2026-27 CHL Top-10 Rankings: Preseason Edition

September 16, 2026

The Canadian Hockey League (CHL) today unveiled the preseason edition of the CHL Top-10 Rankings for 2026-27, led by the Guelph Storm of the Ontario Hockey League (OHL). The Cape Breton Eagles of the Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League (QMJHL) and Victoria Royals of the Western Hockey League (WHL) complete the top three.

Compiled with input from NHL Central Scouting, the rankings arrive ahead of tomorrow’s season opener and a campaign expected to feature more than 125 NHL-drafted prospects across the WHL, OHL, and QMJHL.

The OHL opens tomorrow when the Peterborough Petes host the Kingston Frontenacs at 7:05 p.m. ET / 4:05 p.m. PT (on FloHockey). Friday’s 21-game slate is highlighted by two championship banner ceremonies. The defending CHL champion Kitchener Rangers will raise their Memorial Cup and J. Ross Robertson Cup banners before hosting the Owen Sound Attack at 7 p.m. ET / 4 p.m. PT, while the Chicoutimi Saguenéens will unveil their Gilles-Courteau Trophy banner before facing the Shawinigan Cataractes at the same time. Guelph opens at home against the Erie Otters at 7:07 p.m. ET / 4:07 p.m. PT. In the WHL, the No. 10-ranked Brandon Wheat Kings host the Saskatoon Blades at 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT before the No. 6-ranked Medicine Hat Tigers visit the Lethbridge Hurricanes at 9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. PT.

FloHockey will stream OHL and QMJHL games throughout 2026-27, while WHL regular-season games will stream free on YouTube.

The season will culminate in Guelph during the city’s bicentennial year, when the Storm host the 107th Memorial Cup presented by Kubota from May 20–30, 2027. It will be the first Memorial Cup in Guelph since 2002, when the Kootenay Ice defeated the Victoriaville Tigres in the final.

CHL Top-10 Rankings – Preseason

1. Guelph Storm (OHL): The 2027 Memorial Cup hosts did not stand pat this offseason, adding high-end forwards Owen Griffin (25G-42A in 66 GP in 2025-26) and Ethan Czata (25G-28A in 63 GP), goaltender Ben Hrebik—who posted a .920 save percentage in each of the past two seasons—New York Islanders fifth-rounder Vladimir Dravecky (9G-19A in 58 GP) and Czech forward Adrien Bartovič. They join a core led by Toronto Maple Leafs third-rounder Tyler Hopkins (25G-25A in 56 GP) and Chicago Blackhawks second-rounder Ryan Roobroeck (30G-28A in 49 GP). St. Louis Blues prospect Carter Stevens (20G-16A in 53 GP), 2026 CHL Import Draft fourth-overall pick Timothy Kazda and 2027 NHL Draft prospect Jaakko Wycisk (17G-26A in 60 GP) deepen the attack. Anaheim Ducks fifth-rounder Eric Frossard (5G-9A in 51 GP), Tampa Bay Lightning seventh-rounder Grant Spada (6G-15A in 61 GP) and Seattle Kraken seventh-rounder Rylan Singh (4G-19A in 52 GP) headline the blue line. The offseason overhaul gives Guelph 10 NHL prospects in all, underscoring the depth of a roster built to contend immediately. General manager George Burnett and head coach Cory Stillman will now look to guide the reshaped roster to Guelph’s first J. Ross Robertson Cup since 2019 and the franchise’s first Memorial Cup title.

Games this week: vs. Erie (Sept. 18), @ Brantford (Sept. 19)

2. Cape Breton Eagles (QMJHL): Cape Breton has assembled a legitimate contender, although a deep Eastern Conference featuring Québec, Saint John, Halifax and Moncton will offer little margin for error. An aggressive offseason brought Ottawa Senators prospect Lucas Beckman (2.60 GAA & .917 SV% in 38 GP between Baie-Comeau and Chicoutimi in 2025-26), Los Angeles Kings second-rounder Liam Lefebvre (32G-27A in 59 GP), Washington Capitals third-rounder Maxim Schäfer (21G-28A in 53 GP) and fellow German forward Elias Schneider (23G-30A in 53 GP). They join 2024 fourth-overall QMJHL pick Romain L’Italien (17G-30A in 52 GP), his older brother Eliot L’Italien (16G-18A in 49 GP), Reece Peitzsche (26G-21A in 64 GP) and Boston Bruins prospect Cole Chandler (20G-32A in 62 GP), formerly of Shawinigan, in a deep forward group. On defense, newcomer Alonso Gosselin (7G-21A in 64 GP) adds offense alongside Detroit Red Wings sixth-rounder Will Murphy (4G-4A in 38 GP) and overager Noah Jettelson (4G-22A in 64 GP), who added seven points in six playoff games. With Beckman behind that group, the Eagles have strength at every position.

Games this week: vs. Halifax (Sept. 18), vs. Charlottetown (Sept. 20)

3. Victoria Royals (WHL): After finishing two points short of qualifying for a playoff tiebreaker last season, Victoria enters 2026-27 with a win-now roster. The blockbuster addition of Dallas Stars prospect Cameron Schmidt—who tied for the CHL lead with 51 goals and finished with 100 points in 72 games—transforms the attack. The Royals offered an early glimpse of their upside by scoring 10 goals while splitting two preseason games against London. Returning standouts Nolan Stewart (16G-34A in 65 GP) and Hayden Moore (18G-30A in 62 GP) are joined by former Tri-City scoring leader Savin Virk (27G-38A in 66 GP). Captain Miles Cooper (10G-27A in 50 GP), Caleb Matthews (15G-21A in 65 GP), Columbus Blue Jackets prospect Filip Novak and 2026 first-round CHL Import Draft pick Marek Peroutka add further scoring options. On defense, offseason acquisition Nate Yellowaga (7G-20A in 67 GP) joins 2027 NHL Draft prospect Odin Vauhkonen (3G-20A in 65 GP). Victoria has moved quickly from narrowly missing the postseason to looking capable of a deep run in 2026-27.

Games this week: @ Kamloops (Sept. 19)

4. London Knights (OHL): After winning consecutive J. Ross Robertson Cups, London’s bid for a third straight title ended with a first-round loss to the Soo Greyhounds. The Knights nevertheless return as contenders in 2026-27, led up front by Ottawa Senators first-rounder Jaxon Cover (20G-32A in 67 GP) and Dallas Stars fifth-rounder Ryan Brown (22G-41A in 67 GP). Anaheim Ducks first-rounder Marcus Nordmark, top 2027 NHL Draft prospect Luca Santala, newcomers Kane Barch and Carson Harmer (18G-26A in 66 GP), overager Thomas Zocco and veterans Evan Van Gorp (12G-27A in 66 GP) and Cohen Bidgood (14G-25A in 51 GP) give London its depth. The 6-foot-8 Maksim Sokolovskii, selected in the first round by Philadelphia, anchors a defense that also includes Caleb Mitchell (5G-23A in 57 GP) and 6-foot-6 Boston Bruins fifth-rounder Jacob Vandeven. A return by Los Angeles Kings first-rounder Henry Brzustewicz would make that group even stronger. Vancouver Canucks second-rounder Aleksei Medvedev is in line for the lead role in goal after sharing the crease with Sebastian Gatto last season. Young players such as Ryan Beaulieu, Cooper McAslan and Alex Campeau give an already-deep lineup additional upside.

Games this week: vs. Windsor (Sept. 18), @ Windsor (Sept. 19)

5. Saginaw Spirit (OHL): Saginaw hopes a blend of NHL-drafted talent and emerging players can produce its second Memorial Cup title in four seasons. First-year head coach Brendan Taylor inherits a dynamic forward in Dima Zhilkin (36G-39A in 59 GP), a potential top-10 pick in the 2027 NHL Draft. Winnipeg Jets prospect Jacob Cloutier (22G-25A in 64 GP) and Toronto Maple Leafs sixth-rounder Brody Pepoy (16G-13A in 67 GP) also return, while the acquisition of Braidy Wassilyn (19G-27A in 62 GP) gives the young group another proven scorer. Recent first-round OHL picks Ryan Hanrahan (4G-8A in 46 GP) and Drew Bate provide further upside. On defense, 2027 NHL Draft prospect Levi Harper (12G-45A in 68 GP) leads a group that includes Russian blueliner Gordei Khotkov and draft-eligibles Drew Roscoe (2G-1A in 30 GP), Tyler Martyniuk and Kade Meyer. San Jose Sharks fourth-rounder Brady Knowling and Tampa Bay Lightning sixth-rounder Stepan Shurygin give Saginaw two NHL-drafted goaltenders. The biggest swing factor is reigning OHL scoring champion Nikita Klepov (37G-60A in 67 GP): a return from the Anaheim Ducks would materially raise Saginaw’s ceiling.

Games this week: @ Sault Ste. Marie (Sept. 18), vs. Flint (Sept. 19)

6. Medicine Hat Tigers (WHL): After reaching the 2025 Memorial Cup final, Medicine Hat followed with another deep playoff run last season and remains built to contend. Pittsburgh Penguins prospects Liam Ruck (45G-59A in 68 GP) and Markus Ruck (21G-87A in 68 GP) drive one of the CHL’s most dangerous attacks. Potential 2027 NHL Draft first-rounders Noah Davidson (30G-22A in 67 GP) and Shaeffer Gordon-Carroll (12G-25A in 41 GP) add more high-end talent, while Luke Cozens (25G-36A in 69 GP), Yaroslav Bryzgalov (13G-42A in 64 GP) and Kadon McCann (21G-22A in 68 GP) supply proven depth. Offseason addition Josh Evaschesen (33G-40A in 67 GP) and 2026 CHL Import Draft pick Arvid Drott, a Florida Panthers sixth-rounder, make the forward group even deeper. On defense, overager Dayton Reschny (11G-16A in 54 GP), Calgary Flames third-rounder Mace’o Phillips and 6-foot-7 Russian Denis Pasler bring size and experience. The Tigers’ youth creates some questions going into 2026-27, but few teams can match their scoring ceiling.

Games this week: @ Lethbridge (Sept. 18), vs. Lethbridge (Sept. 19)

7. Saint John Sea Dogs (QMJHL): Saint John’s playoff-series drought dates back to its 2017 QMJHL championship run, though the club captured the Memorial Cup as host in 2022. With an experienced core and a busy offseason, the Sea Dogs appear poised not only to end that drought, but to challenge for their first QMJHL title in a decade. Top 2027 NHL Draft prospect Alexis Joseph (24G-36A in 54 GP) leads an attack reinforced by former U.S. National Team Development Program forward Jamie Glance and CHL Import Draft picks Matyas Cancik and Oliver Ozogany. The club’s top-three scorers from last season—Joseph, Alexander Donovan (25G-28A in 63 GP) and Olivier Groulx (20G-46A in 64 GP)—all return, while former eighth-overall QMJHL pick Dylan Rozzi (20G-25A in 64 GP) is another breakout candidate. The Sea Dogs rebuilt their defense by adding former fourth-overall pick Thomas Charbonneau (2G-9A in 48 GP), Brandon Delarosbil (8G-14A in 60 GP) and veteran Julien Lanthier (3G-12A in 43 GP) to a group led by Olivier Duhamel (5G-21A in 58 GP). Buffalo Sabres fourth-rounder Samuel Meloche gives that revamped blue line an established goaltender behind it.

Games this week: @ Newfoundland (Sept. 18), @ Newfoundland (Sept. 19)

8. Québec Remparts (QMJHL): Four seasons after winning both the Gilles-Courteau Trophy and Memorial Cup, Québec again has the high-end talent to contend. St. Louis Blues first-rounder Maddox Dagenais (30G-32A in 62 GP), Philadelphia Flyers prospect and returning scoring leader Nathan Quinn (34G-39A in 58 GP) and top 2027 NHL Draft prospect Carter Meyer give the Remparts a formidable top line. The supporting cast includes 2025 first-round import pick Nikita Ovcharov (17G-27A in 64 GP), 2026 first-round import pick Samuel Sramaty and 2025 ninth-overall QMJHL pick James Scantlebury, with Sramaty and Scantlebury set to make their league debuts. On defense, Winnipeg Jets fifth-rounder Alexandre Taillefer (2G-15A in 28 GP) and offseason acquisition Maddox Labre (1G-19A in 59 GP) will be counted on to stabilize the group in front of draft-eligible goaltender Patrick Déniger. The ceiling is high; the question is whether Québec’s depth can hold up in a strong Eastern Conference.

Games this week: @ Sherbrooke (Sept. 18), @ Chicoutimi (Sept. 20)

9. Ottawa 67’s (OHL): Ottawa followed a 100-point regular season with a playoff loss to Barrie, who later fell to Kitchener in the OHL Championship Series. Although several veterans have departed, the 67’s return 2027 NHL Draft prospect Kohyn Eshkawkogan and three of their top five postseason scorers as they pursue their first OHL title since 2001. Carolina Hurricanes seventh-rounder Filip Ekberg (24G-22A in 59 GP), New York Rangers fourth-rounder Spencer Bowes (23G-19A in 67 GP) and Nic Whitehead (25G-38A in 64 GP) are the top returning regular-season scorers. 2027 NHL Draft prospect Brock Chitaroni (10G-14A in 60 GP) will look to build on a productive rookie season. On defense, Eshkawkogan, 6-foot-6 Buffalo Sabres third-rounder David Bedkowski (5G-24A in 68 GP) and Colorado Avalanche seventh-rounder Ondrej Ruml (10G-18A in 66 GP) bring both puck movement and size. Jaeden Nelson—who posted a 2.33 goals-against average and .915 save percentage in 29 games—returns as half of Ottawa’s 2026 Dave Pinkney Trophy-winning tandem.

Games this week: @ Kingston (Sept. 20)

10. Brandon Wheat Kings (WHL): Brandon lost five of its top seven scorers from an 82-point season, but the returning core has enough firepower to keep the Wheat Kings in the early contender conversation. Brandon native and top 2027 NHL Draft prospect Jaxon Jacobson (25G-60A in 63 GP) and 40-goal scorer Joby Baumuller lead the attack. Anaheim Ducks seventh-rounder Brady Turko (18G-18A in 66 GP) provides experience, while draft-eligible forwards Chase Surkan (20G-18A in 45 GP) and Prabh Bhathal (8G-23A in 63 GP) are candidates for larger roles. First-round CHL Draft Import pick Kris Muissu and 2025 WHL U.S. Prospects Draft first-overall pick Levi Ellingsen (0G-1A in 5 GP) could add needed depth. With Giorgos Pantelas and Grayson Burzynski gone, the defense will have a new look. Cameron Allard (7G-12A in 62 GP) is the top returning scorer on the blue line, while 2027 NHL Draft prospect Nigel Boehm (2G-14A in 63 GP) and 2025 first-round WHL pick Cruz Jim (0G-1A in 4 GP) should receive larger opportunities. Minnesota Wild fifth-rounder Filip Ruzicka (.906 SV% in 42 GP; .936 in four playoff games) gives the young defense stability behind it.

Games this week: vs. Saskatoon (Sept. 18)