[Athletic] Top 100 drafted NHL prospects ranking: Preds top the list with 9
April 19, 2026
[Athletic] Top 100 drafted NHL prospects ranking: Preds top the list with 9
3 comments
**Tier 4:**
19: Brady Martin
> He’s going to have a long career as a productive up-and-down-the-lineup player in the NHL and should be an excellent and unique top-six forward (whether as a center or winger) in his prime.
36: Ryker Lee
>
**Tier 5**
42: Egor Surin
46: Matthew Wood
> I like the way he slows down the game, adjusts and maneuvers his frame and shades pucks, and I believe he has second line/PP upside even without the speed. There’s some risk he doesn’t take that next step, though, too.
63: Tanner Molendyk
>I don’t think anyone who has watched Molendyk closely would be surprised if he becomes an effective all-situations, play-steering No. 4-5 defenseman on the back of his mobility, comfort and consistent decision-making.
64: Cameron Reid
> He has been a major driver of two-way results for the Rangers in tough minutes. I see a modern defenseman. He reminds me a little of young Blue Jackets D Denton Mateychuk. I’m a big fan of the skating-smarts combo he brings. There are some who wonder if he’s dynamic enough offensively at 6 feet, but he’s an excellent player.
**Tier 6**
78: Ufko
84: Svechkov
95: L’Heureux
Tier Rage-bait:
Tier 1 – number 2: Porter Martone
>He’s one of the top forward prospects in the game.
Tier 2 – number 5: James Hagens
>Hagens profiles as a top-of-the-lineup, play-creating center in the NHL. I remain a big believer. I did debate ranking him a little lower in Tier 2 here though.
Wood at 49 with 17 goals this year is whack.
Still mad about Martone. Fuck positions of need. GMs need to focus on the best player available. It was right there…
3 comments
**Tier 4:**
19: Brady Martin
> He’s going to have a long career as a productive up-and-down-the-lineup player in the NHL and should be an excellent and unique top-six forward (whether as a center or winger) in his prime.
36: Ryker Lee
>
**Tier 5**
42: Egor Surin
46: Matthew Wood
> I like the way he slows down the game, adjusts and maneuvers his frame and shades pucks, and I believe he has second line/PP upside even without the speed. There’s some risk he doesn’t take that next step, though, too.
63: Tanner Molendyk
>I don’t think anyone who has watched Molendyk closely would be surprised if he becomes an effective all-situations, play-steering No. 4-5 defenseman on the back of his mobility, comfort and consistent decision-making.
64: Cameron Reid
> He has been a major driver of two-way results for the Rangers in tough minutes. I see a modern defenseman. He reminds me a little of young Blue Jackets D Denton Mateychuk. I’m a big fan of the skating-smarts combo he brings. There are some who wonder if he’s dynamic enough offensively at 6 feet, but he’s an excellent player.
**Tier 6**
78: Ufko
84: Svechkov
95: L’Heureux
Tier Rage-bait:
Tier 1 – number 2: Porter Martone
>He’s one of the top forward prospects in the game.
Tier 2 – number 5: James Hagens
>Hagens profiles as a top-of-the-lineup, play-creating center in the NHL. I remain a big believer. I did debate ranking him a little lower in Tier 2 here though.
Wood at 49 with 17 goals this year is whack.
Still mad about Martone. Fuck positions of need. GMs need to focus on the best player available. It was right there…
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