Prospect Info: 2026 NHL Draft Discussion - we have picks!

[Schenn]

Another SOB is this guy:

Gleb Pugachyov, 6'3" RW - Throwing soul-crushing hits on the regular and violently fighting for inside positioning every chance he gets, Pugachyov projects to bring a significant intimidation factor at the NHL level. Combined with his skating, he's an immovable object for most defencemen in the net-front and a nightmare to deal with along the boards.

2026 NHL DRAFT: DETAILED SCOUTING REPORT – Gleb Pugachyov, RW, Torpedo Nizhny Novgorod (KHL)/Torpedo-Gorky NN (VHL)/Chaika Nizhny Novgorod (MHL)

McKeen's Mark Doherty provides a detailed scouting report on 2026 NHL Draft prospect Gleb Pugachyov including video and skill grades.

www.mckeenshockey.com

Although he's slated to go before our 2nd round pick. Maybe if we get another 2nd.

I want the Leafs to draft him because I love guys named Gleb. Was really hoping the Leafs would swipe Gleb Trikazov a few years ago but I think he went to Carolina if I remember correctly. No idea how that guy is progressing because I was too heartbroken to track the progress of my dearest Gleb.

 

[RoadWarrior]

Leafs need to absolutely smash this draft out of the park. Fans were not happy drafting Hlacar at 217. We cannot afford to be doing things like that at 60 and 69.

They grabbed TLK at 64 last year who might end up being the steal of the ‘25 draft. The TML scouting staff is actually pretty good. Don’t confuse Tre’s incompetence with poor scouting.

There is depth with defensemen in this draft and some decent overagers like Vanhanen and MacKenzie. I see Sokolovskii as the shiny object of the draft. The reality for 6’8 players is that most can’t move well enough to play at a high level. He’s the very definition of a high risk high reward pick with probably less than a 10% chance of playing in the NHL. Tre would draft him in the top 10.

 

[All Mod Cons]

They grabbed TLK at 64 last year who might end up being the steal of the ‘25 draft. The TML scouting staff is actually pretty good. Don’t confuse Tre’s incompetence with poor scouting.

There is depth with defensemen in this draft and some decent overagers like Vanhanen and MacKenzie. I see Sokolovskii as the shiny object of the draft. The reality for 6’8 players is that most can’t move well enough to play at a high level. He’s the very definition of a high risk high reward pick with probably less than a 10% chance of playing in the NHL. Tre would draft him in the top 10.

Tre grabbed TLK at 64 last year who might end up being the steal of the ‘25 draft.

I can't see him taking Sokolovskii in the top 10. He's more of a Danford, Hopkins, Holinka, Nansi, Johansson type of guy.

 

[Kiwi]

I see you guys drooling over these massive guys but im on the Nycz bandwagon. Good size 6'2, elite skater playing in the NCAA in his draft year
That's my guy for one of the 2nds

 

[Juzmo]

Not enough PIM to be considered a comparable

Have you seen this kid play? I've never heard of him.

Some fans have talked about a similar kind of "swagger" from what they remember of Komarov 20 years ago, which has been quite a rare sight to see here from a teenager.

Though Kostilainen is definitely an updated version of him to fit better in the current league i.e. still a feisty character guy and an agitator who really likes to be physical and hit, go to the net for both goals and scrums, but with better skating, less pure recklessness, and no fights (yet).

Otherwise seems to have a solid shot and playmaking abilities, while possessing good hockey IQ and work ethic. Clearest area to improve is his defensive game, and a bit of extra muscle would probably be a benefit for his style of game.

This past season he started as a depth guy bringing energy and physicality for the team, and ended it with a much, much bigger role with his big hot streak in the final games of the reg. season (8gp - 7g) and playoffs (11gp - 5g2a, most pts by a rookie).

So yeah... being a one year over-ager, as the poster before mentioned, he's a possible late round selection.

(his thread here)

 

[ashs]

What would you trade to get Stenberg?

Matthews in a package or Willie. The d, a goalie. We have pieces.

 

[Marlow88]

The Leafs have to build up their prospects on D. As much as I like the Leafts to take Bleyl or Nycz, they likely will be off the board by picks 60 / 69. I think Mackenzie is likely going to be available due to the fact he is a D+2 player.

 

[RoadWarrior]

Tre grabbed TLK at 64 last year who might end up being the steal of the ‘25 draft.

I can't see him taking Sokolovskii in the top 10. He's more of a Danford, Hopkins, Holinka, Nansi, Johansson type of guy.

I don’t know what that means. Hopkins and Johnansson don’t strike me as Tre picks at all and I question how involved he was in the draft selection process.

If he’s not over 6’1 and 190 lbs he’s probably not a Tre pick because size seemed to be the only criteria he understood.

The player analytics and fitness data was too complicated for him.

 

[RoadWarrior]

The Leafs have to build up their prospects on D. As much as I like the Leafts to take Bleyl or Nycz, they likely will be off the board by picks 60 / 69. I think Mackenzie is likely going to be available due to the fact he is a D+2 player.

Nycz is an off the board pick. The guy scored 3 whole points last season. He’s the definition of a good athlete who is just learning how to play hockey. These guys bust all the time but every once in a while you get a guy like Koblar who is a late bloomer who develops some actual hockey skills.

Ethan Mackenzie is a super safe pick at 60 because he’s already a known quantity. Probably a future 4 to 6 D man with two way ability who developed really late. The good news with Mackenzie is that he might be good enough to step in and play this fall without a lot of time in the minors. They definitely need guys who can help ASAP.

 

[Warrior16]

I like Gleb Pugachyov if he makes it to the late 2nd/early 3rd picks. Good size, relentless forechecker and hits everything. At the very least can hopefully be a solid 3rd liner.

Galvas, MacKenzie, or Nycz with the other pick.

Lefebrve or Brosnan in the 4th round.

 

[diehardleafsfan9878]

Anyone have insight on either Max Laatikainen or Emil Saaby Jakobsen? 2 of the youngest players in the draft. Could be interesting late round picks.

 

[SprDaVE]

 

[All Mod Cons]

I don’t know what that means. Hopkins and Johnansson don’t strike me as Tre picks at all and I question how involved he was in the draft selection process.

If he’s not over 6’1 and 190 lbs he’s probably not a Tre pick because size seemed to be the only criteria he understood.

The player analytics and fitness data was too complicated for him.

He quite literally drafted those players though. So either he drafted all of them, or he drafted none of them.

You can't just pick players you don't like and assign those to the GM and the steal of the draft picks are the ones from someone else.

You sound like Judd Brackett's PR team.

 

[BoBfromAulon]

Very bad take, i would bet big bucks on Ivchenko (Russian G) being the better future goalie and picked in the 4th or 5th !!

 

[Rare Jewel]

Some fans have talked about a similar kind of "swagger" from what they remember of Komarov 20 years ago, which has been quite a rare sight to see here from a teenager.

Though Kostilainen is definitely an updated version of him to fit better in the current league i.e. still a feisty character guy and an agitator who really likes to be physical and hit, go to the net for both goals and scrums, but with better skating, less pure recklessness, and no fights (yet).

Otherwise seems to have a solid shot and playmaking abilities, while possessing good hockey IQ and work ethic. Clearest area to improve is his defensive game, and a bit of extra muscle would probably be a benefit for his style of game.

This past season he started as a depth guy bringing energy and physicality for the team, and ended it with a much, much bigger role with his big hot streak in the final games of the reg. season (8gp - 7g) and playoffs (11gp - 5g2a, most pts by a rookie).

So yeah... being a one year over-ager, as the poster before mentioned, he's a possible late round selection.

(his thread here)

Thanks for the input. It's always good to hear from fans who see them game in, game out. Would be okay if we picked Kostilainen between the 5th and 7th round.

BTw, I'm curious about another player you have in Pori, that being Patrik Juhola. Does he have NHL potential, and could he be a guy NHL teams go after if he has an even bigger jump offensively? He's one of a few players I'm watching out for as possibly next year's Pinchuk or something along those lines.

Thanks.

 

[ULF_55]

If the Leafs can somehow get any of these players with our other picks I'll be happy:

(Reports from Elite Prospects)

...

Axel Elofsson, 5'11" RD - Elofsson’s creation skills are excellent. He attacks relentlessly, consistently joining rushes and looking to beat his man from the point. He’s elusive on his edges and has forward-level handling skill, but more importantly, it’s his vision and ability to manipulate coverages that drive his results.

...

Leafs pick 60th. and 69th.

2026 NHL Draft Rankings: May Top 100

McKenna still owns the top spot in Steven Ellis' latest draft rankings – but how does the rest of the crop look?

www.dailyfaceoff.com

60. Axel Elofsson, RHD (Orebro, Sweden U-20)​

Elofsson has intrigued me for a few years now. He’s truly one of the most fascinating puck-movers in this draft class – he reminds me of Lane Hutson, but without the elite-level skating and hockey sense. But with the puck, Elofsson is outstanding. The numbers have been incredible in both domestic and international competition. When he’s at his best, he can lead the power play and create quality chances through traffic. He’s very elusive with the puck overall. Defensively, though, he needs work, and he’s undersized at 5-foot-11. He has to limit the giveaways, too. Still, I’d take a chance on him because the upside is high.

And another reference to Ethan MacKenzie.
Wonder if he'll be overlooked due to going through the draft.
Injuries look to have played a major impact early in his junior career.

https://thehockeywriters.com/ethan-mackenzie-2026-nhl-draft-prospect-profile/

After sustaining multiple injuries that left him with just 80 total games played over the 2023-24 and 2024-25 seasons, Ethan MacKenzie was passed on entirely at the 2025 NHL Draft. After an excellent (and healthy) season, MacKenzie is definitely going to hear his name on draft day.

76. Ethan MacKenzie, LHD (Edmonton Oil Kings, WHL)​

MacKenzie was a surprise addition to Canada’s World Junior team, and he didn’t disappoint. It was a solid enough stretch that helped ensure he would be selected this year after being passed over twice. MacKenzie’s ability to win individual battles and shut guys down makes him intriguing. His maturity and hockey sense have really blossomed over time, and he can kill plays and log a lot of minutes if needed (as proven with the Oil Kings).

 

[Jacquestrapless]

Two guys I would be interested in the mid-rounds are : Noel Pakarinen(W) and Jakub Frolo(C/W). From their scouting reports, they are decent two-way forwards with a physical element to their game.

https://thehockeywriters.com/jakub-frolo-2026-nhl-draft-prospect-profile/

Noel Pakarinen – 2026 NHL Draft Prospect Profile - The Hockey Writers NHL Entry Draft Latest News, Analysis & More

Noel Pakarinen is a 6-2 Finnish winger with forechecking bite and a Liiga debut at 17. Here is his 2026 NHL Draft prospect profile.

thehockeywriters.com

 

[MarMarSab3]

I like Gleb Pugachyov if he makes it to the late 2nd/early 3rd picks. Good size, relentless forechecker and hits everything. At the very least can hopefully be a solid 3rd liner.

Galvas, MacKenzie, or Nycz with the other pick.

Lefebrve or Brosnan in the 4th round.

I like him too but see him going late first early second

 

[Fogelhund]

 

[leafsfan2point0]

He was very impressive in the Memorial Cup. I would think we’re definitely targeting
at least one Defenceman at pick 60/69. But I think he would definitely be a good pick. I can see him becoming a Maccelli type of player one day.