2026 WHL Draft Results

Round 1

The 2026 WHL Draft has future NHL talent on display. Find out who went to what WHL team and our grades for all 23 first round picks.

Chris Ransom follow @DraftUtopia Last Updated: May 12, 2025.

1. Kelowna Rockets: Madden Daneault, C, (2029) A+ Grade
   
   
   The 5-11 172 lb Madden Daneault had 38 goals, 55 assists, and 93 points in 33 games with the Red Deer Rebels Under 15 AAA Team in 2024-2025. He posted 14 goals, 7 assists, and 21 points in 10 games in the 2025 AEHL Playoffs. Madden Daneault got promoted to team captain and had 65 goals, 84 assists, and 149 points in 34 games with the Red Deer Rebels Under 15 AAA Team in 2025-2026. Madden Daneault had 11 goals, 11 assists, and 22 points in 9 games during the 2026 AEHL PLayoffs.
   
   
   
   Madden Daneault has the speed, explosion, burst, agility, skating, foot speed, playmaking, passing, sniping, wrist shot power, wrist shot accuracy, slap shot power, slap shot accuracy, vision, offensive awareness, defensive awareness, and hockey IQ to succeed in the WHL. Madden Daneault's career assists with 179 in Bantam is second All Time behind only Edmonton Oilers captain Connor McDavid who had 180 assists in Bantam. Cam Robinson of Elite Prospects believes Madden Daneault will be the first pick in the 2029 NHL Entry Draft. I agree with that sentiment ater watching his tape since Madden Daneault also led his team to the 2025 AEHL Championship before getting promoted to team captain. He also got his team back to the 2026 AEHL Championship where they lost 3-1 to the St. Albert Raiders Sabres who kept the Red Deer Rebels Under 15 AAA team from repeating. Madden Daneault has a high gear and an exceptional compete level. He can play on the power play.
   
   
   
   We'll see how good Madden Daneault becomes in the WHL on the Kelowna Rockets. He feels like a guy that could be up there with Sidney Crosby, Nate MacKinnon, Connor McDavid, Auston Matthews, Connor Bedard, and Macklin Celebrini when it comes to exceptional centers. That's why he would be my front runner to go first overall in the 2029 NHL Entry Draft, but Max Melicherik from the Tappara Under 18 Team is the front runner to go first overall in the 2029 NHL Entry Draft after posting 29 goals, 26 assists, and 55 points in 43 games with the Tappara Under 18 Team with Madden Daneault as the front runner to go right behind him at second overall. I feel like Daneault may good enough to jump Max Melicherik to be the top prospect in the 2029 NHL Entry Draft.
   
   
   
2. Wenatchee Wild: Parker McMillan, RW, (2029) A+ Grade
   
   
   The 6-3 192 lb Parker McMillan had 26 goals, 30 assists, and 56 points in 35 games with the Yale Hockey Academy Under 15 Prep Team in the CSSHL in 2024-2025. Parker McMillan had 1 goal, 2 assists, and 3 points in 4 games in the 2025 CSSHL Playoffs. Parker McMillan had 41 goals, 50 assists, and 91 points in 25 games with the Yale Hockey Academy Under 15 Prep Team in the CSSHL in 2025-2026. Parker McMillan had 3 goals, 7 assists, and 10 points in 3 games with the Yale Hockey Academy Under 15 Prep Team in the 2026 CSSHL Playoffs.
   
   
   
   Parker McMillan has the speed, explosion, burst, agility, skating, foot speed, playmaking, passing, sniping, wrist shot power, wrist shot accuracy, slap shot power, slap shot accuracy, vision, offensive awareness, defensive awareness, and hockey IQ to succeed in the WHL. Parker McMillan is probably in the conversation with Max Melicherik and Madden Dagenault to be a top 3 pick in the 2029 NHL Entry Draft.
   
   
   
   
   
3. Regina Pats: Maddox Schultz, RW, (2028) A+ Grade
   
   
   The Regina Pats won the 2025 WHL Draft Lottery. They pick first overall for the first time in the WHL Bantam Draft since drafting Connor Bedard first overall.
   
   
   
   The 5-10 165 lb Maddox Schultz had 23 goals, 40 assists, 63 points, and 30 penalty minutes in 28 games with the Regina Pat Blues Under 15 AA Team in 2022-2023. Maddox Schultz had 63 goals, 71 assists, 134 points, and 32 penalty minutes 27 games with the Regina Pat Blues in 2023-2024. Maddox Schultz ha 43 goals, 50 assists, 93 points, and 30 penalty minutes in 44 gmes with the Regina Pat Canadians Under 18 AAA Team in the SMAAAHL.
   
   
   
   Maddox Schultz has the speed, explosion, burst, agility, skating, foot speed, playmaking, passing, sniping, wrist shot power, wrist shot accuracy, slap shot power, slap shot accuracy, vision, offensive awareness, defensive awareness, and hockey IQ to succeed in the WHL. Maddox Schultz is a special player and I've already seen his interview after the 2025 WHL Lottery. Maddox Schultz is the favorite to go first overall in the 2028 NHL Entry Draft.
   
   
   
   The Regina Pats GM called Maddox Schultz a special player before the 2025 WHL Bantam Draft. Regina's assistant GM called him a great player and great person on the 2025 WHL Draft.
   
   
   
4. Edmonton Oil Kings: Holden Woulters, D, (2029) A+ Grade
   
   
   The 6-2 180 lb Holden Woulters is only 14. He was born in December of 2010, with September 15, 2010 being the cut off date for the 2028 NHL Entry Draft, there's a chance Holden Woulers ends up going first overall in the 2029 NHL Entry Draft. It does feel way too freaking early to have that conversation though.
   
   
   
   Holden Woulters has the speed, explosion, burst, agility, skating, foot speed, playmaking, passing, sniping, wrist shot power, wrist shot accuracy, slap shot power, slap shot accuracy, vision, offensive awareness, defensive awareness, and hockey IQ to succeed in the WHL. Holden Woulters is already dominant on the power play and penalty kill for a player his age and is considered a younger version of Landon DuPont by some scouts in WHL circles.
   
   
   
   
   
5. Regina Pats: Liam Pue, C, (2028) A+ Grade
   
   
   The 6-1 154 lb Liam Pue was the top center in the 2024 WHL Draft. Liam Pue had 30 goals, 20 assists, and 50 poitns with the Langley Hockey Academy in the JPHL Under 18 Team in 29 games. Regina gave up two first round picks to get this playmaker center that will compliment Maddox Schultz. It is possible both of these guys go top 3 in 2028 like Nate MacKinnon and Jonathan Drouin, Connor McDavid and Dylan Strome, or Nail Yakupov and Alex Galchenyuk if both players live up to their potential in the WHL.
   
   
   
   Liam Pue has the speed, explosion, burst, agility, skating, foot speed, playmaking, passing, sniping, wrist shot power, wrist shot accuracy, slap shot power, slap shot accuracy, vision, offensive awareness, defensive awareness, and hockey IQ to succeed in the WHL. Liam Pue does need to cut back on penalty minutes after having 85 in 29 games. The penalty minutes and two first round picks that Regina gave up are why you can argue against this being an A+ grade.
   
   
   
6. `Penticon Vees: Thor Liffiton, D, (2029) A+ Grade
   
   
   The 6-1 161 lb Thor Liffiton is going to challenge Holden Woulters for the right to be the first pick in the 2029 NHL Entry Draft. He also gets to be the face of the Penticon Vees expansion team in the WHL after Penicon dominated the WHL for years.
   
   
   
   Thor Liffiton was born in Cleveland Ohio, and now he will be the face of the new expansion team in the WHL. Thor Liffiton has the speed, explosion, burst, agility, skating, foot speed, playmaking, passing, sniping, wrist shot power, wrist shot accuracy, slap shot power, slap shot accuracy, vision, offensive awareness, defensive awareness, and hockey IQ to succeed in the WHL. Thor Liffiton is already dominant on the power play and penalty kill for a player his age.
   
   
   
   
   
7. Everett Silvertips: Reid Nicol, C, (2028) A+ Grade
   
   
   The 6-2 183 lbs Reid Nicol is currently projected as the third best player in the 2028 NHL Entry Draft on HF Boards behind Maddox Schultz and Liam Pue. Reid Nicol had 36 goals, 44 assists, and 80 poitns with the Brandon Wheat Kings Under 18 Team in 2023-2024. He also had 11 goals, 13 assists, and 24 points in 11 games during the 2024 Playoffs. Reid Nicol had 35 goals, 23 assists, and 58 points on the Brandon Wheat Kings Under 18 AAA Team in 2024-2025. Reid Nicol had 8 goals, 6 assists, and 14 points in 9 playoff games in the 2025 MU18HL Playoffs.
   
   
   
   Reid Nicol has the speed, explosion, burst, agility, skating, foot speed, playmaking, passing, sniping, wrist shot power, wrist shot accuracy, slap shot power, slap shot accuracy, vision, offensive awareness, defensive awareness, and hockey IQ to succeed in the WHL. Reid Nicol is considered a top 3 player in the 2028 NHL Entry Draft. His younger brother Kale Nichol was born in 2012 and will either be WHL draft eligible in 2027 as well as NHL draft eligible in 2030, stay tuned for an update on Kale two years from now when Reid Nicol approaches his NHL draft year.
   
   
   
8. Red Deer Rebels: Nolan Wolitski, D, (2028) A+ Grade
   
   
   The 6-3 181 lb Nolan Wolitiski is the top defenseman in the 2028 NHL Draft from this years 2025 WHL Draft. Nolan Wolitiski had 8 goals, 45 assists, and 53 points in 25 games witht he Northern Alberta Xtreme Under 15 Varsity Team in 2023-2024. Nolan Wolitiski had goal, 40 assists, and 48 points in 29 games with the Northern Alberta Xtreme U15 Prep Team in the CSSHL in 2024-2025.
   
   
   
   Nolan Wolitiski has the speed, explosion, burst, agility, skating, foot speed, playmaking, passing, sniping, wrist shot power, wrist shot accuracy, slap shot power, slap shot accuracy, vision, offensive awareness, defensive awareness, and hockey IQ to succeed in the WHL. Nolan Wolitiski was the top player eligible for the 2028 NHL Entry Draft in the 2025 WHL Draft.
   
   
   
9. Edmonton Oil Kings: Christopher Kokkoris, D, (2028) A+ Grade
   
   
   The 6-6 165 lb Christopher Kokkoris had 4 goals, 33 assists, and 37 points in 34 games with the Yale Hockey Academy Under 15 Prep Team in the CSSHL in 2024-2025. Christopher Kokkoris isn't just tall, he's also a workaholic which is another reason I love this pick.
   
   
   
   Christopher Kokkoris has the speed, explosion, burst, agility, skating, foot speed, playmaking, passing, sniping, wrist shot power, wrist shot accuracy, slap shot power, slap shot accuracy, vision, offensive awareness, defensive awareness, and hockey IQ to succeed in the WHL. I'm curious to see how the defensive tandem of Holden Woulters and Christopher Kokkoris does.
   
   
   
   
   
10. Tri-City Americans: Ben Oliviero, C, (2028) A+ Grade
    
    
    The 5-9 165 lb Ben Oliviero had 37 goals, 40 assists, and 77 points with the Calgary Northstars Under 15 AAA Team in the AEHL Under 15 League in 2024-2025. The Tri-City Americans grab a playmaker center to groom for the future as Ben Oliviero was the team captain of the Calgary Northstars too.
    
    
    
    Ben Oliviero has the speed, explosion, burst, agility, skating, foot speed, playmaking, passing, sniping, wrist shot power, wrist shot accuracy, slap shot power, slap shot accuracy, vision, offensive awareness, defensive awareness, and hockey IQ to succeed in the WHL. Ben Oliviero is a playmaker that could end up becoming a big-time talent in the WHL down he road.
    
    
    
11. Wenatchee Wild: Kalen Miles, C, (2028) A Grade
    
    
    The 6-2 181 lb Kalen Miles had 28 goals, 29 assists, and 57 points in 36 games. He's averaging over a point per game, but under 1 goal and 1 assist per game. I still believe this is an A pick in terms of value, but not an A+ value.
    
    
    
    
    
12. Kamloops Blazers: Mateo Ferreira, D, (2029) A+ Grade
    
    
    The 5-5 143 lb Mateo Ferreira had 10 goals, 30 assists, and 40 points in 31 games with the Winnipeg Bruins Under 15 AAA Team in 2023-2024. Mateo Ferreria had 21 goals, 49 assists, and 70 points in 32 games with the Winnipeg Bruins Under 15 Team in 2024-2025.
    
    
    
    Mateo Ferreira has the speed, explosion, burst, agility, skating, foot speed, playmaking, passing, sniping, wrist shot power, wrist shot accuracy, slap shot power, slap shot accuracy, vision, offensive awareness, defensive awareness, and hockey IQ to succeed in the WHL. Mateo Ferreira could be a big time offensive defensemnan the WHL down the road.
    
    
    
13. Brandon Wheat Kings: Cruz Jim, D, (2028) A- Grade
    
    
    The 5-8 150 lb Cruz Jim had 13 goals, 53 assists, 66 points with the Northern Alberta Xtreme Under 15 Prep Team in the CSSHL in 2024-2025. Cruz Jim also took 42 penalty minutes in 35 games which is the only reason I gave this an A- grade. I love what Cruz Jim has done as a defender and a playmaker. The rest of his offensive game will need to develop in the WHL.
    
    
    
    
    
14. Vancouver Giants: Crosby Mateychuk, D, (2028) A+ Grade
    
    
    The 6-0 185 lb Crosby Mateychuk is the younger brother of Denton Mateychuk, the Columbus Blue Jackets 2022 first round pick. Crosby Mateychuk had 32 goals, 39 assists, 71 points, and 26 penalty minutes in 31 games with the Eastman Selects Under 15 AAA Team in the WAAA Under 15 League in 2024-2025. Vancouver got a defenseman who checks off every box as a two-way defender here.
    
    
    
    Crosby Mateychuk has the speed, explosion, burst, agility, skating, foot speed, playmaking, passing, sniping, wrist shot power, wrist shot accuracy, slap shot power, slap shot accuracy, vision, offensive awareness, defensive awareness, and hockey IQ to succeed in the WHL. Crosby Mateychuk is going to be a two-way defenseman that should have an big impact in the Western Hockey League.
    
    
    
15. Kamloops Blazers: Teagan Bouchard, C, (2028) A+ Grade
    
    
    The 5-7 150 lb Teagan Bouchard has the versatility to play left winger, center, and right winger. Teagan Bouchard had 21 goals, 40 assists, and 61 points in 30 games with the Northern Alberta Xtreme Under 15 Prep Team in the CSSHL in 2024-2025.
    
    
    
    Teagan Bouchard has the speed, explosion, burst, agility, skating, foot speed, versatiity, playmaking, passing, sniping, wrist shot power, wrist shot accuracy, slap shot power, slap shot accuracy, vision, offensive awareness, defensive awareness, and hockey IQ to succeed in the WHL. Teagan Bouchard's plug-in-play abiity at forward makes him a very intriguing player.
    
    
    
    
    
16. Saskatoon Blades: Kain Martinuik, C, (2028) A+ Grade
    
    
    The 5-11 157 lb Kain Martinuik had 44 goals, 36 assists, and 80 points with the Shattuck St. Mary's Under 14 AAA Team in 2024-2025. Kain Martinuik has a unique skill set.
    
    
    
    Kain Martinuik has the speed, explosion, burst, agility, skating, foot speed, playmaking, passing, sniping, wrist shot power, wrist shot accuracy, slap shot power, slap shot accuracy, vision, offensive awareness, defensive awareness, and hockey IQ to succeed in the WHL. Kain Martinuik may end up becoming the best sniper in the 2025 WHL Draft if he continues to score at his current pace in the WHL.
    
    
    
17. Prince Albert Raiders: Athens Shingoose, C, (2028) A+ Grade
    
    
    The 5-6 128 lb Athens Shingoose was the catalyst of the Rink Hockey Academy Winnipeg Under 15 Prep Team with 31 goals, 29 assists, and 60 points in 32 games in the CSSHL Under 15 League in 2024-2025. Athens Shingoose gives the Prince Albert Raiders a center that could be a playmaker and sniper down the road.
    
    
    
    Athens Shingoose has the speed, explosion, burst, agility, skating, foot speed, playmaking, passing, sniping, wrist shot power, wrist shot accuracy, slap shot power, slap shot accuracy, vision, offensive awareness, defensive awareness, and hockey IQ to succeed in the WHL. Athens Shingoose does need to get bigger and stronger. He plays with grit and a lot of heart on the ice which is why I gave Prince Albert an A+ grade here.
    
    
    
    
    
18. Prince George Cougars: Cohen Baker, C, (2028) A- Grade
    
    
    The 5-7 134 lb Cohen Baker had 34 goals, 30 assists, 64 points, and 80 penalty minutes in 33 game with Burnaby Winter Prep Cub Under 15 AAA Team in the CSSHL Under 15 Team league in 2024-2025. Cohen Baker wasn't projected to be a first round pick in a WHL Mock Draft I saw, butI trust the Prince George Cougars scouting department when it comes to drafting this center who had over a goal per game.
    
    
    
    Cohen Baker has the speed, explosion, burst, agility, skating, foot speed, playmaking, passing, sniping, wrist shot power, wrist shot accuracy, slap shot power, slap shot accuracy, vision, offensive awareness, defensive awareness, and hockey IQ to succeed in the WHL. Cohen Baker skated past defenders using his speed, skating, and stride to make the opposition miss consistently when teams tried to neutralize him on defense. Cohen Baker doesn't average an assist per game despite showing great passing on tape, took too many penalty minutes despite defending at a high level, and was not a consensus top 24 player in the 2025 WHL Mock Draft that Hidden Hockey posted on their Youtube channel. This is not an A+ grade, but you can argue it is an A, A-, or B+ for the reasons I mentioned depending on how objective or subjective you are about Baker's three areas of improvement. I think I will give Prince George an A- here.
    
    
    
    
    
19. Victoria Royals: Roan Greshuk, D, (2028) A+ Grade
    
    
    The 5-10 150 lb Roan Greshuk had 14 goals, 32 assists, 46 points, and 60 penalty minutes in 31 games with the St. Albert Sabres Under 15 AAA Team in the AEHL Under 15 League in 2024-2025.
    
    
    
    Roan Greshuk has the speed, explosion, burst, agility, skating, foot speed, playmaking, passing, sniping, wrist shot power, wrist shot accuracy, slap shot power, slap shot accuracy, vision, offensive awareness, defensive awareness, and hockey IQ to succeed in the WHL. Roan Greshuk defends the rush very well. He excels on special teams as both a quarterback on the power play and a penalty killer when his team is down a man. His stick is his biggest weapon as he is an excellent shot blocker too. Also uses his stick to generate hits.
    
    
    
20. Kelowna Rockets: Will Kelts, D, (2028) B Grade
    
    
    The 6-2 192 lb Will Kelts had 13 goals, 26 assists, and 39 points in 35 games with the Northern Alberta Xtreme Under 15 Prep Team in the CSSHL Under 15 League in 2024-2025. He did well defensively, but his puck patience and consistency are areas of improvement. He's got the size to be an NHL defender despite not being a consensus first round prospect in the 2025 WHL Bantam Draft. We had 19 picks that were A+, A, or A- grades, but this will be the first B grade in the first round at pick 20.
    
    
    
    
    
21. Seattle Thunderbirds: Brook Haile, D, (2028) A+ Grade
    
    
    The 5-11 155 lb Brook Haile is a true 200-foot defenseman bringing dynamic offensive traits and shutdown ability defensively. Brook Haile had 7 goals, 34 assists, 41 points, and 20 penalty minutes in 33 games with the Calgary Northstars Under 15 AAA Team as an alternate captain to team captain Ben Oliviero.
    
    
    
    Brook Haile has the speed, explosion, burst, agility, skating, foot speed, playmaking, passing, sniping, wrist shot power, wrist shot accuracy, slap shot power, slap shot accuracy, vision, offensive awareness, defensive awareness, and hockey IQ to succeed in the WHL. Brook Haile goes into a situation where he will be mentored by Radim Mtrka who looks like he will be a first round pick in the 2025 NHL Entry Draft.
    
    
    
22. Swift Current Broncos: Cohenn Rotar, C, (2028) A+ Grade
    
    
    The 5-5 122 lb Cohenn Rotar had 34 goals, 33 assists, and 67 points with the Grande Pearce Storm Under 15 AAA Team in the AEHL Under 15 League in 2024-2025.
    
    
    
    Cohenn Rotar has the speed, explosion, burst, agility, skating, foot speed, playmaking, passing, sniping, wrist shot power, wrist shot accuracy, slap shot power, slap shot accuracy, vision, offensive awareness, defensive awareness, and hockey IQ to succeed in the WHL. Cohenn Rotar is one of the best danglers in terms of puck handling with Rotar being deadly on the power play.
    
    
    
    
    
23. Regina Pats: Logan Henry, LW, (2028) A+ Grade
    
    
    The 5-10 172 lb Logan Henry had 32 goals, 19 assists, and 51 points in 31 games with teh Burnaby Winter Club Under 15 Prep Team in the CSSHL Under 15 League in 2024-2025. The Regina Pats will have a trio of deadly forwards eligible for the 2028 NHL Entry Draft.
    
    
    
    Logan Henry has the speed, explosion, burst, agility, skating, foot speed, playmaking, passing, sniping, wrist shot power, wrist shot accuracy, slap shot power, slap shot accuracy, vision, offensive awareness, defensive awareness, and hockey IQ to succeed in the WHL. The Regina Pats will eventually have Logan Henry the first left winger drafted in the 2025 WHL Bantam Draft as a first line left winger, Liam Pue the first center drafted in the 2025 WHL Bantam Draft as a first line center, and Maddox Schultz the first right winger drafted in the 2025 WHL Bantam Draft as a first line right winger. Watching the trio of Logan Henry, Liam Pue, and Maddox Schultz grow over the next three years will be a lot of fun for Regina Pats fans.