Scouting reports on 16 surprise picks at the 2026 NHL Draft - Elite Prospects
2026 NHL Draft sees diverse selections
The 2026 NHL Draft, held at KeyBank Center in Buffalo, featured the selection of at least 12 Black, Indigenous, Asian, South Asian, Hispanic, and Samoan heritage players. This event showcased diversity within the sport, with players from various backgrounds being chosen by NHL teams.
Among the players selected were several who garnered attention for their on-ice performance and potential. These selections included individuals who had not been extensively covered in pre-draft scouting reports, highlighting the depth of talent available.
Scouting reports on notable draft picks
Connor Davis, a right winger from the Cedar Rapids RoughRiders, was selected by the Vancouver Canucks. Davis, who committed to the University of North Dakota, became a significant even-strength scorer in the USHL. His play is characterized by constant motion, quick passing, and strong skating to the net. He also demonstrates physicality on both the forecheck and backcheck, often creating turnovers with precise stick work. While he generates loose pucks and shows creative ideas, his playmaking is still developing, with most of his offence coming from capitalizing around the slot. Davis is projected to start in a checking role at North Dakota and has potential for physical development.
The Montreal Canadiens picked Tyler Deakos, a right winger from the Waterloo Black Hawks, as the final selection of the draft. Deakos’s journey included playing in AEHL U18 before a productive stint in the USHL, which was cut short by an injury in late January. He is noted for his shooting ability, including one-timers and catch-and-release wristers, and his skill in creating space with fakes. Deakos also exhibits physicality on the forecheck. His potential for professional play hinges on improving his checking skills and defensive pace. He is signed with the Penticton Vees for the 2026-27 season and could become an effective scorer in the WHL.
Parker Von Richter, a right defenceman from the Barrie Colts, was chosen by the Pittsburgh Penguins. This marked his third time being considered in the draft process. He played significant, high-event minutes in the OHL and is known as a play-killing defender with physicality and quick reactions. His rush defence is a strength, as he closes space effectively and delivers hits. While not a primary creator, Von Richter has improved his puck possession and acts as an offensive facilitator through frequent activation and quick-possession reads. He is committed to New Hampshire for the upcoming season, where he is expected to earn a top role.
The Seattle Kraken selected Finn Kearns, a left defenceman from St. Andrew’s College. Kearns possesses a combination of mobility and physicality, making him a punishing player who seeks opportunities to deliver hits and win possession. His game could reach a higher level with improved pace and urgency, potentially leading to a depth shutdown role. Kearns is set to return to Sudbury for another season before heading to UMass in 2027-2028.
Mikhail Cherepanov, a left defenceman from the New Hampshire Mountain Kings, was a rare pick directly from the NAHL by the Dallas Stars. His style is described as high-octane, creative, and physical, characterized by non-stop activation and impressive sequences, including a key assist and a breakaway goal in one game. Despite his raw talent, Cherepanov’s game shows areas for development, such as overextending on rushes and struggling with defensive details and puck receptions. He likely needs additional junior hockey experience, possibly in the USHL or CHL, to refine his chaotic and unstructured play. Cherepanov is committed to Lake Superior State for 2027-28.
Cullen McCrate, a right defenceman from the Fargo Force, was a seventh-round selection by the Boston Bruins after a breakout season. He evolved from a depth defenceman to a top-pair, all-around force, regularly playing a significant portion of games. McCrate is described as a game manager who limits risk and facilitates play movement up the ice. He is a fluid skater and a steady presence on the ice.
These players, among others, represent the ongoing development of talent in hockey, with many expected to continue their progress in collegiate or junior leagues before potentially reaching the professional level.
The 2026 NHL Draft highlighted a range of players, including those who were not widely anticipated to be selected, underscoring the depth of scouting and the varied paths players take to the professional ranks.
The 2026 NHL Draft Guide was updated to include reports on these 16 players.
Source: eliteprospects.com
