Forward James Hagens, Boston (7th overall in 2025) – Hagens has demonstated enhanced size and strength, and the development of a well-rounded two-way game, to complement his overwhelming quickness and creativity. This was best demonstrated in a five-hole, game-winning shootout snipe against elite goaltender Logan Thompson in a 3-2 Boston victory on Sunday. With Head Coach Marco Sturm very impressed with Hagens’ confidence and overall development, there has been much speculation in Beantown that Hagens will begin the season with the big club as part of “The Kid Line” – consisting of Hagens, Fraser Minten, and Marat Khusnutdinov.
Forward Alexander Zharovsky, Montreal (34th overall in 2026) – With Zharovsky regarded as both a top-5 prospect in the Canadiens’ system and throughout the NHL, much excitement surrounds his highly-anticipated arrival in North America next season (Zharovsky has one year remaining on his KHL contract, and therefore will compete in Russia this season). Zharovsky was named the KHL’s rookie of the year upon posting 42 points (16G 26A) for the KHL’s Salavat Yulaev Ufa, and has started strong in his sophomore campaign with 5 points (1G 4A) in 8 games. He is projected to land a roster spot on the Canadiens in 2027-28, presumably along with University of Michigan pivot Michael Hage, adding to an already extremely deep young core for the Habs.
Forward Roman Kantserov, Chicago (44th overall in 2023) – After a point-per-game effort in the KHL a season ago, Kantserov is projected to step into a top-six role in Chicago out of camp, although the line combinations are in a bit of flux with top pivot Connor Bedard presumably out until November. In the pre-season, Kantserov has skated consistently with Patrick Kane and Frank Nazar, garnering much coaching staff praise for the chemistry he has built with those players. His growth as both a player and a leader was evidenced in 2025-26, as he wore an “A” on his sweater while nearly doubling his offensive output from the prior season. Look for him to be a key cog in the Hawks’ continued effort to be playoff contenders.
D-man Juho Piiparinen, Vegas (29th overall in 2026) – Right-shot d-man Piiparinen recently relocated to North America, and signed his OHL Standard Player Agreement with the London Knights. Originally slated to spend another season with his Finnish professional club Tappara in Liiga (Finland’s highest pro league), Vegas hastily recalled Piiparinen to its main camp after a brief stint in Europe. It now is clear that he is staying on this side of the pond after signing on with London, which paves the way for a quick call-up to the big club at some point this season. Although not projected to make his NHL arrival until the 2028-29 season, he is under contract with the Golden Knights, and his progression to this point has been anything but methodical.
Forward Luca Santala, 2027 Draft-Eligible – Projected first-round pick Santala will compete this season for Kitchener in the OHL, after being traded to the Rangers by the London Knights. London made this trade the same day it signed d-man Juho Piiparinen, Santala’s countryman, for the 2026-27 season. With this trade, Santala moves from an organization known for producing high-end NHL talent to the defending OHL & Memorial Cup champions, not a bad change of scenery for the young man. With the OHL Rangers’ standout forward Sam O’Reilly (TBL) departing for the professional ranks, Santala has the opportunity to be a key contributor to the defense of Kitchener’s titles.
