Full Breakdown
2026 NHL Draft Preliminary Watch List Highlights OHL Talent
10/22/2025, 3:48:48 PM
Overview of the 2026 NHL Draft Watch List
NHL Central Scouting has released its preliminary watch list for the 2026 NHL Draft, featuring a total of 233 players from the Canadian Hockey League (CHL), with 93 hailing from the Ontario Hockey League (OHL). Among these, 27 players received an 'A' rating, indicating they are projected first-round candidates. The OHL leads the CHL in representation, followed closely by the Western Hockey League (WHL) with 89 players and the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL) with 55 players.
Key OHL Players to Watch
The OHL's watch list includes notable players such as:
- Ethan Belchetz (Windsor Spitfires) - A-rated, considered a top-10 draft candidate.
- Alessandro Di Iorio (Sarnia Sting) - A-rated, leading the Sarnia contingent.
- Nikita Klepov (Saginaw Spirit) - A-rated, recognized for his offensive skills.
- Caleb Malhotra (Brantford Bulldogs) - A-rated, contributing significantly to his team's performance.
- Ryan Roobroeck (Niagara IceDogs) - A-rated, showcasing potential as a first-round pick.
- Chase Reid (Soo Greyhounds) - A-rated defenseman, noted for his strong play.
In addition to these A-rated prospects, the list includes 12 players rated 'B' and 27 rated 'C', indicating potential second/third and fourth/fifth-round selections, respectively.
Team Representation and Ratings
The Sarnia Sting and Windsor Spitfires each have seven players on the watch list, the highest among OHL teams. Other teams with notable representation include the Brantford Bulldogs and Niagara IceDogs. The ratings are categorized as follows:
- A Rating: First-round candidates
- B Rating: Second/third-round candidates
- C Rating: Fourth/fifth-round candidates
- W Rating: Sixth/seventh-round candidates
Criticism & Opposition
Despite the excitement surrounding the watch list, some scouts expressed dissatisfaction regarding player ratings. For instance, Beckham Edwards of the Sarnia Sting received a 'B' rating, leading to discussions online about whether he should have been rated higher.
Upcoming Events
The 2026 NHL Draft is set to take place next summer, and players will continue to be evaluated throughout the season. The CHL USA Prospects Challenge, scheduled for November 25-26, will feature many of these top prospects, providing further opportunities for players to showcase their skills.
Conclusion
The preliminary watch list for the 2026 NHL Draft highlights the depth of talent in the OHL, with numerous players poised to make an impact at the professional level. As the season progresses, scouts will closely monitor these athletes, shaping the future of the NHL.
