Several top prospects are opting for NCAA programs over traditional junior leagues, raising questions about game volume, competition level, and long-term development impact.Let’s unpack the Development Path Disruption theme in the 2026 NHL Draft—it’s one of the most fascinating shifts in recent years, and it’s reshaping how scouts evaluate upside, readiness, and risk. Related: THEContinue reading “DEVELOPMENT PATH DISRUPTION: NCAA VS TRADITIONAL LEAGUES”
Tag Archives: USHL
Artemi NIZAMEYEV
Right Wing5’10/192RightTri-City Storm/USHL Related: Ivan Ryabkin Artemi Nizameyev is a rising star in the 2025 NHL Draft class. He began his hockey journey with Traktor Chelyabinsk, where he showcased leadership as a team captain. Currently playing for the Tri-City Storm in the USHL, Nizameyev has adapted impressively to North American hockey. Standing at 5’10” andContinue reading “Artemi NIZAMEYEV”
COLE EISERMAN
Left Wing6’0/196LeftUS National U18 Team (NTDP)/ USNTDP Juniors (USHL) Related: Tanner Howe Cole Eiserman, the 6-foot winger who was a product of Shattuck St. Mary’s, the same school that has produced countless NHL Superstars; Eiserman started the season with as much expectation as any prospect this year, with some expecting him to crush Cole Caufield’sContinue reading “COLE EISERMAN”
COLE HUTSON
Defenseman5’10/159LeftUS National U18 Team (NTDP)/USNTDP Juniors (USHL) Related: EJ Emery Cole Hutson has as high of an offensive upside as any defenseman in the 2024 NHL Draft, but he is undersized and a liability on defense, which may cause him to fall out of the 1st round entirely. The younger brother of Montreal Canadiens’ prospect,Continue reading “COLE HUTSON”
EJ EMERY
Defenseman6’3/185RightUS National U18 Team (NTDP)/USNTDP Juniors (USHL) Related: Zayne Parakh A reliable and towering presence on the backend, standing at 6 foot 3 and 185 pounds, Emery has shown great aptitude for being a shutdown defenseman; especially when it comes to defending the rush, his anticipation combined with his superior speed and size make himContinue reading “EJ EMERY”
TREVOR CONNELLY
Center6’1/161LeftTri-City Storm/USHL Related: Ryder Ritchie Trevor Connelly is a terrific Skater who probably has more skill than most other USA prospects and had a productive Hliknka-Gretzky tourney, where he was dangerous on every touch. Connelly is one of the most skilled forwards in the draft. His blend of puck handling, skating, and ability in transitionContinue reading “TREVOR CONNELLY”
MICHAEL HRABAL
Goalie6’6/201LeftOmaha Lancers/USHL Related: Sebastian Cossa Michael Hrabal is an imposing 6 foot 6 goaltenders, who checks off all the boxes for what scouts look for in a goaltender prospect. Listed at 6-6, he anticipates play well and is capable of shutting down shooters in tight with effective body and glove positioning. He has a hybridContinue reading “MICHAEL HRABAL”
OLIVER MOORE
CENTER/WING5’11/188LeftUS National U18 Team/USDP & USNTDP Juniors/USHL Related: Will Smith Oliver Moore is a highly energetic forward with great speed, agility, and skill; he’s got great hands in tight areas and has the ability to maneuver easily in traffic. Moore is a speedy and energetic forward who accelerates through crossovers and has a significant firstContinue reading “OLIVER MOORE”
WILL SMITH
Center6’0/182RightUS National U18 Team/USDP & USNTDP Juniors/USHL Related: Calum Ritchie Will Smith is a prolific goal scorer all the way up, who is pacing the USNTDP in one of the best starts in program history. In the first 21 games of the 2022-23 USDP season, Smith already has 17 goals, 26 assists, and 43 pointsContinue reading “WILL SMITH”
JIMMY SNUGGERUD
Left Wing/Center/Right Wing6’2/185RightUS National U18 Team/USDP & USNTDP Juniors/USHL Related: Filip Mesar Jimmy Snuggerud had a solid 2020-21 campaign with the USNTDP U17 squad, scoring 15 goals and 17 assists in 45 games, but didn’t begin his draft year with the same level of acclaim as some of his fellow draft hopefuls from the program.Continue reading “JIMMY SNUGGERUD”
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