2026 WHL Draft Results

Round 1

The 2026 WHL Draft has future NHL talent on display. Find out who went to what WHL team and our grades for all 23 first round picks.

Chris Ransom follow @DraftUtopia Last Updated: May 18, 2026.

1. Kelowna Rockets: Madden Daneault, C, (2029) A+ Grade
   
   
   The 5-11 172 lb Madden Daneault had 38 goals, 55 assists, and 93 points in 33 games with the Red Deer Rebels Under 15 AAA Team in 2024-2025. He posted 14 goals, 7 assists, and 21 points in 10 games in the 2025 AEHL Playoffs. Madden Daneault got promoted to team captain and had 65 goals, 84 assists, and 149 points in 34 games with the Red Deer Rebels Under 15 AAA Team in 2025-2026. Madden Daneault had 11 goals, 11 assists, and 22 points in 9 games during the 2026 AEHL PLayoffs.
   
   
   
   Madden Daneault has the speed, explosion, burst, agility, skating, foot speed, playmaking, passing, sniping, wrist shot power, wrist shot accuracy, slap shot power, slap shot accuracy, vision, offensive awareness, defensive awareness, and hockey IQ to succeed in the WHL. Madden Daneault's career assists with 179 in Bantam is second All Time behind only Edmonton Oilers captain Connor McDavid who had 180 assists in Bantam. Cam Robinson of Elite Prospects believes Madden Daneault will be the first pick in the 2029 NHL Entry Draft. I agree with that sentiment ater watching his tape since Madden Daneault also led his team to the 2025 AEHL Championship before getting promoted to team captain. He also got his team back to the 2026 AEHL Championship where they lost 3-1 to the St. Albert Raiders Sabres who kept the Red Deer Rebels Under 15 AAA team from repeating. Madden Daneault has a high gear and an exceptional compete level. He can play on the power play.
   
   
   
   We'll see how good Madden Daneault becomes in the WHL on the Kelowna Rockets. He feels like a guy that could be up there with Sidney Crosby, Nate MacKinnon, Connor McDavid, Auston Matthews, Connor Bedard, and Macklin Celebrini when it comes to exceptional centers. That's why he would be my front runner to go first overall in the 2029 NHL Entry Draft, but Max Melicherik from the Tappara Under 18 Team is the front runner to go first overall in the 2029 NHL Entry Draft after posting 29 goals, 26 assists, and 55 points in 43 games with the Tappara Under 18 Team with Madden Daneault as the front runner to go right behind him at second overall. I feel like Daneault may good enough to jump Max Melicherik to be the top prospect in the 2029 NHL Entry Draft.
   
   
   
2. Wenatchee Wild: Parker McMillan, RW, (2029) A+ Grade
   
   
   The 6-3 192 lb Parker McMillan had 26 goals, 30 assists, and 56 points in 35 games with the Yale Hockey Academy Under 15 Prep Team in the CSSHL in 2024-2025. Parker McMillan had 1 goal, 2 assists, and 3 points in 4 games in the 2025 CSSHL Playoffs. Parker McMillan had 41 goals, 50 assists, and 91 points in 25 games with the Yale Hockey Academy Under 15 Prep Team in the CSSHL in 2025-2026. Parker McMillan had 3 goals, 7 assists, and 10 points in 3 games with the Yale Hockey Academy Under 15 Prep Team in the 2026 CSSHL Playoffs.
   
   
   
   Parker McMillan has the speed, explosion, burst, agility, skating, foot speed, playmaking, passing, sniping, wrist shot power, wrist shot accuracy, slap shot power, slap shot accuracy, vision, offensive awareness, defensive awareness, and hockey IQ to succeed in the WHL. Parker McMillan is probably in the conversation with Max Melicherik and Madden Dagenault to be a top 3 pick in the 2029 NHL Entry Draft.
   
   
   
   
   
3. Vancouver Giants: Eli Vickers, D, (2029) A+ Grade
   
   
   The 5-9 159 lb Eli Vickers had 8 goals, 28 assists, and 36 points in 35 games with the Delta Under 15 Prep Team in the CSSHL in 2024-2025. Eli Vickers had 1 goal, 3 assists, and 4 points in 5 games in the 2025 CSSHL Playoffs. Eli Vickers had 22 goals, 40 assists, and 62 points in 30 games with the Delta Under 15 Prep Team in the CSSHL in 2025-2026. Eli Vickers had 1 goal, 4 assists, and 5 points in 3 games with the Delta Under 15 Prep Team in the 2026 CSSHL Playoffs.
   
   
   
   Eli Vickers has the speed, explosion, burst, agility, skating, foot speed, playmaking, passing, sniping, wrist shot power, wrist shot accuracy, slap shot power, slap shot accuracy, vision, offensive awareness, defensive awareness, and hockey IQ to succeed in the WHL. Eli Vickers draft range is anywhere between picks 23 and 31 in the 2029 NHL Entry Draft due to his size. If he gets bigger and plays at a high level in the WHL, he could end up moving up boards leading up to the 2029 NHL Entry Draft.
   
   
   
   Eli Vickers was the top defenseman in the 2026 WHL Draft. Pairing him with Ryan Lin, Crosby Mateychuk, and William Matechuk gives the Vancouver Giants a deadly blue line. Eli Vickers is a catalyst on offense on the power play as well as an outstanding skater. He's gonna have to rely less on his feet and more on his puck movement when he gets to the WHL. He will take whatver you give him as far as space goes.
   
   
   
4. Vancouver Giants: Brayden Jugnauth, C, (2029) A+ Grade
   
   
   The 5-9 155 lb Brayden Jugnauth had 42 goals, 24 assists, and 66 points on the Okagnan Rockets Under 15 AAA Team inthe BCEHL in 2024-2025. Brayden Jugnauth had 9 goals, 6 assists, and 15 points in 6 games in the 2025 BCEHL Playoffs. Brayden Jugnauth had 32 goals, 26 assists, and 58 points in 34 games with the Okganagan Rockets Under 18 Team in 2025-2026. Brayden Jugnauth had 9 goals, 9 assists, and 18 points in 6 games in the 2026 BCEHL Playoffs..
   
   
   
   Brayden Jugnauth has the speed, explosion, burst, agility, skating, foot speed, playmaking, passing, sniping, wrist shot power, wrist shot accuracy, slap shot power, slap shot accuracy, vision, offensive awareness, defensive awareness, and hockey IQ to succeed in the WHL. Brayden Jugnauth is a power play scorer that loves to shoot the puck. He loves to take chances and is a very smart player. He will not bring the physical edge or the dominant two-way player that excels on both offense as well as defense.
   
   
   
   
   
5. Wenatchee Wild: Jevin Morrison, D, (2029) A+ Grade
   
   
   The 5-9 151 lb Jevin Morrison had 11 goals, 34 assists, and 45 points in 34 games with the Red Deer Rebels Under 15 AAA Team in the AEHL in 2024-2025. Jevin Morrison had 1 goal, 8 assists, and 9 points in 5 games during the 2025 AEHL Playoffs. Jevin Morrison had 17 goals, 47 assists, and 64 points in 24 games with the Red Deer REbels Under 15 AAA Team in the AEHL in 2025-2026. Jevin Morrison had 2 goals, 7 assists, and 9 points in 4 games during the 2026 AEHL Playoffs.
   
   
   
   Jevin Morrison has the speed, explosion, burst, agility, skating, foot speed, playmaking, passing, sniping, wrist shot power, wrist shot accuracy, slap shot power, slap shot accuracy, vision, offensive awareness, defensive awareness, and hockey IQ to succeed in the WHL. He was able to rush the puck and turn that into breakaways. He wasn't afraid of leaning into contact and taking that. He's got great explosion, but he's not done growing.
   
   
   
6. Tri-City Americans: Kenzo Gibson, C, (2029) A+ Grade
   
   
   The 5-11 186 lb Kenzo Gibson had 19 goals, 31 assists, and 50 points with the Burnaby Winter Club Under 15 AAA Team in the CSSHL Under 15 League in 2024-2025. Kenzo Gibson had 3 goals, 0 assists, and 3 points in 3 games in the 2025 CSSHL Playoffs. Kenzo Gibson got promoted to team captain on the Burnaby Winter Club and had 34 goals, 24 assists, and 58 points in 23 CSSHL games in 2025-2026. Kenzo Gibson had 2 goals, 2 assists, and 4 points in 4 games during the 2026 CSSHL Playoffs.
   
   
   
   Kenzo Gibson has the speed, explosion, burst, agility, skating, foot speed, playmaking, passing, sniping, wrist shot power, wrist shot accuracy, slap shot power, slap shot accuracy, vision, offensive awareness, defensive awareness, and hockey IQ to succeed in the WHL. Kenzo Gibson is a playmaker that could end up becoming a big-time talent in the WHL down the road. He creates a lot for his teammates and has goal-scoring ability.
   
   
   
   
   
7. Seattle Thunderbirds: Wyatt Jolleys, C, (2029) A+ Grade
   
   
   The 6-0 147 lb Wyatt Jolleys had 12 goals, 32 assists, and 44 points with the Calgary Bisons Under 15 AAA Team in the AEHL Under 15 League in 2024-2025. Wyatt Jolleys had 4 goals, 9 assists, and 13 points in 6 games during the 2025 AEHL Playoffs. Wyatt Jolleys had 28 goals, 58 assists, and 33 points with the Calgary Bisons Under 15 AAA in the AEHL in 2025-2026. Wyatt Jolleys had 5 goals, 4 assists, and 9 points in 3 games in the 2026 AEHL Playoffs.
   
   
   
   Wyatt Jolleys has the speed, explosion, burst, agility, skating, foot speed, playmaking, passing, sniping, wrist shot power, wrist shot accuracy, slap shot power, slap shot accuracy, vision, offensive awareness, defensive awareness, and hockey IQ to succeed in the WHL. Wyatt Jolleys was dominant at the 2026 Alberta Cup. He is such a rangy skater. He uses his frame so effectively to power through traffic. As he adds weight and muscle he will be so tough to strip the puck from.
   
   
   
8. Kamloops Blazers: Micah Montgomery, C, (2029) A Grade
   
   
   The 6-0 171 lb Micah Montgomery had 16 goals, 33 assists, and 49 points in 36 games with the OHA Edmonton Under 15 AAA Prep Team in the CSSHL in 2024-2025. Micah Montgomery had 1 goal, 1 assist, and 2 points in 3 games during the 2025 CSSHL Playoffs. Micah Montgomery had 21 goals, 42 assists, and 63 points in 30 games with OHA Edmonton Under 15 AAA Prep Team in the CSSHL in 2025-2026. Micah Montgomery had 1 goal, 2 assists, and 3 points in 3 games in the 2026 WHL Playoffs.
   
   
   
   Micah Montgomery has the speed, explosion, burst, agility, skating, foot speed, playmaking, passing, sniping, wrist shot power, wrist shot accuracy, slap shot power, slap shot accuracy, vision, offensive awareness, defensive awareness, and hockey IQ to succeed in the WHL. He can wear down a defensive core. Not as dominant as the top seven picks in the 2026 WHL Draft, but his relentless work ethic makes him a great value pick at 8. Some people had this guy just outside the top 5 at 6, so you could argue this is an A+ grade too. He's a tactical systems player. He will manuever his hands. He's not a burner and that's the biggest reason I didn't give him an A+ grade at 8. I think Micah Montgomery will be a top 6 player in the WHL and he also shares the same birthday as me so this is an A grade.
   
   
   
   
   
9. Regina Pats: Fletcher MacDonald, G, (2029) A+ Grade
   
   
   The Regina Pats drafted a goalie in the first round of the 2026 WHL Draft after drafting two of the top three players in last years draft in Maddox Schultz and Liam Pue who are the two front runners to go first and second in the 2028 NHL Entry Draft. Maddox Schultz had 15 goals, 14 assists, and 29 points in 34 WHL games with 0 goals, 1 assist, and 1 point in the 2026 WHL Playoffs in 2 games. Liam Pue had 6 goals, 10 assists, 16 points in his rookie regular season with 1 goal, 0 assists, and 1 point in 2 games in the 2026 WHL Playoffs. I need to see more from Schultz and Pue. Regina did draft a goalie that can take pressure off of them and this is the top goalie in the 2026 WHL Draft.
   
   
   
   The 6-1 199 lb Fletcher MacDonald had a 2.78 goals against average, .932 save percentage, and a 10-7-5 record in 22 games on the Edmonton CAC Canadiens Under 15 AAA Team in the AEHL in 2024-2025. Fletcher MacDonald struggled in the 2025 AEHL Playoffs with a 5.02 goals against average and a .876 save percentage in 3 games during the 2025 AEHL Playoffs. Fletcher MacDonald had a 2.87 save goals against average with a .925 save percentage going 9-16-3 in 28 games played. Fletcher MacDonald had a 1.51 goals against average and a .969 save percentage in 2 games in the 2026 AEHL Playoffs despite losing both starts playing out of his mind like Jake Oettinger.
   
   
   
   He's got a great athletic posture. He makes the first save look easy.
   
   
   
10. Portland Winterhawks: Cullen Stepehnson, RW, (2029) A+ Grade
    
    
    The 5-11 135 lb Cullen Stephenson had 20 goals, 29 assists, and 49 points in 26 games with the Warman Wildcats Under 15AA team in the SAAHL in 2024-2025. Chandler Stephenson had 38 goals, 50 assists, and 88 points in 25 games with the Warman Wildcats Under 15 AA Team after getting promoted to team captain before the season in the SAAHL in 2025-2026. Cullen Stephenson had 6 goals, 14 assists, and 20 points in 7 games with the Warman Wildcats Under 15 AA Team in the 2026 SAAHL Playoffs.
    
    
    
    Cullen Stephenson has the speed, explosion, burst, agility, skating, foot speed, playmaking, passing, sniping, wrist shot power, wrist shot accuracy, slap shot power, slap shot accuracy, vision, offensive awareness, defensive awareness, and hockey IQ to succeed in the WHL. Cullen Stephenson has great reach and timing. There is some physical development that needs to be done, but if Cullen Stepehnson physically develops he will reach his ceiling and become a star in the WHL.
    
    
    
    
    
11. Seattle Thunderbirds: Jax Bubnick, D, (2029) A- Grade
    
    
    The 6-2 185 lb Jax Bubnick had 7 goals, 13 assists, and 20 points in 27 games with the Saskatoon Bandits Under 15 AA Team in the SAAHL in 2024-2025. Jax Bubnick had 0 goals, 6 assists, and 6 points in 9 games in the 2025 SAAHL Playoffs with the Saskatoon Bandits. Jax Bubnick had 19 goals, 24 assists, and 43 points in 26 games with the Saskatoon Generals Under 15 AA Team in the SAAHL in 2025-2026. Jax Bubnick had 3 goals, 2 assists, and 5 points in 4 games during the 2026 SAAHL Playoffs.
    
    
    
    Jax Bubnick has the speed, explosion, burst, agility, skating, foot speed, playmaking, passing, sniping, wrist shot power, wrist shot accuracy, slap shot power, slap shot accuracy, vision, offensive awareness, defensive awareness, and hockey IQ to succeed in the WHL. He takes chances. He's a heavy shot. He's big, strong, and heavy. There's times his decision making is all over the place. He has his head down at times which is the only reason I gave this an A- grade. He plays with a lot of passion and you have to love his effort.
    
    
    
12. Spokane Chiefs: Brody Antignani, RW, (2029) A Grade
    
    
    The 5-8 149 lb Brody Antignani had 50 goals, 49 assists, and 99 points with the EDGE Under 15 Prep AAA Team in the CSSHL in 204-2025. Brody Antignanin had 10 goals, 7 assists, and 17 points in 5 games in the 2025 CSSHL Playoffs. Brody Antignani had 29 goals, 37 assists, and 66 points with the Edge Under 15 Prep AAA Team in 2025-2026. Brody Atnignani had 3 goals, 2 assists, and 5 points in 5 games with the Edge Under 15 AAA Prep Team in the 2026 CSSHL Playoffs.
    
    
    
    Brody Antignani has the speed, explosion, burst, agility, skating, foot speed, playmaking, passing, sniping, wrist shot power, wrist shot accuracy, slap shot power, slap shot accuracy, vision, offensive awareness, defensive awareness, and hockey IQ to succeed in the WHL. He takes chances. He has great hands. He has the best back-handed shot of any player in the 2026 WHL Draft.
    
    
    
    
    
13. Everett Silvertips: Wyatt Bitz, D, (2029) A+ Grade
    
    
    The 6-1 152 lbs Wyatt Bitz had 3 goals, 28 assists, and 31 points with the askatoon Generals Under 15 AA Team in the SAAHL in 2024-2025. Wyatt Bitz got promoted to team captain and had 18 goals, 35 assists, and 53 points in 27 games with the Saskatoon Outlaws Under 15 AA in the SAAHL in 2025-2026. Wyatt Bitz had 1 goal, 1 assist, and 2 points in 2 games with the Saskatoon Outlaws AA Team.
    
    
    
    Wyatt Bitz has the speed, explosion, burst, agility, skating, foot speed, playmaking, passing, sniping, wrist shot power, wrist shot accuracy, slap shot power, slap shot accuracy, vision, offensive awareness, defensive awareness, and hockey IQ to succeed in the WHL. He's a really mobile defenseman. He was the highest scoring defenseman in Saskatchewan.
    
    
    
14. Lethbridge Hurricanes: Artello Forestal, C, (2030) A+ Grade
    
    
    The 5-9 147 lb Artello Forestal had 22 goals, 22 assists, and 44 points in 28 games on OHA Edmonton Under 15 Prep Team in the CSSHL in 2024-2025. Artello Forestal had 22 goals, 25 assists, and 47 points in 21 games with the OHA Edmonton Under 15 Prep TEam in the CSSHL in 2025-2026. Artello Forestal had 2 goals, 2 assists, and 4 points in 3 games in the 2026 CSSHL Playoffs.
    
    
    
    Artello Forestal has the speed, explosion, burst, agility, skating, foot speed, versatiity, playmaking, passing, sniping, wrist shot power, wrist shot accuracy, slap shot power, slap shot accuracy, vision, offensive awareness, defensive awareness, and hockey IQ to succeed in the WHL. Artello Forestal was once the third best prospect in the 2026 WHL Draft, so getting him this late is incredible value. He's a bit too flashy, but he also catches people off guard. He has speed and puck control.
    
    
    
    
    
15. Saskatoon Blades: Teagan Dernisky, C, (2029) A+ Grade
    
    
    The 5-7 151 lb Teagan Dernisky had 4 goals, 10 assists, an 14 points in 24 games with the Yale Hockey Academy Under 15 Prep Team in the CSSHL in 2024-2025. Teagan Dernisky had 43 goals, 55 assists, and 98 points in 30 games with the Yale Hockey Academy Under 15 Prep Team in the CSSHL in 2025-2026. Teagan Dernisky had 3 goals, 3 assists, and 6 points in 3 games with the Yale Hockey Academy Under 15 Prep Team in the 2026 CSSHL Playoffs.
    
    
    
    Teagan Dernisky has the speed, explosion, burst, agility, skating, foot speed, playmaking, passing, sniping, wrist shot power, wrist shot accuracy, slap shot power, slap shot accuracy, vision, offensive awareness, defensive awareness, and hockey IQ to succeed in the WHL. Teagan Dernisky is a high end player. He makes other players better. He's one of the best players without the puck on his stick. He doesn't back down from the net.
    
    
    
16. Spokane Chiefs: Jack Arnold, RW, (2030) A+ Grade
    
    
    The 6-3 170 lb Jack Arnold had 32 goals, 28 assists, and 60 points in 61 games with the Dallas Stars Elite Under 14 AAA Team in the T1EHL 2025-2026. Jack Arnold had 2 goals, 2 assists, and 4 points in 3 games in the 2026 T1EHL Playoffs.
    
    
    
    Jack Arnold has the speed, explosion, burst, agility, skating, foot speed, playmaking, passing, sniping, wrist shot power, wrist shot accuracy, slap shot power, slap shot accuracy, vision, offensive awareness, defensive awareness, and hockey IQ to succeed in the WHL. Jack Arnold is a guy that can take over for Mathis Preston when his WHL career is over allowing the Spokane Chiefs to reload at right winger. This was the first American drafted in the 2026 WHL Draft. He was the best player on that Dallas Stars Elite Under 14 AAA Team. His skating needs a little refinement, but he's only moving his feet. He's got some rough edges to smooth. He's got plenty of time to develop as he is not eligible for the NHL Draft until 2030.
    
    
    
    
    
17. Red Deer Rebels: Danny Ramazanov, LW, (2029) A+ Grade
    
    
    The 5-8 125 lb Danny Ramazanov had 32 goals, 42 assists, and 74 poitns with the Saskatoon Generals Under 15 AA in the SAAHL in 29 games in 2024-2025. Danny Ramazonov had 2 goals, 0 assists, and 2 points in 2 games during the 2025 SAAHL Playoffs. Danny Ramazanov had 26 goals, 32 assists, and 58 points in 29 games on Northern Alberta Xtreme Under 15 Prep Team in the CSSHL in 2025-2026. Danny Ramazanov had 3 goals, 3 assists, and 6 points in 4 games during the 2026 CSSHL Playoffs.
    
    
    
    Danny Ramazanov has the speed, explosion, burst, agility, skating, foot speed, playmaking, passing, sniping, wrist shot power, wrist shot accuracy, slap shot power, slap shot accuracy, vision, offensive awareness, defensive awareness, and hockey IQ to succeed in the WHL. Danny Rmaazanov could end up becoming the WHL's version of the Robertson brothers. Whether he becomes the next Nick Robertson or the next Jason Robertson remains to be seen. He's a puck-dominant playmaking smart player. He's probably gonna end up a top six player on a first or second line in the WHL despite his size.
    
    
    
18. Brandon Wheat Kings: Rylan Edwards, C, (2029) B+ Grade
    
    
    The 5-6 145 lb Rylan Edwards had 31 goals, 41 assists, and 72 points in 27 games with the Regina Aces Under 15 AA Team in the SAAHL in 2024-2025. Rylan Edwards had 0 goals, 3 assists, and 3 points in 2 games with the Regina Aces Under 15 Prep Team in the 2025 SAAHL Playoffs. Rylan Edwards had 17 goals, 26 assists, and 43 points in 28 games with Northern Alberta Xtreme Under 15 Prep Team in the CSSHL in 2025-2026. Rylan Edwards had 3 goals, 5 assists, and 8 points in 4 games during the 2026 CSSHL Playoffs.
    
    
    
    Rylan Edwards has the speed, explosion, burst, agility, skating, foot speed, playmaking, passing, sniping, wrist shot power, wrist shot accuracy, slap shot power, slap shot accuracy, vision, offensive awareness, defensive awareness, and hockey IQ to succeed in the WHL. Rylan Edwards likes to play along the boards. He is a great player for a team that wants to play keep away. He was a second line power play power play guy on Northern Alberta Xtreme. He does a lot of motion when he moves his feet.
    
    
    
    
    
19. Tri-City Americans: Ethan Zhang, C, (2029) A+ Grade
    
    
    The 6-2 175 lb Ethan Zhang had 33 goals, 38 assists, and 71 points in 44 games with the Dallas Stars Elite Under 14 AAA Team in the T1EHL 2025-2026. Ethan Zhang had 1 goal, 3 assists, and 4 points in 3 games during the 2026 T1EHL Playoffs.
    
    
    
    Ethan Zhang has the speed, explosion, burst, agility, skating, foot speed, playmaking, passing, sniping, wrist shot power, wrist shot accuracy, slap shot power, slap shot accuracy, vision, offensive awareness, defensive awareness, and hockey IQ to succeed in the WHL. Ethan Zhang is the second American drafted in the 2026 WHL Draft and the teammate of Jack Arnold who was the first American drafted in the 2026 WHL Draft. The Dallas Stars Elite Under 14 AAA produced the top two Americans in the 2026 WHL Draft. I trust GM Bob Tory on this pick.
    
    
    
20. `Penticon Vees: Liam Bordt, RW, (2029) A+ Grade
    
    
    The 5-10 159 lb Liam Bordt had 13 goals, 19 assists, and 32 points in 30 games with the Burnaby Winter Clup Under 15 Prep Team in the CSSHL 2024-2025. Liam Bordt had 1 goal, 2 assists, and 3 points in 3 games in the 2025 CSSHL Playoffs. Liam Bordt had 24 goals, 24 assists, and 48 points in 29 games with Northern Alberta Xtreme Under 15 Prep Team in the CSSHL in 2025-2026. Liam Bordt had 4 goals, 1 assist, and 5 points in 4 games in the 2026 CSSHL Playoffs.
    
    
    
    Liam Bordt has the speed, explosion, burst, agility, skating, foot speed, playmaking, passing, sniping, wrist shot power, wrist shot accuracy, slap shot power, slap shot accuracy, vision, offensive awareness, defensive awareness, and hockey IQ to succeed in the WHL. Liam Bordt entered the year as a top five pick, but he fell to 20. Thor Liffiton, last years first round defenseman in the 2025 WHL Draft hardly saw any ice time and the former BCHL power house made the 2026 Western Conference Finals as an expansion team in the WHL. Liam Bordt needs to play more connected off the puck to unlock the tools he has explosive speed and a really good shot.
    
    
    
    
    
21. Medicine Hat Tigers: Max Osgood, C, (2029) A Grade
    
    
    The 5-9 142 lb Max Osgood had 15 goals, 28 assists, and 43 points in 20 games with the Little Caesars Under 14 AAA Team in 2025-2026. He's the third American drafted in the 2026
    
    
    
    Max Osgood has the speed, explosion, burst, agility, skating, foot speed, playmaking, passing, sniping, wrist shot power, wrist shot accuracy, slap shot power, slap shot accuracy, vision, offensive awareness, defensive awareness, and hockey IQ to succeed in the WHL. Max Osgood might be able to learn under Markus Ruck if he sticks around at center.
    
    
    
22. Swift Current Broncos: Jacson Bradbeer, D, (2029) B Grade
    
    
    The 5-9 159 lb Jacson Bradbeer had 2 goals, 13 assists, and 15 points with the Yale Hockey Academy Under 15 Prep Team in the CSSHL in 2024-2025. Jackson Badbeer had 0 goals, 1 assist, and 1 point in 4 games during the 2025 CSSHL Playoffs. Jacson Bradbeer had 9 goals, 52 assists, and 61 points in 29 games with the Yale Under 15 Prep Team in the CSSHL in 2025-2026. Jacson Bradbeer had 2 goals, 4 assists, and 6 points in 3 games during the 2026 CSSHL Playoffs.
    
    
    
    Jacson Bradbeer has the speed, explosion, burst, agility, skating, foot speed, playmaking, passing, sniping, wrist shot power, wrist shot accuracy, slap shot power, slap shot accuracy, vision, offensive awareness, defensive awareness, and hockey IQ to succeed in the WHL. Jacson Bradbeer was the quarterback on the power play on the Yale Hockey Academy. He's mainly a passer on offense. This is a future power play quarterback 1 in the WHL, and i he adds some weight he could be a PP2 quarterback in the AHL possibly the NHL if he gets that far.
    
    
    
    
    
23. Swift Current Broncos: Nathan Roberts, D, (2029) B- Grade
    
    
    The 6-3 191 lb Nathan Roberts had 3 goals, 14 assists, and 17 points in 36 games on the Delta Hockey Academy Under 15 AAA team in 2024-2025. Nathan ROberts had 0 goals, 1 assist, and 1 point in 3 games during the 2025 CSSHL Playoffs. Nathan Roberts had 4 goals, 21 assists, and 25 points in 30 games with the Delta Hockey Academy Under 15 Prep Team in 2025-2026. Nathan ROberts had 2 goals, 3 assists, and 5 points in the 2026 CSSHL Playoffs.
    
    
    
    Nathan Roberts has the speed, explosion, burst, agility, skating, foot speed, playmaking, passing, sniping, wrist shot power, wrist shot accuracy, slap shot power, slap shot accuracy, vision, offensive awareness, defensive awareness, and hockey IQ to succeed in the WHL. He has the traits to succeed, but he hestitated way too frequently at the beginning of the season. That's the biggest reason I gave Swift Current a B- for this final pick in the first round.