The 2026 NHL Draft is an exciting event, and while much of the focus is on the top prospects, it's the hidden gems and midseason risers that truly make the draft special. These players, often overlooked, can have a significant impact on their teams and their own careers. In this article, I'll delve into the top 10 biggest risers, analyzing their journeys and the factors that propelled them up the draft boards. From the crafty two-way defender to the high-end setup winger, these players have captured the attention of scouts and fans alike. Let's explore the stories behind their remarkable rises and the potential they bring to the NHL.
The Crafty Two-Way Defender: Tommy Bleyl
Tommy Bleyl, a right-handed defenseman from the Moncton Wildcats in the QMJHL, has been a revelation this season. Originally projected for the fourth to fifth round, Bleyl has firmly established himself as a first-round prospect. His ability to play a calm, collected game defensively, while also finding himself in scoring lanes, is truly remarkable. What makes Bleyl stand out is his exceptional craftiness and skating ability, which allows him to navigate through bigger competition with ease. However, his rise has also raised questions about his strength, as he often gets pushed around, especially in front of the net. Despite this, his mobility and raw hockey sense are undeniable. Bleyl's journey has been fascinating, and it will be interesting to see if he can prove the doubters wrong and become the two-way defender some believe he's capable of being.
The Solid Two-Way Center: Alexander Command
Alexander Command, a center from Orebro in the Swedish U-20 league, is the epitome of a 'safe' pick. He's a smart, solid two-way center who makes everyone around him better. Command's effectiveness extends beyond the ice, as he's also reliable away from the puck. He can contribute offensively, but he's equally effective in winning faceoffs, blocking shots, and making moves with intent. Internationally, Command has played well against his age group, and I believe he's more of a second or third-liner in the NHL. While he might not put up a ton of points, his reliability and versatility make him a valuable asset. Command's rise has been steady, and he's a player who can provide a stable presence for any team.
The Point-Per-Game Player: Wyatt Cullen
Wyatt Cullen, a left winger from the USNTDP, has had an extraordinary year. Originally a late-round prospect, Cullen grew to 6-foot-1 and established himself as a point-per-game player. His high-end hockey sense and ability to get the whole American attack moving have made him USA's top player in the U-18 World Championship. Cullen's puck-handling skills, both as a shooter and a passer, are remarkable. He's a high-end skater who found a new gear this season, becoming a constant scoring threat. Cullen's rise has been dramatic, and he's a player who can be relied upon. If you're looking for a player who can consistently contribute, Cullen is the one to watch.
The Intriguing Swedish Defender: Måns Gudmundsson
Måns Gudmundsson, a right-handed defenseman from Farjestad in the Swedish U-20 league, was far from a notable prospect heading into the season. However, his 6-foot-3 frame and impressive puck skills have propelled him into the third-round conversation. Gudmundsson had 25 points in 35 games at the Swedish U-20 level and had a solid showing en route to a gold medal at the U-18 World Championship. He's a good puck mover who looked great on the power play. While his shot lacks power and he's not particularly physical, Gudmundsson's tools and potential make him an intriguing prospect. Some scouts see him as a bottom-pairing option once he bulks up, and his rise has been a fascinating journey.
The Mid-Sized Forward: Beckett Hamilton
Beckett Hamilton, a mid-sized forward from the Red Deer Rebels in the WHL, has received a ton of love in the scouting community this year. NHL Central Scouting has bumped him up 42 spots between the midterms and the final rankings, thanks to his extremely productive campaign in Red Deer. Hamilton gets a ton of shots on net and plays with solid pace, making him a top-line player. I particularly liked his energetic style of play with Canada on the U-18 team. While he's a mid-sized forward, Hamilton's productivity and potential make him an attractive prospect.
The Lithuanian Forward: Simas Ignatavicius
Simas Ignatavicius, a right winger from Geneve-Servette in the NL, wasn't on many radars heading into the season. However, by Christmas, he had become a standout player. Ignatavicius uses his big frame to absorb contact and win most of his physical battles, making himself exceptionally difficult to move off the puck. He has a powerful shot and uses his size to get himself into scoring areas. While he didn't necessarily prove himself in the NL, his rise has been remarkable. Ignatavicius is a player who can contribute offensively and physically, making him an intriguing prospect.
The Pressuring Center: Liam Lefebvre
Liam Lefebvre, a center from the Chicoutimi Saguenéens in the QMJHL, wasn't highly rated heading into the season. However, after putting up some good numbers with Rimouski and helping Chicoutimi win the QMJHL title, he became a standout player. Lefebvre plays with a ton of pressure, and his average skating ability doesn't hold him back. Scouts have noticed more skill out of him in recent months, and he's a solid goal-scorer. Lefebvre's rise has been steady, and he's a player who can provide a strong checking game. I believe he'll be taken in the third or fourth round, and his future looks bright.
The Big Goalies: Filip Růžička
Filip Růžička, a goalie from the Brandon Wheat Kings in the WHL, has had an impressive season. He's one of the largest goalies ever, at 6-foot-8, and has proven his ability to make unbelievable performances. Růžička made 64 saves on 65 shots in Game 1 against Calgary in the playoffs and followed it up with 48 stops two games later. He's extremely competitive and does a good job of keeping himself square to shooters. While his skating and general movement can be slow, an NHL team can work with him on that. Růžička's rise has been remarkable, and he's a player who can provide a strong presence in net.
The Shutdown Defender: Maksim Sokolovskii
Maksim Sokolovskii, a defenseman from the London Knights in the OHL, is one of the most prominent big dudes in the draft. At 6-foot-8, Sokolovskii is a terrifying human being when it comes to 1-on-1 situations. He makes it his life mission to stop you, and his play against the Soo Greyhounds was particularly impressive. Sokolovskii's lack of offense won't make him attractive to every team, but his shutdown abilities and physical presence make him a valuable prospect. I believe a team could take a chance on him in the first round, and his rise has been a fascinating journey.
The Setup Wingers: Matias Vanhanen
Matias Vanhanen, a left winger from the Everett Silvertips in the WHL, has become one of the WHL's premier setup wingers. He showed excellent heads-up hockey sense every time he hit the ice alongside Carter Bear and Julius Miettinen. Vanhanen's rise has been remarkable, and he's a player who can significantly impact his team's offense. While he lacks physical play and isn't particularly quick, his puck play is truly remarkable. Vanhanen's rise has been a fascinating journey, and he's a player who can provide a strong setup role in the NHL.
In conclusion, the 2026 NHL Draft is filled with exciting prospects, and these 10 players have captured the attention of scouts and fans alike. From the crafty two-way defender to the high-end setup winger, these players have shown remarkable growth and potential. Their journeys have been fascinating, and it will be interesting to see how they develop in the NHL. As an expert, I believe these players have the potential to make a significant impact on their teams and their own careers. The draft is an exciting event, and these players are certainly worth keeping an eye on.
