Despite his pedigree\u2014most public scouts have him in their top 50\u2014Plante isn\u2019t all that flashy. He\u2019s not the type of player who depends on constant puck touches to make an impact. So, what\u2019s the hype about?<\/p>\n
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The Hockey Writers 2026 NHL Entry Draft Guide (The Hockey Writers)<\/p>\n
Plenty of teams hunt prospects with a high-end motor, and Plante falls under that umbrella. Though the NTDP\u2019s offense didn\u2019t revolve around him, he was always engaged at both ends of the ice. He was rewarded with all-situations usage: even strength, penalty kill, and power play.<\/p>\n
While Plante is undersized, he is a pest on the forecheck and has plus skating ability. This gives him some of the most essential tools to become a useful NHL forward in any coach\u2019s system: motor, two-way engagement, and skating. His game can be widely appreciated at the next level.<\/p>\n
Plante is also an intelligent player. A decent chunk of his production is achieved through taking advantage of space, being at the right place at the right time, and showcasing above-average vision.<\/p>\n
Now, Plante\u2019s offensive game doesn\u2019t stand out enough for me to indicate top-six potential. He plays more like a third-liner\u2014someone who brings energy, smarts, and a little bit of skill.<\/p>\n
With that said, Plante\u2019s outlook could reach middle-six status, especially if he shows out for Minnesota Duluth in a comparable manner to his brother, Max<\/a>. College will be a solid litmus test for the 18-year-old.<\/p>\n Other THW Draft Profiles<\/p>\n Victor Plante\u00a0\u2013\u00a0NHL Draft Projection<\/p>\n Plante\u2019s style of play can be appreciated by just about anyone. That level of versatility, along with his family\u2019s relevance, should lead to a second-round selection.<\/p>\n Quotables<\/p>\n \u201cAll in all, I like the work ethic and how Plante thinks the game. Those 2 facets, paired with strong skating makes me believe he has what it takes to be a pro someday. I\u2019m less confident in the actual tools he possesses, and I think that the offensive upside is capped with a player of his profile.\u201d \u2013 Luke Sweeney, DobberProspects<\/a><\/p>\n \u201cPlante\u2019s game has improved a lot this season. He knows how to fake the shot and make a pass to set up a scoring chance. He\u2019s still not a point-per-game player, but he is inching toward that. His release looks faster, and that\u2019s something that causes problems for opposing goaltenders. He can also wait that half second for a goalie to flinch, and that helps him get some goals.\u201d \u2013 Russ Cohen, Elite Prospects<\/a><\/p>\n \u201cThe two-way threat is a bit undersized, but he makes up for it by being consistently engaged in the offensive zone. Plante often forces opponents to give the puck away by consistently applying pressure. I like his old brother, Max, and I feel like Victor can reignite first-round talks if he has an explosive showing here, too.\u201d \u2013 Steven Ellis, Daily Faceoff<\/a><\/p>\n Strengths<\/p>\n Motor<\/p>\n Skating<\/p>\n Two-way play<\/p>\n Vision<\/p>\n Under Construction \u2013 Improvements to Make<\/p>\n More of a complementary player than a star<\/p>\n Offensive upside<\/p>\n Size<\/p>\n NHL Potential<\/p>\n As mentioned previously, Plante has the tools to become a third-line forward. The motor, skating, two-way play, and vision are all valuable traits.<\/p>\n Risk \u2013 2\/5, Reward \u2013 3.5\/5<\/p>\n Fantasy Hockey Potential<\/p>\n Offense \u2013 6\/10, Defense \u2013 6\/10<\/p>\n Awards\/Achievements<\/p>\n 2022\u201323 HPHL 14U Champion<\/p>\n 2023\u201324 US 15U Nationals Tier I Champion<\/p>\n 2023\u201324 USA-S15 Champion<\/p>\n 2024\u201325 U17 WHC All-Star Team<\/p>\n 2024\u201325 U17 WHC Most Assists\u00a0(7)<\/p>\n Interviews\/Links<\/p>\n Victor Plante Stats<\/p>\n Videos<\/p>\n VICTOR PLANTE SCORES THE SUPER OVERTIME WINNER \ud83e\udd47<\/p>\n Team USA wins the #CHLUSAProspectsChallenge<\/a>. pic.twitter.com\/aqpnF7MRlE<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 TSN (@TSN_Sports) November 27, 2025<\/a> <\/p>\n Victor Plante converts on the turnover to make it 2-1 USA!#CHLUSAProspectsChallenge<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/XGUiMBp6NA<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 TSN (@TSN_Sports) November 27, 2025<\/a> <\/p>\n Free Newsletter<\/p>\n \n Get NHL Entry Draft coverage delivered to your inbox <\/p>\n In-depth analysis, breaking news, and insider takes – free.<\/p>\n