Three Blades named on NHL Central Scouting’s early season rankings
Saskatoon, SK – Saskatoon Blades forwards Cooper Williams and Zach Olsen, along with defenceman Brayden Klimpke have been named to NHL Central Scouting’s Preliminary Players to Watch List. The rankings showcase an early look at the top prospects for the 2026 NHL Entry Draft.
Williams received a “B” rating, indicating a second or third round candidate. The NHL draft-eligible centre was selected by the Blades in the second round (40th overall) of the 2023 Western Hockey League (WHL) Prospects Draft. Williams was named an Eastern Conference finalist for WHL Rookie of the Year last season after posting a 57-point campaign in 68 games. The 6-foot-1 forward scored 21 goals and 36 assists to help push a young Blades squad to a 37-23-4-4 record and postseason berth. It was the most points scored by a Blades rookie in the last quarter century. In ten games this season, Williams has four goals and five assists. The former Telus Cup medalist scored a goal in every game this past weekend in the Blades three-in-three stretch.
Olsen and Klimpke were given “C” ratings, indicating a fourth or fifth round candidate. After a 23-point (11G, 12A) rookie campaign last season, Olsen has four goals and five assists in 12 games this year. Drafted in the second round (29th overall) by the Blades in 2023, Olsen boasts size and intensity teams crave. At 6-foot-1 and 196 pounds, the right-handed shot is on a five-game point streak with two goals and five assists in that span.
A late 2007 birthday, 2026 marks the first time Klimpke is eligible for the NHL draft. The 6-foot-1 defenceman scored three goals and 23 assists in 59 games during his 2024-25 rookie season. Klimpke’s +17 led the backend last year. Prior to the 2025-26 season, the silky-skating defenceman was named an alternate captain. The Blades fourth round (70th overall) pick from the 2022 WHL Prospects Draft has two goals and ten assists in 12 games to start this year.
The Calgary, AB trio and the Blades embark on their U.S. Division road trip on Wednesday. The team will practice Thursday morning in Kamloops, BC before continuing their journey to Everett, WA for a Friday night tilt against the Silvertips.
