D-man Anton Johansson, Detroit (105th overall in 2022) – Johansson had four assists in Tuesday night’s 7-4 pre-season victory over Pittsburgh, giving him five points (all assists) through three pre-season games thus far. This follows up a very productive season-ending performance in AHL Grand Rapids, where he tallied six points (2G 4A) in eight regular-season games for the Griffins in 2025-26. His point production highlights his efforts at camp in exhibiting very strong two-way play, and has resulted in his receipt of numerous power-play opportunities. Although projected to spend the season in Grand Rapids to become more acclimated to the North American game, his exceptional camp calls that into question.
Forward Gavin McKenna, Toronto (1st overall in 2026) – It appears as though McKenna already has locked up a top-six role with the Leafs, skating alongside William Nylander and John Tavares on the second line for the entire pre-season. This resulted in McKenna registering his first pre-season point (assisting on a Tavares goal) in a 6-1 Leafs’ victory over Ottawa, in which he was hands-down the night’s best player. Scouts and coaches alike marvel at the comfort level he has exhibited in the bright lights of a hockey-obsessed town, and how skating with other elite NHL talent has allowed him to display his full skillset.
Forward Ivar Stenberg, San Jose (2nd overall in 2026) – Another player slotted into the top-six forward grouping, Stenberg recorded four points (3G 1A) in his second pre-season contest, a 10-0 victory over Anaheim, and hasn’t looked back from there. He also registered an assist on San Jose’s lone goal in a 2-1 loss to Vegas to open camp. The point-producing machine, considered this year’s most NHL-ready player after torching competition at the SHL, World Junior Championship & World Championship levels, is a legitimate threat to take home the Calder Trophy this season.
Forward Adam Novotny, Vancouver (24th overall in 2026) – Novotny enjoyed a huge four-point performance (2G 2A) upon his return from Vancouver’s camp to OHL Petersborough, resulting in a 7-4 victory over Sarnia on Thursday. This follows up his sparkling 2-game, 5-point performance in Vancouver’s Prospect Showcase series versus Seattle, leading to an invite to the Canucks’ main camp. The left-shot winger is the only first-round NHL pick this season in the OHL’s Eastern Conference, and looks to be a dominant force for Czechia at the 2027 World Junior Championship.
