All articles tagged with #scott wheeler
Scott Wheeler delivers his definitive two-round mock of the 2026 NHL Draft, blending sourcing and team needs to map out picks through the first two rounds, with Gavin McKenna pegged to Toronto at No. 1 and a mix of forwards and defensemen shaping the top of the board, plus scenarios and contingencies for how teams might approach selections.
The Athletic previews the 2026 NHL Draft, led by Gavin McKenna as the likely No. 1 pick for the Maple Leafs, with extensive rankings from Corey Pronman and Scott Wheeler, plus scouting reports, mock drafts, and live draft coverage via The Athletic x FloHockey during June 26–27.
Scott Wheeler released his first mock for the 2026 NHL Draft, predicting all 32 first-round picks after the lottery and outlining team-fit scenarios and contingencies as he builds toward a final top‑100 board.
Scott Wheeler slots the New Jersey Devils at No. 22 in his 2026 NHL prospect pool, noting a lack of a true elite forward but strong goaltending depth and a solid group of defensemen and depth forwards. The ranking marks a five-spot drop from 2025, reflecting the organization’s emphasis on development over standout top forwards, with notable names such as Mikhail Yegorov (goalie), Anton Silayev, Seamus Casey, Shane Lachance, Topias Vilén and Lenni Hämeenaho among the depth.
Scott Wheeler ranks the Tampa Bay Lightning 24th in his 2026 NHL prospect pool, noting a thin internal pipeline (two of their best prospects are with other teams) and 11 ranked players with a few intriguing, but overall weak, prospects who could still yield NHL contributors in coming years.
Scott Wheeler ranks the Ottawa Senators 26th in his 2026 NHL prospect pool, noting two promising right-shot defensemen—Carter Yakemchuk and Logan Hensler—as the standout prospects, but describing the rest of Ottawa’s system as depth-heavy with potential role players rather than high-end stars. The piece also highlights several other Senators prospects across positions who could develop into NHL contributors, though the overall ceiling appears limited compared to top systems.
Scott Wheeler ranks the Los Angeles Kings at No. 27 in his 2026 NHL prospect pool rankings, noting a middle-of-the-pack group with no current star at center but solid depth on defense and in goal, including three defense prospects (two of them big) and two goalie prospects. The ranking project evaluates nearly 500 prospects across all 32 teams as it counts down from No. 32 to No. 1, highlighting the Kings' notable gap down the middle despite their defensive and goaltending depth.
Colorado's NHL prospect pool is ranked No. 28 in Scott Wheeler's 2026 rankings, a decline propelled by trades of Calum Ritchie and Will Zellers and limited 2025 draft picks, though the Avalanche still boast a solid top five of prospects including Gavin Brindley.
Scott Wheeler places the Toronto Maple Leafs at No. 29 in his 2026 NHL prospect pool, led by first‑rounder Easton Cowan. Beyond Cowan, the Leafs’ remaining top prospects (2–12) are projected as limited mid‑career contributors at best, signaling a thin pipeline with several players (Hildeby, Koblar, Akhtyamov, Nansi, Holinka, Chadwick, Johansson, Haymes, Hopkins and Valis) still developing.