The Brief
• Three Tri-City Americans players made NHL Central Scouting’s mid-season rankings for the 2026 draft, including forward Cruz Pavao, defenseman Jakub Vanecek (21st among North American skaters), and goalie Xavier Wendt (15th among North American goalies)
• The Americans have turned around their season with a 24-17-3-1 record after overcoming a 1-5-0 start and riding a 12-game winning streak
• The franchise has produced 69 NHL draft picks since moving to Kennewick in 1988, with the 2026 draft scheduled for June 26-27 in Buffalo
KENNEWICK, Wash. — The Tri-City Americans are strengthening their reputation as an NHL talent pipeline, with three players earning recognition on NHL Central Scouting’s mid-season rankings for the 2026 draft while leading a remarkable team turnaround this season.
Forward Cruz Pavao, defenseman Jakub Vanecek, and goaltender Xavier Wendt have all caught the attention of NHL scouts, with Vanecek ranked 21st among North American skaters and Wendt positioned 15th among North American goalies in the mid-season evaluations.
Leading the offensive charge is 18-year-old Pavao from Calgary, who has emerged as one of the team’s standout performers this season. The right winger recently delivered his first career four-point game, recording one goal and three assists in the Americans’ commanding 7-3 victory over Moose Jaw.
Pavao has accumulated 23 points across 37 games this season, demonstrating the consistent offensive production that has caught the attention of NHL scouts. His development has extended beyond club hockey, as he represented Team Canada at the Under-17 World Hockey Challenge, where he helped the Red Team secure a silver medal.
“It’s a little different playing against guys your age, your size, compared to older guys being the younger player, but it’s really competitive, really skilled there, but it’s fun representing your country,” Pavao said.
The individual success of these prospects has coincided with a dramatic team turnaround under first-year head coach Jody Hull. After stumbling to a 1-5-0 start, the Americans have surged to a 24-17-3-1 record as of late January, highlighted by an impressive 12-game winning streak that has established them as a competitive contender in the Western Hockey League.
Central to the team’s resurgence has been the stellar goaltending of Wendt, who leads the WHL with a .929 save percentage and ranks second in goals-against average at 2.37. His consistent performance between the pipes has provided the foundation for the Americans’ climb up the standings.
The recognition of three Americans players in the mid-season rankings continues a long-standing tradition of NHL talent development within the organization. Since relocating to Kennewick in 1988, the franchise has produced 69 NHL draft picks, establishing itself as a consistent source of professional hockey talent.
The Americans’ recent success in developing NHL prospects includes 2025 first-round selection Jackson Smith, demonstrating the organization’s ability to nurture players who advance to the highest levels of professional hockey. This track record has made the team an attractive destination for young players seeking to develop their skills and gain exposure to NHL scouts.
Hull’s coaching philosophy has fostered a resilient, team-oriented culture that has allowed individual talents like Pavao, Vanecek, and Wendt to flourish while contributing to the team’s overall success. The offensive depth has been evident throughout the lineup, with players like Jordan Whitsitt and others playing key roles in the Americans’ resurgence.
Pavao’s international experience with Team Canada’s Under-17 program has provided valuable exposure to high-level competition against players from around the world. The tournament experience, which resulted in a silver medal for the Red Team, has contributed to his development as he continues to adapt to playing against older, more experienced opponents in the Western Hockey League.
The mid-season rankings represent a crucial evaluation point for NHL teams as they prepare for the 2026 draft, scheduled for June 26-27 at KeyBank Center in Buffalo, New York. The draft will follow a decentralized format, with team personnel operating from their home markets rather than gathering in a central location.
Players who earn recognition at this stage often maintain strong positions heading into the final months of the season, when their performance can significantly impact their draft stock. For Vanecek and Wendt, their specific rankings provide concrete benchmarks as they work to maintain or improve their positions before the draft.
For the Americans organization, having three players recognized simultaneously underscores the depth of talent within their current roster. This recognition not only benefits the individual players but also enhances the franchise’s reputation as a development program that consistently produces NHL-caliber talent.
As the 2025-26 season progresses, Pavao, Vanecek, Wendt, and their teammates will continue to be evaluated by NHL scouts attending games throughout the league. Their performance in the remaining games will play a significant role in determining their final draft positions and potential opportunities at the professional level.
The Americans’ success in developing NHL talent has created a positive cycle, attracting high-quality players who want to be part of an organization with a proven track record of advancement to professional hockey. This reputation has helped the franchise maintain its competitive edge within the Western Hockey League while continuing to serve as a stepping stone to the NHL.
With three teammates climbing the draft rankings and the team performing at a high level, the Americans appear positioned to add to their impressive total of 69 NHL draft picks, further cementing their status as one of the premier development programs in junior hockey.
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