5. Wyatt Cullen (USA U-18)
Among the hotter names moving up draft boards right now in the 2026 draft class early this summer is American winger Wyatt Cullen. The son of longtime NHL forward Matt Cullen, Wyatt is known for his motor, non-stop effort on both sides of the ice, and a quickness and versatility that is hard to find at the position in this draft class at winger.
Cullen's recent physical development has helped to boost his draft stock and alleviate concerns about his size, ultimately strengthening his case as a potential first-round pick in the 2026 draft. If the right team finds a good situation for him to develop and put his skills on display offensively, I could see Cullen going late in the lottery in the 2026 class.
4. Nikita Klepov (Saginaw, OHL)
Another prospect who surfaced on many draft boards for the 2026 class after a strong showing at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup this past year is Saginaw Spirit winger Nikita Klepov. The American scoring winger impressed at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup and was a first-round pick for Saginaw in the CHL Import Draft this past year.
At 6-foot and 180-pounds, size isn't the biggest asset for Klepov. But he is a consistent offensive producer with potent upside on that side of the ice, great playmaking and creativity in the zone, and vision that sets him apart as a dynamic facilitator.
3. Ethan Belchetz (Windsor, OHL)
Depth at the winger position has many this group really special in the 2026 draft class. The fact that a prospect of the caliber of Ethan Belchetz could still be potentially available outside of the top 10 in the 2026 draft lottery in the first round just goes to show how many talented wingers are available in this draft class.
Belchetz is a big and physical 6-foot-5 power forward who can score at a high level and make defenders look stupid with silky hands and smooth stickhandling with the puck. The type of size and upside that Belchetz brings on both sides of the ice could limit how far he falls in this draft, given that this position group is loaded in this class and he didn't have the best showing in recent games this spring.
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