Related: THW\u2019s 2026 NHL Draft Guide<\/a><\/p>\n His ice time has fluctuated at points, but he has spent much of the season on the second or third line and has shown he can play anywhere in the lineup. He is comfortable at wing or center and can take faceoffs when needed. Recently, he has been playing left wing alongside Michael Hage (C) and Malcolm Spence (RW), a dynamic trio. <\/p>\n Valentini has become a key piece of Michigan\u2019s power play. He operates in the slot, screens the goaltender, and has produced five power-play goals on a unit that entered the NCAA Tournament operating at an impressive 31.1%, the best in college hockey. His net-front presence and timing make him a natural fit in that role.<\/p>\n He plays with pace and is a hard forechecker who consistently wins puck battles. Valentini can distribute the puck and set up teammates, and he has been a major weapon on the power play, where he has generated a large share of his production. He recorded 15 assists across the regular season and the Big Ten Tournament, and rips a quick, accurate wrist shot that he can place with precision.<\/p>\n Among NCAA draft-eligible players, he ranks second in scoring at 0.68 points per game, trailing only projected first-overall pick Gavin McKenna.<\/p>\n There is still room for growth \u2013 his skating can improve, and he can continue to refine his defensive positioning and overall 200-foot game. Even so, he remains an underrated prospect with significant upside. Some believe he could sneak into the late first round, although he is more likely to be selected in the second round.<\/p>\n Adam Valentini \u2013 NHL Draft Projection<\/p>\n Valentini projects as a second-round pick. He could go early in the round or slide toward the later portion, but the second round feels like the most realistic range. I\u2019d take him early in the second round if I were an NHL GM. <\/p>\n Other THW Profiles<\/p>\n Quotables<\/p>\n \u201cValentini has impressed to start his college career. Despite entering as a young, undersized freshman \u2013 he has shown no fear in making board battles and plays through traffic the center focus of his game. He shows his skill through contact and makes quick plays to keep play alive when opponents close in. He\u2019s played simple, honest hockey south of the O-zone and improved his ability to incorporate skill into offensive chances.\u201d \u2013 Gabriel Foley <\/a><\/p>\n \u201cFrom a pure skill perspective, Valentini is tremendous. Valentini is so energetic that he can chase the whole game without losing much pace. He can be a bit of a pain in the ass around the net because you can almost never keep up with his footwork.\u00a0I like how his game has progressed in college, but he needs to add more muscle. With the puck, though, Valentini brings so much to the table. I\u2019m not worried about his ability to create damage with the puck on his stick.\u201d \u2013 Steven Ellis, Daily Faceoff <\/a><\/p>\n \u201cHe can play all three forward roles and has the floor of a first line AHL player and the ceiling of a first line NHL player.\u00a0 He will probably end up being a third line forward on an NHL team once he finishes developing at Michigan <\/a>since one can argue a player with his size is too small to play on a fourth line in the NHL since playing on a fourth line requires you to be sharp and physical defensively.\u00a0\u201d \u2013 Draft Prospects Hockey <\/a><\/p>\n Strengths<\/p>\n Shooting accuracy<\/p>\n Forechecking<\/p>\n Net-front presence<\/p>\n Work ethic<\/p>\n Versatility <\/p>\n Playmaking<\/p>\n Under Construction\/Improvements to Make<\/p>\n Build more strength\/muscle<\/p>\n Skating<\/p>\n NHL Potential<\/p>\n Valentini projects as an offense-heavy forward who can play both center and wing at the NHL level. His puckhandling and power play ability give him the upside to become a middle-six forward who can earn consistent ice time at the next level. He reminds me of Matthew Savoie of the Edmonton Oilers, another smaller forward who is a hard forechecker and versatile enough to play either wing or center. <\/p>\n Risk\/Reward Analysis<\/p>\n Risk \u2013 2.5\/5, Reward \u2013 4\/5<\/p>\n Fantasy Hockey Potential<\/p>\n Offense \u2013 7.5\/10, Defense \u2013 5.5\/10<\/p>\n Awards\/Achievements<\/p>\n GTHL Player of the Year (2023-24)<\/p>\n U17 WHC Gold Medal (2024-25)<\/p>\n U17 WHC Most Points (17) <\/p>\n Hlinka Gretzky Cup Bronze Medal (2025-26)<\/p>\n Interviews\/Links<\/p>\n Adam Valentini Statistics<\/p>\n Videos<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/a> <\/a> <\/a> <\/a> <\/a> <\/a> <\/a> <\/a> <\/a> <\/a> <\/a> <\/a> <\/a> <\/a> <\/a> <\/a> <\/a> <\/a> <\/a> <\/a> <\/a> <\/a> <\/a> <\/a> <\/a> <\/a>![\"Adam](\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nhl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Adam-Valentini-Wolverines-2-1200x800.jpg\")
Michigan Wolverines forward Adam Valentini (Junfu Han \/ USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)<\/p>\n![\"SUBSCRIBE](\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nhl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Substack_Banner_2025_Draft-1-1200x122.jpg\")
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