The unofficial start to the 2026 NHL draft season has arrived as the Hlinka Gretzky Cup kicked off on Monday.

Some of the top under-18 men’s hockey players in the world represent their nations in this annual summer showcase. It may be early August, but it’s time for scouts and analysts to get back on the saddle.

As usual, Canada is the favorite with most of its top U-18 talent, which isn’t always the case at the World Men’s Under-18 Championship because of the CHL playoffs.

Team USA has assembled its top talent outside of the USA Hockey National Team Development Program for this tournament, as always, which makes it a bit tough to medal because it’s essentially the American B-team.

Sweden is always an interesting squad with several high-end prospects. Finland is feisty as always and will look to bounce back after an underwhelming draft year. The cup is also a chance to see some of the top players from Czechia, Slovakia and Switzerland.

Let’s look at 12 of the top players to watch at this year’s Hlinka Gretzky Cup.

Mathis Preston, RW, Canada

It’s not out of the question to say that Mathis Preston might be the most intriguing offensive player with his incredible goal-scoring touch and speed to burn. What was more encouraging last year was his growth along the boards and how he was able to alternate his speed a bit more effectively. Preston should be a fixture in the top six for the Canadians and could be not only their leading goal-scorer but also a challenger for the tournament lead.

Keaton Verhoeff, D, Canada

A two-way defender with size, mobility and excellent instincts, Keaton Verhoeff comes into the year widely ranked as a top-three player in the NHL draft class. His intellect really drives his game, reading things as they develop and anticipating play at a high level. He’s Canada’s No. 1 defender as one piece of a dominant right side of the blueline, along with Landon DuPont. Verhoeff is the kind of defender who dictates play when he’s on the ice, recording a goal and two assists in Monday’s tournament opener.

Landon DuPont, D, Canada

One of the best defenders to come into the WHL in quite some time, DuPont is an essential piece in this Canadian defense group. His offensive game is impressive as he identifies plays at an elite level and jumps on chances to create as a passer and shooter. His defensive reads are quite solid, which allows him to thwart play before it really gets started and then flip things around. Despite being a 2027 draft eligible, DuPont could end up being the top defenseman on this team by the end of the tournament.

Tynan Lawrence, C, Canada

One of the top rookies in the United States League last season, Lawrence ended up winning the playoff MVP honors for Muskegon en route to a league title with 18 points in 14 games. Lawrence blends some dynamic skill with a center-driven intensity, which should make him one of Canada’s most dangerous forwards throughout the Hlinka Gretzky Cup. Lawrence earned ice time in all situations with Muskegon, and that should be the case with Team Canada. Lawrence could end up being the engine for this team up front.

Watch Out For NHL Draft-Eligible Canadian Tynan Lawrence When The Stakes Are Highest As Canada shoots for a fourth-straight gold medal at the U-18 Hlinka Gretzky Cup, the national team will have plenty of firepower.

Malte Gustafsson, D, Sweden

When it comes to young defenseman, it’s notable when a player is intelligent enough to recognize the level of play and adapt their game accordingly. Malte Gustafsson does that quite well, playing a steady, sound defensive game at the U-20 level last year and showing a bit more creativity with the puck at the U-18 level. Gustafsson has size and a physical edge to his game, which should make him a stout defender at the Hlinka. Seeing how much of his offensive game comes out will be the thing to watch at the Hlinka.

Oscar Holmertz, C, Sweden

There won’t be many players at this year's Hlinka Gretzky Cup who are more purely fast and evasive than Oscar Holmertz. His ability as a dual-threat attacker makes his speed such an attractive asset. Holmertz can drive down the middle of the zone to get his shot off or attack a defender and draw some additional attention before passing out of trouble. If Holmertz is locked in this week, he could be one of the Swedes who see their draft stock rise quickly after the tournament.

Marcus Nordmark, LW, Sweden

With good size and strength, along with nice hands around the net and some crafty passing to the middle, Marcus Nordmark is a sneaky good player for the Swedes. He understands the nuances of movement off the puck better than most players his age, maintaining space and using his strength to establish positioning around the net. Nordmark is a potential first-rounder for the 2026 NHL draft, and he put up a goal and four points in his first game against Germany, a 10-0 win for Sweden.

Jack Hextall, C, USA

Coming off a strong rookie year in the USHL, Jack Hextall is one of the Americans' best playmakers at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup. He regulates his speed quite well, flying by defenders on one shift and then stopping up and feathering a pass through the vacated lane created by the quick stop. Hextall really understands how to navigate the ice with and without the puck. His impact on the American squad will be felt every time he steps on the ice. 

Brooks Rogowski, C, USA

Standing 6-foot-6, Brooks Rogowski is a very interesting player who’s trying to blend his power game with his skill game. He’s still a work in progress, but seeing how he looks after a summer of training as he heads into his draft-eligible season with the Oshawa Generals will be one of the Americans' most interesting storylines. 

Jonah Neuenschwander, C/W, Switzerland

The 2027 draft-eligible Jonah Neuenschwander has been on the scene for a while now, playing at every level for Switzerland from U-16 to U-20. The 6-foot-3 forward has a wicked shot, and he uses his frame quite well, which makes him an incredibly intriguing player. Neuenshwander was playing top six minutes and on the power play at the men’s level in Switzerland. He will be expected to be a big part of the Swiss squad at the World Junior Championship, so the Hlinka-Gretzky Cup is just a warmup for him as he gets his season underway. 

Adam Goljer, D, Slovakia

Goljer is a big defender who uses his size and length quite well at the defensive end of the ice. He isn’t flashy or highly skilled with the puck, but he can be a very effective defense-first blueliner. Slovakia needs good defensive players to help shut down the high-octane attacks of other squads, and he is their best chance. 

Filip Novak, LW, Czechia

After being out of the lineup since December, Novak will be motivated to prove he’s still one of the top prospects from Czechia in this draft. Novak plays with excellent speed, using his edges to cut to the middle with intensity. At 6-foot-2 and nearly 200 pounds, Novak could add some power to his game as well. If he can drive his line for the Czech squad, he could put himself in contention for a top-50 pick.

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