The 2026 NHL Scouting Combine opened in Buffalo, New York, drawing 90 of the most promising draft‑eligible players from across North America. Among them, 20 were from the Ontario Hockey League, highlighting the league’s continued role as a talent pipeline.
The showcase quickly turned into a stage for individual brilliance, with several OHL standouts posting eye‑catching numbers. Pierce Mbuyi, Cole Zurawski, Layne Gallacher, Beckham Edwards, Thomas Vandenberg, Wesley Royston, Caleb Malhotra, Adam Novotny, Ryder Cali, Ethan Belchetz, Maksim Sokolovskii, Vladimir Dravecky, Brooks Rogowski, Alessandro Di Iorio, Jaxon Cover, Ryan Roobroeck and Chase Reid all earned top‑tier results in at least one evaluation.
Standout Performances
In the sprint category, Cole Zurawski claimed first place with a 1.97‑second 10‑metre dash, while Wesley Royston posted the longest horizontal jump at 116.8 inches. Layne Gallacher topped the anaerobic power metric with a peak output of 17.3 watts per kilogram, and Beckham Edwards led the no‑arm jump with a distance of 20.9 inches.
The physical tests also underscored the depth of the field, as Thomas Vandenberg and the other prospects demonstrated strength across multiple metrics, suggesting a highly competitive 2026 NHL Draft.
The draft itself will unfold on June 26‑27 at the KeyBank Center in Buffalo, New York, using a decentralized format that brings prospects to the arena while general managers make selections remotely.
Beyond individual metrics, the event served as a reunion for scouts and coaches from a dozen OHL franchises, including the Owen Sound Attack, Guelph Storm, Sarnia Sting, Ottawa 67’s, Brantford Bulldogs, Peterborough Petes, North Bay Battalion, Windsor Spitfires, London Knights, Oshawa Generals, Niagara IceDogs and the Soo Greyhounds, all of whom watched the action closely.