With the World Junior Championships freshly wrapped up, it means extra views on some late 2007- and 2008-born prospects for the upcoming 2026 NHL draft. This also means there are some prospects that had strong showing and could present themselves as targets for the Edmonton Oilers.

Vladimir Dravecky, Czechia, D, Brantford Bulldogs, OHL

Dravecky has largely been a silent contributor all season long, and nothing of that changes with his two way role and two points with Czechia this past World Juniors. Dravecky also plays for the OHL powerhouse, Brantford Bulldogs, and largely complimentary role that supports his teammates.

He plays a two-way defender’s game that pushes pace and supports offensive efforts from his teammates. His game is highlighted by a high offensive compete level, capable senses, and growing physicality.

Dravecky is particularly smooth on offence, as he can absorb pressure, make quick passing plays, and shows a good rate of engagement and physicality willingness in all three zones. He remains quite a raw prospect, but if he can refine some of his smaller details theres a chance he could be a solid NHLer.

The main drawbacks for Dravecky includes a lack of skating power resulting in transitional issues, limited proactive measures (tie ups, risk assessment, and play anticipation), and not an incredibly clear identity as a player as he largely does everything okay, but doesn’t stand out in any specifc area.

Dravecky does have the raw athletic potential to figure these limitations out though.

The Czech defender does fit the Oilers profile in what they value in defenders: size, compete, and enough senses to contribute to plays in a productive manner. Look for him to go in the second round.

Adam Nemec, Slovakia, F, Sudbury Wolves, OHL

There’s always a player or two that stands out on the smaller teams. This year it was new Sudbury Wolves forward, Adam Nemec, who went a point per game for the tournament. He is off to a stronger start in the OHL with one goal and two assists across two games.

Prior to that, Nemec spent half the season playing professional hockey in his home country where the defender put up a respectable 15 points across 28 games with HK Nitra. The European looks to adjust himself to North American hockey in the OHL.

The 6’1” forward has a high energy traditional two-way play style. Nemec’s skillset is highlighted by strong skating, quality senses, and compete level. The skating mechanics are clean, have a high pace element, and this blends with a higher engagement rate, good physicality, and solid play anticipation.

Nemec is a consistent hard working workhorse forward who shines in most situations. This versatility boosts his value even more.

His knacks include his lack of finishing ability, puck skills needing more refinement, and limited offensive senses. If Nemec is drafted to the NHL his scoring prowess is a secondary worry, as he would be more relied upon as a defensively responsible shutdown bottom six forward.

Nothing wrong with a high floor low ceiling NHL player, and this is exactly what Nemec is. Plus the Oilers have shown a tendency to draft this way with their prior selection of Sam O’Reilly. Look for Nemec to go in the second possibly third round.

Mattais Vanhanen, Finland, F, Everett Silvertips, WHL

Vanhanen has started his breakout this year, in his draft plus one season, where he was a crucial element of team Finland’s squad this past tournament with six points across their seven games. In addition, the Finnish forward is lighting it up in the WHL this season at a 1.42 PPG rate this season.

Vanhanen was one of the best playmakers for team Finland at the World Junior Championships. His game excels due to high end puck skills, quality senses, and passing ability. He blends vision, with high quality timing, hockey IQ, and offensive awareness to generate constant deceptive scoring chances.

His main drawbacks include his significantly lacking physicality, and less than ideal skating form do pose problems, but have not held him back too much in terms of North American production.

It remains to be seen if he could transition this playmaking game to the professional ranks knowing just how much hard skill Vanhanen lacks. That being said Vanhanen could be a solid late round steal for the Oilers with their sixth or seventh round pick if he’s still on the board.

The Edmonton Oiler’s draft picks (as of now)

The Oilers currently have four picks, (second, third, sixth, and seventh) in the 2026 NHL draft, and expect that number to drop come the trade deadline. With a strong second or third round selection the Oilers could boost their depleted prospect pipeline.

Were there any other prospects the Oilers should draft at the WJC? Let us know in the comments below.

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