The 2026 NHL Draft is shaping up to be a fascinating event, with a number of players rising up the ranks and earning the attention of scouts and fans alike. In this article, I'll be taking a closer look at 10 of the biggest risers, analyzing their performances and discussing what makes them stand out. From the crafty two-way defender to the high-end skater, these players have all earned their place in the spotlight, and I'll be offering my personal perspective on what makes them so intriguing.
One of the most notable risers is Tommy Bleyl, a right-handed defenseman from the Moncton Wildcats in the QMJHL. Bleyl was originally projected to go in the fourth or fifth round, but his impressive performance as a rookie has earned him a place in the first-round conversation. His mobility, raw hockey sense, and ability to get himself into scoring lanes make him a highly skilled two-way defender, and his calm, collected game defensively is a real asset. However, Bleyl needs to get stronger and improve his physicality, especially in front of the net. I think his rise up draft boards this year has been fascinating to watch, and I'm curious to see if he can prove the haters wrong and become the two-way defender some think he's capable of being.
Another player who has risen significantly in the draft is Alexander Command, a center from Orebro in Sweden. Command is a smart, solid two-way center who makes everyone around him better. He's effective away from the puck, and his ability to contribute offensively, win faceoffs, block shots, and make moves with intent makes him a reliable and well-rounded player. I've liked him internationally, and his performance against his own age group has been impressive. I think he's more of a second or third-liner in the NHL, but his effectiveness and reliability make him a valuable asset.
Wyatt Cullen, a left wing from the USNTDP, has also risen significantly in the draft. Cullen was more of a late-round prospect heading into the season, but his growth to 6-foot-1 and his point-per-game performance with the USNTDP have earned him a place in the spotlight. His high-end hockey sense and ability to get the whole American attack moving make him a constant scoring threat, and his quick footwork and lateral mobility allow him to blow by most opponents. I think Cullen has risen as high as he has because of his reliability and consistency, and I'm curious to see how he performs at the next level.
Måns Gudmundsson, a right-handed defenseman from Farjestad in Sweden, is another player who has risen in the draft. Gudmundsson's 6-foot-3 frame and impressive performance at the Swedish U-20 level have earned him a place in the third-round conversation. His puck skills and ability to move the puck effectively make him a good playmaker, and his performance on the power play has been particularly impressive. However, his lack of power and physicality may hold him back, and some scouts see him as a bottom-pairing option once he bulks up. I think his rise in the draft has been interesting to watch, and I'm curious to see how he develops at the next level.
Beckett Hamilton, a center from the Red Deer Rebels in the WHL, has also earned a lot of love in the scouting community this year. His extremely productive campaign in Red Deer, with 24 goals and 62 points in 67 games, has earned him a significant bump in the rankings. His ability to get a ton of shots on net and play with solid pace make him a dangerous offensive threat, and I think his energetic style of play is a real asset. I'm curious to see how he performs at the next level and whether he can maintain his high level of production.
Simas Ignatavicius, a right wing from Geneve-Servette in the NL, is another player who has risen in the draft. His big frame and ability to absorb contact and win physical battles make him a difficult player to move off the puck, especially in front of the opposing goaltender. His powerful shot and ability to get himself into scoring areas make him a constant threat, and I think his rise in the draft has been interesting to watch. However, his production in the NL may not have been as impressive as it could have been, and I'm curious to see how he performs at the next level.
Liam Lefebvre, a center from the Chicoutimi Saguenéens in the QMJHL, is another player who has risen in the draft. His impressive performance with Rimouski and his ability to help Chicoutimi win the QMJHL title have earned him a place in the third or fourth-round conversation. His pressure-playing style, average skating, and strong checking game make him a solid defensive player, and scouts have noticed more skill out of him in recent months. I think his rise in the draft has been interesting to watch, and I'm curious to see how he develops at the next level.
Filip Růžička, a goaltender from the Brandon Wheat Kings in the WHL, is another player who has risen in the draft. His impressive performances, including a 64-save game against Calgary in the playoffs, have earned him a place in the spotlight. His size and competitiveness make him an attractive option for teams, and I think his rise in the draft has been interesting to watch. However, his slow skating and general movement may be a concern, and I'm curious to see how he performs at the next level.
Maksim Sokolovskii, a defenseman from the London Knights in the OHL, is another player who has risen in the draft. His 6-foot-8 frame and ability to shut down opponents in 1-on-1 situations make him a terrifying human being on the ice. I think his rise in the draft has been interesting to watch, and I'm curious to see how he performs at the next level. However, his lack of offense may hold him back, and I'm curious to see how he develops at the next level.
Matias Vanhanen, a left wing from the Everett Silvertips in the WHL, is another player who has risen in the draft. His excellent heads-up hockey sense and ability to set up his teammates make him a premier setup winger, and I think his rise in the draft has been interesting to watch. However, his lack of physical play and speed may hold him back, and I'm curious to see how he performs at the next level.
In conclusion, the 2026 NHL Draft is shaping up to be a fascinating event, with a number of players rising up the ranks and earning the attention of scouts and fans alike. I think each of these players has something unique to offer, and I'm curious to see how they perform at the next level. From the crafty two-way defender to the high-end skater, these players have all earned their place in the spotlight, and I'm excited to see what the future holds for them.
