2026 NHL Draft

[donlever]

Fuck Smyl.

https://share.google/KdXopbVp1RHcWv798

....as an aside check out the pass by Reinhart.

Shades of Jeff Brown.

[rockalt]

I struggle to know who is the best choice without really watching these players in detail, so I have been swayed by the consensus top 3. Whatever the case I just don't want to see the Canucks reaching for anyone (should they be so fortunate to draft in the top 3).

While seeking out highlights of the 3 players I came across this video which I think is a nice 10 minute summary on the 3 of them from 1 month ago, so fairly recent. It's mostly focused on Mckenna but the second half has more on Verhoeff and Stenberg too so I figured worth a watch.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DQAWHJha42I

[Meds]

After watching that I’m still very torn between McKenna and Verhoeff.

If McKenna had stayed in the WHL there would be no conversation. He would’ve blowing scouts away and setting records. He chose the path that likely makes him a more NHL-ready player at the expense of those “meaningless” junior accolades. Factoring that I’m inclined to say McKenna all day long.

BUT…..

Verhoeff also chose that path, leaving Victoria to go to North Dakota. He’s playing at an elite level still. And in the absence of an eligible bonafide 1C prospect, the 1D position is the next most (if not equally) critical spot on the team.

Stenberg just has too many of the “buyer beware” flags as he’s not producing in a league where physical defense is par for the course and the wider ice surface gives him much more room to work. I suspect that he doesn’t hit his ceiling in the NHL, and if he does it will take him more time. I question that if he goes to a team like Vancouver will he falter due to a lack of support, and if he does, will the hyper critical fans/media will break him (the latter I would ask regarding any young player in that situation)?

End of the day, if we’re picking top-2, I don’t care which guy we get between McKenna and Verhoeff. I suspect that Allvin will reach for Stenberg…..he’s targeted all the wrong guys so far after all.

[theman]

I also am still torn between McKenna and Verhoeff. What tempts me about Verhoeff is that he is a RD (I believe) and a stud RD with his size is very tempting to pick, you just can’t get a player like him in a trade, assuming he lives up to his potential.

[Meds]

I also am still torn between McKenna and Verhoeff. What tempts me about Verhoeff is that he is a RD (I believe) and a stud RD with his size is very tempting to pick, you just can’t get a player like him in a trade, assuming he lives up to his potential.

It’s more than just the obvious skill and position.

He’s 6’4” - 210lbs and quite mobile. He’s already playing in a key role and excelling against players 5+ years older than him. Chances are that when he’s 22 he will be 6’5” - 230lbs. My only concern is that with the added weight he loses a bit of mobility…..but that’s a pretty minor concern.

[Meds]

Fuck Smyl.

https://share.google/KdXopbVp1RHcWv798

....as an aside check out the pass by Reinhart.

Shades of Jeff Brown.

Otto kicked it in.

[donlever]

Imagine it's Verhoeff....

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DUBS6hWj ... N2bWF1dzJ5

[Carl Yagro]

Yeah, I think Verhoeff's game is closest to Seider than any other Dman I can think of.

Does he have a mean streak like Mo? Buster Keaton.

[donlever]

I think the mean streak is a wip.

The danger I suppose is Bouwmeester......

[Aaronp18]

Ok ok, but it’s not the same. Verhoeff is bigger, younger and stronger. Maybe slightly more offensively minded as well.

So does O’Connor give up the coveted #18 as soon as the season is over or at the draft?

[donlever]

Eh?

I meant end result product.

[Aaronp18]

Oh I know, tongue firmly planted in cheek!

As you mentioned I don’t think we can fuck up the first pick this year. And I can definitely envision Verhoeff anchoring the blue line for a decade.

I mean watching Edmonton and how they just can’t figure out how to play defensively while having 2 of the top 5 players in the league does make you think pretty hard about priorities.

[donlever]

Yeah....i have thoughts on that as well.....I'm going to write a long ass UW post about the 3 options and why I think how I do if I ever feel motivated enough....

[Meds]

Imagine it's Verhoeff....

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DUBS6hWj ... N2bWF1dzJ5

My favourite is where he pushes the guy down in the neutral zone, takes the puck in and sets up a forward for a tap-in and then creams the late back checker at the top of the crease.

[donlever]

Lol...yeah...it is all good but that one caught my eye as well.

Beast.