Here are early risers in the 2026 NHL Draft class who are gaining serious momentum thanks to standout early-season performances. These prospects weren’t consensus top picks entering the season, but their play has vaulted them into first-round conversations.
1. Alexander Command (C, 6’1/183, Örebro U-20/ Sweden)
Command wasn’t too high on my radar heading into the season. He wasn’t on the Swedish Hlinka Cup roster and has little international experience. But in the Swedish U-20 league, he’s been incredible. He has 11 goals and 22 points in 14 games with Orebro, putting him just one point behind potential first-round pick Marcus Nordmark among all U-18 skaters. He’s up with the Swedish U-18 team now, and he’s been one of the best forwards so far. Command stands at 6-foot-1, and he loves to play with a physical edge. He’s an explosive skater who plays with a ton of energy and is no slouch defensively, either. His ability to find multiple ways to be effective every single night makes him intriguing. Alexander Command is a dynamic two-way center with elite puck control and vision, rising fast in European Rankings, now seen as a potential top-15 pick; has tallied 11 goals and 22 points in 14 games, showcasing
offensive creativity and defensive reliability.
2. Giorgos Pantelas (D, 6’2/214, Brandon Wheat Kings/WHL
The strong, 6-foot-2 defender has blown away expectations early this season, though. He had 10 points a year ago, but needed just 10 games to surpass that this year. For a guy known more for being difficult to beat in the D-zone, he’s having a massive impact in the offensive zone while even upping his physical game, too. Pantelas is a big defender who’ll give you little room to work with on the rush. While he is more engaged with the puck, I feel like he never tries to do more than he’s capable of – he sticks inside his comfort zone. Giorgos Pantelas is known for his shutdown ability, but now adding offense. He’s already surpassed last season’s 10-point total in just 10 games. Scouts praise his physical edge, gap control, and emerging offensive instincts.
3. Joe Iginla (F, Edmonton Oil Kings/WHL)
Iginla comes from deep hockey bloodlines, and it looks like his draft season closely resembles his brother Tij’s. Tij had a quiet Draft-1 season after playing a deeper role. But once he was promoted to the top line in Kelowna, he managed to break through in a huge way. The same seems to have happened to Joe, who is tracking for over 30 goals and 50 points after putting up just 16 points a year ago. His shooting mechanics and hockey IQ are drawing comparisons to top-tier finishers. Iginla is a good shooter who can get his release off from just about anywhere. He’s also working on using his body a bit more to win battles and get himself into scoring positions. He has struggled with some game-to-game consistency as of late but he’s still shooting a lot and I think his full-season point pace will continue to improve as the season wears on.
4. Victor Plante (C, USNTDP/NTDP)
Victor Plante comes from a hockey family; his brother Max is the NCAA’s leading scorer, while Zam isn’t far behind. Victor is looking great with the USA Hockey National Team Development Program. They essentially roll lines there, but Plante has been USA’s No. 1 center, for the most part. He’s currently taking part in the U-18 Five Nations tournament in Sweden, where he has been USA’s most impactful player. I love the way he finds his teammates and is always moving with his quick footwork. The knock against Plante, though, is his 5-foot-10 frame. He’s definitely on the small side and his intensity tends to suffer as a result. You’ll rarely find him battling along the boards to win the puck – he prefers to beat you through the middle of the ice. I’m not sure that’s something he’ll be able to adjust on the fly, but the University of Minnesota-Duluth commit at least makes up for it with what he does with the puck.
5. Vladimir Dravecky (D, 6’0/187, Brantford Bulldogs/OHL)
A mobile and smart puck moving defenceman who possesses an active stick, some two-way capabilities with a booming shot. His transition game and power-play quarterbacking have drawn attention early in the OHL season. Dravecky has entered this season, his first in North America, on a very high note scoring above a point-per-game rate. He has strong passing ability and offensive vision, which will rack him up points but has had some very good puck luck, allowing him to score goals as well. He will look to assert himself as a top name amongst what looks like a very strong draft class for defenders.
6. Axel Elofsson (D, 5’10/163, Örebro U-20/Sweden)
Another Swedish riser, Elofsson blends size, skating, and defensive poise. Scouts are impressed by his ability to shut down top lines while contributing offensively. Elofsson made his debut with Örebro HK in the SHL at just 17 years old, becoming one of the youngest players born in 2008 to appear in the league. In the 2025–26 season, he posted 16 points (2 goals, 14 assists) in just 9 games for Örebro U20. – Offensive defenseman and powerplay specialist. Speedster with strong puck movement, vision, and transition play. Coaches note his physical growth and improved strength post-injury, making him more assertive and effective in puck battles
7. Xavier Wendt (G, 6’1/165, Tri-City Americans/ WHL)
Wendt has as perfect a stance as you’ll find in a goalie. He’s not big, but he doesn’t give you much to shoot at because he always has his glove up in a perfect position. He’s athletic, moves extremely well – maybe better than any goalie in the draft class – and does a great job of directing pucks through traffic. Wendt is capable of carrying Tri-City on his back, and has the fundamentals to become an NHL goaltender. In 11 starts this season, Wendt has a 6-4-0 record, with a 2.71 GAA and a .920 SV%.
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