Attention all hockey enthusiasts: the 2026 NHL Draft is shaping up to be a game-changer, and there’s one burning question on everyone’s mind: What’s really going on with Tynan Lawrence’s slow start at BU? But here's where it gets controversial—is his lack of production a red flag, or just a bump in the road for a young talent? Let’s dive in.
My midseason 2026 NHL Draft rankings are live, and with them comes another round of your burning questions. From Tynan Lawrence’s puzzling performance to the Olympic prospects worth watching, I’ve got you covered. And this is the part most people miss—how do players like Caleb Malhotra and Caleb Desnoyers stack up against each other? Let’s break it all down.
Tynan Lawrence: Slow Start or Cause for Concern?
This was the most-asked question, and for good reason. Lawrence’s numbers at BU so far? 5 games played, 0 goals, 0 assists, 5 shots on goal, a -2 rating, and averaging 15:55 minutes per game. According to InStat, he’s also logged 11 shot attempts, 2 hits, and 2 executed passes to the slot, winning 49% of his faceoffs. Oh, and he’s averaging nearly 2.5 minutes per game on the power play. His opponents? Harvard, UMass (twice), and UMass-Lowell (twice)—teams ranked 20th, 28th, and 49th in the NCAA’s new NPI index. Plus, he’s one of the youngest players in college hockey, born in August 2008.
If you’re an optimist, you’ll see a player adjusting to a new city, team, system, and linemates midseason while juggling school. That’s no small feat, especially for someone so young. But if you’re a skeptic, you’ll point out his lack of production at five-on-five and on the power play, even against less-than-elite competition. Players like Oscar Hemming and Will Horcoff made similar midseason jumps and performed better, so why not Lawrence?
The truth? It’s complicated. Lawrence was a standout in the USHL, a notoriously tough league for scoring, and he’s a premium prospect with pro-level attributes. But his offensive ceiling was already a question mark, and his college performance hasn’t silenced the doubters. If he turns it around, he’ll earn the benefit of the doubt. But NHL teams will be asking questions, especially after his unconventional draft year—choosing to captain Muskegon instead of jumping to the QMJHL, only to leave after 13 games.
Olympic Prospects to Watch
Shifting gears, which young players should you keep an eye on at the Olympics? Here’s my shortlist:
- Slovakia: Adam Gajan (Blackhawks), Dalibor Dvorsky (Blues)
- Italy: Damian Clara (Ducks)
- Latvia: Alberts Smits (2026), Dans Locmelis (Bruins), Sandis Vilmanis (Panthers)
- Denmark: Oscar Fisker Molgaard (Kraken)
Alberts Smits is the standout here. Men’s international events have a history of boosting draft stock—just look at Moritz Seider in 2019 or Juraj Slafkovský in 2021. If Smits shines on Latvia’s blue line, he could solidify himself as a top-five pick. And while we’re at it, keep an eye on Simon Nemec, the Devils’ 2022 No. 2 pick, who could have a breakout tournament for Slovakia.
Malhotra vs. Desnoyers: Who’s the Better Prospect?
Both are 6-foot-1/2, 180-pound centers known for their leadership and two-way play. But here’s the twist: Desnoyers had a higher profile coming into his draft year, with a QMJHL All-Rookie Team nod and a gold medal at U18 worlds. Malhotra, on the other hand, wasn’t seen as a top-10 pick initially. Desnoyers was more productive in his draft year, but Malhotra is on pace for 102 points in 75 games this season. If Brantford wins the OHL title and Malhotra plays in the Memorial Cup, could he climb as high as Desnoyers did in the draft? It’s possible.
The Changing Development Landscape
With college eligibility opening up to CHL players, how does that impact scouting? Honestly, I still watch a lot of the USHL—Muskegon, Youngstown, Des Moines, and Green Bay all have notable prospects. But the BCHL? I haven’t watched a single game this year. It’s becoming the new norm, and NHL Central Scouting’s midseason list reflects that.
Draft Position Breakdown
This year’s draft is deepest on the wing and defense, with just three centers in my top 17. Last year, I had eight! Goalies? It’s a weak class—I don’t have a single one in my top 64. Last year, there were six.
Players to Watch
Who are my favorite players that didn’t make the cut? Tri-City’s Jakub Vanecek and Ottawa’s Thomas Vandenberg are two to keep an eye on. And for mid-to-late first-round steals, look out for Ryan Lin, Viggo Bjorck, and Xavier Villeneuve. Marcus Nordmark and Nikita Klepov are also worth watching.
Tiering Hockey Leagues
Lastly, how do I tier hockey leagues outside the NHL? Here’s my take:
- Tier 1: KHL, SHL, AHL
- Tier 2: NL, Liiga, DEL, Czech Extraliga
- Tier 3: HockeyAllsvenskan, ECHL, Slovak Extraliga, VHL, EIHL, EBEL, etc.
Is This Draft Weaker Than Expected?
In my opinion, this draft is exactly as I expected—average to below-average. Comparing this year’s top five (Gavin McKenna, Ivar Stenberg, Keaton Verhoeff, Tynan Lawrence, Chase Reid) to last year’s? Matthew Schaefer still takes the top spot, but it’s a close race after that.
So, what do you think? Is Lawrence’s slow start a fluke, or a sign of things to come? And who’s your dark horse prospect for this draft? Let’s debate in the comments!
