
Hosted by Locked On Podcast Network, Sebastian High, Hadi Kalakeche · EN

After putting together a mock draft based on needs the other week, we return with the inverse, running with hot takes and unhinged swings. From the Leafs going Ivar Stenberg to McKenna falling to Chicago and Caleb Malhotra joining his dad in Vancouver, this mock has a whole lot of potentially interesting storylines. Unlike other mocks where we aim to predict as many picks as possible, this time around, we focused more on trying to hit the few surprise risers and fallers. Let us know your thoughts! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

If you're looking for a home run swing outside the top five on elite skill at forward, Wyatt Cullen may be the most exciting option. The winger is one of the youngest players in the draft class, drove the offense with dominant creativity with the NTDP and an 8-inch growth spurt in the past two years gives him plenty of physical runway. Not dissimilar to Beckett Sennecke in 2024, Cullen is the draft's biggest second-half riser built on a growing frame and elite talent with the puck. Could he go top 7? Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

While the Montreal Canadiens bowed out in the Conference Finals, the rebuild is officially over and they're only a few key pieces away from true contention. We break down their playoff performances, ask what the front office will have learned through this playoff run, and list potential targets to fill the crucial second line centre vacancy and build out the lineup to get heavier and more possession-oriented. Which of Robert Thomas, Nico Hischier, Elias Pettersson, and Mason McTavish do you think fits best? Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In our May Rankings, we've got some big tiers with lots of potential for rises and falls on draft day, and believe that Gavin McKenna, Ivar Stenberg, and Carson Carels have separated themselves as the top 3 talents in the class. From Viggo Björck at 6 to Wyatt Cullen at 10 and the Ruck twins at 11 and 17 respectively, we take some bullish swings on upside and trajectory. Let us know what you think! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

After a grinding Stanley Cup Playoffs, teams will fall in love with Oliver Suvanto, the hulking two-way centre who may be the draft's second most NHL-ready player. While not the flashiest on-puck forward, Suvanto drives the middle, dominates the net-front, and offers support in transition and the defensive zone mature beyond his years. In a class lacking quantity in first-round centremen, don't be shocked if he cracks the top 12 on draft day. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In a bit of a delayed upload, we break down NHL central scouting's final rankings for the 2026 draft class, featuring some hot takes and a lot of big boys. From the top 10 in both Europe and North America to some depth gems, we try to present a variety of interesting cases from the rankings on this show. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

While not as flashy as the top tier of defencemen in the 2026 NHL Draft, Ryan Lin's high degree of intelligence, mobility, and defensive physicality could make him a slam-dunk pick in the teens. He's more of a facilitator than a creator and we'd love to see his pass selection and vision in the breakout improve in the coming years, but there's a real foundation for a Ryan Spurgeon-esque impact someday. Despite his stature, Lin's defensive impact and physicality are clearly among the most refined in the class. WOuld you like your team to swing on him? Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In the back half of the campaign, no blueliner raised their draft stock more than Daxon Rudolph did, as he scored plenty of goals and brought tremendous offensive activity to the table. The mobile puck-mover has a booming shot, proactive playmaking insticts, and the ability to kill plays defensively when he's on his game. While defensive consistency and physical engagement remain works in progress, the upside here is sky high. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The two leading scorers in the WHL this season were twins Liam and Markus Ruck, whose blend of synergy and complementary differences proved unstoppable at points. The two average-sized forwards bring relentless energy, mature defensive habits, and some pretty special offensive skillsets, with Markus adopting the playmaking workload while Liam is the natural finisher between the two. They individually are prospects with top-six level upside, but together, they're near telekinetic and should be targeted as a pair to reach their respective upsides. How high could they go? Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The NHL is increasingly becoming a young man's league, and were spoilt for choice in constructing a full 26-man roster comprised of the top-performing U23 players league-wide. From ridiculous talent up front to emerging young netminders and a generational defenceman, this group could go far in the playoffs as a unit despite severely lacking experience. Who would make your team of the season? Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.