NHL Central Scouting Highlights Top College Talent for 2026 Draft
NHL Central Scouting has identified 27 players as top prospects for the 2026 NHL Draft, with a notable focus on collegiate talent. Among these players are Gavin McKenna, a freshman left wing from Penn State, and Keaton Verhoeff, a freshman defenseman at North Dakota. Both players received an ‘A’ rating, indicating their potential as first-round selections.
The preliminary watch list, released on October 16, 2023, showcases players who are expected to make significant impacts in their respective collegiate programs. The 17-year-olds are considered strong contenders for the first two overall picks in the upcoming draft. Dan Marr, the director of NHL Central Scouting, expressed enthusiasm about McKenna’s abilities, stating, “When it comes to thoughts on Gavin McKenna, ‘impressive’ is always part of the response. He’s ultra-focused and prepared for the new experiences and challenges he’ll face at the NCAA level.”
McKenna’s combination of elite skills and hockey intelligence has already set him apart in the early stages of his college career. Marr noted that as the season progresses, McKenna’s impact will only grow as he refines his game.
Overview of Prospects and Ratings
In addition to McKenna and Verhoeff, there are eight other players with ‘A’ ratings who have committed to college hockey programs. Among those rated ‘B’, which corresponds to second- or third-round prospects, are five players committed to Denver, along with commitments from Arizona State, Michigan State, Minnesota Duluth, and Providence. Several other institutions also have players on this list, including Boston College, Boston University, Harvard, Massachusetts, Miami, North Dakota, Notre Dame, Penn State, and Western Michigan.
One of the more surprising entries was Adam Valentini from Michigan, who received a ‘W’ grade, indicating sixth- or seventh-round talent. Valentini’s decision to switch from a commitment to the Kitchener Rangers in the OHL to join the Wolverines drew mixed reactions from fans and analysts alike.
Upcoming Events and Additional Highlights
In related news, USA Hockey has announced its roster for the 2025 Rivalry Series against Canada. This series will feature games at Rocket Arena in Cleveland on November 6 and KeyBank Center in Buffalo on November 8. The inclusion of numerous college players highlights the increasing importance of collegiate talent in national team selections.
Among other developments, former UMD defenseman Carson Soucy has returned from injured reserve, while Scott Morrow, formerly of UMass, has been sent back to the AHL affiliate Hartford Wolf Pack by the New York Rangers.
In a lighter moment, Toronto sports fans expressed their apprehension when Vladimir Guerrero Jr. wore an Auston Matthews Maple Leafs jersey during Game 7 of the American League Championship Series. One fan humorously remarked, “Might as well walk past a black cat and under a ladder at this point,” referring to the team’s historical struggles in high-stakes games.
As the college hockey season unfolds, the performance of these young athletes will be closely monitored, setting the stage for the 2026 NHL Draft and beyond. The excitement surrounding these players reflects the vibrant and competitive nature of collegiate hockey, where future stars are continuously emerging.
