Story perspectives

McKenna Tops VO2, Blues Draft Lawrence, Blackhawks Eye Carels

6/9/2026

Summary

Chayka Visits

John Chayka visited Owen McKenna in Whitehorse, Yukon, before the 2026 NHL Draft combine, where McKenna placed in the top-25 of eight events and led the VO2 max test.
Ivar Stenberg, second-best per-game SHL scorer, drew Vancouver Canucks interest.
Chicago Blackhawks targeted defenseman Carels after he posted 73 points in 58 WHL games.
St. Louis Blues selected Lawrence, a 16-year-old New Brunswick pivot and USHL playoff MVP, in the first round.

Summary

Jets Seek Defense

The Florida Panthers rely on veteran defensemen Aaron Ekblad and Seth Jones among others, a lineup deemed unsustainable.
Daxon Rudolph, 18, posted 78 points in 68 WHL games and tied for playoff scoring lead.
Keaton Verhoeff, 17, logged the fourth-most points ever by a 17-year-old NCAA defenseman.
The Winnipeg Jets say they lack high-end defensive prospects beyond Elias Salomonsson and Sascha Boumedienne and seek a right-shot blueliner for heavy minutes.

Summary

Belchetz Joins MSU

Ethan Belchetz, 18-year-old left winger, healed from a March 3 broken clavicle and will join Michigan State for 2026-27.
He posted 59 points (34 goals, 25 assists) in 57 Windsor Spitfires games, ranking second with ten power-play goals.
At 6-5, 228 lb, his size, deceptive shot and skating draw New Jersey Devils scouts who liken him to OHL star Porter Martone for low-zone dominance.

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Chayka Visits

John Chayka visited Owen McKenna in Whitehorse, Yukon, before the 2026 NHL Draft combine, where McKenna placed in the top-25 of eight events and led the VO2 max test.
Ivar Stenberg, second-best per-game SHL scorer, drew Vancouver Canucks interest.
Chicago Blackhawks targeted defenseman Carels after he posted 73 points in 58 WHL games.
St. Louis Blues selected Lawrence, a 16-year-old New Brunswick pivot and USHL playoff MVP, in the first round.

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