The NHL Central Scouting has unveiled its preliminary watch list for the 2026 NHL Draft. This list features a total of 469 players from North America and Europe. They are categorized into five ratings based on their projected draft positions.
2026 NHL Draft Watch List Ratings
- A Rating: First-round candidates
- B Rating: Second to third-round candidates
- C Rating: Fourth to fifth-round candidates
- W Rating: Sixth to seventh-round candidates
- LV (Limited Viewing): Injured players with insufficient viewings
A notable highlight of the list is that 27 players have received an ‘A’ rating. Among them are promising talents like:
- Gavin McKenna (Penn State)
- Keaton Verhoeff (North Dakota)
- Ivar Stenberg (Sweden)
- Tynan Lawrence (Muskegon Lumberjacks)
- Ethan Belchetz (Windsor Spitfires)
Emerging Talents
Several players have risen in status through their recent performances:
- J.P. Hurlbert: A forward for Kamloops, he leads the WHL in scoring and has transitioned to an ‘A’ rating.
- Caleb Malhotra: Brantford center who moved from the BCHL to the Bulldogs, contributing on the first-unit power play.
- Egor Shilov: A Victoriaville center, he is among the top scorers in the QMJHL early this season.
- Alberts Smits: Latvian defenseman gaining attention for impressive plays in Finland, has also received an ‘A’ rating.
Notable Ratings and Surprises
Viggo Bjorck, a center with substantial junior achievements in Sweden, has received a ‘B’ rating despite being expected to join Sweden’s World Junior team. His 5-foot-9 stature has drawn some skepticism.
Two players receiving ‘A’ ratings have garnered mixed opinions:
- Brooks Rogowski: An Oshawa forward and Michigan State commit, he is viewed by some as a late-second/third-rounder despite his 6-foot-7 frame.
- Luke Schairer: A defenseman from the NTDP, he is perceived to be carrying the weight of expectations from last year’s U17s, with concerns about his first-round potential.
The 2026 NHL Draft preparation is underway, with players showcasing their abilities and making favorable impressions on scouts and evaluators.
