The Best NHL Prospects
A ranking of the best prospects drafted or signed by NHL clubs who are not yet NHL players, by production adjusted for league, age and role.
1 Alexander ZharovskySalavat Yulaev Ufa, KHL, winger, left shotMontreal CanadiensBorn February 22, 2007. 6-foot-1, 163 pounds.Russia
Sixteen goals and 26 assists for 42 points in 59 KHL games at 18, the most by any under-19 skater in league history, past Eeli Tolvanen’s 36 in 2017-18. He was the league’s rookie of the year and played in its All-Star Game. Montreal took him 34th overall in 2025, and he stays with Salavat Yulaev this season, the last year of his contract.
2 Benjamin RautiainenTappara, Liiga, forward, left shotTampa Bay LightningBorn June 12, 2005. 6-foot, 183 pounds.Finland
Twenty-five goals and 77 points in 59 games at 20, first in the league in scoring and the most by any player before his 21st birthday, past Saku Koivu’s 74 in 1994-95. It was the first 70-point season in Liiga since 2007-08. Seven points in 18 playoff games as Tappara won the championship. A fourth-round pick of Tampa Bay in 2025, signed in May, he played in the Lightning’s camp and preseason and was loaned back to Tappara for the season.
3 Ethan WyttenbachQuinnipiac University, NCAA, winger, right shotCalgary FlamesBorn February 10, 2007. 5-foot-11, 185 pounds.United States
Twenty-five goals and 34 assists for 59 points in 40 games as a freshman, first in the country in scoring, and a Hobey Baker finalist. Calgary took him in the fifth round in 2025, 144th overall. He is back at Quinnipiac this season.
4 Brady MartinMilwaukee Admirals, AHL, centre, right shotNashville PredatorsBorn March 16, 2007. 6-foot, 185 pounds.Canada
Eight goals and 16 assists for 24 points in 24 games as captain of the Soo Greyhounds after Nashville returned him to junior, three NHL games and an assist before that, then four goals and four assists for Canada at the World Juniors before an injury ended his tournament. Nashville took him fifth overall in 2025 and assigned him to Milwaukee to start this season.
5 Tij IginlaTucson Roadrunners, AHL, centre, left shotUtah MammothBorn August 4, 2006. 6-foot, 192 pounds.Canada
Forty-one goals and 90 points in 48 games for Kelowna, then four goals and eight points in seven games for Canada at the 2026 World Junior Championship. Utah took him sixth overall in 2024, the first pick in the franchise’s history, and assigned him to Tucson out of camp.
6 Roger McQueenSan Diego Gulls, AHL, centre, right shotAnaheim DucksBorn October 2, 2006. 6-foot-6, 198 pounds.Canada
Eleven goals and 16 assists for 27 points in 36 games as a freshman at Providence, Hockey East Rookie of the Year, then a goal and two assists on a tryout with San Diego in April. Anaheim took him 10th overall in 2025, signed him in April, and sent him to San Diego before the season opener.
7 Michael HageUniversity of Michigan, NCAA, centre, right shotMontreal CanadiensBorn April 14, 2006. 6-foot-1, 200 pounds.Canada
Thirteen goals and 39 assists for 52 points as a sophomore, tied for third in the country in scoring. Montreal took him 21st overall in 2024, and he is back at Michigan this season.
8 Max PlanteUniversity of Minnesota Duluth, NCAA, left wing, left shotDetroit Red WingsBorn February 20, 2006. 5-foot-11, 170 pounds.United States
Twenty-five goals and 27 assists for 52 points in 40 games as a sophomore, second in the country in goals and third in points, and the winner of the 2026 Hobey Baker Award. A second-round pick of Detroit in 2024, 47th overall. He is back at Duluth this season, playing with his brothers Zam and Victor.
9 Jackson SmithPenn State University, NCAA, defence, left shotColumbus Blue JacketsBorn May 13, 2007. 6-foot-3, 195 pounds.Canada
Eleven goals and 15 assists for 26 points in 35 games as a freshman defenceman at Penn State, the 11 goals a program record for a defenceman. Columbus took him 14th overall in 2025, and he is back at Penn State this season.
10 Carson CarelsUniversity of North Dakota, NCAA, defence, left shotCalgary FlamesBorn June 23, 2008. 6-foot-2, 198 pounds.Canada
Twenty goals and 53 assists for 73 points in 58 games for Prince George as a 17-year-old defenceman, tied for fourth among WHL defencemen in points and one of six to score 20 goals. He was a first-team Western Conference all-star. Calgary took him sixth overall in 2026, and he is at North Dakota this season.
11 Caleb DesnoyersTucson Roadrunners, AHL, centre, left shotUtah MammothBorn April 11, 2007. 6-foot-2, 173 pounds.Canada
Twenty-two goals and 78 points in 45 games as captain of Moncton at 18. Utah took him fourth overall in 2025 and signed him in March, and he was assigned to Tucson out of camp.
12 Cole EisermanHamilton Hammers, AHL, left wing, left shotNew York IslandersBorn August 29, 2006. 6-foot, 195 pounds.United States
Eighteen goals and 10 assists for 28 points in 32 games as a sophomore at Boston University, then two goals and seven assists in 12 games with Bridgeport after signing in March. The Islanders took him 20th overall in 2024 and assigned him to Hamilton out of camp.
13 Markus RuckMedicine Hat Tigers, WHL, centre, left shotPittsburgh PenguinsBorn February 21, 2008. 6-foot, 168 pounds.Canada
Twenty-one goals and 87 assists for 108 points in 68 games at 18, first in both the WHL and the CHL in scoring, with the assists also leading the WHL. He won the Bob Clarke Trophy. Pittsburgh took him 39th overall in 2026, 17 picks after his twin brother Liam, and he returns to the Tigers this season.
14 Liam RuckMedicine Hat Tigers, WHL, right wing, right shotPittsburgh PenguinsBorn February 21, 2008. 6-foot, 176 pounds.Canada
Forty-five goals and 59 assists for 104 points in 68 games at 18, second in the WHL in scoring behind his twin brother Markus. Pittsburgh took him 22nd overall in 2026, and he returns to the Tigers this season.
15 Caleb MalhotraBoston University, NCAA, centre, left shotVancouver CanucksBorn June 2, 2008. 6-foot-2, 182 pounds.Canada
Twenty-nine goals and 55 assists for 84 points in 67 games as an OHL rookie for Brantford at 17, then 13 goals and 26 points in 15 playoff games. Vancouver took him third overall in 2026. He is unsigned and is playing at Boston University this season.
16 Jack NesbittUniversity of Michigan, NCAA, centre, left shotPhiladelphia FlyersBorn January 12, 2007. 6-foot-5, 185 pounds.Canada
Twenty-five goals and 33 assists for 58 points in 55 games for Windsor. Philadelphia took him 12th overall in 2025, and he is a freshman at Michigan this season.
17 Maxim MasséUniversity of Massachusetts, NCAA, right wing, right shotAnaheim DucksBorn April 7, 2006. 6-foot-3, 198 pounds.Canada
One hundred and two points, 51 goals and 51 assists, in 63 games for Chicoutimi at 20, first in the QMJHL in scoring, the league’s most valuable player and the CHL player of the year. Two hundred and ninety-eight points in 242 QMJHL games over four seasons. A third-round pick of Anaheim in 2024, 66th overall, he joins UMass this season as a freshman.
18 Daxon RudolphUniversity of Denver, NCAA, defence, right shotBuffalo SabresBorn March 6, 2008. 6-foot-2, 206 pounds.Canada
Twenty-eight goals and 50 assists for 78 points in 68 games for Prince Albert, third among WHL defencemen, then 27 points in the playoffs, the most of any WHL defenceman, as the Raiders reached the league final. Buffalo took him fourth overall in 2026, the first defenceman off the board. He is at Denver, the reigning national champion, this season.
19 Ethan BelchetzMichigan State University, NCAA, left wing, left shotUtah MammothBorn March 30, 2008. 6-foot-5, 230 pounds.Canada
Thirty-four goals and 25 assists for 59 points in 57 games for Windsor in his draft year, second on the Spitfires in goals. Utah took him 17th overall in 2026, and he is a freshman at Michigan State this season.
20 Will HorcoffUniversity of Michigan, NCAA, left wing, left shotPittsburgh PenguinsBorn January 23, 2007. 6-foot-5, 204 pounds.United States
Twenty-five goals in 39 games as a sophomore, 20 of the goals in the first 24 games, and the most game-winning goals in the country with seven. Pittsburgh took him 24th overall in 2025, and he played for the United States at the 2026 World Junior Championship.
21 Cole ReschnyUniversity of North Dakota, NCAA, centre, left shotCalgary FlamesBorn April 6, 2007. 5-foot-11, 183 pounds.Canada
Thirty-five points, six goals and 29 assists, in 36 games as a freshman, first among the team’s freshmen and the NCHC’s rookie of the year. Ninety-two points in 62 WHL games for Victoria the year before. Calgary took him 18th overall in 2025, and he was named North Dakota’s captain this season, the youngest in program history.
22 Ryan LinUniversity of Denver, NCAA, defence, right shotSan Jose SharksBorn April 18, 2008. 5-foot-11, 178 pounds.Canada
Fourteen goals and 43 assists for 57 points in 53 games, the most on the Giants, and captain of Vancouver from January at 17. San Jose traded up to take him 21st overall in 2026, and he is a freshman at Denver this season.
23 Carter BearGrand Rapids Griffins, AHL, left wing, left shotDetroit Red WingsBorn November 4, 2006. 6-foot-1, 190 pounds.Canada
Thirty-six goals and 41 assists for 77 points in 53 games for Everett, the goals leading the Silvertips, then 22 points in 18 playoff games as they won the WHL championship for the first time. Detroit took him 13th overall in 2025. He has not yet played a game in the organization and began this season hurt, with Grand Rapids the expected destination.
24 Braeden CootesAbbotsford Canucks, AHL, centre, right shotVancouver CanucksBorn February 9, 2007. 5-foot-11, 183 pounds.Canada
Ten goals and 13 assists in 17 games for Seattle, then 14 goals and 26 assists in 28 for Prince Albert after a January trade, 63 points in 45 games in all, after three NHL games for Vancouver at the start of the season. He played for Canada’s bronze-medal team at the 2026 World Junior Championship. Vancouver took him 15th overall in 2025, and he was assigned to Abbotsford out of camp.
25 Chase ReidMichigan State University, NCAA, defence, right shotSeattle KrakenBorn December 30, 2007. 6-foot-2, 194 pounds.United States
Eighteen goals and 30 assists for 48 points in 45 games for Sault Ste. Marie, the most points and goals among the Greyhounds’ defencemen, with a place on the OHL first all-star team. Seattle took him seventh overall in 2026, and he is at Michigan State this season.
26 Justin CarbonneauSpringfield Thunderbirds, AHL, right wing, right shotSt. Louis BluesBorn November 25, 2006. 6-foot-1, 203 pounds.Canada
Fifty-one goals and 80 points in 60 games for Blainville-Boisbriand at 19, tied for the QMJHL lead in goals, then seven goals and 20 points in 17 playoff games. St. Louis took him 19th overall in 2025. He played three Calder Cup playoff games for Springfield last spring and was assigned there again out of camp.
27 Felix Unger SörumChicago Wolves, AHL, winger, right shotCarolina HurricanesBorn September 14, 2005. 6-foot, 190 pounds.Sweden
Seventeen goals and 49 assists for 66 points in 72 games, the most on the Wolves, at 20. He made his NHL debut in Carolina’s last game of the season, an assist in 14:35 against the Islanders, and was assigned back to Chicago after camp. Carolina took him 62nd overall in 2023.
28 Quinn HutsonBakersfield Condors, AHL, right wing, right shotEdmonton OilersBorn January 1, 2002. 5-foot-11, 179 pounds.United States
Thirty goals and 63 points in 67 games as an AHL rookie, the most goals of any rookie and tied for ninth in the league in scoring, with a place on the All-Rookie Team. Edmonton signed him in April 2025 as an undrafted free agent out of Boston University, where he scored 23 goals and 50 points in 38 games as a junior. Six NHL games so far, and he was assigned to Bakersfield out of camp.
29 Adam NovotnýPeterborough Petes, OHL, winger, left shotVancouver CanucksBorn November 13, 2007. 6-foot-1, 205 pounds.Czechia
Thirty-four goals and 31 assists for 65 points in 58 games as an OHL rookie, second on the Petes, 20 of the points on the power play. Vancouver took him 24th overall in 2026 and signed him, and he was returned to Peterborough after camp.
30 Felix TrudeauSpringfield Thunderbirds, AHL, winger, left shotSt. Louis BluesBorn September 24, 2002. 6-foot-2, 200 pounds.Canada
Twenty-five goals in 39 games at Sacred Heart, among the most in the country, and 12 of them on the power play, the most in the country. He was among the top seven in points, a Hobey Baker finalist and the Atlantic Hockey America player of the year. Undrafted, he signed with St. Louis in March and started this season hurt in Springfield.
31 Keaton VerhoeffUniversity of North Dakota, NCAA, defence, right shotSan Jose SharksBorn June 19, 2008. 6-foot-3, 208 pounds.Canada
Six goals and 14 assists for 20 points in 36 games as a freshman, third on the team among defencemen in points, with a place on the All-NCHC Rookie Team. San Jose took him ninth overall in 2026. He captained Canada at the under-18 worlds and played for its bronze-medal team at the World Junior Championship.
32 Cameron HughesTexas Stars, AHL, centre, left shotDallas StarsBorn October 9, 1996. 6-foot, 183 pounds.Canada
Seventeen goals and 51 assists for 68 points in 65 games, tied for third in the AHL in scoring. A sixth-round pick of Boston in 2015 and a Wisconsin captain, he has played only a few NHL games. Dallas has him signed through this season.
Just outside
Lynden Lakovic, Washington’s pick at 27th in 2025, scored 18 goals in 22 games for Moose Jaw before a shoulder injury ended his season in surgery. He made his AHL debut with Hershey on opening night.
Tynan Lawrence, St. Louis’s pick at 11th in 2026, had 10 goals and 17 points in 13 games as captain of Muskegon, then two goals and seven points in 18 games after joining Boston University in January. He is back at BU this season.
Radim Mrtka, Buffalo’s pick at ninth in 2025, had a goal and 33 assists in 43 games for Seattle of the WHL. The Sabres assigned him to Rochester out of camp rather than returning him to junior.
Kashawn Aitcheson, the Islanders’ pick at 17th in 2025, had 28 goals and 70 points in 56 games for Barrie, then 27 points in 19 playoff games. He was sent to Hamilton with Eiserman.
How the list works
A player is on the list if an NHL club holds his rights, by draft or by contract, he has played fewer than 25 NHL games and he is not on an NHL opening-night roster. That leaves out Nikita Klepov, Viggo Björck, Victor Eklund, Roman Kantserov, Ilya Protas, James Hagens and T.J. Hughes, who made their teams this fall, and the AHL’s top scorer, Jakob Pelletier, and top goal scorer, Arthur Kaliyev, who have played 91 and 202 NHL games. Players no NHL club has drafted or signed are not ranked here; the draft-eligible ones are on the 2027 and 2028 boards. The seasons below are 2025-26.
Production is read against the league it came in, the age it came at and the role it came in. Points in the AHL, in Liiga and in the NCAA are not the same points as points in junior, and a player driving his line is not the same as one riding it. Size and skating count where they are already visible. When two players are close, the tie goes to the one producing at the higher level.