Health issues, a significant roster turnover in Spokane, and a midseason trade combined to derail what had once looked like a clear upward trajectory. The production remained solid, but consistency proved difficult to find, and for stretches, so did momentum.

But if the season felt uneven, it did not end that way.

Three weeks removed from the U-18 World Championship, Preston’s performance on the international stage offered a timely reminder of his upside. With 6 points in 5 games, and a more complete game than he showed during parts of the WHL season, he finished his draft year on a strong note and quietly worked his way back into the first-round conversation.

“I think there were a lot of ups and downs this year,” Preston said. “Obviously with the trade and then getting hurt right away, it was challenging. But I think a little adversity never hurts. I’ve always had confidence in myself and my game, so I knew this was a good opportunity for me to kind of showcase myself and just get back to playing my game again.”

A Season That Never Settled

Preston’s WHL season never fully found stability.

He began the year in Spokane, stepping into a very different situation compared to the previous season. The Chiefs had lost several high-end players from a championship-caliber group, and the structure that once supported younger players was no longer the same.

“It was definitely weird,” Preston said. “We went from being a championship team, going to the finals, and then I come back the next year and you look around the room and it’s like… everyone’s gone. We still had good players, but a lot of those veteran guys had moved on.”

Even with those changes, he remained productive. Preston put up 32 points in 36 games with Spokane, continuing to show the pace and offensive instincts that made him a top prospect.

Still, the adjustment was not seamless.

“For me early on, I felt like my IQ was high, and sometimes on the ice it kind of felt like I was on an island,” he said. “You’re used to playing with guys who see the game a certain way, and then you’re adjusting to new players and trying to build that chemistry again.”

Then came another shift.

A midseason trade sent him to the Vancouver Giants, offering a fresh opportunity but also another layer of change. Shortly after arriving, Preston suffered an injury that sidelined him and removed him from the team environment entirely.

“It did suck,” he said. “You don’t really realize it until you’re in it, but you’re alone. You’re not traveling with the team, you’re just sitting at home in your own thoughts. Especially when it’s long-term, it’s not fun at all.”

He eventually returned and produced 12 points in 10 games with Vancouver, finishing the year with 44 points in 46 WHL games. The production held, even if the rhythm never quite did.

Growth That Was Not Always Visible

While the numbers were steady, Preston believed his biggest improvements came away from the puck.

“I think my defensive game improved a lot,” he said. “Breaking up plays, being responsible in the D-zone, even being out there in six-on-five situations when we’re defending. I think I got a lot better at that, just being trustworthy.”

That trust changed how he impacted the game.

“A motto I go by is the best defense is playing with the puck,” Preston said. “When you have the puck, you don’t have to play defense. So for me it was about defending as best as I could so I could get the puck back on my stick.”

With more possession came more confidence, and with more confidence came a shift in how he attacked offensively.

“Obviously my game and what I’m known for is offense,” he said. “But I think defensively working on that gave me more opportunity. I got more touches. And I think my playmaking really started to show this year. I’m not just one-dimensional. I don’t just score goals. My IQ and vision are really good too.”

Thriving When It Matters Most

By the time the U-18 World Championship arrived, Preston was healthy and ready for a reset.

“I’ve always had confidence in myself and the player I am,” he said. “So I knew this was a good chance to show that again.”

Placed back into a high-skill environment, he quickly found his rhythm. Preston became a consistent contributor for Canada, producing at a point-per-game pace and playing a key role on a power play that found success throughout the tournament.

His chemistry with Adam Valentini stood out immediately.

“I think me and him have been playing really well together,” Preston said. “We’ve played together at U17s, at Hlinka, and now here. So I think just working together, communicating, and even off the ice, like we room together, it all helps build that chemistry.”

That familiarity showed up in-game.

“The way he thinks the game and how I think the game is very similar,” he added. “With his vision and patience, he waits for plays to open up. He has a gift. That makes it easy to read off each other.”

If there was one trait that consistently surfaced, it was Preston’s ability to elevate in high-pressure environments.

“I think I play better when the stakes are higher,” he said. “Meaningful hockey, elimination games, that’s where I have the most fun. I love that pressure. I love being in those moments.”

It is a pattern that has followed him.

From his 16 points in 20 WHL playoff games as a 16-year-old to his performances in international tournaments, Preston has repeatedly found another level when the intensity rises.

“I think best-on-best hockey is when I’m at my best,” he said. “Everyone out there is smart. Everyone can make plays. The game just makes more sense to me in those situations, and I think that’s when I play my best.”

A Strong Finish at the Right Time

Looking back, the adversity that once defined Preston’s season now feels like part of his development.

The trade forced him to adjust, the injury forced him to reset, and the inconsistency forced him to expand his game.

By the time he reached the U-18 stage, those lessons were starting to show.

“I think a little adversity never hurts,” Preston said.

With less than a month to go until the 2026 NHL Draft, that perspective still holds.

Because while the season never followed a clean path, Preston still found a way to finish strong. Healthy, confident, and producing against top competition, he once again looked like a player capable of hearing his name called in the first round.

And after everything that came before it, that may be the most important takeaway of all.

Instead, it has turned into one of the most compelling rise stories in the 2026 NHL Draft class.

After missing the opening months of the season with a significant injury, Cullen didn’t just return to form. He rebuilt his game, grew into his body, and delivered his best hockey when it mattered most. By the time he stepped onto the ice at the U-18 World Championships with Team USA, he was no longer chasing relevance. He was commanding it.

Now listed at roughly 6-foot-1 and around 180 pounds after a major growth spurt over the past year, the U.S. National Team Development Program forward has paired physical development with a sharp upward performance curve. His production with the NTDP this season, where he recorded 16 goals and 45 points in 40 games for the U-18s, only tells part of the story.

But his breakout performance at the U-18 World Championships, which saw him record three goals and nine points in 5 games for Team USA, confirmed what scouts had already begun to see down the stretch.

Cullen is not just trending upward. He is accelerating.

A Season That Began With Uncertainty

Cullen entered the year believing he was ready to take a major step.

After what he described as a huge offseason, he felt stronger, quicker, and more dangerous offensively than he had ever been before. Then, on the very first day of training camp, everything stopped.

“I injured it on a skating test,” Cullen said. “That put me out three months.”

The injury was significant. Cullen later explained that he had pulled bone off his hip flexor, an injury severe enough to derail much of the early portion of his draft year. For a player already trying to establish himself in a loaded draft class, the timing could not have been worse.

“It was obviously a tough setback,” he said. “I didn’t really know what the year was going to look like.”

What followed became the defining stretch of his season.

Instead of focusing solely on getting back onto the ice, Cullen completely changed his day-to-day approach to preparation. Mobility work, stretching, recovery, nutrition, and body maintenance became central parts of his routine. His father, longtime NHL forward Matt Cullen, even moved to Michigan during the season to help guide him through the process.

“He made every meal for me, meal prepped every day,” Cullen said. “We’d do video every Monday after games. He helped me so much.”

The time away from the ice forced Cullen to mature quickly. He admits there were moments of doubt, especially early in the recovery process, but the adversity ultimately reshaped his confidence.

“I think going through it gave me more confidence in myself,” he said. “It helped me grow in areas I never thought I could.”

That growth was literal as much as it was mental.

Over the past year, Cullen experienced a massive physical transformation, growing from approximately 5-foot-8 to 6-foot. The added size changed the way he approached the game and dramatically expanded what he could do offensively.

“Last year, I couldn’t really shoot it,” Cullen said. “I was smaller. I put so much work into that this summer, just shooting pucks over and over.”

Suddenly, the skillset scouts had always liked had a different level of projection attached to it.

From Surviving The Season to Driving It

Returning in the middle of a draft year is one thing. Returning while trying to immediately establish yourself among NHL scouts is something entirely different.

Cullen did not have the luxury of easing into the season.

When he returned to the lineup, players like Carter Meyer and Noah Fitzhenry had already helped stabilize the NTDP offense. Cullen needed to find chemistry, regain timing, and prove he could still impact games after months away from competition.

Instead, he quickly became one of the team’s most dangerous players.

“I came back and first game, I was the guy right away,” Cullen said. “My confidence just kind of skyrocketed.”

The adjustment period was not perfectly smooth. Cullen admitted there were setbacks early in his return, including re-aggravating the injury during international play. But once he got through the first month, his game began trending sharply upward.

Every week, he looked faster and stronger. His skating carried more explosiveness. His ability to attack defenders became more assertive. Most importantly, his offensive confidence exploded.

“I just kept getting better every week,” Cullen said. “My game was faster, stronger, and I really peaked at the end.”

That progression is one of the biggest reasons NHL teams have become increasingly fascinated with his profile.

Scouts consistently prioritize players whose trajectories point upward late in the season, especially when those improvements are tied to legitimate physical growth and expanding offensive tools. Cullen checks every one of those boxes.

The player who struggled to consistently generate shots a year ago evolved into a legitimate scoring threat by the end of the season. His added size allowed him to attack through defenders instead of around them, while his skating became more deceptive and dynamic.

“I can attack the game more now,” he said. “I’m bigger, faster, and I can beat guys.”

His skating remains one of the defining traits of his game. Cullen points specifically to his ability to change pace and attack with deception as one of his biggest strengths, something he has modeled after players like Jack Hughes and James Hagens.

“I think one of my biggest strengths is my deceptiveness with my skating,” Cullen said. “Changing pace and beating guys.”

That combination of agility, confidence, and newfound physical maturity gave Cullen a completely different look by the second half of the season. Instead of simply trying to re-establish himself, he became one of the few consistent offensive bright spots on the NTDP roster.

A Breakout on The Biggest Stage

If Cullen’s second half built momentum, the U-18 World Championships confirmed his arrival.

With NHL scouts flooding the tournament and draft discussions intensifying, Cullen delivered the best stretch of hockey of his season. It was the exact kind of performance evaluators remember in the final weeks leading into the draft.

“I think I made the most of my opportunity,” he said. “There were a lot of eyes there and I thought I played pretty well.”

More importantly, he looked comfortable in the spotlight.

One of the recurring themes throughout Cullen’s season has been his ability to elevate in heavily scouted environments. He believes his game naturally rises in bigger moments, something that repeatedly showed up during the final stretch of the year.

“I think every big game this year, I played really well,” Cullen said. “When more eyes are on me, I play better.”

That confidence has become increasingly visible in the way he plays offensively. Cullen describes his best hockey as instinctive and free-flowing, driven by creativity rather than hesitation.

“When I’m at my best, I’m playing free,” he said. “Like it’s pond hockey. Just having fun.”

Scouts have clearly responded to that mentality.

Several public rankings now project Cullen as a first-round prospect after beginning the season much lower on draft lists. The Hockey Writers recently described him as one of the biggest risers in the draft class, while Daily Faceoff highlighted how he consistently saved his best performances for major showcase events.

What makes Cullen’s rise particularly intriguing is that it does not feel finished.

The combination of rapid physical development, improved offensive confidence, and high-end skating gives teams plenty to project moving forward. Add in the habits he developed while battling through injury and the experience of navigating a difficult draft season, and the profile becomes even more compelling.

Cullen is already committed to the University of Minnesota, where he will continue his development next season. But regardless of where he plays next year, his draft stock now carries a completely different level of momentum than it did just a few months ago.

At the beginning of the season, Wyatt Cullen was trying to recover.

By the end of it, he was forcing the hockey world to pay attention and pushing his draft stock into various teams’ top-10 lists for the 2026 NHL Draft.

Early in the season, the 2026 NHL Draft prospect was caught in the noise, juggling rankings, expectations, and the presence of scouts in the stands. For a player already carrying weight as a former QMJHL first overall pick and the son of ex-NHLer Pierre Dagenais, it was easy to drift away from the habits that made him effective.

“I think I was thinking too much about the draft, about the people watching,” Dagenais said. “I just went back to having fun, playing hockey like I always have. Enjoying being at the rink every day. That’s what flipped the switch for me.”

That reset did more than steady his game. It unlocked it. What followed was a clear second-half surge that reshaped both his production and his identity, turning him from a skilled prospect into one of the more intriguing power forward options in the 2026 class.

The Turning Point: From Thinking to Attacking

Dagenais’ season is best understood in two halves, with the shift coming during the showcase circuit. The QMJHL Prospects Game planted the seed, but it was the CHL Prospects Game where things truly clicked.

“I knew there were a lot of good players and I might not get the same minutes,” he said. “So every shift, I wanted to create something.”

That mindset forced a simplification: Less thinking, more doing. Instead of waiting for plays to develop, he began driving them.

Instead of leaning on skill alone, he started imposing himself physically.

“I wasn’t very physical at the start of the year,” he admitted. “But after that, it became really important for me. And since then, I haven’t stopped.”

That added edge did not just make him harder to play against; it made him more consistent. Shift-to-shift engagement became a defining trait, and with it came a noticeable jump in pace and overall impact.

The confidence followed.

“It starts with believing in your skating,” Dagenais said. “If you think you can beat guys, you attack differently. When you trust your skating, you can try to beat defenders instead of just making a safe play.”

That belief shows most clearly in transition. With speed and possession, he forces defenders onto their heels, opening space and driving offense. It is a style he models after bigger NHL forwards like Tage Thompson and Juraj Slafkovský, players who combine reach, skill, and power with the ability to attack off the rush.

Growing Into a Power Forward and Handling the Spotlight

The evolution of Dagenais’ game happened under the pressure of being a top pick in Quebec, a high-end draft prospect, and the son of a former NHL player, which ensures that.

But he flipped the script on that this season.

“My dad helps me a lot with those things, tournaments and big games,” he said. “But it’s really about competing every shift and giving everything for your team.”

That approach has helped him navigate a season filled with attention, including a steady climb up draft rankings.

“No matter what line you’re on, it’s about showing your will and determination on every shift” he added.

The 6-foot-4, 196-pound 18-year-old was able to round out a strong draft-eligible season, notching 30 goals and 62 points in 62 games.

Still, despite the strong second half of his season, he is careful not to let the hype become a distraction again.

“It’s nice to see the work pay off,” he said. “But I’m not trying to focus on that right now. I still have a ton of training again for the draft. I don’t want to stop working toward my goal and staying laser focused is important for me.”

The work of creating his new power-forward identity began on the ice, but it continues off it.

After transitioning to the wing full-time this season, despite being listed as a centre, Dagenais found the qualities in his game were able to better shine through.

“I played almost the whole year on the wing. As a big player, it’s easier on the wing,” he said. “You can protect the puck more, play along the boards and lean into guys on the forecheck to create turnovers.”

At the same time, he values the versatility of being able to play both positions.

“Being able to play both positions is important. At the next level, you don’t know where you’ll play. It’s just another tool.”

But being a power forward in the NHL requires more than just size. Dagenais realizes that there needed to be a stylistic shift in which he would be asked to play a more physical, high-tempo game.

And when you combine size, skill, physicality, and a newfound motor, well, that’s a recipe for eventful hockey.

“At the start of a game, I try to hit someone to get into it and get my juices flowing. It’s become part of my game, just trying to play with consistent effort and pace every shift,” he said. “It creates opportunities for me and my teammates and I feel I have the skill to take advantage of those opportunities to feed my teammates or take advantage of soft ice.”

What Comes Next

With the NHL Combine in Buffalo approaching and the draft getting closer, Dagenais remains focused on development over projection, a mindset shaped by the lessons he learned earlier this season.

Asked what he wants to improve this summer, he kept it simple.

“Everything,” he said, before narrowing it down. “But especially my strength. I’m tall, but I’m not the heaviest yet. If I can add more mass and grow into my body I can really lean into my style of play.”

It is the logical next step, as the foundation is already there. Size, skating, skill, and now a consistently engaged physical presence. Added strength would only amplify it, making his power game even more effective and his overall impact harder to contain.

It’s the main reason why he’s shot up draft rankings in the spring, with many viewing him as a surefire 1st-round pick in the 2026 NHL Draft. Even NHL Central Scouting ranked him as the top QMJHL prospect and 15th overall North America as a whole.

And, despite it being a reward for his efforts this season, it’s all noise to the younger Dagenais.

“There are a lot of lists, but I don’t really look at them,” said Maddox. “I’m just focused on getting better and evolving as a player. If scouts and other people enjoy what they’re seeing, it’s flattering, but my focus is about getting better every day.”

For a player whose season turned on rediscovering simplicity and confidence, the trajectory is becoming clear. Dagenais is not just rising because of production; he is rising because he has figured out how he needs to play.

And now that he has, he has not looked back.

Leaving the USHL early to join Michigan as a true freshman in his NHL Draft year is not the safe route, especially for a 5-foot-10, undersized forward. The NCAA brings older players, stronger bodies, and a far more structured game, which often comes at the cost of offensive production, particularly early in the season.

And yet, Valentini did it anyway.

“I was confident in the choice I made,” Valentini said. “If I felt like I couldn’t, I wouldn’t have made it.”

That confidence is one of the first things Michigan head coach Brandon Naurato points to when describing him.

“He reminds me so much of Brad Marchand,” Naurato said. “He’s a dog out there and he’s got this self-belief. He does everything the hard way and doesn’t cut any corners.”

The adjustment was immediate. Valentini quickly noticed the jump in pace, size, and structure compared to what he had seen before.

“Definitely just the size and the speed of the game,” he said. “And how teams are very structured. That was kind of a really big thing for me that I had to get adjusted to.”

The numbers reflect that early transition. In 40 games, Valentini finished with 11 goals and 16 assists for 27 points, production that does not fully capture his impact on a deep Michigan roster. He moved throughout the lineup, earned ice time in different situations, and focused on building a complete game rather than chasing points.

That was by design. Michigan did not need him to carry the offense right away. It needed him to learn.

“He was admitted to Michigan this past academic year, but we talked to him about joining the team this season instead of next year,” Naurato said. “He never looked back. He just kept on learning.”

Michigan Development Path Paying Off for Valentini

The learning curve turned into visible progress as the season went on.

Valentini spent much of the year observing and absorbing habits from Michigan’s veteran core, particularly players like TJ Hughes. The details added up, both on and off the ice.

“He followed TJ Hughes and the rest of the seniors around and picked up their habits on the ice and in the gym,” Naurato said. “And it made a big difference as the year went on.”

By the second half, Valentini looked more comfortable holding onto pucks, attacking space, and creating plays in the offensive zone. The confidence came gradually, but once it arrived, it stuck.

“I feel like I just got more confident as the games went on,” Valentini said. “I had some success and to see some good success really helped me just play my game.”

The growth was not only mental. It was physical.

“He’s really improved his motor and playing with pace in games,” Naurato said. “He’s always had a good set of skills, but his conditioning improved, allowing him to drive his engine for longer periods.”

That motor defines Valentini’s identity as a player. He describes himself as “a 200-foot player that plays every inch of the ice really hard,” and that approach shows up in his willingness to compete regardless of size.

But at 5’9 and 190lbs, the height concerns regarding Valentini will always be there, and are one of the main reasons NHL Central Scouting ranked him the 86th-best North American skater for the 2026 NHL Draft.

Many still believe Valentini will end up in the 2nd or 3rd round once the draft rolls along in Buffalo in late June, because, despite the size concerns, he plays much bigger than what his biometrics may suggest.

“I don’t care if you’re 6-foot-6, 6-foot-4,” he said. “I’ll go right into that corner and take the puck right off you. It honestly doesn’t matter. It’s heart and how much you want it.”

There is also a strong belief inside Michigan that his production could have looked very different in another situation.

“I believe he could have been a point-per-game player as a true freshman in the NCAA had he been playing on a less stacked team,” Naurato said. “He’s that good.”

Instead of chasing that opportunity elsewhere, Valentini gained something else. He played meaningful games on a team with championship expectations and experienced a deep run as a freshman, something few players in his draft class can match.

Adam Valentini’s NHL Draft Outlook and Breakout Potential

That experience now becomes his advantage.

Valentini will enter next season no longer trying to keep up but ready to contribute in a larger role. He already understands the pace, the structure, and the daily demands of the NCAA. That foundation could allow his offensive game to take a significant step forward.

Late in the season, there were already signs of what that could look like. Valentini found chemistry with Michael Hage, a player he has known since childhood.

“I’ve known him since I was six years old; we go way back,” said Valentini. “I used to play ton with him and his brother Alex, so it was great to link up this season.”

Valentini was able to showcase his full skill set when paired with Hage, especially late in the season. It helped the 18-year-old find another gear in his game when Michigan made a final push for the Big Ten championships and the Frozen Four.

“We feed off each other pretty well,” Valentini said. “We love playing with a lot of pace and he sees the ice so well.”

With Hage returning and key players like Will Horcoff expected to be part of the lineup, Michigan sees Valentini as a central piece moving forward.

“I expect him to be a top-end player with Michael Hage, Will Horcoff and the returnees next year,” Naurato said. “He has such good chemistry with Michael that the combination is almost natural.”

Valentini’s path will not look like everyone else’s in his draft class. The numbers may not immediately stand out next to players who stayed in junior and played bigger offensive roles. But history suggests that might not matter as much as it seems.

Every year, players get overlooked for the same reasons. Size. Situation. Production that does not quite match the talent. And every year, teams end up circling back to those misses.

Brad Marchand lasted until the third round. Lane Hutson fell into the second. Logan Stankoven slipped despite a dominant junior resume. All of them carried questions that look irrelevant in hindsight.

Valentini fits that mold.

He chose the harder path, played against older competition, and focused on building a complete game instead of chasing numbers. Inside Michigan, there is little doubt about what that could turn into.

“I wouldn’t take anything back,” Valentini said. “I did everything for a reason and I’m very happy with the decisions I’ve made.”

By next season, he will not be the undersized freshman adjusting to the NCAA. He will be the player driving play in it.

And if that trajectory continues, there is a very real chance that a few years from now, teams will be looking back at this draft class and wondering how they let Adam Valentini slip past them.

“If I had to point to one thing, our penalty kill was not good enough,” Podkolzin said in an exclusive interview with R.org. “At 5-on-5, we played well, but the penalty kill hurt us. We never really found our game in these playoffs.”

The 24-year-old Russian forward believes Game 4 was the turning point in the series against the Ducks. The Oilers lost 4-3 in overtime, despite having a chance to win it in regulation. Late in the third period, Connor McDavid could not beat Lukas Dostal.

“That game gave Anaheim emotion and took it away from us,” Podkolzin said. “We were leading, we could have won it in regulation, but then we lost in overtime, and that knocked us down. Especially because Game 4s usually went well for us, but this time it was the opposite. Although we went into Game 5 confident, at home, in front of our fans, and we knew we were going to win.”

Podkolzin named injuries as the main reason for the Oilers’ disappointing playoff run.

“I think there were several factors. First of all, injuries. The players we were counting on could not show their best. Everyone is human, No. 97 is human, too. Everyone goes through this. Now it feels like maybe it is even for the better. There is time to recover, heal the injuries and come back stronger next season.

“We all knew about Connor’s condition. He was basically playing on one leg. Dickinson also had a leg issue. Leon had just returned from a knee injury. I think he probably needed a few more weeks. When you play with that in your head, it affects you. Maybe everything happened the way it was supposed to.”

Podkolzin also praised Anaheim’s progress this season and pointed out the Ducks’ main strengths.

“They let you play, and they also create a lot themselves. They allow chances, but they create even more. It looked like that kind of game should suit us, but their power play decided it. Their young guys played a key role and decided the series.”

“In Canada, People Like To Dramatize”

The Oilers had reached the Stanley Cup Final in each of the previous two seasons, losing both times to the Florida Panthers. Their disappointing result this year has been linked to the fatigue built up over those long playoff runs. Podkolzin, however, does not see that as an excuse.

“It could have had an impact. But on the other hand, Florida reached the Final three years in a row. When you have a chance to play in the playoffs, you use it. I still think injuries played the biggest role. If everyone had been healthy, nobody knows how the series would have gone. Connor said it correctly: we were an average team.”

Podkolzin admitted that this season, he sometimes played with the thought: “Just make the playoffs.” He also noted that with 93 points, the Oilers would not have made the playoffs in the Eastern Conference. He does not believe the Olympics had a negative effect on the team.

“We had two players there, while other teams had five or six. The break probably even helped. Personally, I felt better after it. We needed that pause to rest before the final part of the season.”

Podkolzin watched the Olympic final, where Canada lost to the United States in overtime in Edmonton, and said it was something he would remember for the rest of his life.

“The final was on Sunday at 6 a.m. in Edmonton, and we had practice that day. Janmark and I went to a bar to watch hockey. At 6 a.m., everyone around us was drinking alcohol. Some people had not gone to bed, some were already having beer in the morning, and we were drinking water. When Hughes scored, everyone around us was crying. It was awful. I had never seen anything like that. In Canada, people truly live hockey. It is impossible to explain.

“McDavid came back after the loss in normal condition. Honestly, I thought it would be worse. Of course, we all texted him right away and supported him. I am sure people like that win eventually. The question is whether I will still be on his team.”

After the season, there has been plenty of talk around Edmonton because McDavid’s contract expires in 2028. If he does not win the Stanley Cup before then, there is a belief that he could leave the club.

“Those talks do not put pressure on me,” Podkolzin said. “In Canada, people like to dramatize. Of course, our leaders are at a good age now — 29 or 30 — and this is our window. We have two years. Nobody knows what will happen after that. But I look at it positively. We have strong players. We just need to build a team around them that will be ready to win. Then we will see how it goes. There will definitely be some changes in the offseason, and that is normal.”

Taking Strides

If the Oilers’ season was disappointing overall, Podkolzin can still see his own season as a positive one. Two years after being traded from Vancouver, he has turned into one of Edmonton’s most useful forwards and now plays on a line with Leon Draisaitl.

During the regular season, Podkolzin set a career high with 37 points, including 19 goals and 18 assists. His increased role was also clear from his ice time. Last season, he averaged 13:13 per game. This season, that number went up to 15:23.

“Last year, I played on the fourth line, and this year I was in the top six with strong linemates,” Podkolzin said. “You could say that Leon, Kapanen and I found each other. At some point, the points had to come. I got more ice time. That always affects the numbers.”

He also made a strong impression in the playoffs. The 24-year-old Russian had six points, with three goals and three assists, in six games against Anaheim. Oilers general manager Stan Bowman called Podkolzin the team’s most useful player in the playoffs.

“That is nice,” Podkolzin said. “Of course, I wanted to take on more. Everyone wants to be the hero. But the question is whether you are ready for that level. The series showed that I am not fully there yet. But I did take a step forward.

“At the same time, it is also connected to the fact that others had injuries and could not show their best hockey, even though their ceiling is not even visible. So I would not overvalue my playoff. It was a good round, but nothing more.”

For two straight years, Podkolzin has played every regular-season game without missing one. He admitted he keeps track of the streak and does not want it to end.

“But a couple of times it was close. After New Year’s, I remember I had a high fever. The doctor said: if you have a fever, you are not playing. But I did not want to miss the game, because when you have that kind of streak, you do not want to break it. In the end, I felt a little better, played — not my best game, but I played. After that, there were no similar situations. Although sometimes you have small issues, and they tell you there is no point taking risks. But you are already in it and you do not want to fall out.”

“With Connor, Everything Is Faster. With Leon, It Is Easier To Read The Game”

Podkolzin not only improved his production. He also became much more noticeable physically. For the second year in a row, he led the Oilers in hits, finishing this regular season with 242. His 52 blocked shots were also a strong number for a forward, ranking seventh on the team and second among Oilers forwards.

“Honestly, I did not even know that was a lot,” Podkolzin said.

“But yes, most of them hit the legs, the knees. It looks like there were no serious consequences. We have that kind of defensive system: wingers block a lot of shots because we protect the middle more. So you often end up in a situation where you simply have to get in front of the shot.”

Podkolzin does not avoid fighting either, though he admits he does not enjoy it and only does it when necessary.

“I am not someone who likes fighting, and I will never be that kind of player. It just happens sometimes: someone hits Connor or Leon, and often it happens when I am on the ice. Then you have to respond. I have always admired guys who know in advance they are going to fight. I probably would not sleep the night before if that were me. But when it happens suddenly, you do not think. You fight quickly and then move on. You have to protect the team leaders. Last year, Perry did that. Now it depends on the situation, and young guys, including me, also step in.”

For most of the season, Podkolzin played on a line with Draisaitl and Kasperi Kapanen. But when Draisaitl was injured, he also spent time with McDavid.

“With Connor, everything is faster,” Podkolzin said. “He makes you constantly look for him on the ice. That is the first decision in any situation. Sometimes it is hard because of his speed. He does everything several times faster.

“With Leon, it is easier in terms of chemistry. We played a lot together, and I roughly know where he is going to be. So it is easier to read the game with him.”

Dealing With Tragedy

Before the start of the season, Podkolzin signed a three-year contract extension with the Oilers, carrying an average annual value of $2.95 million. Considering his progress and the rising salary cap, he could have signed a more profitable deal this summer. But Podkolzin does not regret getting it done before the season.

“You never know how things would have gone,” Podkolzin said. “I am happy with what I have. I cannot take that kind of risk. In Edmonton, sometimes it is worth sacrificing money for the chance to go far in the playoffs.

“When you have certainty, it is easier to enter the season. But at that moment, I did not really feel it because there was a tragedy in my family.”

A few days after signing the extension, Podkolzin lost his father. He left the team for several days and flew to Russia for the funeral.

“It was a heart attack. He had a healthy lifestyle, but unfortunately, it happened. It was very hard to go through. He was the closest person to me. Only work helped. You have to keep your mind busy and move forward. This pain will stay forever, but life continues.

“Maybe it sounds crazy, but talking to yourself helps. You have to make agreements with yourself, too, calm yourself down. I have a family, responsibility to my wife and child, and that also helps me stay strong. We are men. We have to be strong.”

Podkolzin also spoke about his offseason plans. He will spend the next two weeks with his family in Edmonton before flying home to Russia. This year, the forward wants to give himself more time to rest — three or four weeks.

“I want to make the first cycle about recovery because there are small injuries. Sometimes the shoulder hurts, sometimes the back. I will focus on that, and then in June I will start working fully,” Podkolzin said.

He will begin his offseason training in St. Petersburg. In August, he will fly to Vancouver to work with Adam Nugent-Hopkins, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins’s older brother, who has become a strength and conditioning coach.

“Semyon is considering the option of returning to Toronto. We contacted former general manager Brad Treliving and expressed our desire to return to the club’s system. Now we are waiting for the appointment of a new general manager and to understand his position,” Babaev said.

The 25-year-old Der-Arguchintsev played in the Toronto system from 2021 to 2023. He was selected in the third round of the 2018 NHL Draft with the No. 76 pick. In the AHL, the forward played 107 games for the Toronto Marlies and recorded 76 points (25 goals, 51 assists). He also has one NHL game and one goal to his name.

Der-Arguchintsev’s contract with Moscow Dynamo expires on May 31, 2026.

“There have been no concrete negotiations with Dynamo yet. The club has not contacted us about an extension. At the end of the season, we spoke with general manager Maxim Sushko but decided to postpone the discussion until after the season,” Babaev added.

In the 2025-26 KHL regular season, Der-Arguchintsev played 59 games for Traktor and Dynamo, recording 36 points (six goals, 30 assists). In the playoffs, he had two assists in four games.

According to Babaev, the player has a chance to establish himself in Toronto’s lineup.

“I believe Semyon is ready for the NHL. Of course, he has to be ready for the possibility of playing in the AHL, but there is no point in going there just for that. We are talking about a one-way contract with a salary closer to the league minimum,” Babaev said.

Twelve months ago, the right-shot defenseman was coming off an Elite Eight championship at Cushing Academy and preparing for what he believed was the next step in a long-established path to the USHL’s Dubuque Fighting Saints and, eventually, Michigan State in the NCAA.

Due to the NCAA’s new ruling that opens eligibility to CHL-based players, many youngsters are now using both leagues to maximize their playing opportunities and jump-start their development.

We’ve seen many go from Major Junior to college over the last 12 months, but Bleyl was one of the first prospects to come from the USHL to the CHL in order to prepare himself for an eventual move to the NCAA down the line.

It was a risky proposition, and not a popular one at the time, but he, along with his advisors, thought it was the best path forward for him.

“I was originally planning on going to Dubuque. That’s where I was confident I was going to end up for about three years,” Bleyl said.

That certainty held until the middle of last summer, until Moncton entered the picture. With evolving CHL eligibility rules and no prior ties to the OHL, Bleyl suddenly had an option he hadn’t seriously considered before.

A visit to New Brunswick quickly changed the equation.

“I came out here and I loved everything I saw. The facilities are unmatched,” Bleyl explained.”The culture around this team, the people, the history. I was sold almost right away.”

The pitch went beyond infrastructure. Moncton offered a competitive roster, strong leadership, and a clear vision for the season ahead. For a player looking to take the next step, it was enough to shift a long-standing plan.

“Hearing about the team we were going to have, they made an awesome case. It was really, really exciting,” Bleyl added.

It may have been a controversial decision at the time, but the youngster was able to bet on himself and has well surpassed expectations.

“It was a really difficult choice. But I ended up choosing Moncton, and it’s been paying off,” he said.

Production, Progression, and a Breakout Season

The transition into the QMJHL came with the expected challenges. Moving from prep hockey into major junior meant adjusting to a faster pace, heavier physical play, and significantly less time to make decisions with the puck. For a defenseman whose game relies on processing and mobility, those early games were about adapting quickly.

“It’s a faster, more physical level. I would say it took about seven or eight games to get fully adjusted,” Bleyl noted.

Once he settled in, his game began to take off. Bleyl worked his way into a significant role on one of the league’s most talented teams, finishing the regular season with 13 goals and 68 assists for 81 points in 63 games.

He quarterbacked one of the QMJHL’s most dangerous power plays and consistently logged top-four minutes, helping drive a Moncton offense that ranked among the league’s best.

The production was one thing. The progression underneath it was another, especially as his numbers climbed in the second half and his confidence with the puck became more apparent.

“At the beginning, my vision was kind of tight. I was telegraphing my plays,” Bleyl admitted.

As the season moved along, those reads became more refined.

“I think my perspective has broadened. I’m able to see those plays now that I wasn’t earlier,” he said.

At five-on-five, his skating became a more consistent driver of offense. His lateral mobility along the blue line allowed him to extend possessions, change shooting angles, and open space for teammates.

“My blue line mobility has improved a lot. I’m able to create plays with my feet and read my forwards better,” Bleyl added.

That combination of production and progression has vaulted Bleyl firmly into first round conversations heading into the 2026 NHL Draft, with Central Scouting ranking him 17th overall for North American skaters.

Still, he’s quick to point out that his game is far from complete.

“At the end of the day, I’m a defenseman. My job is to defend and I got a lot to learn before I can hang with the best,” Bleyl said.

Playoff Push and What Comes Next

That mindset has carried into the playoffs, where details become even more important. Moncton entered the postseason as a contender and backed it up with a first-round and second-round sweep of the Saint John Sea Dogs and Val d’Or Foreurs.

Bleyl has remained a key contributor, notching two goals and 11 points in eight games from the blue line while continuing to refine his defensive habits in tighter games.

“I think it always comes back to the players we have around us. We have a really deep team,” Bleyl said.

The Wildcats’ depth has been a defining factor, allowing players like Bleyl to stay aggressive offensively without sacrificing structure. His chemistry with high-end teammates like former 4th-overall pick Caleb Desnoyers has also contributed to his continued impact.

“We’re getting close to our potential, and I feel we still got another level with such a talented group. I’m really lucky to call them all teammates,” he added.

As his season continues, so does the conversation about what comes next. Bleyl has positioned himself as a potential late first-round or early second-round selection, while also weighing his development options beyond this year.

The NCAA route, potentially with Michigan State, offers a different timeline and development model, while another season in Moncton could see him take on an even larger role and build on his 81-point campaign.

“If I was talking to myself last summer, I’d say follow your heart. Don’t rush things more than they need to be rushed,” Bleyl said.

It’s advice shaped by experience and reflects the path he chose.

“Listen to your parents, listen to your advisor. But at the end of the day, you’ll know what’s right,” he added.

That instinct led him to Moncton, where a late decision turned into a defining season, one marked by strong production, rapid development, and a steady rise up draft boards.

Sources indicate that it wouldn’t be shocking to see Bleyl return to Moncton next season for a final year in the QMJHL, before jumping to either the NCAA or, if selected in the 1st-round in June, potentially the AHL come 2027-2028.

Either way, the young defenseman has shown an adaptability and a competitive drive that removes much doubt about his ability, no matter where he ends up.

The Utah Mammoth prospect and former 6th overall pick in the 2024 NHL Draft is not simply putting up elite numbers in the WHL. He is controlling when those numbers arrive, stepping into games when Kelowna needs him most, and dictating outcomes in situations with no margin for error. Over the course of this season, he has established himself as one of the most exciting prospects outside of the NHL and one of junior hockey’s most reliable clutch performers.

In 48 regular-season games, Iginla recorded 41 goals and 49 assists for 90 points, operating at nearly a two-points-per-game pace while finishing with a +47 rating and more than 230 shots on goal. He has been Kelowna’s offensive engine from start to finish, driving play at even strength and remaining a focal point on the power play.

But what defines his season is not just how much he produces. It is when he produces.

His latest example came in overtime, scoring his second of the game to keep Kelowna’s playoff hopes alive in a series where they now trail Everett 3 to 1. It was a goal that extended the season, one that required composure and execution in a moment where a single mistake ends everything.

“Playoffs are a great time of year,” Iginla said. “When the stakes get higher, the game gets more fun. Every play matters that much more.”

Elite Production and Playoff Performance Define Iginla’s Impact

That mentality has carried directly into his playoff production. Through his first seven postseason games, Iginla has recorded five goals and five assists for ten points, continuing to operate as Kelowna’s most dangerous forward while facing top defensive matchups on a nightly basis.

He opened the playoffs with immediate control of the series, producing nine points in his first three games and forcing opposing teams to adjust their entire defensive structure around him. Those performances were not built on open ice or favorable matchups. They came in tightly contested games where every touch is contested, and every decision is pressured.

“I try to pride myself on being a player that can elevate for those games,” he said. “There are lots of skilled players where the playoffs come around, and maybe they’re not as noticeable. I never want to be one of those players.”

That distinction has become central to how he plays. In junior hockey, many players can produce in space, but far fewer can do it when space disappears, and attention is focused directly on them.

Iginla has consistently shown that he can handle that environment. He does not drift to the perimeter or wait for the game to open up. He stays engaged, attacks defenders, and forces plays to develop through his own involvement.

“It’s exciting knowing they’re trying to shut you down,” he said. “You have to break through. You have to produce for your team.”

Utah Mammoth Development and Iginla’s NHL Future

While Iginla’s impact in Kelowna has been immediate, his long-term trajectory is being shaped just as deliberately behind the scenes.

Utah has remained closely involved in his development throughout the season, maintaining consistent communication and providing resources to support his progression at the junior level. That level of engagement has allowed Iginla to refine key areas of his game while continuing to carry a heavy offensive load.

“They’ve done a really good job helping me,” he said. “The development guys come out, the skating coach comes out. They’re really involved.”

For a player already producing at an elite rate, those details matter. Improvements in skating efficiency, pace control, and decision-making under pressure are what will ultimately determine how quickly he transitions to the NHL.

There is also a broader context that adds to the intrigue. Utah is building one of the more dynamic young cores in hockey, with a group of high-end prospects and young NHL players beginning to take shape.

Iginla is expected to be part of that next wave, even if he remains focused on the present.

“I think it’s super exciting,” he said. “There’s a really good group of high-end young guys there.”

He is not projecting timelines or looking too far ahead, but the opportunity is clearly something he recognizes, as Utah gets set to make its first playoff appearance in franchise history.

“Hopefully in not too many years, I’m there with them,” he added.

For now, his attention remains on Kelowna and the immediate challenge in front of him. But the combination of elite production, playoff impact, and continued development support makes it increasingly clear where this is headed.

And when that next step comes, it will not be a question of whether Tij Iginla can handle the moment.

It will be how quickly he takes it over.

“Yes”, the source replied when asked if a Shanahan hiring in New Jersey was imminent.

Another source told R.org that Shanahan was the leading candidate for the POHO job with the Devils immediately after they fired Tom Fitzgerald, who had held that role and the general manager role since replacing the late Ray Shero late in the 2019-20 season.

“This is the job he’s really been eyeing for a while, and the Devils have been eyeing him,” the source told R.org.

On a recent edition of The Eye Test Podcast, longtime NHL analyst Pierre McGuire also indicated that all signs were pointing towards Shanahan.

“If it’s not Shanahan, I’ll be shocked,” McGuire said on Tuesday.

As reported by RG in late February, the former President of Hockey Operations for the Toronto Maple Leafs was an early candidate for the role with the Nashville Predators, just three weeks after Barry Trotz, the team’s original and longtime head coach, announced that he was stepping down from his role as the Predators’ general manager. According to a well-placed source, then, the chatter was that if hired by Nashville, Shanahan would take over as President of Hockey Operations for the Predators, and former Montreal Canadiens Executive VP of Hockey Operations and General Manager, Marc Bergevin, would become the Predators’ new GM.

“They want an outside and objective voice right now, and that fits what I’m hearing right now. I just honestly can’t say what will happen. Those names, though, yeah,” a source told RG back on February 25.

On Friday morning, that same source told R.org that the talks with the Predators never went as far as expected.

“I don’t know the details, but all I know is as your other source told you, Shanahan apparently was waiting to see what happened with Fitzgerald in New Jersey,” the source confirmed. “Whether Bergevin is still going to potentially be his GM if and when he gets the job in Jersey, I don’t know.”

So far, Bergevin’s name has not been reported as a candidate for the GM job in New Jersey, and inquiring calls and texts from R.org in the last two days could not confirm that he is in the mix.

Mehta Also in Mix for Leafs Job

According to numerous reports, Florida Panthers assistant general manager Sunny Mehta is a strong candidate for not only the Devils’ but also the Maple Leafs’ open GM position. Per TSN and Athletic NHL insider, Pierre LeBrun, both teams have been granted permission to interview Mehta, who began his hockey operations career with the Devils, as their director of analytics.

According to the first source referenced above, two other names to keep an eye on for the Devils’ GM job are Hall of Fame goalie and current Devils executive vice president of hockey operations, Martin Brodeur, and current Boston Bruins assistant GM, Evan Gold.

“I know last fall Brodeur was telling people he didn’t want to become the GM because one of his sons won’t be going to college for another three years, but you gotta think the team, and Shanahan, if he gets the prez of hockey ops gig, would at least check to see if Marty is interested,” the source said.

“As for Gold, he’s in high demand and if he wants, will probably get a promotion with another team, or he can wait, and get that with the Bruins, where I know Don Sweeney loves him.”

Berezkin is an Oilers prospect who was selected by Edmonton in the fifth round of the 2020 NHL Draft, No. 138 overall. He has spent his entire professional career in the Lokomotiv Yaroslavl system. Last year, Berezkin won the Gagarin Cup and had the best KHL season of his career. He recorded 42 points (15 goals, 27 assists) in 66 regular-season games, then added 14 points (9 goals, 5 assists) in 21 playoff games.

Berezkin is a power forward who does most of his work around the net. He plays a hard, physical game. His vision and hockey IQ are also underrated. He is a versatile winger who can be used in all situations and competes at a high level.

Why He Stayed One More Year

A year ago, the Oilers already wanted Berezkin to join the organization. However, he decided to spend one more season with Lokomotiv in order to gain more experience.

“They invited me to join the team. We had conversations and some discussions, but I did not give them a final answer. I decided to stay, and I am sure that it will only help my development,” Berezkin said in an interview with VseProSport.ru.

Berezkin’s plan was to keep improving and become one of the leaders of his KHL team. However, this season was not easy for the forward. He scored his first goal in his 23rd regular-season game. Overall, he finished with 32 points (7 goals, 25 assists) in 64 games.

A New Chapter in Edmonton

This year, Lokomotiv has been led by well-known Canadian coach Bob Hartley, who won the Stanley Cup with the Colorado Avalanche in 2000-01. Lokomotiv is currently playing in the postseason. In the first round, the team defeated Spartak Moscow 4-1 in the series. In the second round, it will face Salavat Yulaev Ufa.

Still, despite a less productive season, according to our source, Berezkin has already made the decision to continue his career with the Edmonton Oilers. The Canadian team already has one Russian player, Vasily Podkolzin, who should help Maxim adjust to his new country and a new league.