The Periferal [Not Dead] Official 2026 NHL Draft Thread (June 26-27)

[leeroggy]

Command is another option who seems to fit the type of player they tend to target.

I'm big on him, the video shows someone who plays just like Horvat does

 

[scott99]

I agree with @Konk about Hemming & Lawrence. Hemming uses his size all the time in a way belchetz rarely does. There only thing that could complicate the choice were if gustafsson were to fall - that creates a take the best player or trade down dilemma.

I don’t know why, but not a fan of Gufstasson. He’s a good skater, but I haven’t seen anything other than that, that would make him worth the 13th overall.

 

[Konk]

I don’t know why, but not a fan of Gufstasson. He’s a good skater, but I haven’t seen anything other than that, that would make him worth the 13th overall.

I do question his offensive upside. He looks like he could become a very good shutdown defenseman, and there are certainly people who believe he is only scratching the surface offensively, but I am not completely sold on that part of his game.

Hemming could be a unicorn. He is huge, very physical, has impressive skill and IQ for a player his size, and moves well for a big kid. There is still some cleanup needed with his skating, but he does not have the same heavy feet or mobility concerns that limit Belchetz. Fortunately, he missed most of the season, so his viewings are limited and there is at least a chance he is still available when the Isles pick. If he had played a full season, I think he would easily be in the top-10 conversation.

 

[mm11]

I do question his offensive upside. He looks like he could become a very good shutdown defenseman, and there are certainly people who believe he is only scratching the surface offensively, but I am not completely sold on that part of his game.

Hemming could be a unicorn. He is huge, very physical, has impressive skill and IQ for a player his size, and moves well for a big kid. There is still some cleanup needed with his skating, but he does not have the same heavy feet or mobility concerns that limit Belchetz. Fortunately, he missed most of the season, so his viewings are limited and there is at least a chance he is still available when the Isles pick. If he had played a full season, I think he would easily be in the top-10 conversation.

Hemming from I seen is a guy Deboer would like and certainly would seem like a solid pick at #13

 

[doublechili]

This is truly a question (not advocating). Just wondering about the Belchetz vs Hemming vs Novotny choice?

Belchetz and Hemming are both bigger than Novotny, but both also have skating questions. Novotny is 6'1", 205lbs and supposedly is an excellent/fast skater with a very good shot and who competes hard and does the little things. I read one article where the writer said he's the best forechecker in the class. He strikes me as the kind of guy that gets passed because teams don't think there's upside, and then a few years later people wonder why he didn't go higher.

 

[doublechili]

I'll leave this tidbit here re: Suvanto and the people who don't want him because he doesn't have high end upside:

"The Florida Panthers are very much interested in Hellebuyck, but my understanding is that they’re not willing to give up Anton Lundell. They weren’t willing to move him in a Brady Tkachuk deal with the Ottawa Senators, and I don’t believe they’re willing to move him to anyone else."

https://www.tsn.ca/nhl/article/early-trading-examining-potential-landing-spots-for-hellebuyck/

 

[Throttle]

This is truly a question (not advocating). Just wondering about the Belchetz vs Hemming vs Novotny choice?

Belchetz and Hemming are both bigger than Novotny, but both also have skating questions. Novotny is 6'1", 205lbs and supposedly is an excellent/fast skater with a very good shot and who competes hard and does the little things. I read one article where the writer said he's the best forechecker in the class. He strikes me as the kind of guy that gets passed because teams don't think there's upside, and then a few years later people wonder why he didn't go higher.

Hemming seems to be doing a lot of gliding and continuing to skate. Seems like a guy that is still growing into his body frame. If he’s 6’1” is he being ranked as high? I don’t think so.

I’d take Klepov before any of these guys.

Stay away from the Q players. Unfortunately, we have a French GM and now Player Development guy, so that may tip the scale.

SJ trades the 9OA to someone. My guess is Cullen goes to NASH. STL takes Lin. NJD tbd.

 

[SRBisles]

From Wheeler today:

“Eminently likable pro-styled Swedish center Alexander Command is going to go in the front half of the first round and could go closer to No. 10 than No. 16.”

 

[IslesNorway]

I think it’s wide open between 5 and 15, possibly 20. Some teams will choose other players than expected and there will be surprises. The Islanders haven’t got a history of going off the board, so I don’t expect them to choose someone like Aaram Olsen or one of the Rusk brothers at 13. I do like the sound of Hemming and would be pleased if he is the choice.

 

[Taswell]

I'll leave this tidbit here re: Suvanto and the people who don't want him because he doesn't have high end upside:

"The Florida Panthers are very much interested in Hellebuyck, but my understanding is that they’re not willing to give up Anton Lundell. They weren’t willing to move him in a Brady Tkachuk deal with the Ottawa Senators, and I don’t believe they’re willing to move him to anyone else."

https://www.tsn.ca/nhl/article/early-trading-examining-potential-landing-spots-for-hellebuyck/

Lundell's Liiga production in his draft year was more than double what Suvanto's is. There's reason to be concerned with his offensive upside.

 

[beach]

I'll leave this tidbit here re: Suvanto and the people who don't want him because he doesn't have high end upside:

"The Florida Panthers are very much interested in Hellebuyck, but my understanding is that they’re not willing to give up Anton Lundell. They weren’t willing to move him in a Brady Tkachuk deal with the Ottawa Senators, and I don’t believe they’re willing to move him to anyone else."

https://www.tsn.ca/nhl/article/early-trading-examining-potential-landing-spots-for-hellebuyck/

So because Lundell worked out we should take Suvanto? A bit of a stretch.

 

[Konk]

This is truly a question (not advocating). Just wondering about the Belchetz vs Hemming vs Novotny choice?

Belchetz and Hemming are both bigger than Novotny, but both also have skating questions. Novotny is 6'1", 205lbs and supposedly is an excellent/fast skater with a very good shot and who competes hard and does the little things. I read one article where the writer said he's the best forechecker in the class. He strikes me as the kind of guy that gets passed because teams don't think there's upside, and then a few years later people wonder why he didn't go higher.

Hemming and Belchetz do not have the same skating concerns. Hemming has good mobility and speed for his size. His stride and first few steps could certainly use some refinement, but he does not have the same heavy feet or mobility limitations that Belchetz does. With Hemming, skating is something to clean up, but not a major concern, however, Novotny is clearly a better skater, as you point out.

I like Novotny as well, and I would not be against selecting him. He and Hemming share some similar strengths as board and corner puck battlers who can win 50/50s, come away with possession, and make plays. Where I think Hemming may project to be even more effective is with his physicality. He is more imposing and aggressive, which should help him have success against larger NHL defensemen. I also think his size and willingness to use it give him the chance to impact the game in more areas of the ice, such as the front of the net. He's also probably the better playmaker, while Novotny is the better sniper.

I really like both players here and you could make a solid argument for either one. That said, Hemming is not just a big body. He is a good playmaker with very strong hockey IQ, and not just “for a big man.” I think he has a legitimate chance to put up Brady Tkachuk-type numbers while bringing a similar overall impact, just without the lack of discipline and Tkachuklehead antics.

 

[Konk]

From Wheeler today:

“Eminently likable pro-styled Swedish center Alexander Command is going to go in the front half of the first round and could go closer to No. 10 than No. 16.”

I could see him going as high as #12 to New Jersey.

 

[Konk]

Just read the Wheeler article.... this part makes me upset:

• There are several teams in the late first that I’ve heard connected to American center Jack Hextall. He was viewed as a bubble first-rounder for much of the year, but he goes in the 20s.

Hextall has been my favorite player in the draft. Wish we had another pick in the 20s to snag him.

I also enjoyed this part:

"Djurgården general manager Marcus Due-Boje on Viggo Björck: In Djurgården, we’ve produced a lot of great players over the years, but I don’t think people have ever had a guy like Viggo. And then you still have the Anton Frondells, the Gabriel Landeskogs, the Mika Zibanejads and all those guys, but there’s something special about Viggo’s mind. He’s a guy that creates keys for himself in any situation. We think he should be higher than 9-10, I can tell you that. I know about the size and everything, and the maturity that is already there."

Bjorck is going to be a special player.

 

[Rehabguy]

For the sake of ???

Excuse me ?

He is thirty three and we didn't make the playoffs last season. Schaefer is eighteen. We should be trading Barzal for a younger player who can help win down the line. Barzal's window for competition is winning RIGHT NOW, and we aren't close to being a contender. Not about just making a trade for fun.

He’s 29 no?

 

[Rehabguy]

Just read the Wheeler article.... this part makes me upset:

• There are several teams in the late first that I’ve heard connected to American center Jack Hextall. He was viewed as a bubble first-rounder for much of the year, but he goes in the 20s.

Hextall has been my favorite player in the draft. Wish we had another pick in the 20s to snag him.

I also enjoyed this part:

"Djurgården general manager Marcus Due-Boje on Viggo Björck: In Djurgården, we’ve produced a lot of great players over the years, but I don’t think people have ever had a guy like Viggo. And then you still have the Anton Frondells, the Gabriel Landeskogs, the Mika Zibanejads and all those guys, but there’s something special about Viggo’s mind. He’s a guy that creates keys for himself in any situation. We think he should be higher than 9-10, I can tell you that. I know about the size and everything, and the maturity that is already there."

Bjorck is going to be a special player.

What are you upset about? The players got their “reward”. Were just the fans that support their salaries.

 

[Konk]

What are you upset about? The players got their “reward”. Were just the fans that support their salaries.

I don't think the Avs pick is high enough for a chance at Hextall, so it's a moot point.

 

[scott99]

I’m getting more excited as we get closer. IF they keep the pick, I like so many guys in our range, I think I’m gonna be happy no matter what. Now just jinxed myself.

 

[Konk]

I’m getting more excited as we get closer. IF they keep the pick, I like so many guys in our range, I think I’m gonna be happy no matter what. Now just jinxed myself.

I look forward to this day every year, so the next 24 hours are going to feel like 24 days for me.

We're going to get a good one.

 

[doublechili]

Bjorck is going to be a special player.

I agree and hope Bjorck doesn't go to the NYR.

 

[doublechili]

Lundell's Liiga production in his draft year was more than double what Suvanto's is. There's reason to be concerned with his offensive upside.

True, but FWIW Lundell's birthdate was Oct 3rd and Suvanto's was Sept 3rd, so Lundell played that Liiga season 11 months older than Suvanto did.

 

[Glorydays22]

This is truly a question (not advocating). Just wondering about the Belchetz vs Hemming vs Novotny choice?

Belchetz and Hemming are both bigger than Novotny, but both also have skating questions. Novotny is 6'1", 205lbs and supposedly is an excellent/fast skater with a very good shot and who competes hard and does the little things. I read one article where the writer said he's the best forechecker in the class. He strikes me as the kind of guy that gets passed because teams don't think there's upside, and then a few years later people wonder why he didn't go higher.

my first choice in the beginning was Belechetz, love his size and scoring....but the more you guys talk about the skating issues....I think I've changed my mind.

For me I would go first with the following in order, obviously this is if no one surprising slips. -Novotny, Hemming, Gustafsson, Morozov

 

[Konk]

I agree and hope Bjorck doesn't go to the NYR.

FFS I hadn't even considered that.

I hope they select Smits.

 

[Islesfan22]

Quite a few nhl people saying Command going higher in the 10-15 range. Button has Command at 10 isles taking Cullen

 

[Taswell]

Quite a few nhl people saying Command going higher in the 10-15 range. Button has Command at 10 isles taking Cullen

Yes please.