🏒 2025 Hlinka-Gretzky Cup: Early Impressions for the 2026 NHL Draft Class
Every August, the Hlinka-Gretzky Cup offers one of the first real chances to evaluate the next wave of NHL-draft-eligible talent on the international stage.
For me, this year’s tournament wasn’t just great hockey — it was a key part of my early evaluation process for shaping my evolving Top-64 Rankings.
🇺🇸 United States – Depth and Dominance
The Americans’ U18 Select Team — not even their full NTDP roster — captured gold, which says everything about the depth of the U.S. prospect pool right now.
Standouts
Brady Knowling (G) — composed and clutch; a tournament-winning backbone.
Jack Hextall (F) — consistent two-way effort and smart playmaking.
Blake Zielinski (F) — explosive speed and finishing touch.
J.P. Hurlbert (F) — creative hands, offensive spark, high-end instincts.
(2027 watch-list) Levi Harper and Noah Davidson — already showing elite tools.
This U.S. squad played fast, structured, and confident hockey — proof of how deep and well-coached their development system has become.
🇫🇮 Finland – Strong Skaters, Shaky Goaltending
Finland iced a skilled, balanced roster but was let down by inconsistent goaltending. Even so, several players rose on my board:
Oscar Hemming (F) — impressive blend of size (6′4″) and offensive feel; top-six upside.
Oliver Suvanto (F) — quick hands, deceptive release, high compete level.
Samu Alalauri (D) — mobile defender with great instincts; closes gaps well and moves pucks efficiently.
Juho Piiparinen (D) — steady, smart, and poised under pressure.
Amazing output of skilled hockey players in Finland bringing the size of the country into consideration.
🇸🇪 Sweden – Skill and Structure
Sweden once again looked polished and confident.
Marcus Nordmark (F) continues his impressive progression from the U17 tournament — dynamic, puck-driving forward firmly in first-round territory.
Elton Hermansson (F) was equally strong — pace, vision, and finish.
A balanced roster that plays mature hockey. Sweden’s consistency at the U18 level remains unmatched.
🇨🇦 Canada – Talent There, Execution Not Quite
Canada earned bronze but never found its full rhythm.
Defence
Keaton Verhoeff (D) was solid but not dominant. I’ve moved him out of “potential challenger” status for the No. 1 spot held firmly by Gavin McKenna.
Ryan Lin (D) showed flashes of high-end mobility and puck sense — still a top prospect in my view. He is two inches taller than Lane Hutson. The NHL has spots available for small, skilled d-men.
Forwards
Ethan Belchetz and Mathis Preston remain high-end first-round talents.
Adam Valentini was steady and continues to project as a late first-rounder.
Tynan Lawrence didn’t have his best tournament, but his strong USHL playoff showing last spring keeps him in my top-five.
Alessandro Di Iorio, Beckham Edwards, and Carter Fitzgerald slipped after quieter showings.
Canada’s class is deep and skilled, but to keep pace with the U.S. and Sweden, they’ll need a sharper collective finish next time out.
🌍 Others to Watch
Yanis Lutz (Switzerland) — an intelligent, two-way forward who reads the game beautifully and plays with pro-level discipline. A sleeper with real upside.
📈 Takeaways
The Hlinka-Gretzky Cup once again proved why it’s a cornerstone of early draft evaluation. It reshaped several sections of my Top-64 and highlighted how deep and geographically diverse the 2026 NHL Draft class could be.
🇺🇸 USA – Loaded and disciplined
🇫🇮 Finland – Skilled and rising
🇸🇪 Sweden – Structured and efficient
🇨🇦 Canada – Talented but seeking cohesion
The 2026 Draft class already looks impressive — with emerging stars, reliable two-way players, and serious depth across all positions.