL) alumnus Gavin McKenna opened the night by going first overall to the Toronto Maple Leafs, followed by Brantford Bulldogs (OHL) forward Caleb Malhotra at No. 3 to the Vancouver Canucks and Prince Albert Raiders (WHL) defenceman Daxon Rudolph at No. 4 to the Buffalo Sabres. The 16-player showing marked the CHL’s second-highest first-round total in the last five NHL Drafts, trailing only the 21 players selected in 2025. Combined with last year’s opening round, the CHL has now produced 37 first-round selections over the last two NHL Drafts — its strongest two-year total since 2014 and 2015. The WHL and OHL each produced seven first-round selections, while the QMJHL added two. Friday’s result also extended the CHL’s streak of producing 10 or more first-round picks to 58 consecutive NHL Drafts, a run that dates back to 1969. McKenna’s selection marked another historic moment for the CHL. The Whitehorse, Yukon, product became the 43rd CHL-developed player selected first overall since 1969, the 10th from the WHL, and the first player developed by the Medicine Hat Tigers to go No. 1 overall. He also became just the second CHL-developed player selected first overall by the Maple Leafs, joining Saskatoon Blades (WHL) alumnus Wendel Clark in 1985. Since 2000, CHL-developed players have now gone first overall in 17 of 27 NHL Drafts, including four of the last seven. The opening round also featured one of the CHL’s strongest blueline showings in more than a decade. Seven CHL-developed defencemen were selected in Round 1 — Rudolph, Carson Carels, Chase Reid, Keaton Verhoeff, Ryan Lin, Maksim Sokolovskii and Tommy Bleyl — marking the league’s highest first-round total among blueliners since eight were chosen in 2013. Four went inside the top 10, giving the CHL its strongest top-10 showing among defencemen since 2012. Rudolph’s selection by Buffalo made him Prince Albert’s highest-drafted player since Leon Draisaitl in 2014 and the Raiders’ highest-drafted defenceman since Chris Phillips went first overall in 1996. Carels’ selection at No. 6 gave Prince George a first-round pick for a third straight NHL Draft, while Reid going seventh overall extended the Soo Greyhounds’ streak to 20 consecutive NHL Drafts with at least one player selected. At No. 9, Verhoeff became the highest-drafted player developed by the Victoria Royals, surpassing former teammate Cole Reschny, who went 18th overall in 2025. Later in the round, Lin became the Vancouver Giants’ highest-drafted defenceman since Bowen Byram in 2019, while Sokolovskii and Jaxon Cover helped London extend its CHL-record streak to 58 consecutive NHL Drafts with at least one player selected. Their selections also stretched the Knights’ active first-round streak to four straight drafts — the longest active run in the CHL. The opening round produced several other notable milestones. Malhotra became the highest-drafted player of the Brantford Bulldogs era, while he and his father, Manny, became the first CHL father-son duo both taken in the NHL Draft’s top 10. Nikita Klepov’s selection at No. 15 gave Saginaw a first-round pick for a third straight NHL Draft, Maddox Dagenais became Québec’s highest-drafted player since Mikhail Grigorenko in 2012, and Ethan Belchetz gave Windsor first-round picks in three straight drafts. The CHL’s U.S.-born talent pipeline was also on display, with four U.S.-born CHL players selected in the first round: Reid, Klepov, Hurlbert and Bleyl. That total matches the highest single-draft first-round total by U.S.-born CHL players in the 21st century, equalling the four selected in 2016. Bleyl’s selection at 31st overall by the Nashville Predators gave Moncton first-round picks in back-to-back NHL Drafts and made him the Wildcats’ first defenceman selected in Round 1 since Brandon Gormley in 2010. Eleven of the 16 CHL-developed players selected in the first round also competed in the 2025 CHL USA Prospects Challenge, further highlighting the event’s role in showcasing the next wave of NHL talent from across the CHL. 16 CHL Players selected in the First Round of the 2026 NHL Draft *denotes players who competed in the 2025 CHL USA Prospects Challenge 1. Gavin McKenna (Medicine Hat Tigers / WHL, LW) – Toronto Maple Leafs: Selected first overall by Medicine Hat in the 2022 WHL Prospects Draft, McKenna recorded 289 points (91G-198A) in 158 career WHL regular-season and playoff games before playing the 2025-26 season at Penn State; the 2024-25 CHL Player of the Year led the Tigers to a WHL Championship and set a modern CHL record with a 54-game point streak. Following his time in the WHL, McKenna played the 2025–26 season with Penn State University. 3. Caleb Malhotra (Brantford Bulldogs / OHL, C)* – Vancouver Canucks: During the 2025-26 season, Malhotra recorded 84 points in 67 regular-season games with the Brantford Bulldogs, setting a new franchise record for points by a rookie. The 6-foot-2 centre was selected to the CHL All-Rookie Team after scoring eight game-winning goals, producing 30 power-play points, and being named a finalist for the Eastern Conference’s Best Stickhandler in the OHL Coaches Poll. 4. Daxon Rudolph (Prince Albert Raiders / WHL, D)* – Buffalo Sabres: During the 2025-26 season, Rudolph led the Prince Albert Raiders in scoring while helping the club capture the WHL’s East Division title. The CHL Third Team All-Star finished third among WHL defencemen in goals and points, with his 28 goals matching Josh Morrissey’s franchise record for goals by a Raiders defenceman. Originally selected first overall by Prince Albert in the 2023 WHL Prospects Draft, Rudolph also represented Team CHL at the 2025 CHL USA Prospects Challenge and captained Team East at the 2026 WHL Prospects Game. 6. Carson Carels (Prince George Cougars / WHL, D)* – Calgary Flames: During the 2025-26 season, Carels recorded 73 points (20G-53A) in 58 regular-season games with the Prince George Cougars, the second-highest single-season total by a defenceman in franchise history. The 6-foot-1 blueliner was a finalist for the Bill Hunter Memorial Trophy as WHL Defenceman of the Year after tying for fourth among WHL defencemen in points, reaching the 20-goal mark, and posting a 17-game point streak.  7. Chase Reid (Soo Greyhounds / OHL, D)* – Seattle Kraken: During the 2025-26 season, Reid recorded 48 points (18G-30A) in 45 regular-season games with the Soo Greyhounds. Selected to the CHL Second All-Star Team, the 18-year-old from Chesterfield, Mich., won the CHL Top Draft Prospect Award, becoming the second Greyhounds player to earn the honour after Joe Thornton in 1996-97. Reid was also a finalist for the OHL’s Max Kaminsky Trophy, named the OHL Western Conference’s Best Offensive Defenceman, and one of just six first-year draft-eligible CHL blueliners to average at least a point per game this season. 9. Keaton Verhoeff (Victoria Royals / WHL, D) – San Jose Sharks: During the 2024-25 season, Verhoeff scored 21 goals with the Victoria Royals, setting a franchise record for single-season goals by a defenceman while becoming just the third 16-year-old WHL blueliner to score 20+ goals in a season. The 6-foot-4 defenceman tied for second among WHL blueliners in goals, posted a 10-game point streak, and helped Victoria capture its second B.C. Division title. Following his time in the WHL, Verhoeff played the 2025–26 season at the University of North Dakota. 15. Nikita Klepov (Saginaw Spirit / OHL, RW)* – Anaheim Ducks: During the 2025-26 season, Klepov recorded 97 points (37G-60A) in 67 regular-season games with the Saginaw Spirit, capturing the Eddie Powers Memorial Trophy as the OHL’s leading scorer and the Jim Mahon Memorial Trophy as its top-scoring right winger. The Deerfield Beach, Fla., product was named to the CHL Second All-Star and All-Rookie Teams after becoming the first rookie to lead any CHL Member League in scoring since Patrick Kane in 2006-07. Klepov also tied Saginaw’s rookie goal record while setting new franchise rookie marks in assists and points. 16. Maddox Dagenais (Québec Remparts / QMJHL, C)* – St. Louis Blues: During the 2025-26 season, Dagenais recorded 62 points (30G-32A) in 62 regular-season games, finishing second on Québec in scoring while earning the QMJHL’s Mike Bossy Trophy as its Best Professional Prospect. The Montréal, Que., native improved by 36 points from his rookie season, when he helped the Remparts return to the playoffs after their only postseason absence in franchise history. Dagenais also represented Canada at the 2024 World Under-17 Hockey Challenge and 2026 IIHF U18 World Championship, while he and his father, Pierre, became the first father-son duo in QMJHL history to both be selected first overall. 17. Ethan Belchetz (Windsor Spitfires / OHL, LW)* – Utah Mammoth: During the 2025-26 season, Belchetz recorded 59 points (34G-25A) in 57 regular-season games with the Windsor Spitfires, helping the club finish second in the OHL’s Western Conference and tie its third-highest single-season win total in franchise history. The 2024 first-overall OHL Priority Selection was named to the 2024-25 OHL Second All-Rookie Team after finishing 10th in OHL rookie scoring, highlighted by a four-goal, six-point performance that made him the first Spitfires 16-year-old rookie since Taylor Hall to score four goals in a game. Belchetz also won gold with Canada White at the 2024 World Under-17 Hockey Challenge and bronze at the 2025 Hlinka Gretzky Cup. 21. Ryan Lin (Vancouver Giants / WHL, D)* – San Jose Sharks: During the 2025-26 season, Lin recorded 57 points (14G-43A) in 53 regular-season games with the Vancouver Giants, finishing tied for 11th among WHL defencemen in both assists and points. Named the 24th captain in Giants franchise history on January 9, 2026, Lin built on a standout rookie season in 2024-25, when he led all WHL rookies with 48 assists and finished fifth among first-year players with 53 points. Internationally, Lin won gold with Canada at the 2024 World Under-17 Hockey Challenge and 2025 IIHF U18 World Championship, while also earning bronze at the 2025 Hlinka Gretzky Cup. 22. Liam Ruck (Medicine Hat Tigers / WHL, RW)* – Pittsburgh Penguins: During the 2025-26 season, Ruck recorded 104 points (45G-59A) in 68 regular-season games with the Medicine Hat Tigers. The Osoyoos, B.C., product was named to the CHL First All-Star Team after finishing second in scoring among all WHL and CHL skaters, while ranking tied for second in the WHL in goals and fifth in assists. One of only four CHL players to reach 100 points this season, Ruck also tied for third in the CHL with 10 game-winning goals and helped Medicine Hat finish atop the Central Division. 23. JP Hurlbert (Kamloops Blazers / WHL, RW)* – Detroit Red Wings: During the 2025-26 season, Hurlbert recorded 97 points (42G-55A) in 68 regular-season games with the Kamloops Blazers, setting a new franchise rookie scoring record by surpassing Scottie Upshall’s previous benchmark of 87 points. The Allen, Texas product led all WHL rookies in scoring and tied Nikita Klepov for the CHL rookie scoring lead. Hurlbert was selected to both the CHL Third All-Star Team and All-Rookie Team, and became just the third player in Blazers history to win the Jim Piggott Memorial Trophy as WHL Rookie of the Year, joining Upshall and Ron Shudra. 24. Adam Novotný (Peterborough Petes / OHL)* – Vancouver Canucks: During the 2025-26 season, Novotny recorded 65 points (34G-31A) in 58 regular-season games during his first OHL campaign with the Peterborough Petes. The Hradec Kralove, Czechia, product finished tied for the second-most goals and fourth in points among OHL draft-eligible skaters after arriving from Czechia’s top professional league, where he played in 2024-25. Novotny also represented Czechia five times internationally, earning silver at the 2026 World Junior Championship and 2024 Hlinka Gretzky Cup, as well as bronze at the 2025 World Junior Championship. 27. Maksim Sokolovskii (London Knights / OHL, D) – Philadelphia Flyers: During the 2025-26 season, Sokolovskii recorded eight points (2G-6A) in 44 regular-season games with the London Knights. The Petropavlovsk, Kazakhstan, product brought rare size to London’s blue line at 6-foot-8, making him the second-tallest player in the OHL this season. A first-round selection in the 2026 NHL Draft, Sokolovskii also entered the year after a dominant 2024-25 campaign with Atlantic Coast Academy U16 AAA, where he led all defencemen in goals and tied for first in points with 84 in 65 games. 31. Tommy Bleyl (Moncton Wildcats / QMJHL, D) – Nashville Predators: During the 2025-26 season, Bleyl recorded 81 points (13G-68A) in 63 regular-season games with the Moncton Wildcats, setting a QMJHL record for points by a rookie defenceman. The CHL Rookie of the Year was named to the CHL Second All-Star and All-Rookie Teams after leading the QMJHL with 68 helpers, marking the highest single-season total by a CHL rookie defenceman in the 21st century. Bleyl won both the Émile-Bouchard Trophy as Defenceman of the Year and Sidney-Crosby Trophy as Rookie of the Year, while helping Moncton capture a second straight regular-season title. 32. Jaxon Cover (London Knights / OHL, LW) – Ottawa Senators: During the 2025-26 season, Cover recorded 52 points (20G-32A) in 67 regular-season games with the London Knights, finishing fourth among OHL rookies in both assists and points. The Coral Springs, Fla., product made his OHL debut with London in 2024-25. Born in Florida and raised in the Grand Cayman Islands, Cover began his hockey journey on roller skates, attended his first skating camps in Toronto at age 10, and did not begin playing competitive ice hockey until he was 14.]]>