The 2026 NHL Entry Draft is shaping up to be an intriguing one, particularly when assessing the goaltending prospects. Evaluating young netminders is notoriously challenging, with many factors influencing their development and ultimate NHL potential. With less than half of the scouting season remaining, several goalies have emerged as potential top picks, though no clear consensus number one has solidified.
One name frequently mentioned among the top North American goalies is Brady Knowling from the USNTDP. Knowling's raw season numbers may not be the most flattering, but scouts remain high on him. The 6-foot-5 goalie utilizes his size, reach and positioning to shut down shooters quickly, playing a pure butterfly style. Knowling was ranked No. 1 among North American goalies by NHL Central Scouting at mid-season.
Tobias Trejbal of the Youngstown Phantoms in the USHL is another North American goalie drawing attention. In his first season in North America, Trejbal has posted a .922 save percentage with the USHL's Youngstown Phantoms. NHL Central Scouting ranked him No. 3 among North American goalies in its midterm list.
Harrison Boettiger of the Kelowna Rockets (WHL) is also considered a promising prospect. Boettiger prides himself on staying focused under pressure. His ability to track pucks is high-end in this draft class. His hockey sense and active hands are as good as you'll find. Boettiger has ideal size at 6-foot-3.
On the international stage, Dmitri Borichev from Loko-76 Yaroslavl (MHL) has captured the attention of scouts. NHL Central Scouting ranked him No. 1 among International goaltenders at midseason. Borichev demonstrates calmness under pressure. He sat 660 with a 1.79 goals against average and a .940 save percentage, plus three shutouts in fourteen games with Loko 76 Yaroslavl in Russia's junior league.
Frantisek Poletin (Pelicans, Finland U-20) is also one of the top goaltending prospects in the draft. The 6-foot-2 keeper moves fluidly without much hesitation and he battles so hard down low.
Several other goalies are also in the mix, including William Lacelle (Blainville-Boisbriand Armada, QMJHL), Michal Oršulák (Prince Albert Raiders, WHL), Xavier Wendt (Tri-City Americans, WHL), Parker Snell (Edmonton Oil Kings, WHL) and Kirill Vasilyev (Ostersunds IK U20).
The development path of a young goalie is rarely linear. Evaluating their talent requires careful consideration of their technical skills, mental fortitude, and the environment in which they play. As the scouting season progresses, these netminders will be under intense scrutiny as teams try to project which ones have the potential to become their future NHL starters.
