2. Tynan Lawrence (Boston University, NCAA)
For a good portion of this past year, Boston University center Tynan Lawrence was viewed as the top-rated prospect at the position in the 2026 draft class.
The transition and the jump from junior hockey to college hockey can be a difficult one. Lawrence made the transition from junior hockey to Boston University this past year. He registered seven points in 18 games played. But in the postseason, Lawrence registered over a point-per-game pace this spring for the Terriers.
At the center position, Lawrence can be special on both sides of the ice in the NHL. He can threaten opponents at 5-on-5 at even strength as well as contribute on special teams on the power play and on the penalty kill unit.
Lawrence may have the highest floor among centers in this draft class. His combination of size, skating ability, vision, and two-way reliability makes him one of the most complete prospects available this year.
1. Caleb Malhotra (Brantford, OHL)
A special season in the OHL in Brantford for center Caleb Malhotra saw him register over 80 points in just 67 games played this past campaign. Malhotra didn't always score from polarizing plays and SC Top 10-style goals. He made his production happen in a variety of ways offensively, which is a bigger impact of how Malhotra plays his game on both sides of the ice.
Malhotra not only puts up great production on the stat sheet offensively, but he also shows great effort and a high motor in all three zones of the ice. He's got good speed, excellent vision, and hockey IQ, and shows great effort in winning those difficult puck battles around the boards and the neutral zone.
There is some debate as to whether Lawrence or Malhotra should be viewed as the top center prospect in this draft class. But the fast rise of Malhotra on draft boards over this past few months has established him as a legit threat to be a top-five pick in the 2026 draft lottery later this month.
Malhotra combines high-end production, strong two-way play, physicality, and NHL-ready size. When evaluating the complete package, he enters the 2026 NHL Draft as the top center prospect in this class.
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