Canadian Hockey League - Feed https://chl.ca/video-channels/memorial-cup/ Sat, 27 Jun 2026 15:10:12 +0000 en-CA hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9.4  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 Scott Vankoughnett 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.]]> Medicine Hat Tigers alumnus Gavin McKenna selected first overall by Toronto Maple Leafs at 2026 NHL Draft https://chl.ca/article/medicine-hat-tigers-alumnus-gavin-mckenna-selected-first-overall-by-toronto-maple-leafs-at-2026-nhl-draft Fri, 26 Jun 2026 23:18:28 +0000 Scott Vankoughnett https://chl.ca/article/medicine-hat-tigers-alumnus-gavin-mckenna-selected-first-overall-by-toronto-maple-leafs-at-2026-nhl-draft

McKenna becomes the first player developed by the Medicine Hat Tigers to go No. 1 overall and the second CHL-developed player ever selected first overall by the Maple Leafs

Medicine Hat Tigers (WHL) product Gavin McKenna was selected first overall by the Toronto Maple Leafs during the opening round of the 2026 NHL Draft at KeyBank Center in Buffalo, becoming the first player developed by the Tigers franchise to be taken No. 1 overall. With the selection, McKenna becomes the 43rd CHL-developed player selected first overall since 1969 and the 10th from the Western Hockey League (WHL). He also gives the Canadian Hockey League back-to-back No. 1 picks following Erie Otters (OHL) defenceman Matthew Schaefer in 2025, and three first-overall selections in four NHL Drafts when including Regina Pats (WHL) forward Connor Bedard in 2023. McKenna is also just the second CHL-developed player selected first overall by the Toronto Maple Leafs, joining Saskatoon Blades (WHL) alumnus Wendel Clark, who was taken No. 1 by Toronto in 1985. The 18-year-old from Whitehorse, Yukon, also shares a Medicine Hat connection with Maple Leafs and WHL great Lanny McDonald, who was selected fourth overall by Toronto in 1973 after starring with the Tigers. Both McKenna and McDonald helped Medicine Hat capture a WHL Championship during their junior careers. McKenna’s selection sets a new benchmark in Tigers franchise history, making him the highest-drafted player ever developed by Medicine Hat. Prior to McKenna, the highest selections in franchise history were Trevor Linden to the Vancouver Canucks in 1988, Barry Dean to the Kansas City Scouts in 1975, and Tom Lysiak to the Atlanta Flames in 1973, all of whom were chosen second overall. Selected first overall by Medicine Hat in the 2022 WHL Prospects Draft, McKenna played 133 WHL regular-season games with the Tigers, recording 244 points, including 79 goals and 165 assists. He added 45 points, including 12 goals and 33 assists, in 25 WHL Playoff games. Across the WHL regular season and playoffs, McKenna finished his Tigers career with 289 points in 158 games. Following his time in the WHL, McKenna played the 2025–26 season with Penn State University before being selected first overall by Toronto. McKenna’s time in the WHL was among the most decorated in recent CHL history. In 2024–25, he helped lead Medicine Hat to a WHL Championship while capturing the Four Broncos Memorial Trophy as WHL Player of the Year, the CHL’s David Branch Player of the Year Award, and CHL First All-Star Team honours. That season, the Medicine Tigers product recorded 129 points, including 41 goals and 88 assists, in 56 regular-season games, finishing third in CHL scoring while leading all WHL and CHL skaters in assists. The 2024–25 campaign also featured one of the most impressive offensive runs of the modern CHL era. McKenna was held off the scoresheet just three times during the WHL regular season and closed the campaign with 100 points over a 40-game point streak. He later extended that streak to 54 games during the 2025 WHL Playoffs, establishing a modern CHL record since 2000 for the longest single-season point streak spanning the regular season, playoffs, and Memorial Cup. At the 2025 CHL Awards, McKenna became the third-youngest winner of the CHL’s David Branch Player of the Year Award and one of only six players in CHL history to receive the honour before turning 18, joining a group that includes Sidney Crosby (Rimouski Océanic / QMJHL) and John Tavares (Oshawa Generals & London Knights / OHL). He was also the first Medicine Hat player to win the award. One year earlier, McKenna was named both WHL Rookie of the Year and CHL Rookie of the Year following a standout 2023–24 season in Medicine Hat. He led all WHL rookies with 63 assists that season and was named to the WHL’s Central Division First All-Star Team, the CHL Third All-Star Team, and the CHL All-Rookie Team. Internationally, McKenna added to his résumé with medals at the IIHF U18 World Championship, Hlinka Gretzky Cup, and World Junior Championship, further cementing his standing as one of the most decorated prospects in the 2026 NHL Draft class. Since 1969, 43 players developed across the CHL Member Leagues — the WHL, Ontario Hockey League (OHL), and Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League (QMJHL) — have been selected first overall across 58 NHL Drafts, accounting for nearly 75 per cent of all top picks during that span. Of the 43 CHL-developed players selected first overall since 1969, 22 have come from the OHL, 11 from the QMJHL and 10 from the WHL, underscoring the CHL’s enduring influence at the very top of the NHL Draft. CHL PLAYERS SELECTED NO. 1 OVERALL AT THE NHL DRAFT (SINCE 1969) 2026 - Forward - Gavin McKenna (Medicine Hat Tigers / WHL) - Toronto Maple Leafs 2025 - Defenceman - Matthew Schaefer (Erie Otters / OHL) - New York Islanders 2023 - Forward - Connor Bedard (Regina Pats / WHL) - Chicago Blackhawks  2020 - Forward - Alexis Lafrenière (Rimouski Océanic / QMJHL) - New York Rangers 2017 - Forward - Nico Hischier (Halifax Mooseheads / QMJHL) - New Jersey Devils 2015 - Forward - Connor McDavid (Erie Otters / OHL) - Edmonton Oilers 2014 - Defenceman - Aaron Ekblad (Barrie Colts / OHL) - Florida Panthers 2013 - Forward - Nathan MacKinnon (Halifax Mooseheads / QMJHL) - Colorado Avalanche 2012 - Forward - Nail Yakupov (Sarnia Sting / OHL) - Edmonton Oilers 2011 - Forward - Ryan Nugent-Hopkins (Red Deer Rebels / WHL) - Edmonton Oilers 2010 - Forward - Taylor Hall (Windsor Spitfires / OHL) - Edmonton Oilers 2009 - Forward - John Tavares  (London Knights / OHL) - New York Islanders 2008 - Forward - Steven Stamkos (Sarnia Sting / OHL) - Tampa Bay Lightning 2007 - Forward - Patrick Kane (London Knights / OHL) - Chicago Blackhawks 2005 - Forward - Sidney Crosby (Rimouski Océanic / QMJHL) - Pittsburgh Penguins 2003 - Goaltender - Marc-André Fleury (Cape Breton Screaming Eagles / QMJHL) - Pittsburgh Penguins 2002 - Forward - Rick Nash (London Knights / OHL) - Columbus Blue Jackets 1998 - Forward - Vincent Lecavalier (Rimouski Océanic / QMJHL) - Tampa Bay Lightning 1997 - Forward - Joe Thornton (Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds / OHL) - Boston Bruins 1996 - Defenceman - Chris Phillips (Prince Albert Raiders / WHL) - Ottawa Senators 1995 - Defenceman - Bryan Berard (Detroit Junior Red Wings / OHL) - Ottawa Senators 1994 - Defenceman - Ed Jovanowski (Windsor Spitfires / OHL) - Florida Panthers 1993 - Forward - Alexandre Daigle (Victoriaville Tigres / QMJHL) - Ottawa Senators 1991 - Forward - Eric Lindros (Oshawa Generals / OHL) - Québec Nordiques 1990 - Forward - Owen Nolan (Cornwall Royals / OHL) - Québec Nordiques 1988 - Forward - Mike Modano (Prince Albert Raiders / WHL) - Minnesota North Stars 1987 - Forward - Pierre Turgeon (Granby Bisons / QMJHL) - Buffalo Sabres 1985 - Defenceman - Wendel Clark (Saskatoon Blades / WHL) - Toronto Maple Leafs 1984 - Forward - Mario Lemieux (Laval Voisins / QMJHL) - Pittsburgh Penguins 1982 - Defenceman - Gord Kluzak (Billings Bighorns / WHL) - Boston Bruins 1981 - Forward - Dale Hawerchuk (Cornwall Royals / QMJHL) - Winnipeg Jets 1980 - Forward - Doug Wickenheiser (Regina Pats / WHL) - Montreal Canadiens 1979 - Defenceman - Rob Ramage (London Knights / OHL/OHA) - Colorado Rockies 1978 - Forward - Bobby Smith (Ottawa 67’s / OHL/OHA) - Minnesota North Stars 1977 - Forward - Dale McCourt (St. Catharines Fincups / OHL/OHA) - Detroit Red Wings 1976 - Defenceman - Rick Green (London Knights / OHL/OHA) - Washington Capitals  1975 - Forward - Mel Bridgman (Victoria Cougars / WHL) - Philadelphia Flyers 1974 - Defenceman - Greg Joly (Regina Pats / WHL) - Washington Capitals 1973 - Defenceman - Denis Potvin (Ottawa 67’s / OHL/OHA) - New York Islanders 1972 - Forward - Billy Harris (Toronto Marlboros / OHL/OHA) - New York Islanders 1971 - Forward - Guy Lafleur (Québec Remparts / QMJHL) - Montreal Canadiens 1970 - Forward - Gilbert Perreault (Montreal Junior Canadiens / OHL/OHA) - Buffalo Sabres 1969 - Forward - Rejean Houle (Montreal Junior Canadiens / OHL/OHA) - Montreal Canadiens]]> CHL talent poised to take centre stage at 2026 NHL Draft in Buffalo https://chl.ca/article/chl-talent-poised-to-take-centre-stage-at-2026-nhl-draft-in-buffalo Thu, 25 Jun 2026 16:11:25 +0000 Scott Vankoughnett https://chl.ca/article/chl-talent-poised-to-take-centre-stage-at-2026-nhl-draft-in-buffalo

197 CHL-developed players listed by NHL Central Scouting ahead of the 2026 NHL Draft, including the entire top five among North American skaters

With the 2026 NHL Draft set for Friday, June 26, and Saturday, June 27, at KeyBank Center in Buffalo, N.Y., the Canadian Hockey League (CHL) — along with the three Member Leagues, the Western Hockey League (WHL), Ontario Hockey League (OHL), and Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League (QMJHL) — is once again positioned to play a leading role on one of hockey’s biggest stages. A total of 197 CHL-developed players were listed in NHL Central Scouting’s Final Rankings ahead of the 2026 NHL Draft, the CHL’s highest total in more than 17 years and the most of any development league in the world. That group includes 80 players from the WHL, 76 from the OHL, and 41 from the QMJHL, with CHL-developed players representing 75.5% of all North American players included in the Final Rankings. The CHL’s presence starts at the top of the draft board. NHL Central Scouting’s Final Rankings feature CHL-developed players in each of the top five spots among North American skaters, led by Medicine Hat Tigers (WHL) product Gavin McKenna at No. 1. He is followed by Soo Greyhounds (OHL) defenceman Chase Reid at No. 2, Prince George Cougars (WHL) defenceman Carson Carels at No. 3, Victoria Royals (WHL) product Keaton Verhoeff at No. 4, and Prince Albert Raiders (WHL) defenceman Daxon Rudolph at No. 5. In total, eight of the top 10 North American skaters and 20 of the top 25 North American skaters in NHL Central Scouting’s Final Rankings are CHL-developed players. The CHL’s presence extends to the crease as well, with 26 CHL goaltenders listed among North American netminders — accounting for more than 70% of the goaltenders ranked by NHL Central Scouting. The 2026 NHL Draft arrives on the heels of another season that reinforced the CHL’s status as the world’s leading development pathway to the NHL. During the 2025-26 campaign, 478 alumni from the WHL, OHL, and QMJHL appeared in at least one NHL game, representing 46.1% of all players league-wide — the highest share of any development league in the world. That presence was evident from Opening Night, when 402 CHL graduates were named to NHL rosters, through the Stanley Cup Final, where 29 CHL alumni competed and 10 lifted the Cup with the Carolina Hurricanes. That impact carried into the 2025 NHL Draft, where more than 90 CHL players were selected across seven rounds at Peacock Theater in Los Angeles. Representing over 40% of the 224 total picks, the CHL’s total was its highest since 2016 and once again led all development leagues worldwide. After producing 21 first-round selections and 30 players chosen across the opening two rounds in 2025, the CHL enters Buffalo with another class defined by high-end talent, positional depth, and representation across all three Member Leagues. The 2026 NHL Draft also marks the beginning of a new signing-window framework for drafted players. Starting with this draft class, NHL clubs will have four years to sign CHL players drafted at age 18, and three years to sign those drafted at age 19 or older, aligning signing windows across development paths. Previously, clubs held signing rights to players drafted out of the CHL for two years.

KEY STORYLINES

Gavin McKenna can add another chapter to CHL first-overall history

If selected first overall, Gavin McKenna would give the CHL back-to-back No. 1 picks following Erie Otters (OHL) defenceman Matthew Schaefer in 2025, and three first-overall selections in four NHL Drafts when including Regina Pats (WHL) forward Connor Bedard in 2023. The Whitehorse, Yukon, product would become the 43rd CHL-developed player selected first overall since 1969 and the 10th from the WHL. He would also make Medicine Hat Tigers history as the first player developed by the franchise to go No. 1, setting a new benchmark as the highest-drafted player in team history. Should Toronto select McKenna first overall, he would join Saskatoon Blades (WHL) alumnus Wendel Clark — chosen No. 1 by the Maple Leafs in 1985 — as the only CHL-developed players taken first overall by Toronto. McKenna also shares a Medicine Hat connection with Maple Leafs great Lanny McDonald, who went fourth overall to Toronto in 1973 after starring with the Tigers; both players also won a WHL Championship with Medicine Hat. McKenna enters the draft with one of the class’s most decorated résumés, highlighted by WHL and CHL Player of the Year honours, WHL and CHL Rookie of the Year honours, a WHL Championship with Medicine Hat, and international medals at the IIHF U18 World Championship, Hlinka Gretzky Cup, and World Junior Championship.

CHL blueliners positioned for strong showing in Buffalo

The top of NHL Central Scouting’s Final Rankings has a distinct CHL blue-line presence, with four CHL-developed defencemen — Reid, Carels, Verhoeff, and Rudolph — ranked among the top five North American skaters. Should three of them be selected inside the top 10, it would mark the first time since 2012 that the CHL has achieved the feat. If four CHL-developed defencemen are chosen among the opening 10 picks, it would represent the league’s strongest top-10 showing among blueliners since 2012, when six went in the top 10. The depth extends further into Round 1, with Vancouver Giants (WHL) defenceman Ryan Lin, Moncton Wildcats (QMJHL) defenceman Tommy Bleyl, Blainville-Boisbriand Armada (QMJHL) defenceman Xavier Villeneuve, and London Knights (OHL) defenceman Maksim Sokolovskii among those who could add to the CHL’s total. If at least six CHL-developed defencemen are selected in the first round, it would mark the league’s highest total among blueliners since eight were chosen in 2013.

CHL depth could drive a major first-round and top-64 showing

With 20 CHL-developed skaters ranked among NHL Central Scouting’s top 25 North American skaters, the CHL enters the 2026 NHL Draft positioned for another strong showing early in Buffalo. After producing 21 first-round selections in 2025, the CHL could once again make a major impact on opening night. That depth could extend well into Round 2, where 34 CHL-developed players selected through the first 64 picks would mark the league’s highest top-two-round total since 2015. Should that number reach 36, it would be the CHL’s highest top-two-round total since 2013, when 41 CHL players were selected across the opening two rounds — the league’s strongest showing of the seven-round draft era. Since 2020, the CHL has had 29 players selected in the opening two rounds in 2020, 26 in 2021, 22 in 2022, 25 in 2023, 26 in 2024, and 30 in 2025. The depth reflected in NHL Central Scouting’s 2026 Final Rankings gives the CHL a chance to raise that mark again in Buffalo.

CHL could chase a rare triple-digit draft

Beyond the first round and top 64 picks, the 2026 NHL Draft could become one of the deepest overall CHL drafts of the modern era. If the CHL reaches 100 total selections over seven rounds, it would mark the league’s highest NHL Draft total since 2013 and its first time reaching triple digits in more than a decade. It would also move the 2026 class within reach of the CHL’s modern seven-round draft record of 110 selections, set since the format was introduced in 2005.

Draft-eligible CHL award winners bring decorated résumés to Buffalo

The 2026 NHL Draft class includes several players who were recognized on the CHL Awards stage. Four 2026 NHL Draft-eligible players captured CHL Awards in 2025-26: Reid was named CHL Top Draft Prospect, Bleyl was named CHL Rookie of the Year, Medicine Hat Tigers (WHL) forward Markus Ruck won the CHL Top Scorer Award, and Ottawa 67’s (OHL) goaltender Ryder Fetterolf was named CHL Goaltender of the Year. Eight draft-eligible players were also named to the CHL’s First, Second, or Third All-Star Teams: Fetterolf, Medicine Hat Tigers (WHL) forward Liam Ruck, Reid, Bleyl, Saginaw Spirit (OHL) forward Nikita Klepov, Markus Ruck, Rudolph, and Kamloops Blazers (WHL) forward JP Hurlbert. Fetterolf and Liam Ruck earned First Team honours, while Reid, Bleyl, Klepov, and Markus Ruck were named to the Second All-Star Team. Rudolph and Hurlbert earned Third Team recognition. Five draft-eligible players — Fetterolf, Bleyl, Brantford Bulldogs (OHL) forward Caleb Malhotra, Hurlbert, and Klepov — were also named to the CHL All-Rookie Team.

U.S.-born CHL talent could match rare first-round mark

The 2026 NHL Draft could also feature a notable U.S.-born CHL storyline, with five CHL-developed players — Hurlbert, Bleyl, Klepov, Oshawa Generals (OHL) forward Brooks Rogowski, and Reid — among those positioned to draw first-round consideration in Buffalo. Should all five be selected in Round 1, it would match the largest single-draft total of U.S.-born players selected from CHL clubs in the first round since the NHL Draft began in 1969. The mark was set in 1998, when five U.S.-born CHL players were chosen in the opening round: David Legwand of the Plymouth Whalers (OHL), Mike Rupp of the Erie Otters (OHL), Eric Chouinard of the Québec Remparts (QMJHL), Scott Parker of the Kelowna Rockets (WHL), and Scott Gomez of the Tri-City Americans (WHL).

Medicine Hat could become one of Buffalo’s biggest club stories

The Medicine Hat Tigers are positioned to be one of the most closely watched CHL clubs at the 2026 NHL Draft. In addition to McKenna’s chance to become the first Tigers product selected first overall, Medicine Hat features two more high-profile draft-eligible forwards in Liam Ruck and Markus Ruck. Liam was named to the CHL First All-Star Team after finishing second in CHL scoring, while Markus captured the CHL Top Scorer Award and earned CHL Second All-Star Team honours. In doing so, Markus and Liam became the first siblings in CHL history to finish first and second in league scoring in the same season, as well as the first brothers ever to place 1-2 in scoring within a CHL Member League. The Ruck twins could also make NHL Draft history. If Liam and Markus are both selected in the first round, they would become just the third set of brothers to be chosen in Round 1 of the same NHL Draft, joining Daniel and Henrik Sedin in 1999 and Ron and Rich Sutter in 1982.  Should McKenna, Liam and Markus all go in the first round, Medicine Hat would also become the first CHL club with three first-round selections in the same NHL Draft since the London Knights and Windsor Spitfires each did so in 2016 — fittingly, the last time the NHL Draft was held in Buffalo.

Club-level history within reach across the CHL

A number of CHL clubs could see franchise history made in Buffalo. For the Brantford Bulldogs (OHL), Malhotra can continue the club’s recent first-round momentum. If selected third overall, he would become the highest-drafted player of the Brantford era, surpassing Jake O’Brien, who went eighth overall in 2025. Another first-round selection would also give the Bulldogs first-round picks in three straight NHL Drafts, following Marek Vanacker in 2024 and O’Brien in 2025. For the London Knights (OHL), Jaxon Cover and Maksim Sokolovskii could help extend the club’s active first-round streak to four straight NHL Drafts — the longest active run in the CHL. A first-round selection for either player in 2026 would follow Oliver Bonk and Easton Cowan in 2023, Sam Dickinson and Sam O’Reilly in 2024, and Henry Brzustewicz in 2025. The Knights also enter the draft having had at least one player selected in 57 consecutive NHL Drafts, a CHL record. The Saginaw Spirit (OHL) and Windsor Spitfires (OHL) could each extend active first-round streaks at the 2026 NHL Draft. If selected in Round 1, Klepov would give Saginaw a first-round pick for a third straight draft, following Zayne Parekh in 2024 and Michael Misa in 2025. Ethan Belchetz could do the same for Windsor, following Liam Greentree in 2024 and Jack Nesbitt in 2025. For the Soo Greyhounds (OHL), Reid could become the club’s highest-drafted player since Joe Thornton went first overall in 1997 if he is selected among the top three picks. A top-four selection would also make him the highest-drafted defenceman in Greyhounds history. If Reid is taken fourth overall, he would become the second Greyhounds player selected at that spot, joining Ron Francis. For the Prince George Cougars (WHL), Carels could add another notable chapter to the club’s NHL Draft history. If selected fifth overall, he would tie Eric Brewer as the highest-drafted player of the team’s Prince George era and match Rick Lapointe for second in the broader Victoria/Prince George Cougars franchise history, behind only Mel Bridgman, who went first overall in 1975. The Cougars also appear poised to produce a first-round selection for a third straight NHL Draft, following Terik Parascak in 2024 and Joshua Ravensbergen in 2025. For the Prince Albert Raiders, (WHL) Rudolph could become the club’s highest-drafted player since Leon Draisaitl went third overall in 2014. A top-10 selection would also make him the highest-drafted Raiders defenceman since Chris Phillips was taken first overall in 1996. For the Vancouver Giants (WHL), Lin could become the club’s highest-drafted defenceman since Bowen Byram was selected fourth overall in 2019. A first-round selection would also make Lin the fourth Giants blueliner drafted in Round 1, joining Mark Fistric, Jonathon Blum and Byram. If he is joined by forward Mathis Preston in the first round, it would mark the first time in franchise history that Vancouver has had multiple first-round picks in the same NHL Draft. For the Kamloops Blazers (WHL), Hurlbert could become the club’s first first-round pick since Kamloops Blazers (WHL) alumnus Connor Zary in 2020. If selected inside the top 23, he would become the highest-drafted Blazers forward since Kamloops Blazers alumnus Scottie Upshall went sixth overall in 2002. For the Moncton Wildcats (QMJHL), Bleyl could give the franchise first-round picks in back-to-back NHL Drafts following Moncton Wildcats forward Caleb Desnoyers in 2025. He would also become Moncton’s first defenceman selected in the first round since Moncton Wildcats alumnus Brandon Gormley went 13th overall in 2010. For the Québec Remparts (QMJHL), Maddox Dagenais could add a notable chapter to the franchise’s NHL Draft history. If selected among the top 21 picks, he would become the highest-drafted Remparts player since Mikhail Grigorenko was taken by the Buffalo Sabres with the 12th overall pick in 2012.]]> CHL unveils 2025-26 All-Star and All-Rookie Teams https://chl.ca/article/chl-unveils-2025-26-all-star-and-all-rookie-teams Wed, 24 Jun 2026 14:39:44 +0000 Scott Vankoughnett https://chl.ca/article/chl-unveils-2025-26-all-star-and-all-rookie-teams The Canadian Hockey League (CHL) today announced its First, Second, and Third All-Star Teams for the 2025-26 season, along with its All-Rookie Team. Media members who regularly cover the CHL and the Member Leagues — the Western Hockey League (WHL), Ontario Hockey League (OHL), and Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League (QMJHL) — participated in the voting process to determine this year’s CHL All-Star and All-Rookie teams. Ballots were cast based on regular-season performances, with voters selecting the top players from across the CHL’s three leagues to recognize outstanding individual achievements.

CHL First All-Star Team

Goaltender – Ryder Fetterolf (Ottawa 67’s / OHL): 29-9-2-1 record, 2.07 GAA, .923 SV% & 6 SO in 41 GP during the 2025-26 season; signed by Ottawa as an undrafted free agent last summer, Fetterolf quickly emerged as one of the CHL’s top goaltenders during a historic rookie campaign with the 67’s. The 18-year-old from Sewickley, Pa., led the CHL in both goals-against average and save percentage, while his six shutouts set a new OHL record for the most by a rookie goaltender in a single season. An eligible prospect for the 2026 NHL Draft, Fetterolf is ranked No. 11 among North American goaltenders in NHL Central Scouting’s Final Rankings. Named the CHL Goaltender of the Year, Fetterolf became the first Ottawa 67’s player to receive the honour and just the second rookie or first-year CHL goaltender to capture the award, joining Martin Biron of the Beauport Harfangs in 1994-95. Defenceman – Bryce Pickford (Medicine Hat Tigers / WHL): 45G-38A, 83 PTS, +55 in 55 GP during the 2025-26 season; the Montreal Canadiens prospect authored one of the greatest goal-scoring seasons by a defenceman in modern CHL history, scoring 45 goals — the highest single-season total by a CHL blueliner in the 21st century and the most since Greg Hawgood’s 48-goal campaign in 1987-88. The 20-year-old captain from Chauvin, Alta., was the only defenceman to finish among the CHL’s top 10 goal scorers, while his 19 power-play goals and 11 game-winning goals both ranked among the league leaders. Named CHL Defenceman of the Year, Pickford became the second Medicine Hat Tigers player to win the award, joining Kris Russell in 2006-07. Defenceman – Kashawn Aitcheson (Barrie Colts / OHL): 28G-42A, 70 PTS, +46 in 56 GP during the 2025-26 season; Aitcheson put together a record-setting season in Barrie, leading all OHL defencemen with 70 points while establishing a new Colts franchise record for goals by a defenceman with 28. The New York Islanders prospect and Toronto, Ont., native also finished among the OHL leaders with a +46 rating and six game-winning goals, while his 15 power-play goals led all OHL blueliners. Named the OHL’s Defenceman of the Year, Aitcheson closed out his Colts career as the franchise’s all-time leader in both goals (63) and points (171) by a defenceman. Forward – Sam O’Reilly (Kitchener Rangers / OHL): 29G-42A, 71 PTS, +20 in 56 GP during the 2025-26 season; the Tampa Bay Lightning prospect was named the OHL’s Most Outstanding Player after making an immediate impact with the Kitchener Rangers following a mid-season move from the London Knights. The 20-year-old from Toronto recorded 43 points and a +31 rating in 28 games with Kitchener, helping the Rangers finish atop the Western Conference standings for the first time since 2008. O’Reilly also won 58 per cent of his faceoffs and was recognized in the OHL Coaches Poll as the Western Conference’s smartest player, best faceoff man, and best defensive forward. He carried that form into the spring, earning both OHL Playoff MVP and Memorial Cup MVP honours while leading Kitchener to a Memorial Cup title. With that sweep, he became just the fourth player in CHL history to win regular-season, playoff, and Memorial Cup MVP honours in the same season, joining Brad Richards, Corey Perry, and Mitch Marner. The championship also marked his second straight Memorial Cup title after winning with London a year earlier, placing him among a rare group of players to win back-to-back Memorial Cups with different teams. Forward – Maxim Massé (Chicoutimi Saguenéens / QMJHL): 51G-51A, 102 PTS, +62 in 63 GP during the 2025-26 season; the Anaheim Ducks prospect captured the CHL’s David Branch Player of the Year Award after being named the QMJHL’s Most Valuable Player and winning the first scoring title of his QMJHL career. The 20-year-old from Rimouski, Que., finished with 102 points, including 51 goals and 51 assists, to become one of only two CHL players to surpass both the 50-goal and 100-point marks in 2025-26. Massé also tied for the CHL lead in goals, ranked second in the QMJHL with a +62 rating and eight game-winning goals, and helped lead Chicoutimi to its first QMJHL Championship title in 32 years. With his CHL MVP honour, Massé became just the sixth player in CHL history to win both CHL Rookie of the Year and the CHL David Branch Player of the Year Award over his career, joining Sidney Crosby, John Tavares, Alex DeBrincat, Alexis Lafrenière, and Gavin McKenna. Forward – Liam Ruck (Medicine Hat Tigers / WHL): 45G-59A, 104 PTS, +47 in 68 GP during the 2025-26 season; the 18-year-old from Osoyoos, B.C., finished second in scoring among all WHL and CHL skaters with 104 points in 68 games. Eligible for the 2026 NHL Draft, Liam is ranked 20th among North American skaters in NHL Central Scouting’s Final Rankings. His 45 goals were tied for second in the WHL, while his 59 assists ranked fifth across the league. One of only four CHL players to reach the 100-point mark in 2025-26, Ruck also tied for third in the CHL with 10 game-winning goals and helped Medicine Hat finish atop the Central Division. Originally selected ninth overall by the Tigers in the 2023 WHL Prospects Draft, Ruck was also a member of Medicine Hat’s 2025 WHL Championship team a year ago.

CHL Second All-Star Team

Goaltender – Rudy Guimond (Moncton Wildcats / QMJHL): 40-7-1-2 record, 2.27 GAA, .922 SV% & 3 SO in 50 GP during the 2025-26 season; the Detroit Red Wings prospect captured the QMJHL’s Patrick-Roy Trophy after a dominant season with the Moncton Wildcats. Guimond led all QMJHL goaltenders in wins, goals-against average, save percentage, and minutes played, while his 40 victories also led the CHL. The 20-year-old became the first CHL goaltender to reach the 40-win mark since Dustin Wolf in 2018-19 and just the sixth QMJHL netminder since 2000 to do so. Guimond helped guide Moncton to a second consecutive QMJHL regular-season championship and concluded his QMJHL career with a league-record 2.14 career goals-against average. Defenceman – Chase Reid (Soo Greyhounds / OHL): 18G-30A, 48 PTS, +27 in 45 GP during the 2025-26 season; ranked No. 2 among North American skaters by NHL Central Scouting ahead of the 2026 NHL Draft, Reid established himself as the highest-ranked current CHL skater in this year’s draft class. The 18-year-old from Chesterfield, Mich., averaged better than a point per game with the Soo Greyhounds and was one of just six first-year draft-eligible defencemen across the CHL to do so. A finalist for the OHL’s Defenceman of the Year Award, Reid was recognized in four categories in the OHL Coaches Poll, including as the Western Conference’s Best Offensive Defenceman. He was also named the CHL’s Top Draft Prospect for 2025-26, becoming the eighth defenceman to claim the award since it was first presented in 1991. Reid also marked the second straight OHL blueliner to receive the honour, following Erie Otters defenceman Matthew Schaefer, who won the award a year ago before capturing this year’s Calder Memorial Trophy as the NHL’s Rookie of the Year. Defenceman – Tommy Bleyl (Moncton Wildcats / QMJHL): 13G-68A, 81 PTS, +58 in 63 GP during the 2025-26 season; Bleyl delivered a historic rookie campaign from the blue line, setting a new QMJHL record for points by a rookie defenceman with 81 in 63 games. Ranked No. 17 among North American skaters by NHL Central Scouting ahead of the 2026 NHL Draft, he also led the entire QMJHL with 68 assists — the highest single-season total by a CHL rookie defenceman in the 21st century. Bleyl became only the second player in QMJHL history to win both the Émile-Bouchard Trophy as Defenceman of the Year and the Sidney-Crosby Trophy as Rookie of the Year in the same season, joining Dmitry Kulikov. After helping Moncton capture a second consecutive QMJHL regular-season title, he was also named the CHL Rookie of the Year, becoming just the fourth defenceman to win the award after Philippe Boucher, Bryan Berard, and Landon DuPont, as well as the first Wildcats player to receive the honour. Forward – Nikita Klepov (Saginaw Spirit / OHL): 37G-60A, 97 PTS, +9 in 67 GP during the 2025-26 season; ranked No. 8 among North American skaters by NHL Central Scouting in its Final Rankings ahead of the 2026 NHL Draft, Klepov captured the Eddie Powers Memorial Trophy as the OHL’s leading scorer and the Jim Mahon Memorial Trophy as the league’s top-scoring right winger after finishing with 97 points in 67 games. The 17-year-old from Deerfield Beach, Fla., became the first rookie in his first two years of OHL eligibility to lead the league in scoring since Jack Valiquette in 1973-74 and the first rookie to lead any CHL Member League in scoring since Patrick Kane in 2006-07. Klepov’s 37 goals tied Cole Perfetti’s Saginaw Spirit rookie record, while his 60 assists and 97 points established new franchise rookie benchmarks. Forward – Markus Ruck (Medicine Hat Tigers / WHL): 21G-87A, 108 PTS, +45 in 68 GP during the 2025-26 season; Ruck captured the Bob Clarke Trophy and the CHL Top Scorer Award after leading the WHL and the entire CHL with 108 points. Ranked No. 23 among North American skaters by NHL Central Scouting in its Final Rankings ahead of the 2026 NHL Draft, the 18-year-old from Osoyoos, B.C., recorded a CHL-best 87 assists in 68 games, serving as one of the driving forces behind a Medicine Hat team that led the WHL in goals, owned the league’s top power play, and finished atop the Central Division. Ruck’s twin brother, Liam, finished second in both the WHL and CHL scoring races with 104 points, making Markus and Liam the first siblings in CHL history to finish first and second in league scoring in the same season. Forward – Tij Iginla (Kelowna Rockets / WHL): 41G-49A, 90 PTS, +47 in 48 GP during the 2025-26 season; the Utah Mammoth prospect returned from an injury-shortened 2024-25 campaign to produce at one of the highest rates in the CHL. The 19-year-old from Lake Country, B.C., led all WHL skaters and ranked second across the CHL with 1.88 points per game, finishing with 90 points in just 48 contests. Iginla established new career highs in both assists and points, while his 41 goals ranked tied for sixth among WHL skaters. He was also one of just five players across the CHL to top 40 goals and 40 assists in 2025-26. Selected sixth overall by Utah in the 2024 NHL Draft, Iginla has recorded 225 points in 184 career WHL regular-season games.

CHL Third All-Star Team

Goaltender – Joshua Ravensbergen (Prince George Cougars / WHL): 32-13-0-0 record, 2.51 GAA, .919 SV% & 4 SO in 46 GP during the 2025-26 season; the San Jose Sharks prospect became the first Prince George Cougars goaltender to capture the Del Wilson Memorial Trophy and just the third netminder in franchise history to earn the honour. The 6-foot-6 netminder from North Vancouver, B.C., led the WHL in both wins (32) and save percentage (.919), tied for second in shutouts (4), and ranked fourth in goals-against average (2.51). Ravensbergen helped Prince George record a third consecutive 40-win season, while allowing two goals or fewer in 25 of his 46 appearances. Undrafted into the WHL, he owns 91 career regular-season wins across three seasons with the Cougars. Defenceman – Landon DuPont (Everett Silvertips / WHL): 18G-55A, 73 PTS, +59 in 63 GP during the 2025-26 season; one year after being named CHL Rookie of the Year, DuPont continued to build on his exceptional start in Everett. The 17-year-old from Calgary, Alta., established career highs across the board with 18 goals, 55 assists, 73 points, and a +59 rating in 63 games. Eligible for the 2027 NHL Draft, DuPont finished tied for fourth among all WHL defencemen in points, while his 55 assists were tied for second among league blueliners. The right-shot defenceman also added 28 power-play assists, the second-highest total among all WHL skaters. Defenceman – Daxon Rudolph (Prince Albert Raiders / WHL): 28G-50A, 78 PTS, +32 in 68 GP during the 2025-26 season; Rudolph posted one of the top offensive seasons by a WHL defenceman in his NHL Draft year, leading the Prince Albert Raiders in scoring while helping the club capture the East Division title. Ranked No. 5 among North American skaters by NHL Central Scouting in its Final Rankings ahead of the 2026 NHL Draft, the 18-year-old from Lacombe, Alta., finished third among WHL defencemen in both goals and points, while his 28 goals tied a Raiders franchise record for goals by a defenceman, matching the mark set by Josh Morrissey in 2013-14. 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. Forward – Cole Beaudoin (Barrie Colts / OHL): 33G-56A, 89 PTS, +40 in 54 GP during the 2025-26 season; the Barrie Colts co-captain was named the CHL Sportsman Player of the Year after delivering one of the OHL’s most complete seasons. The Utah Mammoth prospect led Barrie with 89 points in just 54 games while taking only 29 penalty minutes, and his 1.65 points-per-game average ranked second in the OHL. Beaudoin also finished tied for the OHL lead with 10 game-winning goals and won 55 per cent of his faceoffs. In the OHL Coaches Poll, the 20-year-old from Kanata, Ont., led all Eastern Conference players with four first-place finishes — hardest worker, best defensive forward, best on faceoffs, and best penalty killer. Forward – Nathan Aspinall (Flint Firebirds / OHL): 33G-61A, 94 PTS, +21 in 65 GP during the 2025-26 season; the Flint Firebirds captain helped lead his club to the best season in its 10-year history while setting a new franchise record with 61 assists. The 6-foot-7 winger from Markham, Ont., finished with 94 points, a 47-point improvement from the previous season, and placed fifth in the OHL with 250 shots on goal. A fifth-round pick of the New York Rangers in the 2024 NHL Draft, Aspinall also tied for the OHL lead with eight first goals and converted on four of six shootout attempts. His breakout campaign earned him OHL Player of the Month honours in November and recognition in both the hardest shot and best playmaker categories in the Western Conference portion of the OHL Coaches Poll. Forward – JP Hurlbert (Kamloops Blazers / WHL): 42G-55A, 97 PTS, +13 in 68 GP during the 2025-26 season; Hurlbert enjoyed one of the most productive rookie seasons in Kamloops Blazers history, recording 97 points to surpass Scottie Upshall’s previous franchise rookie benchmark of 87. Ranked No. 12 among North American skaters by NHL Central Scouting heading into the 2026 NHL Draft, the Allen, Texas product led all WHL rookies in scoring and tied Nikita Klepov for the most points by any CHL rookie in 2025-26. Hurlbert 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. He also ranked among WHL leaders in points, goals, first goals, and assists while serving as an alternate captain in his first WHL season.

CHL All-Rookie Team

Goaltender – Ryder Fetterolf (Ottawa 67’s / OHL): 29-9-2-1 record, 2.07 GAA, .923 SV% & 6 SO in 41 GP during the 2025-26 season; Fetterolf’s first CHL season produced one of the top rookie goaltending campaigns in recent CHL and OHL history. The 18-year-old from Sewickley, Pa., set an Ottawa 67’s franchise record with a 2.07 goals-against average, while his six shutouts established a new OHL rookie record. Fetterolf also shared the Dave Pinkney Trophy with Jaeden Nelson as the OHL’s lowest goals-against tandem and received the F.W. “Dinty” Moore Trophy as the rookie goaltender with the league’s lowest goals-against average. An eligible prospect for the 2026 NHL Draft, Fetterolf is ranked No. 11 among North American goaltenders in NHL Central Scouting’s Final Rankings. Defenceman – Tommy Bleyl (Moncton Wildcats / QMJHL): 13G-68A, 81 PTS, +58 in 63 GP during the 2025-26 season; Bleyl finished second among all QMJHL rookies with 81 points, setting a league record for points by a rookie defenceman. His 68 assists led the QMJHL regardless of position and represented the highest single-season total by a CHL rookie defenceman in the 21st century. Ranked 17th among North American skaters by NHL Central Scouting ahead of the 2026 NHL Draft, Bleyl ended the season with three QMJHL trophies — the Sidney-Crosby Trophy, Émile-Bouchard Trophy, and Raymond-Lagacé Trophy — before being named CHL Rookie of the Year. Defenceman – Levi Harper (Saginaw Spirit / OHL): 12G-45A, 57 PTS, -3 in 68 GP during the 2025-26 season; Harper made an immediate impact with Saginaw, setting a new Spirit record for points by a rookie defenceman. The 17-year-old from Tampa, Fla., recorded 57 points in 68 games while seeing significant minutes on the Spirit blue line. A 2027 NHL Draft prospect, Harper joined Saginaw after winning gold with the United States at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup and later represented his country at the 2026 IIHF World Under-18 Hockey Championship. He also earned the OHL’s Bobby Smith Trophy as Scholastic Player of the Year after posting a 93.2 per cent academic average and graduating a full year early. Forward – Caleb Malhotra (Brantford Bulldogs / OHL): 29G-55A, 84 PTS, +33 in 67 GP during the 2025-26 season; Malhotra emerged as one of the OHL’s most productive rookies in his first season with the Brantford Bulldogs. The 6-foot-2 centre recorded 84 points in 67 games, setting a new franchise record for points by a Bulldogs rookie. Ranked sixth among North American skaters by NHL Central Scouting ahead of the 2026 NHL Draft, Malhotra also scored eight game-winning goals, produced 30 power-play points, and was a finalist among the Eastern Conference’s top stickhandlers in the OHL Coaches Poll. His strong start included points in 11 of his first 12 games, highlighted by a five-point performance against Sudbury on September 27. Forward – JP Hurlbert (Kamloops Blazers / WHL): 42G-55A, 97 PTS, +13 in 68 GP during the 2025-26 season; Hurlbert’s outstanding rookie season saw him become the highest-scoring first-year player in Kamloops Blazers history. The 6-foot forward led all WHL rookies and tied for the CHL rookie scoring lead with 97 points, while his 42 goals ranked tied for fourth among WHL skaters. The Allen, Texas, native became just the third rookie in Blazers history to score 40 goals in a season, joining Scottie Upshall and Rudolfs Balcers. He was also named to the WHL Western Conference First All-Star Team and finished as the No. 12-ranked North American skater in NHL Central Scouting’s Final Rankings. Forward – Nikita Klepov (Saginaw Spirit / OHL): 37G-60A, 97 PTS, +9 in 67 GP during the 2025-26 season; Klepov became just the third player in OHL history to win both the Eddie Powers Memorial Trophy and the Emms Family Award as Rookie of the Year in the same season, joining Jack Valiquette and Patrick Kane. The 17-year-old Saginaw Spirit forward led the OHL with 97 points and became the first rookie to lead any CHL Member League in scoring since Kane did so with London in 2006-07. Ranked No. 8 among North American skaters by NHL Central Scouting in its Final Rankings ahead of the 2026 NHL Draft, Klepov recorded at least three points in a game 13 times and earned OHL Rookie of the Month honours in October, January, and February.]]> Oshawa Generals hold No. 1 pick for 2026 CHL Import Draft https://chl.ca/article/oshawa-generals-hold-no-1-pick-for-2026-chl-import-draft Tue, 23 Jun 2026 15:00:17 +0000 Scott Vankoughnett https://chl.ca/article/oshawa-generals-hold-no-1-pick-for-2026-chl-import-draft

New for this year’s draft, 20-year-old import players will be eligible to be selected in any round, while 16-year-old import players may only be selected in the first round.

The Oshawa Generals of the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) hold the first overall pick in the 2026 CHL Import Draft, set for Tuesday, June 30, at 11 a.m. ET. The Baie-Comeau Drakkar of the Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League (QMJHL) currently hold the No. 2 selection, while the Lethbridge Hurricanes of the Western Hockey League (WHL) own the third overall pick. The Guelph Storm of the OHL, hosts of the 2027 Memorial Cup presented by Kubota, round out the top four after moving up in the draft order last week through a trade with the Erie Otters (see the complete draft order 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. Under updated rules for the 2026 CHL Import Draft, 20-year-old import players will be eligible to be selected in any round, while 16-year-old import players may also be selected, but only in the first round. CHL clubs may carry a maximum of one 16-year-old import player per season, and that player cannot be traded or replaced by another import player during his 16-year-old season. If a 16-year-old import player is released to another level of hockey during the regular season or deleted from a club’s roster, that club will be limited to two import players for the remainder of the regular season and playoffs. CHL clubs have been permitted to trade selections in the 2027 CHL Import Draft since May 5, 2026, while 2026 selections may continue to be traded until Monday, June 29. For the first time in the history of the CHL Import Draft, the Oshawa Generals hold the first overall pick. It also marks the first time the Generals have held a top-five selection at the event, with their only previous top-10 pick coming in 2010 when they chose Danish forward Nicklas Jensen eighth overall. Last year, Oshawa selected Onni Kalto 41st overall with its first pick in the 2025 CHL Import Draft, and the Finnish forward went on to become one of four Generals skaters to reach the 20-goal plateau, finishing with 29 points over 62 games during the 2025-26 season. Oshawa’s third-round pick, Vadim Smirnov, also contributed 21 points, including 10 goals, across 61 contests. Over the years, the Generals have developed several notable import talents, including Swedish forward Tobias Lindberg, who helped Oshawa capture both the OHL Championship and Memorial Cup in 2015, Danish first-round NHL Draft pick Nicklas Jensen, Czech defenceman Jan Snopek, and recent Finnish standout Rasmus Kumpulainen. Although the Baie-Comeau Drakkar have twice selected first overall in the history of the CHL Import Draft, 2026 marks the first time the club has held the No. 2 pick at the event. At last year’s CHL Import Draft, the Drakkar used their first-round pick, 36th overall, to select Italian forward Jacopo De Luca, who became just the seventh Italian player ever chosen in the history of the draft. De Luca went on to record 25 points in 56 games during the 2025-26 season, finishing fifth in team scoring, while third-round pick Filip Vlk of Czechia added seven goals and seven assists over 55 contests. Baie-Comeau has also built a strong track record of developing talent through the CHL Import Draft, highlighted by Russian forwards Valentin Zykov and Ivan Chekhovich, who both delivered high-end offensive seasons with the Drakkar, along with Czech forward Matyas Melovsky, a 200-point producer during his time in Baie-Comeau, and Latvian defenceman Niks Fenenko, a steady presence on the club’s blue line over three seasons. The Lethbridge Hurricanes hold the third overall pick of the 2026 CHL Import Draft, marking the second time in franchise history they have held the No. 3 selection and the third time they have owned a top-three pick at the event. At last year’s draft, the Hurricanes selected Czech defenceman Tomas Malinek in the second round, and he went on to record six points over 59 games during the 2025-26 season. Lethbridge also added Lithuanian forward Mykolas Skadauskas, one of just four Lithuanian players ever selected in the CHL Import Draft and one of the first two taken in 17 years, who registered six assists across 34 regular-season games. Over the years, the Hurricanes have successfully used the CHL Import Draft to add players who made an immediate impact in Lethbridge and carried that success beyond the WHL, from Slovak forward Tomas Kopecky and Swiss defenceman Luca Sbisa to Finnish goaltender Juha Metsola, who helped backstop the club to the 2008 WHL Championship Series. 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 2025 NHL Draft in Los Angeles, six CHL players selected through the CHL Import Draft were chosen by NHL clubs: Radim Mrtka (Seattle Thunderbirds, WHL / Buffalo Sabres), Max Pšenička (Portland Winterhawks, WHL / Utah Mammoth), Julius Sumpf (Moncton Wildcats, QMJHL / Chicago Blackhawks), David Lewandowski (Saskatoon Blades, WHL /  Edmonton Oilers), Carlos Händel (Halifax Mooseheads, QMJHL /  Montréal Canadiens), and Filip Ekberg (Ottawa 67’s, OHL / Carolina Hurricanes). The event has also helped bring a number of future NHL standouts to the CHL, including Leon Draisaitl (Prince Albert Raiders / WHL), Zdeno Chara (Prince George Cougars / WHL), Marian Hossa (Portland Winterhawks / WHL), Mikael Backlund (Kelowna Rockets / WHL), Oliver Bjorkstrand (Portland Winterhawks / WHL), Gabriel Landeskog (Kitchener Rangers / OHL), Nikita Zadorov (London Knights / OHL), Rasmus Andersson (Barrie Colts / OHL), Olli Määttä (London Knights / OHL), Alexander Radulov (Québec Remparts / QMJHL), David Krejci (Gatineau Olympiques / QMJHL), and Nico Hischier (Halifax Mooseheads / QMJHL). That list also includes two-time Hart Trophy winner Nikita Kucherov (Rouyn-Noranda Huskies / QMJHL), 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.  Since the first CHL Import Draft was held in 1992, over 2,310 players from outside of Canada and the United States have been selected at this annual event.  On Tuesday, June 30, fans and media can follow along with the 2026 CHL Import Draft and view full results at chl.ca/draft.   Order of Selections for the 2026 CHL Import Draft (as of 11:00 a.m. ET on June 23)
First Round Second Round Third Round
No. Team No. Team No. Team
1 Oshawa Generals 62 Brantford Bulldogs (from Oshawa) 123 Oshawa Generals
2 Baie-Comeau Drakkar 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 Chicoutimi Saguenéens (from 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 Gatineau Olympiques 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 Everett Silvertips (from 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 Saint John Sea Dogs (from 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 Halifax Mooseheads 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 Seattle Thunderbirds 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 Drummondville Voltigeurs 102 Drummondville Voltigeurs 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 Kelowna Rockets 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
]]> 18 CHL alumni win 2026 Calder Cup with Marlies https://chl.ca/article/18-chl-alumni-win-2026-calder-cup-with-marlies Sat, 20 Jun 2026 15:49:17 +0000 Scott Vankoughnett https://chl.ca/article/18-chl-alumni-win-2026-calder-cup-with-marlies William Villeneuve led all AHL d-men in playoff scoring with 23 points and trailed only Vinni Lettieri for the postseason scoring lead. Easton Cowan - a two-time OHL champion and Memorial Cup winner with the London Knights - finished third in postseason scoring with 18 points after he joined the club for a championship run to conclude a season in which he had made 66 appearances in the NHL. The Marlies are captained by former Cape Breton and Quebec star Logan Shaw who earlier this season became the Marlies' all-time scoring leader. His 17 postseason points were tied for the fifth most. Toronto are led by former Brantford Bulldogs head coach John Gruden who had previously guided the club to an OHL title in 2018. Gruden has been the Marlies head coach since 2023. With Toronto's victory, it marks the second straight year a Canadian team have been crowned AHL winners after the Abbotsford Canucks were victorious a year ago. Of the 18 CHL alumni to win the 2026 title, nine played in the OHL, five in the WHL and four in the QMJHL. 18 CHL alumni win 2026 Calder Cup with the Toronto Marlies Ken Appleby (Oshawa Generals - OHL) Brandon Baddock (Edmonton Oil Kings - WHL) Noah Chadwick (Lethbridge Hurricanes - WHL) Easton Cowan (London Knights - OHL) Ben Danford (Oshawa Generals / Brantford Bulldogs - OHL) Bo Groulx (Halifax Mooseheads / Moncton Wildcats - QMJHL) Reese Johnson (Red Deer Rebels - WHL) Ben King (Red Deer Rebels - WHL) Dakota Mermis (London Knights / Oshawa Generals - OHL) Alex Nylander (Mississauga Steelheads - OHL) Cedric Pare (Saint John Sea Dogs / Rimouski Oceanic - QMJHL) Michael Pezzetta (Sudbury Wolves / Sarnia Sting - OHL) Chas Sharpe (Mississauga Steelheads - OHL) Logan Shaw (Cape Breton Screaming Eagles / Quebec Remparts - QMJHL) Landon Sim (London Knights - OHL) Blake Smith (Oshawa Generals / Flint Firebirds - OHL) Borya Valis (Regina Pats / Prince George Cougars - WHL) William Villeneuve (Saint John Sea Dogs - QMJHL)]]> CHL alumni help define 2026 Stanley Cup Final, with 10 graduates lifting Cup with Hurricanes https://chl.ca/article/chl-alumni-help-define-2026-stanley-cup-final-with-10-graduates-lifting-cup-with-hurricanes Fri, 19 Jun 2026 09:48:11 +0000 Scott Vankoughnett https://chl.ca/article/chl-alumni-help-define-2026-stanley-cup-final-with-10-graduates-lifting-cup-with-hurricanes

Graduates from the WHL, OHL and QMJHL accounted for nearly half of all players in the championship series, 31 of 42 goals, 70 of 111 points, both captains, and 10 members of Carolina’s Stanley Cup-winning roster

The 2026 Stanley Cup Final once again showcased the Canadian Hockey League’s impact at the highest level of the game, with alumni from the Western Hockey League (WHL), Ontario Hockey League (OHL), and Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League (QMJHL) playing a leading role throughout the championship series between the Carolina Hurricanes and Vegas Golden Knights.

In total, 29 CHL alumni competed in the Stanley Cup Final, accounting for roughly half of all players who appeared in the series — more than any other development hockey league in the world. Both captains — Jordan Staal (Peterborough Petes / OHL) and Mark Stone (Brandon Wheat Kings / WHL) — developed in the CHL, while alumni from the WHL, OHL and QMJHL accounted for 31 of the 42 goals scored (73.8%) and 70 of the 111 total points recorded (63.1%) across the six-game championship series.

That impact extended to the Stanley Cup champion Carolina Hurricanes, who defeated the Vegas Golden Knights in Game 6 on Sunday night to capture the second National Hockey League (NHL) championship in franchise history and first since 2006. Carolina’s championship roster featured 10 CHL alumni, including four OHL graduates, three QMJHL graduates, and three WHL graduates. The Hurricanes’ victory extended a remarkable run for the CHL, marking the eighth straight season that at least 10 alumni from the WHL, OHL or QMJHL have won the Stanley Cup. Leading the way for Carolina was Staal, who was awarded the Conn Smythe Trophy as the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs MVP. The Hurricanes captain became the oldest player in NHL history to win the award, while also becoming the first player in League history to go 17 years between Stanley Cup victories after previously winning the championship with the Pittsburgh Penguins in 2009. Staal’s win marked the fourth straight year that a CHL alumnus has captured the Conn Smythe Trophy, following Sam Bennett (Kingston Frontenacs / OHL) in 2025, Connor McDavid (Erie Otters / OHL) in 2024, and Jonathan Marchessault (Québec Remparts / QMJHL) in 2023. It also marked the seventh time in the last 10 years that a CHL alumnus has received the honour. The 37-year-old delivered a dominant performance in the Stanley Cup Final, scoring in each of the first five games of the series to tie the NHL record for the longest goal streak in a Final. Staal finished the championship series with six goals and seven points, set a Hurricanes franchise record for goals in a playoff series, and led the NHL in playoff face-off wins.

Carolina’s CHL alumni lead championship run 

Fellow CHL alumni Taylor Hall (Windsor Spitfires / OHL), Logan Stankoven (Kamloops Blazers / WHL), and Nikolaj Ehlers (Halifax Mooseheads / QMJHL) also played key roles in powering Carolina’s championship run. Hall scored the Stanley Cup-clinching goal in Game 6 to win his first championship after 1,062 career NHL games and seven NHL franchises. Hall and Stankoven helped drive one of Carolina’s most productive forward lines alongside Jackson Blake, with the trio combining for 25 goals and 55 points during the postseason, including 22 points across four potential series-clinching games. Stankoven led the Stanley Cup champion Hurricanes with 11 goals during the 2026 postseason, finishing one shy of the single-postseason franchise record of 12, set during Carolina’s 2006 Stanley Cup run. Ehlers also made history as one of the first three Danish players in NHL history to win the Stanley Cup, joining Hurricanes teammate Frederik Andersen and Lars Eller in achieving the feat. Several members of Carolina’s championship roster arrived with decorated CHL résumés. Hall won back-to-back Memorial Cup titles and OHL Championships with Windsor in 2009 and 2010. He also captured the Stafford Smythe Memorial Trophy as Memorial Cup MVP in both years — making him the only player in CHL history to win the award in consecutive seasons — earned the Ed Chynoweth Trophy as the Memorial Cup’s top scorer in 2010, and was named CHL Rookie of the Year, OHL Rookie of the Year, and OHL Playoff MVP during his junior career. Hall was recently voted No. 48 on the CHL’s Top 50 Players of the Last 50 Years list. Stankoven also brought major CHL credentials to Carolina’s Cup-winning roster. The former Kamloops captain was named CHL David Branch Player of the Year and WHL Player of the Year in 2021-22, won the WHL’s Brad Hornung Memorial Trophy as Most Sportsmanlike Player, and later claimed both the Ed Chynoweth Trophy as the tournament leading scorer and George Parsons Trophy as Most Sportsmanlike Player at the 2023 Memorial Cup. Carolina’s CHL connections extended throughout the lineup. Ehlers was named CHL Rookie of the Year in 2013-14 after a 104-point season with Halifax, while also earning QMJHL Rookie of the Year honours and the Michael Bossy Trophy as the league’s top professional prospect. Seth Jarvis (Portland Winterhawks / WHL) won the Brad Hornung Trophy as the WHL’s Most Sportsmanlike Player in 2019-20, while Andrei Svechnikov (Barrie Colts / OHL) was named the CHL Top Prospect Award winner and OHL Rookie of the Year in 2017-18. The roster also included Jalen Chatfield (Windsor Spitfires / OHL), a 2017 Memorial Cup champion with Windsor, and Staal, who helped Peterborough capture the 2006 OHL Championship before appearing in that year’s Memorial Cup. The CHL’s presence extended throughout the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs. In total, more than 190 CHL alumni competed during the NHL postseason, representing more than 45% of the 420+ players taking part and giving the CHL the largest representation of any development league in the world. Quick Facts
  • Seven of the top 10 scorers in the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs were CHL alumni: Mitch Marner (Vegas Golden Knights / London Knights - OHL), Taylor Hall (Carolina Hurricanes / Windsor Spitfires - OHL), Nikolaj Ehlers (Carolina Hurricanes / Halifax Mooseheads - QMJHL), Brett Howden (Vegas Golden Knights / Moose Jaw Warriors - WHL), Shea Theodore (Vegas Golden Knights / Seattle Thunderbirds - WHL), Nick Suzuki (Montreal Canadiens / Owen Sound Attack & Guelph Storm - OHL), and Logan Stankoven (Carolina Hurricanes / Kamloops Blazers - WHL).
  • Eight of the top nine goal scorers in the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs were CHL alumni: Brett Howden (Vegas Golden Knights / Moose Jaw Warriors - WHL), Logan Stankoven (Carolina Hurricanes / Kamloops Blazers - WHL), Mitch Marner (Vegas Golden Knights / London Knights - OHL), Nikolaj Ehlers (Carolina Hurricanes / Halifax Mooseheads - QMJHL), Jordan Staal (Carolina Hurricanes / Peterborough Petes - OHL), Taylor Hall (Carolina Hurricanes / Windsor Spitfires - OHL), Nathan MacKinnon (Colorado Avalanche / Halifax Mooseheads - QMJHL), and Mark Stone (Vegas Golden Knights / Brandon Wheat Kings - WHL).
  • Shea Theodore (Vegas Golden Knights / Seattle Thunderbirds - WHL) led all defencemen in scoring during the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs with 18 points, while also finishing tied for fifth among all skaters in postseason assists with 12.
  • The Stanley Cup champion Carolina Hurricanes and finalist Vegas Golden Knights were two of 12 playoff teams to feature 10 or more CHL alumni on their roster during the 2026 NHL postseason.
  • The CHL’s development impact extended beyond players in the 2026 Stanley Cup Final, with six of the eight officials who worked the series (75%) having officiating roots in the WHL, OHL or QMJHL.
  • The CHL’s impact also extended beyond the ice, with 28 alumni represented in hockey operations and team staff roles across Carolina and Vegas.

Complete list of the 10 CHL alumni who won the Stanley Cup in 2026

Carolina Hurricanes (10) William Carrier (Cape Breton Eagles & Drummondville Voltigeurs / QMJHL), Jalen Chatfield (Windsor Spitfires / OHL), Nicolas Deslauriers (Rouyn-Noranda Huskies & Gatineau Olympiques / QMJHL), Nikolaj Ehlers (Halifax Mooseheads / QMJHL), Taylor Hall (Windsor Spitfires / OHL), Seth Jarvis (Portland Winterhawks / WHL), Jordan Martinook (Vancouver Giants / WHL), Jordan Staal (Peterborough Petes / OHL), Logan Stankoven (Kamloops Blazers / WHL), Andrei Svechnikov (Barrie Colts / OHL)]]> Maxim Massé earns CHL David Branch Player of the Year honours as the league’s top talent is celebrated at the 2026 CHL Awards https://chl.ca/article/maxim-masse-earns-chl-david-branch-player-of-the-year-honours-as-the-leagues-top-talent-is-celebrated-at-the-2026-chl-awards Mon, 15 Jun 2026 17:48:04 +0000 Scott Vankoughnett https://chl.ca/article/maxim-masse-earns-chl-david-branch-player-of-the-year-honours-as-the-leagues-top-talent-is-celebrated-at-the-2026-chl-awards

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

The Canadian Hockey League (CHL) is proud to unveil its 2025-26 award winners, headlined by Anaheim Ducks prospect Maxim Massé of the Chicoutimi Saguenéens (QMJHL), who was named the CHL David Branch Player of the Year at a ceremony held Monday in downtown Toronto. With the honour, Massé becomes just the sixth player in CHL history to win both CHL Rookie of the Year and the CHL David Branch Player of the Year Award over the course of his career, joining Sidney Crosby (Rimouski Océanic / QMJHL), John Tavares (Oshawa Generals / OHL), Alex DeBrincat (Erie Otters / OHL), Alexis Lafrenière (Rimouski Océanic / QMJHL), and Gavin McKenna (Medicine Hat Tigers / WHL). The 20-year-old from Rimouski, Que., previously earned CHL Rookie of the Year honours in 2022-23 before capturing the QMJHL’s Michel-Brière Trophy as league MVP this season. Massé is also the second Chicoutimi Saguenéens player to win the CHL David Branch Player of the Year Award, joining Pierre-Marc Bouchard, who earned the honour in 2001-02. He becomes the first QMJHL player to capture the CHL’s top individual award since Lafrenière won it in back-to-back seasons with the Rimouski Océanic in 2018-19 and 2019-20. The Anaheim Ducks prospect finished the 2025-26 campaign with 102 points, including 51 goals and 51 assists, in 63 games, helping lead Chicoutimi to its first QMJHL Championship title in 32 years. Among the other notable winners was a pair of Medicine Hat Tigers (WHL) standouts in 2026 NHL Draft prospect Markus Ruck and Montreal Canadiens prospect Bryce Pickford. Ruck was named the CHL’s Top Scorer after leading the league with 108 points (21G-87A), while Pickford earned CHL Defenceman of the Year honours after producing one of the most prolific goal-scoring seasons ever by a CHL and WHL blueliner, tallying 45 goals in 55 games. Another historic winner was Moncton Wildcats (QMJHL) defenceman Tommy Bleyl, who was named CHL Rookie of the Year following a record-setting season in the QMJHL. The 2026 NHL Draft prospect became just the fourth defenceman to earn the honour, joining Philippe Boucher (Granby Bisons / QMJHL, 1990-91), Bryan Berard (Detroit Jr. Red Wings / OHL, 1994-95), and Landon DuPont (Everett Silvertips / WHL, 2024-25). With Bleyl following DuPont, it also marked the first time in CHL history that defencemen won CHL Rookie of the Year in consecutive seasons. Bleyl set a new QMJHL record for points by a rookie defenceman with 81, surpassing a mark that had stood since 1978. The 2026 CHL Awards also saw Everett Silvertips (WHL) head coach Steve Hamilton earn the Brian Kilrea Coach of the Year Award after leading Everett to the best regular season in franchise history, a 57-8-2-1 record for 117 points, along with the club’s first WHL Championship, first Memorial Cup appearance, and first Memorial Cup Final. Hamilton became the first Silvertips head coach to win the CHL’s Brian Kilrea Coach of the Year Award. Ryder Fetterolf of the Ottawa 67’s (OHL) also made history Monday by earning CHL Goaltender of the Year honours following a record-setting rookie season in the OHL. The 2026 NHL Draft prospect became the first Ottawa 67’s player to win the CHL Goaltender of the Year Award, as well as just the second rookie or first-year CHL netminder — and the first in 31 years — to capture the honour, joining Martin Biron of the Beauport Harfangs (QMJHL), who won it in 1994-95. Fetterolf led the CHL with a 2.07 goals-against average and .923 save percentage, while his six shutouts set a new OHL record for the most by a rookie goaltender in a single season. Other award winners announced Monday included Chase Reid of the Soo Greyhounds (OHL) as the CHL Top Draft Prospect, Cole Beaudoin of the Barrie Colts (OHL) as CHL Sportsman Player of the Year, Alex Weiermair of the Portland Winterhawks (WHL) as CHL Scholastic Player of the Year, and Marcus Kearsey of the Charlottetown Islanders (QMJHL) as CHL Humanitarian of the Year. Kearsey’s honour also continues a remarkable run of community leadership from the Charlottetown Islanders. With his recognition Monday, the Islanders become the first club in CHL history to win the CHL Humanitarian of the Year Award in consecutive seasons, following Maxwell Jardine’s 2024-25 victory. Charlottetown has now produced the QMJHL finalist for the honour in four of the last five seasons — including each of the last three — further underscoring the Islanders’ sustained commitment to making an impact beyond the rink. Presented annually, the CHL Awards celebrate the outstanding accomplishments of players and coaches from across the CHL, with 10 trophies presented based on individual performances, leadership, community impact, academic achievement, and contributions to team success.  For more information on each award and its three finalists, please visit chl.ca/tag/chl-awards. David Branch Player of the Year Award  Winner – Maxim Massé (Chicoutimi Saguenéens / QMJHL) Nominees – Bryce Pickford (Medicine Hat Tigers / WHL) & Sam O’Reilly (Kitchener Rangers / OHL) The CHL David Branch Player of the Year Award is given out annually to the player judged to be the most outstanding in the Canadian Hockey League. Formerly known as the CHL Player of the Year Award, the trophy was renamed in 2019-20 in honour of David Branch, who served as OHL Commissioner from 1979-2024 and CHL President from 1996-2019. Maxim Massé of the Chicoutimi Saguenéens (QMJHL) earned the honour after being named the QMJHL’s Most Valuable Player and capturing the first scoring title of his QMJHL career. The Anaheim Ducks prospect recorded 102 points, including 51 goals and 51 assists, in 63 games, finishing six points ahead of Val-d’Or Foreurs forward Philippe Veilleux in the QMJHL scoring race. Massé’s 51 goals also tied for the CHL lead, while he was one of only two players across the CHL to surpass both the 50-goal and 100-point marks in 2025-26. He ranked second in the QMJHL with a plus-62 rating and eight game-winning goals, while his 1.62 points-per-game rate stood as the highest in the CHL among players who appeared in more than 60 games. The third-round pick of the Anaheim Ducks in the 2024 NHL Draft becomes just the sixth player in CHL history to win both CHL Rookie of the Year and CHL David Branch Player of the Year over the course of his career, joining Sidney Crosby, John Tavares, Alex DeBrincat, Alexis Lafrenière, and Gavin McKenna. Defenceman of the Year Award Winner – Bryce Pickford (Medicine Hat Tigers / WHL) Nominees – Kashawn Aitcheson (Barrie Colts / OHL) & Tommy Bleyl (Moncton Wildcats / QMJHL) The CHL Defenceman of the Year Award is given out annually to the top defenceman in the Canadian Hockey League. Bryce Pickford of the Medicine Hat Tigers (WHL) earned the honour after authoring one of the greatest goal-scoring seasons by a defenceman in modern CHL history. The Montreal Canadiens prospect finished the 2025-26 season with 83 points, including 45 goals and 38 assists, along with a plus-55 rating in 55 games. His 45 goals were the most by a CHL defenceman in nearly 40 years, dating back to Greg Hawgood’s 48-goal campaign in 1987-88, and the highest single-season total by a CHL blueliner in the 21st century. Pickford was the only defenceman to finish among the CHL’s top 10 goal scorers in 2025-26. His 45 goals were tied for second among WHL skaters, while his 19 power-play goals and 11 game-winning goals ranked tied for first in the CHL. The 20-year-old captain from Chauvin, Alta., also helped Medicine Hat claim a second consecutive Central Division title and was named to the WHL Eastern Conference First All-Star Team. With the honour, Pickford becomes the second Medicine Hat Tigers player to win CHL Defenceman of the Year, joining Kris Russell, who earned the award in 2006-07. Goaltender of the Year Award Winner – Ryder Fetterolf (Ottawa 67’s / OHL) Nominees – Joshua Ravensbergen (Prince George Cougars / WHL) & Rudy Guimond (Moncton Wildcats / QMJHL) The CHL Goaltender of the Year Award is given out annually to the top goaltender in the Canadian Hockey League. Ryder Fetterolf of the Ottawa 67’s (OHL) earned the honour following a historic rookie season between the pipes. Signed by Ottawa as an undrafted free agent last summer, Fetterolf quickly emerged as one of the OHL’s top goaltenders, finishing the regular season with a 29-9-2-1 record, a franchise-record 2.07 goals-against average, and a CHL-leading .923 save percentage. His six shutouts also set a new OHL record for the most by a rookie goaltender in a single season. The 18-year-old from Sewickley, Pa., led the CHL in both goals-against average and save percentage, while his 2.07 goals-against average stands as the fifth-lowest single-season mark by an OHL goaltender in league history. He also shared the Dave Pinkney Trophy with Jaeden Nelson as the OHL’s lowest goals-against tandem and received the F.W. “Dinty” Moore Trophy as the rookie goaltender with the league’s lowest goals-against average. Fetterolf becomes the first Ottawa 67’s player to win the CHL Goaltender of the Year Award. He is also just the second rookie or first-year CHL goaltender to capture the honour, and the first in 31 years, following Martin Biron of the Beauport Harfangs (QMJHL) in 1994-95. Fetterolf also becomes just the third American-born netminder to win the award, joining Michael Houser of the London Knights (OHL), who earned the honour in 2011-12, and Dustin Wolf of the Everett Silvertips (WHL), who captured it in 2019-20. Rookie of the Year Award Winner – Tommy Bleyl (Moncton Wildcats / QMJHL) Nominees – JP Hurlbert (Kamloops Blazers / WHL) & Nikita Klepov (Saginaw Spirit / OHL) The CHL Rookie of the Year Award is given out annually to the top rookie in the Canadian Hockey League. Tommy Bleyl of the Moncton Wildcats (QMJHL) earned the honour after a record-setting debut season from the blue line. The 2026 NHL Draft prospect finished second among all QMJHL rookies with 81 points in 63 games, setting a new league record for points by a rookie defenceman. The previous mark of 77 points had stood since 1978 and was held by Gaston Therrien. Bleyl’s 68 assists led the entire QMJHL, regardless of position, and stand as the highest single-season total by a CHL rookie defenceman in the 21st century. Bleyl also became only the second player in QMJHL history to win both the Sidney-Crosby Trophy as Rookie of the Year and the Émile-Bouchard Trophy as Defenceman of the Year in the same season, joining Dmitry Kulikov, who accomplished the feat with the Drummondville Voltigeurs in 2008-09. He also captured the Raymond-Lagacé Trophy as Defensive Rookie of the Year. With the CHL honour, Bleyl becomes just the fourth defenceman to be named CHL Rookie of the Year, joining Philippe Boucher, Bryan Berard, and Landon DuPont, who captured the award last season. He is also the first Moncton Wildcats player to win the award and the sixth American to receive CHL Rookie of the Year honours, joining Patrick Kane of the London Knights (OHL), Alex DeBrincat of the Erie Otters (OHL), David Legwand of the Plymouth Whalers (OHL), Bryan Berard of the Detroit Jr. Red Wings (OHL), and Patrick O’Sullivan of the Mississauga IceDogs (OHL). Top Scorer Award Winner – Markus Ruck (Medicine Hat Tigers / WHL) Nominees – Nikita Klepov (Saginaw Spirit / OHL) & Maxim Massé (Chicoutimi Saguenéens / QMJHL) The CHL Top Scorer Award is given out annually to the highest-scoring player in the Canadian Hockey League. It was first awarded in 1994. Markus Ruck of the Medicine Hat Tigers (WHL) captured the honour after leading the WHL and the entire CHL with 108 points during the 2025-26 season. The 18-year-old from Osoyoos, B.C., recorded 21 goals and a CHL-best 87 assists while posting a plus-45 rating in 68 games. His exceptional vision and playmaking ability helped drive a Medicine Hat team that led the WHL in goals, owned the league’s top power play, and finished atop the Central Division. Ruck’s twin brother, Liam, finished second in both the WHL and CHL scoring races with 104 points, making Markus and Liam the first siblings in CHL history to finish first and second in league scoring in the same season. They also became the first brothers ever to place 1-2 in scoring within a CHL Member League. The 2026 NHL Draft prospect became the first Medicine Hat skater since Linden Vey in 2010-11 to lead the CHL in scoring and just the second Tigers player to win the CHL Top Scorer Award. Ruck was held off the scoresheet just 12 times all season and recorded at least three points in a game on 11 occasions. Brian Kilrea Coach of the Year Award Winner – Steve Hamilton (Everett Silvertips / WHL) Nominees – Dave Cameron (Ottawa 67’s / OHL) & Sylvain Favreau (Drummondville Voltigeurs / QMJHL) Named in recognition of former Ottawa 67’s head coach and CHL all-time wins leader Brian Kilrea, the Brian Kilrea Coach of the Year Award is presented annually to the Canadian Hockey League’s top coach. Steve Hamilton of the Everett Silvertips (WHL) earned the honour after guiding Everett through the best season in franchise history. In just his second season with the Silvertips, Hamilton led the club to a 57-8-2-1 record and 117 points, helping Everett capture a second straight Scotty Munro Memorial Trophy as WHL regular-season champions. Everett’s 57 wins and 117 points both set franchise records, while the Silvertips’ .860 points percentage ranked seventh all-time in CHL history among teams that played at least 50 games. The club was one of the CHL’s most complete teams, finishing third in the WHL with 304 goals for while allowing just 173 goals against, the second-fewest in the league. Hamilton’s season continued into a historic postseason run, as Everett went 16-2 through the WHL Playoffs to capture the first Ed Chynoweth Cup title in franchise history. The Silvertips then made their first Memorial Cup appearance, recorded their first Memorial Cup win and shutout, and advanced to their first Memorial Cup Final. Hamilton becomes the first Silvertips coach to capture the CHL Brian Kilrea Coach of the Year Award. Top Draft Prospect Award Winner – Chase Reid (Soo Greyhounds / OHL) Nominees – Carson Carels (Prince George Cougars / WHL) & Maddox Dagenais (Québec Remparts / QMJHL) The CHL Top Draft Prospect Award is presented annually to the top eligible prospect for the NHL Draft from the Canadian Hockey League. The award was first presented in 1991. Chase Reid of the Soo Greyhounds (OHL) earned the 2026 honour after establishing himself as the highest-ranked current CHL skater ahead of the 2026 NHL Draft. Ranked No. 2 among North American skaters by NHL Central Scouting, Reid enjoyed an outstanding season with the Greyhounds, recording 48 points, including 18 goals and 30 assists, in 45 regular season games. The 18-year-old defenceman from Chesterfield, Mich., was the only first-year draft-eligible defenceman in the OHL — and one of just six across the CHL — to average at least a point per game during the 2025-26 season. Although he missed the final 17 games of the regular season due to injury, Reid returned during the playoffs and recorded six points, including three goals and three assists, in 10 games. A gifted skater with high-end offensive instincts and the ability to play significant minutes in all situations, Reid was recognized in four categories in the annual OHL Coaches Poll. He was voted the Western Conference’s Best Offensive Defenceman while also receiving recognition for Best Skater, Best Shot, and Best Defensive Defenceman. Reid becomes the second Greyhounds player to win the CHL Top Draft Prospect Award, joining Joe Thornton, who captured the honour in 1996-97. He also becomes the fourth American to earn the award, joining Bryan Berard of the Detroit Jr. Red Wings (OHL), Patrick Kane of the London Knights (OHL), and Seth Jones of the Portland Winterhawks (WHL). With Reid’s win, defencemen have now claimed the award eight times since it was first presented in 1991. He also marks the second straight OHL blueliner to receive the honour, following Erie Otters defenceman Matthew Schaefer, who won the award a year ago before capturing this year’s Calder Memorial Trophy as the NHL’s rookie of the year. Sportsman of the Year Award Winner – Cole Beaudoin (Barrie Colts / OHL) Nominees: Braeden Cootes (Prince Albert Raiders / WHL) & Alex Huang (Chicoutimi Saguenéens / QMJHL) The CHL Sportsman Player of the Year Award is given out annually to the most sportsmanlike player in the Canadian Hockey League. Cole Beaudoin of the Barrie Colts (OHL) earned the honour after delivering one of the league’s most complete seasons while maintaining a disciplined, hard-driving style. The Barrie Colts captain led his club in scoring with 89 points, including 33 goals and 56 assists, in just 54 games, while posting a plus-40 rating and taking only 29 penalty minutes. His 1.65 points-per-game average ranked second in the OHL, placing him among the CHL’s most efficient offensive performers. Beaudoin’s well-rounded game was recognized in the OHL Coaches Poll, where he led all players in the Eastern Conference with four first-place finishes — hardest worker, best defensive forward, best on face-offs, and best penalty killer — while also placing second in the category of smartest player. He also finished tied for the OHL lead with 10 game-winning goals and won 55 per cent of his face-offs. Selected by the Utah Mammoth in the first round, 24th overall, of the 2024 NHL Draft, the 6-foot-2, 211-pound centreman from Kanata, Ont., has registered 222 points in 236 career OHL regular-season games. Beaudoin becomes the second Barrie Colts player to win the CHL Sportsman Player of the Year Award, joining Evan Vierling, who received the honour in 2022-23. Scholastic Player of the Year Award Winner – Alex Weiermair (Portland Winterhawks / WHL) Nominees – Levi Harper (Saginaw Spirit / OHL) & Nathan Brisson (Val-d’Or Foreurs / QMJHL) The CHL Scholastic Player of the Year Award is presented annually to a Canadian Hockey League player who is best able to combine success on the ice with success in the classroom. Alex Weiermair of the Portland Winterhawks (WHL) earned the honour after excelling academically while enjoying a standout overage season on the ice. The 21-year-old from Los Angeles, Calif., maintained a 4.0 GPA across challenging university coursework, including chemistry, business, history, and psychology. His academic background also includes advanced-level calculus and physics, while away from formal coursework, Weiermair speaks German and is teaching himself Italian. On the ice, the Vegas Golden Knights prospect recorded 93 points, including 37 goals and 56 assists, in 66 regular season games. He led the Winterhawks in scoring and finished fifth overall in the WHL while contributing consistently in all situations. Despite playing a heavy-minute role, Weiermair recorded just 28 penalty minutes and was also named a finalist for the Brad Hornung Memorial Trophy as the WHL’s Most Sportsmanlike Player. An alternate captain in Portland, Weiermair was recognized throughout the organization for his maturity, humility, integrity, and leadership both on and off the ice. With the honour, Weiermair becomes the second Portland Winterhawks player to be named CHL Scholastic Player of the Year, joining Dan Hulak, who captured the award following the 2000-01 season. Humanitarian of the Year Award Winner – Marcus Kearsey (Charlottetown Islanders / QMJHL) Nominees: Shane Smith (Kelowna Rockets / WHL) & Carson Woodall (Windsor Spitfires / OHL) The CHL Humanitarian of the Year Award is presented annually to the CHL player judged to have made the most notable contribution to his community. Marcus Kearsey of the Charlottetown Islanders (QMJHL) earned the 2026 honour in recognition of his outstanding community involvement, leadership, and excellence on the ice. The Charlottetown captain was named the QMJHL Humanitarian of the Year for the second time in three seasons, having previously received the QMJHL award in 2023-24. Kearsey’s recognition continues a remarkable run for the Islanders. With his CHL honour, Charlottetown becomes the first club in CHL history to win the Humanitarian of the Year Award in consecutive seasons, after Maxwell Jardine captured the award in 2024-25. A Charlottetown Islanders player has now represented the QMJHL as a finalist for the honour in four of the last five seasons, including each of the last three. Over four seasons in Charlottetown, Kearsey became one of the Islanders’ most active community ambassadors. He launched the Kearsey’s Kids program, inviting a child to each regular-season home game as his guest, complete with tickets, a personalized poster, a T-shirt, and a pre-game meet-and-greet. He also served as the Islanders’ Hockey Gives Blood ambassador, helping organize team blood donations and promote fan participation, while supporting Canadian Blood Services through more than 100 donations tied to the program. Kearsey’s impact also extended to several other causes across Prince Edward Island. He served as player ambassador for the Islanders’ One Game One Wish fundraiser in support of Make-A-Wish, helping the club reach its $10,000 goal, delivered an anti-bullying presentation to more than 100 students through PEI Crime Stoppers, and regularly took part in minor hockey practices, jamborees, school visits, autograph sessions, and youth hockey initiatives both during the season and in the offseason. On the ice, Kearsey enjoyed the best offensive season of his QMJHL career, recording a personal-high 55 points, including 15 goals and 40 assists, in 62 games. He finished fifth among QMJHL defencemen in scoring, while his five power-play goals and three game-winning goals both ranked second among league blueliners.]]> Oshawa Generals Select Kane Cloutier with First Overall Pick of 2026 OHL Priority Selection https://chl.ca/article/oshawa-generals-select-kane-cloutier-with-first-overall-pick-of-2026-ohl-priority-selection Sat, 13 Jun 2026 14:08:38 +0000 Scott Vankoughnett https://chl.ca/article/oshawa-generals-select-kane-cloutier-with-first-overall-pick-of-2026-ohl-priority-selection KINGSTON (Friday, June 12, 2026) - The Oshawa Generals selected forward Kane Cloutier with the first overall pick of the 2026 OHL Priority Selection presented by Real Canadian Superstore on Friday at Slush Puppie Place. Generals legend John Tavares announced the selection from the podium as the OHL returned to an in-person draft model for the first time since 2000. Tavares was Oshawa's most recent first overall pick, joining the club as an exceptional status underage talent in 2005. "It's something I've worked very hard toward my whole minor hockey career and this is a dream that it's happened," said Cloutier following the announcement. "The City of Kingston did a great job here and I'd like to thank the OHL for putting on such a great event. It's truly an honour to go first overall, but going to such a great organization is even better." The son of former OHL goaltender, Memorial Cup champion and long-time pro Dan Cloutier, Kane Cloutier arrives in Oshawa as one of the most decorated prospects in this year's class. The Oakville, Ont., product spent the 2025-26 season with the GTHL's Vaughan Kings U16 AAA program, producing 58 points (32-26—58) over 33 games. After leading Vaughan to a GTHL championship, Cloutier added 11 points (6-5—11) over four games at the 2026 OHL Cup. Cloutier sees his name etched Jack Ferguson Award as a First Overall Pick in the OHL Priority Selection and follows Tavares and Tom McCarthy (1977) to become the third first overall pick in Generals franchise history. He is also the first GTHL-produced first overall selection since the Saginaw Spirit chose Michael Misa of the Mississauga Senators in 2022. The “Fergie” is presented annually to the player selected first overall in the Ontario Hockey League Priority Selection. The award recognizes the dedication and contributions made by Jack Ferguson during his 25-year association with the Ontario Hockey League, first as a scout with the Ottawa 67’s and followed by his appointment as head of the OHL’s Central Scouting Bureau in 1981 as its Director of Central Scouting. The 2026 OHL Priority Selection is being produced by YourTV and can be seen live across the province on local YourTV stations. Check local listings for details. Online, fans can watch the Priority Selection streaming on FloHockey, live on the OHL's YouTube channel as well as the League's social media accounts. For more information on the 2026 OHL Priority Selection presented by Real Canadian Superstore, click here.]]> Carels, Reid, and Dagenais named finalists for CHL’s 2025-26 Top Draft Prospect Award https://chl.ca/article/carels-reid-and-dagenais-named-finalists-for-chls-2025-26-top-draft-prospect-award Tue, 09 Jun 2026 15:24:34 +0000 Scott Vankoughnett https://chl.ca/article/carels-reid-and-dagenais-named-finalists-for-chls-2025-26-top-draft-prospect-award Carson Carels of the Prince George Cougars (WHL), Chase Reid of the Soo Greyhounds (OHL), and Maddox Dagenais of the Québec Remparts (QMJHL) have been named finalists for the CHL Top Draft Prospect Award presented by Kubota Canada, given annually to the top CHL player eligible for the upcoming NHL Draft. The recipient will be announced on Monday, June 15, during the 2026 CHL Awards ceremony in Toronto, Ont. Over the years, the CHL Top Draft Prospect Award has been won by many great players including Joe Thornton (Soo Greyhounds / OHL), Vincent Lecavalier (Rimouski Océanic / QMJHL), Patrick Kane (London Knights / OHL), Steven Stamkos (Sarnia Sting / OHL), Connor McDavid (Erie Otters / OHL), Alexis Lafrenière (Rimouski Océanic / QMJHL), Connor Bedard (Regina Pats / WHL), Cayden Lindstrom (Medicine Hat Tigers / WHL), and most recently Matthew Schaefer (Erie Otters / OHL). WHL Nominee — Carson Carels (Prince George Cougars) 20G-53A, 73 PTS, +23 in 58 GP during the 2025-26 season  Ranked No. 3 among North American skaters on NHL Central Scouting’s final rankings for the 2026 NHL Draft, Carson Carels continued to establish himself as one of the premier draft-eligible defencemen in the Canadian Hockey League. The 17-year-old from Cypress River, Man., was also named a finalist for the Bill Hunter Memorial Trophy as WHL Defenceman of the Year after a standout season on the Prince George blue line. Carels recorded 73 points, including 20 goals and 53 assists, in 58 regular season games, the second-highest single-season point total by a defenceman in Cougars history. If selected, Carels would add another first to his standout season by becoming the first Prince George Cougars player to win the CHL Top Draft Prospect Award. His 73 points tied for fourth among all WHL blueliners, while he was one of only six WHL defencemen to reach the 20-goal mark. His season also featured a 17-game point streak, tied for the fourth-longest by any WHL player in 2025-26. A dynamic puck mover with strong skating ability and offensive creativity, the 6-foot-1, 175-pound left-shot defenceman played a key role in helping the Cougars remain among the WHL’s top teams. Carels also represented Team CHL at the 2025 CHL USA Prospects Challenge and was named captain of Team West at the 2026 WHL Prospects Game, where he recorded four assists. Originally selected by Prince George in the first round, 16th overall, of the 2023 WHL Prospects Draft, Carels has accumulated 111 points, including 26 goals and 85 assists, in 125 career WHL regular season games. OHL Nominee — Chase Reid (Soo Greyhounds) 18G-30A, 48 PTS, +27 in 45 GP during the 2025-26 season  Ranked No. 2 among North American skaters on NHL Central Scouting’s final rankings for the 2026 NHL Draft, Chase Reid enters the draft as the highest-ranked current CHL skater. The 18-year-old defenceman from Chesterfield, Mich., enjoyed an outstanding season with the Soo Greyhounds, producing at better than a point-per-game pace with 48 points, including 18 goals and 30 assists, in 45 regular season games. He was also named a finalist for the Max Kaminsky Trophy, awarded annually to the OHL Defenceman of the Year. A win for Reid would give the Greyhounds their second CHL Top Draft Prospect Award recipient, following Joe Thornton, who captured the honour in 1996-97. Reid was the only first-year draft-eligible defenceman in the OHL — and one of just six across the CHL — to average at least a point per game during the 2025-26 season. Although he missed the final 17 games of the regular season due to injury, he made an impact upon returning, recording six points, including three goals and three assists, in 10 playoff games. A gifted skater with high-end offensive instincts and the ability to play significant minutes in all situations, Reid earned recognition in four categories in the annual OHL Coaches Poll. He was voted the Western Conference’s Best Offensive Defenceman while also receiving recognition for Best Skater, Best Shot, and Best Defensive Defenceman. Reid also represented Team CHL at the 2025 CHL USA Prospects Challenge, where he scored once in two games, and represented the United States at the 2026 World Junior Championship, recording four points in five games. QMJHL Nominee — Maddox Dagenais (Québec Remparts) 30G-32A, 62 PTS, +/- NA in 62 GP during the 2025-26 season  Ranked No. 15 among North American skaters on NHL Central Scouting’s final rankings for the 2026 NHL Draft, Maddox Dagenais continued his rise as one of the QMJHL’s premier young forwards during the 2025-26 season. The 6-foot-4, 196-pound centre from Montréal, Que., took a major step forward in his second season with the Québec Remparts, recording 62 points, including 30 goals and 32 assists, in 62 regular season games. After being limited by injury during his rookie campaign, Dagenais more than doubled his production from a year ago, when he finished with 26 points. Should Dagenais earn the award, he would become the first Québec Remparts player to be named the CHL’s Top Draft Prospect. Dagenais finished as Québec’s second-leading scorer while leading the Remparts with 10 power-play goals and 25 power-play points. His 273 shots on goal also ranked fourth in the QMJHL, further underlining his ability to generate chances and drive offence. Selected first overall in the 2024 QMJHL Entry Draft, Dagenais followed in the footsteps of his father, former NHL forward Pierre Dagenais, who was also a first-overall pick in the QMJHL. Throughout the season, Maddox showcased the size, skill, puck protection, and finishing ability that have made him one of the top prospects available for the 2026 NHL Draft. Dagenais also represented Team CHL at the 2025 CHL USA Prospects Challenge, where he was one of four QMJHL players selected for the event and recorded one assist. He also stood out at the QMJHL Prospects Game, scoring in regulation before adding the shootout winner. His continued development has solidified his status as one of the most promising young power forwards in the Canadian Hockey League.]]>