The prospect pool for the 2026 NHL entry draft is something we should all be excited about, the talent is getting better and better year after year. 2026 might be the best draft year since Connor McDavid's year where we saw players like Jack Eichel, Mikko Rantanen, Mitch Marner, and Zach Werenski get drafted. If your team lands themselves in the bottom of the standings, you should be excited as your team will have plenty of talent to choose from. Let's take a look at some players that could make a big impact.
A player who's under the radar that you should keep an eye on is Yanis Lutz from Switzerland who will play for Peterborough Petes for his first year in the OHL. He has been a top point producer for the Swiss at previous tournaments for his national team and will be relied upon heavily this year. Looked at as more of a strictly offensive minded, powerplay specialist, a strong skater with an above average hockey IQ. He played in the U20 elite league last season, holding his own with 22 pts in 34 games. Listed 5'11" 160 lbs. C/LW - Mike Enes.
Another player that is a bit under the radar is Ty Munier, he is a gifted offensive speedster. Sneaky as a cat ready to pounce. Sensational set of hands, with high IQ. A grinder in the offensive zone. Offensive awareness. Due to his amazing blistering speed makes it hard on the opposing team when he is at his best. In his first year as a 16 year old in the WHL he unleashed his prowess. Calmly efficient around the net. We cannot wait to see what this year brings as a 17 year old. I feel his projection is a F6 in the NHL - Murray Caldwell
A must watch player is Tynan Lawrence, He is a championship pedigree winning player, as he won the Clark cup in the USHL with Muskegon Lumberjacks this past season while being named USHL playoff MVP, and is committed to Boston University for 2027. He always provides an outlet for his teammates time and time again both offensively and defensively. One of the more elite offensive stick checkers at the tournament. He could be featured on the PK due to his high engine pace on the puck type of play. He is listed at 6’0” and 171 lbs and is a center. - Mike enes
Another must watch player this year is Caelan Joudrey, who stands at 6’3”, and weighs 165 lbs. He should grow into his tall frame in the next three years which will make it even harder to handle him in the dirty areas. Caelan is a confident player with high IQ. He has great awareness on the ice. He plays well in the slot and gets the puck to his teammates. “Neutral zone coverage is above average when it comes to a long reach in getting his stick in all the right areas” - Murray Caldwell
These four players have a lot of work ahead of them before the 2026 entry draft but I think they will surprise a lot of people this year. You can watch these players in the CHL, or the USHL leagues.