Draft Prospect Profile: Landon Nycz - LD

Draft Prospect Profile:  Landon Nycz - LD 

Height: 6-2    Weight: 201             
DOB: 4-Oct-07   Age:  18

2025-26 UMass.......NCAA.......35-1-2-3

 

Central Scouting Preliminary Ranking:  NS #28

Central Scouting Final Ranking:  NS #55

 

Lines.com: https://www.lines.com/nhl/drafts/player/landon-nycz 

 

Notes: Nycz played his first year at UMass after coming from the USHL.  He had only 3 points in 35 games, and found his ice time limited in some games.  Good size and mobility.  CHI scouts will have seen a lot of Nycz as he is a teammate of prospect Vaclav Nestrasil.  Low scoring in his first NCAA season may push him down the 2026 draft board from his initial #28 ranking.

 

Elite Prospects: https://www.eliteprospects.com/player/822279/landon-nycz

 

Daily Faceoff: https://www.dailyfaceoff.com/news/top-ncaa-players-2026-nhl-draft-rankings-mckenna-verhoeff-lawrence-hemming-morozov

"When watching Nycz, his mobility is the first thing that stands out. The former Waterloo Black Hawks prospect isn’t going to wow you with his offense – three points in 34 games won’t excite you all too much. ....... Defensively, he’s solid, but it felt like he was often sheltered from tougher opponents. In flashes, Nycz has the athletic ability to be a difference-maker. ....... "

 

Draft Prospect Profile: Vladimir Dravecky - RD

Draft Prospect Profile:  Vladimir Dravecký - RD 

Height: 6-0     Weight: 187             
DOB: 19-Dec-07   Age:  18

2025-26.Brantford Bulldogs.......OHL.......58-9-19-28

 

Central Scouting Preliminary Ranking: NS #40 

Central Scouting Final Ranking: NS #47

 

Lines.com: https://www.lines.com/nhl/drafts/player/vladimir-dravecky-41249 

 

Notes: Dravecky is a skilled and well-rounded, average sized RD.  Very accurate passer who will try long passes to his talented Brantford teammates; sometimes that risk taking can end in turnovers. He will have to make the safer passes as he moves to higher leagues.  Can run the power play.  Good positioning on defense.  Could move to NCAA but not committed right now.  Did not score in 7 games for Czechia at the WJC-20 tournament.  CHI scouts have seen him many times as he is teammates with Vanacker, Holmes, and Malhotra.

 

Game Notes:  https://hockeystew25.blogspot.com/2025/10/october-24-2025-brantford-3-sarnia-1-ohl.html 

Dravecky was very involved in the play all game, showed well on both offense and defense. Played penalty kill and power play, seems to always be well-positioned. Was able to carry in on the power play and operate at the point. Well positioned on defense and able to break up plays. Not a large player but energetic and always in the mix; could be a very reliable player at higher levels. 11-4-8-12 this year; 37-6-10-16 for Rogle J20 last year. 

 

Elite Prospects: https://www.eliteprospects.com/player/899355/vladimir-dravecky

Draft Prospect Profile: Mathis Preston - RW

Draft Prospect Profile:  Mathis Preston - RW 

Height: 5-11      Weight:  168            
DOB:  21-Jul-08  Age: 17

2025-26  Spokane Chiefs        WHL     36-14-18-32

2025-26  Vancouver Giants     WHL    10-4-8-12 

 

Central Scouting Preliminary Ranking: NS #24

Central Scouting Final Ranking: NS #32

Lines.com: https://www.lines.com/nhl/drafts/player/mathis-preston-40704 

 

Notes: Preston missed some time this year, only playing 46 games, and was traded mid-year to non-playoff team Vancouver Giants, but still managed to stay near a point per game.  Dropped a little in the season-end rankings as he did not make as big a jump as expected.  Might drop into the 2nd round in the 2026 draft.

 

Game Notes (10/11/25) - was with Spokane: https://hockeystew25.blogspot.com/2025/10/october-11-2025-spokane-2-seattle-0-whl.html

This is another of the small, speedy, highly skilled forwards that Spokane always seems to have. Had a few steals in this game that he carried into the offensive zone. Had 5 shots on the night using his speed to get chances in close. In 4×4, went to the net front and buried a nice pass from a teammate for a goal. Controls puck well on the power play. Bumped and lost balance a few times (not sure the ice was in great shape, there were falls and whiffs on passes and shots by several players throughout the game). Will need to add strength going forward but skills put him in top half of the 2026 first round. Plays wing and not center so could possibly drop him a little in the draft. 54-23-22-45 last year and 7-6-4-10 to start the WHL season. 

 

Elite Prospects: https://www.eliteprospects.com/player/628115/mathis-preston

 

The Hockey Writers:

 https://thehockeywriters.com/mathis-preston-2026-nhl-draft-prospect-profile/

"Although on the smaller side at less than 6 feet tall, Preston has amazing offensive abilities that just can’t go unnoticed. .....

"In his first full season in the WHL with the Spokane Chiefs, Preston scored 23 goals with the club and added another nine in 20 playoff games. This season has been a bit tougher for him.... He worked more on his playmaking and finished the season with more assists than in 2024-25. ....

"There is also an element of flair to Preston’s game. He brings a certain youthful energy to the ice and loves to hype up the crowd when he scores goals. He is also never afraid to get under the opponent’s skin ......

"Just like every player, there are things to work on with Preston. This past season was not the big stepping stone people assumed it would be for Preston’s draft stock. His season was a bit up and down,....  He also has to work on his own defensive game...... "

 

Draft Prospect Profile: J.P. Hurlbert - RW

Draft Prospect Profile:  J.P. Hurlbert - RW    

Height: 5-11    Weight:  176            
DOB:  11-Apr-08   Age:  18

2025-26 Kamloops Blazers     WHL     68-42-55-97 

2026-27 Michigan 

 

Central Scouting Preliminary Ranking: NS #10

Central Scouting Final Ranking:  NS #12

Lines.com: https://www.lines.com/nhl/drafts/player/jeffrey-paul-j-p-hurlbert-iii-41258 

"An under six foot creative scoring wing who has high end hockey sense, and puck skills and shot that  has teams intrigued.  Committed to the University of Michigan, where he can ramp up his intensity and develop physically. –Bill Placzek"

 

Notes: Hurlbert is a skilled right wing that was 4th in scoring in the WHL this season (97 points) and is headed to Michigan next year.  Spent a lot of time this year on the same line as CHI prospect Nathan Behm (who had 86 points), so CHI scouts likely had several chances to evaluate him.  Gets a first or second round rating for the 2026 draft.

 

Game Notes (10/3/25): https://hockeystew25.blogspot.com/2025/10/october-3-2025-seattle-7-kamloops-4-whl.html

 Highly skilled winger with decent size and good speed. Had a nice end-to-end carry in 4x4, some nice passes, and nearly had a breakaway. Got possession in his own zone, shot and scored on his own rebound. Played on left side on 4x4 and power play, moved puck and shot well. Had goal and several nice passes. Only 4 of 13 on faceoffs. Skills have him ranked high for the 2026 draft; he has 10 points in 4 games so far this season. Heading to NCAA Michigan in fall of 2026. 

 

Elite Prospects: https://www.eliteprospects.com/player/804140/j-p-hurlbert

 

The Hockey Writers:

https://thehockeywriters.com/j-p-hurlbert-2026-nhl-draft-prospect-profile/ 

"The 2026 NHL Draft class has long been circled as the Gavin McKenna year, but as the Western Hockey League (WHL) regular season draws to a close, the conversation is expanding. One of the most significant movers is J.P. Hurlbert, the Texas-born forward who made the jump from the U.S. National Team Development Program to the Kamloops Blazers this past fall. 

 

Hurlbert didn’t just meet expectations; he shattered them, finishing the regular season as one of the most prolific rookies in the league. Over 68 games, he torched opponents for 42 goals and 55 assists, finishing with 97 points — good for fourth in the entire WHL scoring race....

"Scouts generally view Hurlbert as a dual-threat offensive winger, though he has spent time at center. His primary weapon is an NHL-caliber shot. He possesses a “catch-and-release” mechanic that allows him to whip the puck toward the net almost instantly upon receiving a pass. This ability to generate velocity without needing a long wind-up makes him a nightmare for goaltenders, particularly on the power play where he often sets up above the circles.

"Beyond the shooting, his intelligence is what separates him from the typical junior scorer. Hurlbert has a high-end ability to read defensive layers, often identifying gaps in coverage before they fully open. This spatial awareness allowed him to lead his team in scoring despite not being the biggest or fastest player on the ice. While his skating is functional and he plays with decent pace, some scouts note a lack of a truly explosive top gear, which is an area he will likely need to address to transition his game to the professional level.

"Hurlbert doesn’t shy away from the competitive aspects of the game and has shown a willingness to engage defensively, even contributing to the penalty kill in Kamloops. However, he remains a finesse-first player. His value lies in his puck manipulation — using his hands to bait defenders into opening passing lanes for his teammates. "

Game Highlights 2025-26: 

See:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=56fMK96mOHE 

Draft Prospect Profile: Brooks Rogowski - RC

Draft Prospect Profile:  Brooks Rogowski - RC

Height:  6-6   Weight:  220          
DOB: 24-Jun-08   Age: 17

2025-26  Oshawa Generals      OHL    46-15-27-42

2026-27  Oshawa Generals      OHL

2027-28 Michigan State          NCAA

 

Central Scouting Preliminary Ranking:NS #14

Central Scouting Final Ranking: NS #21

Lines.com: https://www.lines.com/nhl/drafts/player/brooks-rogowski

 

Notes: Big right handed center rated round 1 or 2 for the 2026 draft.  From Michigan, headed to Michigan State - currently scheduled for 2027, wonder if he might go in 2026.  Dropped 7 spots in the final CS rankings and may fall to round 2. 

 

Game Notes (2/6/26):  https://hockeystew25.blogspot.com/2026/02/february-6-2025-sarnia-5-oshawa-3-ohl.html

Rogowski has good size and is skilled handling the puck, able to weave through traffic to set up plays and get shots for himself.  Showed speed tonight on the back check as well as in the offensive zone.  Though he did not score (had one assist) he was dangerous all night, and had 7 total shots.  Goes to the slot and the sides of the net, plays the left side on the power play and generates chances for himself and others.  Missed a chance to break up a play that resulted in a Sarnia goal.  Shows why he has a first round ranking for the draft.  Currently slated to spend another year in the OHL before heading to Michigan State, but you wonder if the timeline might move up.  Currently near a point per game, would likely score more on a better team.  

 

Elite Prospects: https://www.eliteprospects.com/player/915961/brooks-rogowski

 

The Hockey Writers:

https://thehockeywriters.com/brooks-rogowski-2026-nhl-draft-prospect-profile/

"Brooks Rogowski is very hard to miss when he is on the ice with his size (6-foot-6), and he has the game to keep eyes on him throughout his shift. He is a player who took a bit of an unconventional route to becoming a full-fledged OHL player, working his way up from high school hockey in Michigan (Detroit Catholic Central) to being drafted by the Oshawa Generals in the second round of the 2024 OHL Priority Selection Draft. When Rogowski is on the ice, one of the first things you notice is how well he skates for a player his size. He is a smooth skater and can maneuver well with the puck on his stick, but at his size, he will need to work on first-step quickness to help him get going a bit better at the next level.

"When Rogowski is fully engaged on the ice, he has the ability to be a game-changer, whether it is at the offensive or defensive end. Offensively, he uses his size and reach to shield off opponents and work himself into better positions. He does this very well in transition, which helps him get a shot off, and he has no issue firing the puck. This season he had a high shot rate (137 shots compared to 98 last season), and has the ability to bury as well. With his size, he is unsurprisingly a strong net-front presence in the offensive zone and has no problem parking out in front of the net to be either a screen or driving for a rebound opportunity. Taking on a bigger role this season with the Generals, he has also shown that he can be a strong power-play player.

"Rogowski’s overall offensive game is strong and simplistic, but still in the developmental stages. He shows plenty of flashes of being a player who can mix goal-scoring and playmaking ability on top of a power-forward style of play. He has plenty of upside and potential in his game for NHL organizations to like a lot."

 

Draft Prospect Profile: Malte Gustafsson - LD

 Draft Prospect Profile:- Malte Gustafsson - LD

Height: 6-4   Weight: 201        
DOB:  11-Jul-08   Age: 17

2025-26   HV71 J20    J20 Nationell      19-4-8-12

2025-26   HV71          SHL                     27-0-3-3

 

Central Scouting Preliminary Ranking:IS #8

Central Scouting Final Ranking:  IS #7

Lines.com: https://www.lines.com/nhl/drafts/player/malte-gustafsson-41554 

 

Notes: Big. left defenseman who is still 17 on draft day.  Plays physical and carries puck well, makes good passes and shot is a work in progress.  Played majority of the year at the SHL level on a team (HV 71) that ended up playing a relegation series.  Scored will in the J20.  Has maintained a late first round ranking for the 2026 draft through the season.

Sportsnet.ca:

https://www.sportsnet.ca/nhl/article/scouts-analysis-latest-ranking-of-nhls-2026-draft-class/ 

"Gustafsson is another towering first-round draft prospect. He has a presence to his game. Gustafsson isn’t shy about engaging physically and pushing opponents off his crease to clear shooting lanes for his goaltender to see pucks clearly. He’s also capable of occasionally rushing the puck and pulling up to make plays in the offensive zone. Gustafsson projects as a potential two-way/match-up defenceman at the NHL level."  

 

Elite Prospects: https://www.eliteprospects.com/player/886275/malte-gustafsson

Game Highlights 2025-26: 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rXqoPYAroBw

 

Draft Prospect Profile: Juho Piiparinen - RD

Draft Prospect Profile: - Juho Piiparinen - RD

 

Height:  6-3    Weight: 203              

DOB: 10-Aug-08     Age:  17

 

2025-26  Tappara          Liiga                      29-0-3-3

2025-26  Tappara U20  U20 SM-Sarja       15-1-12-13

2025-26  Finland           WJC-20                 4-0-1-1 

 

Central Scouting Preliminary Ranking:  IS #6
Central Scouting Final Ranking:   IS #6 

Lines.com:  https://www.lines.com/nhl/drafts/player/juho-piiparinen

 

Notes: Good sized defenseman who is young for this draft class.  Got some games for Finland in the WJC.  Focus is on defense; offense still developing.  Near a point per game in U20, not scoring yet in Liiga.  Rated as late first, early second round for 2026 draft.

Elite Prospects: https://www.eliteprospects.com/player/925157/juho-piiparinen

The Hockey Writers:

https://thehockeywriters.com/juho-piiparinen-2026-nhl-draft-prospect-profile/

 "Juho Piiparinen is one of the best defensive defensemen in this year’s draft class. Although he’s among the younger prospects this year, he’s incredibly mature and intelligent, using his hockey IQ to constantly put himself in the right position on defense. His smooth and fluid skating, highlighted by mobility and speed, helps with this as well. He is a true puck-hunter, constantly chasing down loose pucks and hounding opposing puck-carriers, often erasing chances in the process. He can defend in all three zones and knows when to use physicality to cause turnovers and win puck battles, but just as importantly, he knows when to step back and take a less aggressive approach as well. 

 

 "Piiparinen’s offensive game doesn’t stand out as much, but he still does some things well on that end. He absorbs hits well, able to keep plays going through contact. He also uses his positioning here as well, anticipating where pucks will be to help sustain possessions. His smarts show up in his puck-moving — while he doesn’t always make the high-risk, high-reward passes, he will make the steady play to keep the offense flowing, even if it doesn’t always directly lead to a goal. He doesn’t offer a big shot from the blue line, but like so many other parts of his game, he’s all about timing, understanding the right moments in which to put a puck on net.

Game Highlights 2025-26: 

https://faceofffactor.substack.com/p/2026-nhl-draft-profile-5-juho-piiparinen