GOALIE
6’5/202
Left
USA National U18/NTDP & USNTDP Juniors/USHL
Brady Knowling projects as the most toolsy, high‑ceiling goaltender in the 2026 NHL Draft class — a 6’5″ athletic netminder with big‑game pedigree, elite movement for his size, and a growing résumé of international and showcase performances. His profile is built on raw upside, frame, and competitiveness rather than polished statistical dominance, but scouts consistently identify him as the class’s most projectable starter. A long, explosive, technically evolving goaltender who thrives under pressure and has already delivered in major international and showcase environments. Eliteprospects currently ranks him #31 and after a strong U18 Worlds, he could be propelled into the first round; he is more likely to be a second round pick because goalies just aren’t prioritized in the draft as much anymore.
Size/Strength Excellent
Skating Great
Anticipation Good
Positioning Great
Rebound Control Average
Glove Hand Good
Poise Excellent
Hockey Sense Great
Consistency Average
Strengths
1. Elite Frame & Athleticism, 6’5″ with long limbs and strong lower‑body power. Moves exceptionally well for his size — fluid, not stiff. Covers the upper net naturally without over‑committing
2. Competitive, Composed, and Mentally Durable. Shakes off bad goals quickly; Calm under heavy shot volume — thrives in chaotic games.
3. Projectable Technical Base. Good post integration for his size. Strong glove positioning. Improving puck tracking and rebound control. Rarely loses structure even when scrambling.
Area For Improvement
1. Hasn’t been consistent in the USHL. – Recent USHL sample: .882 SV% over last 10 games.
2. Can leave second chances in the slot when over‑pushing. Needs to tighten seal on low shots.
3. Still developing pre‑shot recognition. Occasionally late on lateral plays when facing elite puck movement.
Scouting Report
Brady Knowling was the backbone of Team USA’s gold‑medal run at the 2025 Hlinka Gretzky Cup, playing four of five games, delivering clutch performances in the semifinal and final, and finishing with a 2.35 GAA and .866 SV%. His play under pressure is one of the biggest reasons he’s viewed as the top goalie prospect for the 2026 NHL Draft. He also starred at the CHL-USA prospect Challenge, where he had a 42‑save performance. A 6’5″ netminder with long
limbs and strong lower-body power, moves exceptionally well for his size, and covers the upper net naturally without over-committing. He has a good projectable technical base; he has a strong glove and rarely loses structure even when scrambling. Knowling had an up and down USHL season, record a 5-8-0 record, with a 3.57 GAA and .883 SV%. His Rebound Control needs to be refined, and he needs to tighten seal on low shots. Although he generally has
good anticipation skills, he occasionally reacts late to lateral plays when facing elite puck movement. His puck handling is not great, it’s functional but he needs to build more confidence under forecheck pressure. His NHL comparable is Jake Oettinger, star goalie of the Dallas Stars, who is a big game performer but is prone to having streaks of inconsistent play as well. Daily Faceoff lists him as the “perceived favorite” for top goalie in the 2026 class, and is likely a late first or early second round pick.
Skill: A long, explosive, technically evolving goaltender who thrives under pressure
NHL Comparison: Jake Oettinger
NHL Potential: Starting Goalie
| Season | Team | League | GP | GAA | SV% |
| 2024-25 | USNTDP Juniors | USHL | 13 | 6.83 | .813 |
| US National U17 | NTDP | 12 | 6.22 | .829 | |
| 2025-26 | USA U18 | Hlinka Gretzky Cup | 4 | 2.35 | .914 |
| US National U18 Team | NTDP | 16 | 3.57 | .883 | |
| USNTDP Juniors | USHL | 6 | 3.14 | .865 |
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