Canadian Hockey League - Feed

CHL unveils players ranked No. 40 through No. 31 on Top 50 Players of the Last 50 Years list

Scott Vankoughnett — Wed, 15 Apr 2026 16:54:49 +0000

The Top 50 players were identified through a media vote, with the final rankings determined by a weighted combination of media and fan voting. After unveiling players ranked No. 50 through No. 41 last week, the CHL continues the countdown today, while full player bios remain available at chl.ca/chl50.

The Canadian Hockey League (CHL) is proud to reveal the players ranked No. 40 through No. 31 on its Top 50 Players of the Last 50 Years list (see below), a signature initiative launched as part of the CHL’s 50th anniversary season. The countdown celebrates the greatest players from the Western Hockey League (WHL), Ontario Hockey League (OHL), and Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League (QMJHL) since 1975-76, honouring the stars who have shaped major junior hockey over the past five decades. As part of the initiative, a panel of media members first identified the Top 50 Players of the Last 50 Years (since 1975-76). From there, the final ranking order was determined using a weighted formula that combined media and fan voting to rank the players from No. 1 through No. 50. Last week, the CHL unveiled the players ranked No. 50 through No. 41 to begin the countdown. KEY FACTS & MEDIA NOTES: CHL TOP 50 PLAYERS MEDIA RESOURCES (PHOTOS, LOGOS, VIDEOS & MORE) 40. Vincent Lecavalier, Forward | QMJHL | Rimouski Océanic (1996-98) | Tampa Bay Lightning, Philadelphia Flyers & Los Angeles Kings (1998-2016): Lecavalier starred in two dominant seasons with Rimouski, recording 217 points in 122 regular-season games and earning both QMJHL and CHL Rookie of the Year honours in 1996-97. He followed with 115 points in 58 games in 1997-98, was named to the QMJHL and CHL First All-Star Teams, and added 41 points in 18 playoff games as the Océanic reached the QMJHL Championship Series. The first overall pick in the 1998 NHL Draft, Lecavalier went on to captain the Lightning, win the Stanley Cup in 2004, capture the Rocket Richard Trophy in 2006-07, and finish with 949 points in 1,212 NHL games. 39. Drew Doughty, Defenceman | OHL | Guelph Storm (2005-08) | Los Angeles Kings (2008-Present): Doughty emerged as one of the OHL’s top defencemen during three seasons in Guelph, earning CHL and OHL All-Rookie Team honours in 2005-06 before breaking out with 74 points in 67 games the following year. In 2007-08, he won the Max Kaminsky Trophy as the OHL’s Most Outstanding Defenceman and was named to the OHL and CHL First All-Star Teams. Selected second overall in 2008, Doughty became a franchise cornerstone in Los Angeles, winning the Norris Trophy and helping the Kings capture Stanley Cups in 2012 and 2014. 38. Ron Francis, Forward | OHL | Soo Greyhounds (1980-82) | Hartford Whalers, Pittsburgh Penguins, Carolina Hurricanes & Toronto Maple Leafs (1981-2004): Francis made an immediate impact with his hometown Soo Greyhounds, posting 69 points in 64 games as an OHL rookie in 1980-81, then adding 48 points in just 25 games the next season before jumping to the NHL. His junior career may have been brief, but it was enough to cement his place in Greyhounds history, with the club later retiring his No. 10. Chosen fourth overall in 1981, Francis built a Hall of Fame career in the NHL that included two Stanley Cups with Pittsburgh and 1,798 points in 1,731 games. 37. Roberto Luongo, Goaltender | QMJHL | Val-d’Or Foreurs & Acadie-Bathurst Titan (1995-99) | New York Islanders, Florida Panthers & Vancouver Canucks (1999-2019): Luongo developed into one of the QMJHL’s elite goaltenders over four seasons with Val-d’Or and Acadie-Bathurst. He won the QMJHL’s Michael-Bossy Trophy (Top Professional Prospect) in 1996-97, helped Val-d’Or capture its first QMJHL title in 1998, then added a second league championship with Acadie-Bathurst in 1999. Luongo finished his QMJHL playoff career holding league records for games, minutes, wins, and shots faced. The fourth overall pick in 1997, he went on to a Hall of Fame career in the NHL, ranking among the all-time leaders in games and wins while starring for both the Panthers and Canucks. 36. Shea Weber, Defenceman | WHL | Kelowna Rockets (2001-05) | Nashville Predators & Montreal Canadiens (2005-21): Weber played a key role in one of the WHL’s top clubs of the early 2000s, helping Kelowna win two WHL championships and the 2004 Memorial Cup. He earned WHL and CHL all-star recognition in his final two seasons and capped his junior career by winning WHL Playoffs MVP in 2005 after scoring nine goals from the blue line in the postseason. Drafted by Nashville in 2003, Weber became one of the NHL’s premier defencemen, captaining both the Predators and Canadiens and finishing with 589 points in 1,038 NHL games. 35. Bobby Smith, Forward | OHL | Ottawa 67’s (1975-78) | Minnesota North Stars & Montreal Canadiens (1978-93): Smith authored one of the greatest careers in Ottawa 67’s history, highlighted by a remarkable 1977-78 season in which he produced 192 points in 61 games to win the Eddie Powers Memorial Trophy (OHL Top Scorer), Red Tilson Trophy (OHL MVP), and CHL Player of the Year honours. A year earlier, he led the OHL with 65 goals, and he also starred at the 1977 Memorial Cup, where he shared the scoring lead and won the George Parsons Trophy. Selected first overall in 1978, Smith went on to win the Calder Trophy, capture a Stanley Cup with Montreal in 1986, and record 1,036 points in 1,077 NHL games. 34. Brendan Shanahan, Forward | OHL | London Knights (1985-87) | New Jersey Devils, St. Louis Blues, Hartford Whalers, Detroit Red Wings & New York Rangers (1987-2009): Shanahan established himself as a premier power forward with the London Knights, totaling 154 points in 115 games over two OHL seasons. He scored 92 points in 1986-87, earned OHL Third All-Star Team honours, and solidified himself as one of the top prospects in junior hockey. Selected second overall in 1987, Shanahan went on to a Hall of Fame career in the NHL that featured 656 goals, 1,354 points, three Stanley Cups with Detroit, and membership in the Triple Gold Club. 33. Ray Ferraro, Forward | WHL | Portland Winterhawks & Brandon Wheat Kings (1982-84) | Hartford Whalers, New York Islanders, Los Angeles Kings, Atlanta Thrashers & St. Louis Blues (1984-2002): Ferraro was one of the WHL’s most prolific scorers, totaling 282 points in just 122 regular-season games. After a standout rookie year in Portland, he delivered a historic 1983-84 season in Brandon with 108 goals and 192 points, winning both WHL Player of the Year and Top Scorer honours. He remains the only player in WHL history to score 100 goals in a season. Despite being a fifth-round NHL pick, Ferraro went on to enjoy an 18-year NHL career, finishing with 408 goals and 898 points. 32. Joe Thornton, Forward | OHL | Soo Greyhounds (1995-97) | Boston Bruins, San Jose Sharks, Toronto Maple Leafs & Florida Panthers (1997-2022): Thornton dominated in just two OHL seasons with the Soo Greyhounds, recording 198 points in 125 games. He won both OHL and CHL Rookie of the Year in 1995-96, then followed with 122 points in 59 games in 1996-97 while earning OHL and CHL Second All-Star Team honours and the CHL Top Prospect Award. Chosen first overall in 1997, Thornton built a Hall of Fame career in the NHL, winning the Hart and Art Ross trophies in 2005-06 and retiring with 1,539 points in 1,714 games 31. Brad Richards, Forward | QMJHL | Rimouski Océanic (1997-2000) | Tampa Bay Lightning, Dallas Stars, New York Rangers, Chicago Blackhawks & Detroit Red Wings (2000-16): Richards put together one of the most impressive offensive runs in modern QMJHL history, topping 100 points in each of his three seasons with Rimouski. His crowning campaign came in 1999-2000, when he piled up 186 points in 63 games and led the Océanic to both the QMJHL championship and Memorial Cup title, while sweeping league, playoff, and Memorial Cup MVP honours. Drafted by Tampa Bay in 1998, Richards went on to play 1,126 NHL games, win two Stanley Cups, and claim the Conn Smythe Trophy in 2004. Further rankings from the Top 50 Players of the Last 50 Years list will be revealed in the coming weeks. CHL Top 50 Evaluation Criteria and Eligibility The CHL’s Top 50 Players were selected by a panel of more than 40 media members who submitted ranked 1–50 ballots guided by a weighted evaluation framework designed to ensure consistency across eras. Panelists considered a player’s impact beyond the CHL — including NHL and international success, major awards and championships, and Hall of Fame recognition — alongside on-ice achievement in the Member Leagues, reflecting what players accomplished during their time in the WHL, OHL, and QMJHL through production, individual honours, team success, and sustained dominance. Selections also accounted for historical significance, recognizing milestones, era-defining influence, generational impact, and lasting contributions to CHL history. To be eligible, players must have competed in at least one full season in the WHL, OHL, or QMJHL during the CHL’s 50-year history beginning in 1975–76; for players who competed in 1975–76 and also played prior to that season, their entire CHL career was considered when evaluating on-ice accomplishments.

CHL to NHL: former Silvertips d-man Seeley skates with Canes

Scott Vankoughnett — Wed, 15 Apr 2026 14:10:56 +0000

Former Everett Silvertips defenceman Ronan Seeley made his NHL debut with the Carolina Hurricanes Tuesday night. In a 2-1 win over the New York Islanders, Seeley played 15:12 and recorded two blocks. The 20th overall pick by Everett in the 2017 WHL Draft, Seeley played 190 games with the team between 2018-22. His 102 points are also the 10th most by an Everett d-man. Internationally, Seeley won gold with Canada at the 2022 World Juniors where he had four assists in seven games. As a pro, Seeley has made 264 appearances with the AHL's Chicago Wolves, the ninth most in team history and second most among blueliners. Carolina selected the Yellowknife, NWT., native 208th overall in the 2020 NHL Draft. https://twitter.com/Canes/status/2044188867343913413

CHL to NHL: Memorial Cup and two-time OHL champion Bonk scores in debut with Flyers

Scott Vankoughnett — Wed, 15 Apr 2026 14:01:34 +0000

Former London Knights defenceman Oliver Bonk made his NHL debut with the Philadelphia Flyers Tuesday night. In a 4-2 win over Philadelphia, Bonk had a goal and an assist, saw 16:28 of ice time and also tallied two hits. The 26th overall pick in the 2021 OHL Draft, Bonk made 189 appearances for the Knights from 2021-25 and registered 150 points (45 goals), the ninth most in team history by a d-man. Bonk won two straight OHL titles in 2024 and 2025 and capped off his junior career with a Memorial Cup ring in Rimouski. Internationally, he won gold with Canada at the 2022 Hlinka Gretzky Cup and played at the 2024 and 2025 World Juniors. In his first year of professional hockey, he has made 44 appearances with the AHL's Lehigh Valley Phantoms this season and has tallied 19 points. The Flyers selected Bonk 22nd overall in the 2023 NHL Draft. https://twitter.com/NHL/status/2044198546719535345

CHL to NHL: WHL champion Yager debuts with Jets

Scott Vankoughnett — Tue, 14 Apr 2026 16:39:02 +0000

Former Moose Jaw Warriors and Lethbridge Hurricanes forward Brayden Yager made his NHL debut with the Winnipeg Jets Monday night. In a 6-2 loss to Vegas, Yager played 10:25 and recorded one shot on goal. In 265 career games from 2020-25, he recorded 129 goals and 332 points. The third overall pick by Moose Jaw in 2020, his 280 career points are the fifth most in franchise history. In 2023-24, he had a career high 95 points in the regular season and 27 more in the postseason as he led Moose Jaw to its first WHL title. He finished his WHL career with Lethbridge after a January 2025 trade and made 33 appearances for the Hurricanes. Yager was the CHL's Rookie of the Year in 2022 and CHL Sportsman of the Year in 2024. In the WHL, he won Rookie of the Year in 2022 as well as Most Sportsmanlike Player in 2023 and 2024. Internationally, the Saskatoon, SK., native won gold with Canada at the 2022 Hlinka Gretzky Cup and played at both the 2024 and 2025 World Juniors. In his first pro season with the AHL's Manitoba Moose, Yager has 10 goals and 30 points in 68 games. Drafted 14th overall by Pittsburgh in the 2023 NHL Draft, Yager was acquired by Winnipeg in August 2024. https://twitter.com/NHLJets/status/2043865477219528983

20 CHL Players Named to Canada’s U18 World Championship Pre-Tournament Camp Roster

Scott Vankoughnett — Mon, 13 Apr 2026 18:27:05 +0000

CALGARY, Alberta – With the 2026 IIHF U18 Men’s World Championship fast approaching, Hockey Canada has announced a highly skilled and experienced group that will attend pre-tournament camp ahead of the event in Bratislava and Trenčín, Slovakia.

A total of 20 out of the 23 players – including three goaltenders, six defencemen, and 11 forwards – from the Ontario Hockey League, Western Hockey League and Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League have been selected to form the core of Canada’s National Men’s Under-18 Team. The group was assembled by general manager Alan Millar and head scout Byron Bonora, alongside Hockey Canada’s high-performance staff and coaching personnel.

“Our group will continue to monitor the Canadian Hockey League playoffs, and we expect to add players prior to the start of the world championship,” Millar said. “At this time, we are pleased with the level of talent and international experience we have on our projected roster and are excited to gather in Slovakia in preparation to defend our gold medal.”

This year’s roster features a strong foundation of international experience and success. Three players – Alessandro Di Iorio (Sarnia / OHL), Ryan Lin (Vancouver / WHL) and Western Hockey League alumnus Keaton Verhoeff are returning gold medallists from the 2025 squad.

In addition, 11 players captured bronze at the 2025 Hlinka Gretzky Cup, including Gavin Betts (Kingston / OHL), Cameron Chartrand (Saint John / QMJHL), Carter Esler (Spokane / WHL), Jean-Cristoph Lemieux (Sudbury / OHL), Giorgos Pantelas (Brandon / WHL), Mathis Preston (Vancouver / WHL), Thomas Rousseau (Sherbrooke / QMJHL) and Dima Zhilkin (Saginaw / OHL).

The 2026 IIHF U18 Men’s World Championship kicks off on April 22, with Canada taking on Slovakia, Latvia, Norway and Finland in the preliminary round before the tournament concludes with the medal games on May 2.

TSN and RDS, the official broadcast partners of Hockey Canada, will broadcast 12 and 10 tournament games, respectively. TSN will broadcast all Team Canada preliminary-round games, as well as the quarterfinals, semifinals and medal games, while RDS will broadcast all Team Canada preliminary-round games, two quarterfinals, the semifinals and medal games.

For the entire pre-tournament schedule Click Here For Official Tournament information Click Here 18 CHL PLAYERS NAMED TO CANADA’S NATIONAL MEN’S U18 TEAM TRAINING CAMP Goaltenders (3) Gavin Betts (Kingston Frontenacs / OHL) Leif Oaten (Lethbridge Hurricanes / WHL) Carter Esler (Spokane Chiefs / WHL) Defenceman (6) Cameron Chartrand (Saint John Sea Dogs / QMJHL) Carter Hicks (Brampton Steelheads / OHL) Ryan Lin (Vancouver Giants / WHL) Caleb Mitchell (London Knights / OHL) Lucas Ambrosio (Erie Otters / OHL) Giorgos Pantelas (Brandon Wheat Kings / WHL) Forwards (11) Thomas Rousseau (Sherbrooke Phoenix / QMJHL) Alexis Joseph (Saint John Sea Dogs / QMJHL) Mathis Preston (Vancouver Giants / WHL) Zach Lansard (Regina Pats / WHL) Brock England (Seattle Thunderbirds / WHL) Alessandro Di Iorio (Sarnia Sting / OHL) Jaxon Jacobson (Brandon Wheat Kings / WHL) Beckett Hamilton (Red Deer Rebels / WHL) Jean-Cristoph Lemieux (Sudbury Wolves / OHL) Jaakko Wycisk (Guelph Storm / OHL) Dimian Zhilkin (Saginaw Spirit / OHL)

CHL to NHL: Memorial Cup champion Villeneuve suits up for Maple Leafs

Scott Vankoughnett — Sun, 12 Apr 2026 14:06:32 +0000

Former Saint John Sea Dogs defenceman William Villeneuve made his NHL debut with the Toronto Maple Leafs Saturday. In a 6-2 loss to Florida, Villeneuve played 18:45 and recorded one block. The second overall pick in the 2018 QMJHL Draft, Villeneuve played 216 games for the Sea Dogs and amassed 153 points, tied for the second most in team history by a blueliner. In 2019-20 he led all Q d-men with 49 assists and 58 points while in his final season in 2021-22, he had 56 points in the regular season and league best +60 rating and then helped the Sea Dogs claim the Memorial Cup as hosts. As a pro, the Sherbrooke, QC., native has made 224 appearances for the AHL's Toronto Marlies, the third most in team history by a defencemen, while his 119 points rank second. Toronto selected the 24-year-old 122nd overall in the 2020 NHL Draft. https://twitter.com/MapleLeafs/status/2043099864460874126

CHL to NHL: Winterhawks d-man Alscher plays first game with Panthers

Scott Vankoughnett — Fri, 10 Apr 2026 18:31:00 +0000

Former Portland Winterhawks defenceman Marek Alscher made his NHL debut Thursday night with the Florida Panthers. In a 5-1 loss to Ottawa, Alscher played 19:28, recorded two shots, one hit and one block. In three seasons from 2021-24, the Czechia native made 178 appearances with Portland and tallied 66 points (22 goals). He was the 21st overall pick in the 2021 CHL Import Draft. Internationally, the 22-year-old won a bronze medal with Czechia at the 2024 World Juniors. As a pro, he made 104 appearances for the AHL's Charlotte Checkers before his NHL debut. Florida selected Alscher 93rd overall in the 2022 NHL Draft. https://twitter.com/FlaPanthers/status/2042371499089166539

OHL Alumnus Drew Bannister Named U18 Worlds Canada’s Head Coach

Scott Vankoughnett — Fri, 10 Apr 2026 17:32:53 +0000

CALGARY, Alberta – With less than a month until the puck drops at the 2026 IIHF U18 Men’s World Championship, Hockey Canada has announced the coaching and support staff that will lead Canada’s National Men’s Under-18 Team in Bratislava and Trenčín, Slovakia. Former National Hockey League head coach and Ontario Hockey League coach and alumnus Drew Bannister (Belleville, ON) will serve as head coach, joined by assistant coaches Matt Anholt (Prince Albert, SK/Lethbridge, WHL) and Mark O’Leary (Owen Sound, ON/Moose Jaw, WHL). The staff also includes goaltending coach Dan De Palma (Kamloops, BC/Kamloops, WHL), who returns for a third consecutive year, and video coach Ryan Aasman (Medicine Hat, AB/Lethbridge, WHL). The coaching and support staff were selected by general manager Alan Millar (Tottenham, ON) and director of hockey operations Benoit Roy (Sudbury, ON), with support from Scott Salmond (Creston, BC), senior vice-president of high performance and hockey operations. “We are thrilled to announce the coaching staff that is tasked with leading Team Canada at the IIHF U18 Men’s World Championship with the goal of winning a third-straight gold medal,” said Millar. “With Drew’s résumé as a head coach in the National Hockey League, he is poised to be a great leader for our team, and Matt and Mark bring many years of experience in the Canadian Hockey League, as well as in international competition. We are confident in this group’s ability to proudly represent Canada in Slovakia.” Bannister most recently served as head coach of the St. Louis Blues during the 2024-25 NHL season after being promoted from the American Hockey League’s Springfield Thunderbirds, where he spent more than two seasons (2021-23) as head coach. Prior to his time in professional hockey, Bannister began his coaching career as an assistant with the Ontario Hockey League’s Owen Sound Attack from 2012-15. He then went on to serve as head coach of the OHL’s Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds for three seasons (2015-18), compiling an impressive record of 136-50-13-5. As a player, Bannister won a Memorial Cup championship in 1993. He recorded 18 goals and 100 assists for 118 points over four seasons with the Soo Greyhounds (1990-94). Internationally, Bannister has built an impressive résumé, serving as an assistant coach with Canada’s National Men’s Team at the 2025 Spengler Cup and winning gold as an assistant coach with Canada’s National Men’s Summer Under-18 Team at the 2017 Ivan Hlinka Memorial Cup. He also contributed as an assistant coach with Team Ontario at the 2014 World Under-17 Hockey Challenge. As a player, Bannister captured gold with Canada’s National Junior Team at the 1994 IIHF World Junior Championship. Anholt recently completed his first season as head coach of the Western Hockey League’s Lethbridge Hurricanes after being named associate coach in 2025. He has also gained international experience behind the bench, serving as an assistant coach with Canada Red at the World Under-17 Hockey Challenge in both 2023 and 2024. O’Leary is set to enter his sixth season as head coach of the WHL’s Moose Jaw Warriors, having previously served as an assistant coach with the organization since the 2012-13 season. He led the Warriors to their first WHL championship in franchise history in 2024. On the international stage, O’Leary served as head coach of Canada Black at the 2022 World Under-17 Hockey Challenge and was an assistant coach for Canada Red in 2018. The support staff that will work with Canada’s National Men’s Under-18 Team at the 2026 IIHF U18 Men’s World Championship includes:

Athletic therapists Colton Reiley (Sydney, NS/Cape Breton, LHJMQ) and Terence Robertson (Red Deer, AB/Red Deer, WHL)
Team physician Dr. R.J. MacKenzie (Albert Bridge, NS/Cape Breton, LHJMQ)
Equipment manager A.J. Murley (St. John’s, NL)
Strength and conditioning coach
Academic advisor Stacey Meyer (Calgary, AB)

The announcement continues a strong tradition of Canadian Hockey League representation within Hockey Canada’s Program of Excellence, with CHL coaches and staff regularly playing key roles on the international stage.

CHL unveils players ranked No. 50 through No. 41 on Top 50 Players of the Last 50 Years list

Scott Vankoughnett — Thu, 09 Apr 2026 15:59:19 +0000

The Top 50 players were identified through a media vote, with the final rankings determined by a weighted combination of media and fan voting. Full player bios are available at chl.ca/chl50.

The Canadian Hockey League (CHL) is proud to reveal the players ranked No. 50 through No. 41 on its Top 50 Players of the Last 50 Years list (see below), a signature initiative launched as part of the CHL’s 50th anniversary season. The countdown celebrates the greatest players from the Western Hockey League (WHL), Ontario Hockey League (OHL), and Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League (QMJHL) since 1975-76, honouring the stars who have shaped major junior hockey over the past five decades. As part of the initiative, a panel of media members first identified the Top 50 Players of the Last 50 Years (since 1975-76). From there, the final ranking order was determined using a weighted formula that combined media and fan voting to rank the players from No. 1 through No. 50. KEY FACTS & MEDIA NOTES: CHL TOP 50 PLAYERS MEDIA RESOURCES (PHOTOS, LOGOS, VIDEOS & MORE) 50. Larry Murphy, Defenceman | OHL | Peterborough Petes (1978-80) | Los Angeles Kings, Washington Capitals, Minnesota North Stars, Pittsburgh Penguins, Toronto Maple Leafs & Detroit Red Wings (1980-2001): Murphy helped Peterborough win the 1979 Memorial Cup before breaking out for 89 points in 1979-80, earning OHL Defenceman of the Year and OHL First All-Star Team honours. He added 17 points in 14 playoff games as the Petes repeated as OHL champions in 1980. Murphy went on to a Hall of Fame NHL career, winning four Stanley Cups and recording 1,216 points in 1,615 games. 49. Scott Stevens, Defenceman | OHL | Kitchener Rangers (1980-82) | Washington Capitals, St. Louis Blues & New Jersey Devils (1982-2004): Stevens starred on Kitchener’s 1982 championship team, collecting 42 points in 68 games and 11 more in 15 playoff contests while helping the Rangers win both the OHL title and the franchise’s first Memorial Cup. He later became a Hall of Fame NHL defenceman, captaining the New Jersey Devils to three Stanley Cups and winning the Conn Smythe Trophy in 2000. 48. Taylor Hall, Forward | OHL | Windsor Spitfires (2007-10) | Edmonton Oilers, New Jersey Devils, Arizona Coyotes, Buffalo Sabres, Boston Bruins, Chicago Blackhawks & Carolina Hurricanes (2010-Present): Hall led Windsor through one of the most dominant runs in CHL history, winning OHL and CHL Rookie of the Year in 2007-08 before helping the Spitfires capture back-to-back Memorial Cups. He won the Stafford Smythe Trophy (Memorial Cup MVP) twice, the Wayne Gretzky 99 Award (OHL Playoffs MVP) in 2009, and later captured the Hart Trophy as NHL MVP in 2017-18. 47. Brian Propp, Forward | WHL | Brandon Wheat Kings (1976-79) | Philadelphia Flyers, Boston Bruins, Minnesota North Stars & Hartford Whalers (1979-94):One of the WHL’s all-time great scorers, Propp recorded 511 points in 213 regular-season games, won back-to-back WHL scoring titles, and led Brandon to its first WHL championship in 1978-79. He went on to score 425 goals and 1,004 points in the NHL, appearing in five Stanley Cup Finals. 46. Steven Stamkos, Forward | OHL | Sarnia Sting (2006-08) | Tampa Bay Lightning & Nashville Predators (2008-Present): Stamkos scored 100 goals and 197 points in just two OHL seasons, winning the Bobby Smith Trophy in 2006-07 and CHL Top Prospect honours in 2007-08 after a 58-goal campaign. The first overall pick in 2008, he later became a two-time Stanley Cup champion, two-time NHL goal-scoring leader, and 600-goal scorer. 45. Mark Recchi, Forward | WHL | New Westminster Bruins & Kamloops Blazers (1984-88) | Pittsburgh Penguins, Philadelphia Flyers, Montreal Canadiens, Carolina Hurricanes, Atlanta Thrashers, Tampa Bay Lightning & Boston Bruins (1988-2011): Recchi’s WHL career peaked with a 154-point season in 1987-88 with Kamloops, and he finished junior with 292 regular-season points and 50 playoff points. He later built a Hall of Fame career in the NHL, recording 1,533 points and winning three Stanley Cups with three different teams. 44. Guy Carbonneau, Forward | QMJHL | Chicoutimi Saguenéens (1976-80) | Montréal Canadiens, St. Louis Blues & Dallas Stars (1980-2000): Carbonneau was a cornerstone in Chicoutimi, recording 435 points in 274 games, posting back-to-back seasons with 140-plus points, and captaining the Saguenéens. He later became one of the NHL’s premier defensive forwards, winning three Selke Trophies, three Stanley Cups, and a place in the Hockey Hall of Fame. 43. Cam Neely, Forward | WHL | Portland Winterhawks (1982-84) | Vancouver Canucks & Boston Bruins (1983-96): Neely burst onto the WHL scene with 56 goals and 120 points as a rookie in 1982-83, then helped Portland win the 1983 Memorial Cup with a hat trick in the final. He went on to a Hall of Fame NHL career, scoring 395 goals and becoming one of the era’s most feared power forwards. 42. Leon Draisaitl, Forward | WHL | Prince Albert Raiders & Kelowna Rockets (2012-15) | Edmonton Oilers (2015-Present): Draisaitl totaled 216 points in 160 WHL regular-season games, highlighted by a 105-point season in Prince Albert and a standout 2015 playoff run with Kelowna that ended with WHL Playoff MVP and Memorial Cup MVP honours. In the NHL, he became one of the league’s top offensive stars, winning the Hart, Art Ross, Ted Lindsay, and Rocket Richard trophies. 41. Patrice Bergeron, Forward | QMJHL | Acadie-Bathurst Titan (2001-03) | Boston Bruins (2003-2023): Bergeron played just one full season in Acadie-Bathurst, but made it count, setting Titan rookie records with 73 points and 50 assists in 2002-03 and tying the QMJHL rookie record for points in a playoff game with six. He later spent 19 seasons with the Boston Bruins, winning a record six Selke Trophies, a Stanley Cup, and surpassing 1,000 points with the franchise. Further rankings from the Top 50 Players of the Last 50 Years list will be revealed in the coming weeks. CHL Top 50 Evaluation Criteria and Eligibility The CHL’s Top 50 Players were selected by a panel of more than 40 media members who submitted ranked 1–50 ballots guided by a weighted evaluation framework designed to ensure consistency across eras. Panelists considered a player’s impact beyond the CHL — including NHL and international success, major awards and championships, and Hall of Fame recognition — alongside on-ice achievement in the Member Leagues, reflecting what players accomplished during their time in the WHL, OHL, and QMJHL through production, individual honours, team success, and sustained dominance. Selections also accounted for historical significance, recognizing milestones, era-defining influence, generational impact, and lasting contributions to CHL history. To be eligible, players must have competed in at least one full season in the WHL, OHL, or QMJHL during the CHL’s 50-year history beginning in 1975–76; for players who competed in 1975–76 and also played prior to that season, their entire CHL career was considered when evaluating on-ice accomplishments.

CHL to NHL: Spits’ Protas debuts with Washington

Scott Vankoughnett — Thu, 09 Apr 2026 15:09:31 +0000

Former Windsor Spitfires forward Ilya Protas made his NHL debut with the Washington Capitals Wednesday night. In a 4-0 win over Toronto, Protas had an assist in 15:37 of ice time and recorded one block. Protas spent one season in the OHL in 2024-25 but he made it count; he recorded 50 goals and 124 points to finish third and fifth respectively among CHL scorers and was named to the CHL's Second All-Star Team. In the postseason, he added another 25 points (five goals) as the Spits reached the second round of the OHL Playoffs. In his first year in the AHL with the Hershey Bears, the 19-year-old has 28 goals and 62 points in 66 games and was named an AHL All-Star earlier in the season. Selected 75th overall in the 2024 NHL Draft, Protas made his NHL debut with his older brother, Aliaksei, a former standout with the Prince Albert Raiders, in the line-up. https://twitter.com/Capitals/status/2042019350006395240