Cole Knuble (103rd overall in 2023) – The 22-year-old forward is projected to begin the 2026-27 season in Lehigh Valley of the AHL, but is turning heads early and often at the Flyers’ main camp. Most recently, in a 5-2 loss to Washington, Knuble registered a point on both Philadelphia goals (1G 1A). Although his points total decreased a season ago in his junior season for a struggling University of Notre Dame squad, he added significant muscle to bring his current weight to 195 pounds. His increased strength has been noticeable with his very physical and assertive play. Per Head Coach Rick Tocchet, Knuble has definitely “elevated his stock” during camp with his effort.
Ilya Nabokov (38th overall in 2024) – The highly-touted goaltender begins his first season in North America after registering 68 KHL wins in the past three seasons. Although projected to begin 2026-27 with the Colorado Eagles of the AHL, in his most recent outing he stopped 16 of the 17 shots he faced in a 4-1 pre-season win over Utah, and has been making a strong case for an early-season call-up thus far. In addition to Nabokov, a number of other Avs’ prospects made very positive statements in the Utah game catching the attention of Head Coach Jared Bednar, most notably forwards Gavin Brindley (for his pace of play) and TJ Hughes (for his elite vision and timing on the power play).
Albert Smits (5th overall in 2026) – The physically imposing d-man is only 18 years of age, but has been competing against men for the past two seasons, both at the club level and internationally. Almost assured to make an appearance with the Blueshirts this season, there has been much speculation of Smits making his Rangers’ debut right of camp. Early projections make him a candidate to occupy a spot on the third pairing alongside 25-year-old right-shot d-man Braden Schneider.
