NHL Central Scouting 2026 Preliminary Watch List Highlights Underrated Prospects

Every NHL Draft season begins with anticipation and intrigue as scouts and analysts attempt to identify the next wave of elite talent set to make their mark at hockey’s highest level. The release of NHL Central Scouting’s preliminary watch list for the 2026 Draft on October 20 provided the first official glimpse into this upcoming class, headlined by consensus top prospect Gavin McKenna. While the Penn State freshman rightfully garners most of the attention alongside other A-rated prospects, the real value in these early evaluations often lies in discovering the hidden gems—players who possess the tools to climb rankings throughout the season but currently fly under the radar.

The preliminary watch list assigns letter grades to prospects based on their projected draft position, ranging from A ratings (first-round caliber) down through B, C, and W grades. However, these early assessments represent snapshots in time, not definitive judgments. Players develop at different rates, adjust to new leagues, and showcase previously unrecognized aspects of their game. History has shown that some of the best value selections come from identifying underrated prospects on the NHL Central Scouting 2026 preliminary watch list before they ascend the rankings. These are the players whose current grades may not reflect their true potential or the trajectory they’re on as the season unfolds.

Goaltenders flying under the radar on the 2026 watch list

Gavin Betts could be more than a late-round option

Kingston Frontenacs netminder Gavin Betts received only a W rating on the preliminary list, suggesting a sixth-to-seventh round projection. This grade seems surprisingly conservative for a goaltender who has proven himself on international stages and demonstrated exceptional technical fundamentals. Betts earned a gold medal with Team Canada at the 2024 Under-17 Hockey Challenge and followed that with a bronze medal performance at the 2025 Hlinka Gretzky Cup, showcasing his ability to perform when the stakes are highest.

After spending most of his 16-year-old season in the Ontario Junior Hockey League, Betts has stepped into a primary role with Kingston this season following the departure of the team’s veteran goaltending trio. Through the early part of the 2025-26 campaign, he’s posted a 4-3-1 record with a 2.73 goals-against average and .908 save percentage—respectable numbers for a young goaltender handling a significant workload on a rebuilding team.

What makes Betts particularly intriguing is his technical soundness. He’s not flashy or acrobatic, but his positioning and fundamentals are already ahead of many goaltenders his age. In an era where NHL teams increasingly value size and technical proficiency in netminders, Betts checks important boxes. His international success demonstrates composure under pressure and the ability to elevate his game in crucial moments.

The W rating likely reflects his limited OHL experience rather than his actual ceiling. With a full season as Kingston’s starter and continued strong play, Betts has the potential to work his way into mid-round consideration. Teams looking for goaltending depth in rounds three through five could find excellent value if his development continues on its current trajectory.

Swedish sensation deserves first-round consideration among underrated prospects on the NHL Central Scouting 2026 preliminary watch list

Viggo Björck’s production speaks volumes

Djurgårdens IF center Viggo Björck earned a B rating from Central Scouting, placing him in the second-to-third round range. However, his accomplishments at the junior level suggest he belongs in a much higher tier. Björck didn’t just succeed in Sweden’s U20 Nationell league—he obliterated records, posting 74 points in 42 games last season. Before that, as a 16-year-old playing against 20-year-olds, he set an under-18 record with 67 points in 38 games.

Those aren’t just good numbers; they’re historically significant production levels that typically translate to first-round selections. The fact that he dominated junior hockey to such a degree while being younger than his competition speaks to exceptional hockey sense, skill level, and competitive drive. Now playing his first season at the professional level in the Swedish Hockey League, Björck has already recorded four points in 11 games while making the significant jump to men’s hockey.

Scouts who have watched him this season note improvements in his skating, suggesting he dedicated his offseason to addressing potential weaknesses. His awareness—both with and without the puck—ranks among his greatest assets, making him dangerous at all times. When he controls the puck, his deceptive handling keeps defenders constantly adjusting, while his willingness to engage physically despite weighing only 172 pounds demonstrates the compete level NHL teams covet.

According to reports on Central Scouting’s preliminary rankings, Björck’s skating, awareness, and deceptiveness with the puck make him a constant threat on the ice. Playing alongside 2025 first-round picks Anton Frondell and Viktor Eklund provides him with high-level linemates and competition that should only accelerate his development. His primary knock appears to be his size, but his production and skill set suggest that concern may be overblown. If Björck continues progressing in the SHL, don’t be surprised to see him climb into legitimate first-round conversations by midseason.

NCAA freshmen making immediate impacts

Ilia Morozov thriving against older competition

Miami (Ohio) center Ilia Morozov also received a B rating despite possessing clear first-round potential. As the youngest player in all of college hockey this season, Morozov faces the most significant age disadvantage in one of the sport’s most competitive developmental leagues. Yet he’s not just surviving—he’s thriving, posting seven points in his first seven NCAA games for a point-per-game pace against competition that’s often four or five years older.

Morozov’s playmaking ability stands out as his signature skill. He possesses the high-end hockey IQ necessary to process the game quickly and make plays under pressure. His versatility allows Miami’s coaching staff to deploy him in various situations, and he consistently stays engaged throughout his shifts. The pace of NCAA hockey demands constant awareness and quick decision-making, qualities Morozov has demonstrated from his first game.

The jump from junior hockey to the NCAA typically requires a significant adjustment period, especially for players as young as Morozov. The fact that he’s producing immediately while playing against fully developed men suggests his skills translate effectively to higher levels of competition. As he gains experience and comfort in the college game, and as Miami provides him with increased opportunities as the season progresses, his production should continue rising.

Teams looking for centers with elite playmaking ability and the maturity to handle pressure situations will find much to like in Morozov’s profile. His B rating may reflect scouts wanting to see more of a sample size, but the early returns strongly suggest he belongs in the first-round conversation.

Adam Valentini’s decision paying dividends

Another NCAA freshman drawing attention is Michigan center Adam Valentini, who received a W rating despite creating waves when he opted to play collegiately rather than with the Kitchener Rangers of the OHL. The decision raised eyebrows, but Valentini has validated his choice with six points in six games for the Wolverines, demonstrating he can compete at this level right away.

The primary concern with Valentini centers on his size and strength at 5-foot-11 and 185 pounds. However, he compensates for any physical limitations with exceptional hockey sense and constant movement. He never stops working, always looking for ways to support teammates on both ends of the ice. His maturity level appears advanced for his age, allowing him to make smart decisions even in the chaotic pace of NCAA hockey.

Playing for a program like Michigan provides Valentini with high-level coaching, elite facilities, and exposure to top competition throughout the season. If he continues producing and adds strength to his frame through Michigan’s development program, he could quickly climb the rankings. The W rating likely reflects scouts wanting to see him prove he can handle bigger, more physical competition before committing to a higher grade, but his early success suggests that proof may be coming soon.

OHL prospects positioned for breakout campaigns

Jean Christoph-Lemieux ready to explode

Windsor Spitfires winger Jean Christoph-Lemieux earned a C rating (fourth-to-fifth round projection) despite showing flashes of high-end potential during his rookie OHL season. After Windsor selected him in the second round of the 2024 OHL Priority Selection Draft, expectations were high that he could form a dynamic duo with fellow 2026 prospect Ethan Belchetz. While Lemieux posted 19 points in his first season, he didn’t quite meet those lofty expectations, and a quiet performance at the 2025 Hlinka Gretzky Cup (one point in four games) likely contributed to his lower preliminary grade.

However, dismissing Lemieux based on his rookie numbers would be a mistake. His effectiveness and efficiency on the ice separate him from typical late-round prospects. He maximizes every opportunity, whether defending or creating offense. His motor never stops running, and he plays a physically engaged, pest-style game that forecheckers love. On the offensive side, his hockey IQ and versatility make him a legitimate weapon.

The departure of Liam Greentree (2024 Los Angeles Kings first-rounder) and Ilya Protas (2024 Washington Capitals third-rounder) to professional hockey opens significant opportunities for Lemieux in his second OHL season. Through eight games, he’s already posted seven points, approaching half of his entire rookie season total. With increased ice time and responsibility, Lemieux has the platform to showcase the complete game that made Windsor draft him highly.

If he maintains his current production trajectory and continues demonstrating his two-way effectiveness, Lemieux could easily climb into second-round consideration by the end of the season. Teams that value compete level, physicality, and versatility in their forward group will find his profile increasingly attractive as the season progresses.

Understanding the path to first-round status

The underrated prospects on the NHL Central Scouting 2026 preliminary watch list share common characteristics that suggest their grades may not reflect their ultimate draft positions. They’re performing well in challenging situations—whether that’s making the jump to men’s leagues in Europe, competing as the youngest players in NCAA hockey, or taking on expanded roles in major junior hockey. They possess identifiable NHL-caliber skills, whether that’s Björck’s awareness and playmaking, Morozov’s elite hockey IQ, or Lemieux’s two-way effectiveness.

History demonstrates that preliminary watch list grades are starting points, not conclusions. Players who use these assessments as motivation often outperform their initial projections. Scouts will continue evaluating these prospects throughout the season, and strong performance combined with development in key areas can rapidly change draft stock. Teams with strong scouting departments that identify these players early and track their progress throughout the season often find exceptional value on draft day.

The 2025-26 season provides these prospects with opportunities to prove themselves on various stages. International tournaments, playoff performances, and head-to-head matchups against other top prospects will all factor into how scouts reassess their rankings. For players like Björck and Morozov who already possess strong statistical cases, continued production combined with development in specific areas could push them into consensus first-round territory. For players like Betts, Valentini, and Lemieux graded lower on the preliminary list, strong seasons could mean climbing from late-round projections to mid-round selections or higher.

The season ahead for these rising prospects

As the 2025-26 season progresses, following these underrated prospects on the NHL Central Scouting 2026 preliminary watch list promises to be fascinating. Will Björck’s professional success in the SHL force scouts to reconsider his first-round credentials? Can Morozov maintain his production against NCAA competition throughout a full season? Will Betts seize his opportunity as Kingston’s number-one goaltender and validate his international success? These questions will be answered over the coming months as prospects face increasingly difficult competition and challenging situations.

The preliminary watch list represents just the first step in a long evaluation process that will include multiple updates from Central Scouting, independent scouting reports, combine testing, and interviews. Players who performed well enough to make the preliminary list have already accomplished something significant, but the work is far from complete. Development isn’t linear, and prospects who look like certain first-rounders in October can fade by June, just as players barely on the radar in fall can explode into prominence by spring. That volatility makes following draft-eligible prospects throughout the season so compelling for hockey fans and so crucial for NHL organizations trying to identify future stars before their competitors do.