The 2026 NHL Draft is shaping up to be an eventful one, especially with so much talent expected to fall into the second round. As teams prepare to capitalize on overlooked prospects, we take a look at some of the best available players who could significantly impact their new clubs. While the first round is often hyped for star power, Day 2 of the draft typically reveals hidden gems ready to prove their worth.

Xavier Villeneuve: A Small Defender with Big Potential

First on our list is Xavier Villeneuve, currently ranked 13th on the B/R Big Board. Villeneuve possesses remarkable agility and puck skills that make him one of the most intriguing defensive prospects in this draft class. His size—standing below six feet—has affected his ranking, but that shouldn't overshadow his immense upside.

Villeneuve's gameplay is characterized by his intelligence and dynamic offensive abilities. In a league where larger players often dominate, he aims to redefine the mold of a successful smaller defenseman. Notably, he possesses the unique skill of maintaining puck possession, often defending by controlling the game rather than simply trying to take the puck away from opponents.

As he heads to Boston University, where he'll face the rigors of NCAA hockey, Villeneuve will have the opportunity to develop further and refine his skills. Questions remain about his ability to physically mature and improve his playmaking capabilities, but his raw talent cannot be ignored.

Egor Shilov: The Intriguing Journey from QMJHL

Next up is Egor Shilov, ranked 24th on the B/R Big Board. The Victoriaville Tigres center is seen as a player with tremendous hockey IQ and exceptional stickwork. However, he tends to lack urgency and engagement during games, which could hinder his transition to the NHL.

Shilov's move to Boston University is an exciting opportunity for him to develop at a high level. We believe that the competitive environment of NCAA hockey will challenge him to raise his play to meet the demands of the game. His ability to create scoring opportunities and effective shutdown skills certainly give him a solid foundation, but teams hoping to draft him will need to help him hone his intensity and pace.

Nikita Shcherbakov: The Agile Two-Way Defenseman

Nikita Shcherbakov, ranked 29th by B/R, is another player worth noting. After spending time in multiple leagues, Shcherbakov's talent shines through his exceptional edgework and agility—traits that are particularly valuable in a defenseman. Despite being a 6'3'' player, he showcases remarkable mobility, making him an asset in transition.

Even though Shcherbakov might not light up the scoreboard as a flashy player, he possesses the potential to be a key contributor on a team willing to invest in his development. His decision-making needs improvement, but his raw tools suggest a promising future if he can find consistency in his gameplay.

Brooks Rogowski: The Effective Giant

At 6'7'', Brooks Rogowski stands out not just for his size, but for his effective play style. Ranked 30th, Rogowski's strength lies in his vision and intelligence on the ice. His ability to make smart decisions, coupled with a powerful frame, makes him a player who can dominate during games.

While some might label him as 'boring', his play is anything but ineffective. Rogowski’s breakout performance in the second half of the season has people taking notice, and his no-nonsense approach combined with patience makes him a prime candidate for a team looking to dominate offensively without being overly flashy.

Casey Mutryn: A Physical Force

Ranked 31st, Casey Mutryn is a force when he hits the ice. At 6'3'' and 203 pounds, he combines a powerful physical game with solid offensive capabilities. Mutryn’s ability to engage despite being physically imposing sets him apart in the draft.

With 46 points in 62 games for the USNTDP, he displayed creativity and vision that enabled him to be an offensive threat while also being effective in retrievals. His commitment to chasing down opponents highlights his tenacity, making him an exciting prospect for any NHL franchise.

Mathis Preston: The Rising Star

Finally, we have Mathis Preston, who squeaked back into the conversation late in the draft cycle. Although injury limited his play early in the season, his performance during the U18 World Championships showed just how bright his potential might be. Ranked 32nd, Preston is known for his stick work and skating capabilities.

He demonstrated quick-thinking and creativity during the World Championships, and while finding consistency may be an issue, he has shown flashes of brilliance that can’t be overlooked. Finding a landing spot with a team focused on his long-term growth could solidify his place as a future NHL player.

As the day progresses and the second round commences, all eyes will be on these prospects. Teams capable of making savvy picks could secure exceptional talent that may just reshape their futures. With such depth in this draft, the opportunity to capitalize on overlooked players has never been greater.