Liam Greentree is one of the New York Rangers [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/new-york-rangers]' newest prospects. The 20-year-old was drafted 26th overall by the Los Angeles Kings [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/los-angeles-kings] in 2024, but they included him in the trade package for superstar left winger Artemi Panarin in February. Greentree and Gabe Perreault are the Rangers' top two prospects, and they're both ranked between 21st and 40th among the top 100 prospects in The Hockey News' Future Watch 2026 issue. The project starts in mid-January after the World Junior Championship. At that point, we draw a line in the sand about who's a prospect and who's an NHLer. In some cases, those scenarios change. That's why names such as Sam Rinzel are listed as prospects, even though they've broken through as NHLers over the past couple of months. Team scouts offer us guidance on NHL-affiliated prospects who have the highest forecasted ceilings five to 10 years out. We then ask a panel of these scouts to rank the top 60 from a list of the 32 top 10s. The scouts' rankings are added up to form the overall top 100. Stay tuned as TheHockeyNews.com continues to go through the ranking after covering Nos. 41 to 60 [https://thehockeynews.com/news/latest-news/top-nhl-prospects-in-future-watch-2026-41-to-60], Nos. 61 to 80 [https://thehockeynews.com/news/latest-news/top-nhl-prospects-in-future-watch-2026-61-to-80] and Nos. 81 to 100 [https://thehockeynews.com/news/latest-news/top-nhl-prospects-in-future-watch-2026-81-to-100]. Or check out the entire top 100 prospects list now with write-ups on each player by being subscribed to The Hockey News [https://archive.thehockeynews.com/issue/722676]. TOP 100 NHL-AFFILIATED PROSPECTS: 21 TO 40 40. Liam Greentree, LW, New York Rangers Windsor (OHL [https://thehockeynews.com/ohl]) The return in the Artemi Panarin trade is an imposing power forward with a complete tool kit. His size and skill enabled him to net 49 goals and 119 points last season. He had one point in three games at the recent WJC as Canada won bronze. Ideally, Greentree would have played more in key situations, but he handled the ice-time adversity well. He will get a good taste of playoff action on a strong OHL team this year, and then it's on to the AHL to refine his game at the professional level. - Steve Zipay 39. Jonathan Lekkerimaki, RW, Vancouver Canucks Abbotsford (AHL [https://thehockeynews.com/ahl]) 38. Oliver Bonk, D, Philadelphia Flyers Lehigh Valley (AHL) 37. Trey Augustine, G, Detroit Red Wings Michigan State (Big Ten [https://thehockeynews.com/ncaa]) 36. Victor Eklund, RW, New York Islanders Djurgarden (Swe.) 35. Jackson Smith, D, Columbus Blue Jackets Penn State (Big Ten) 34. Kashawn Aitcheson, D, New York Islanders Barrie (OHL) Aitcheson was the Isles' third first-rounder in 2025. The 26 goals he had for Barrie last year set a single-season club record among blueliners, and he now captains the Colts. "He's had a great year in how his game has evolved," Islanders director of player development Eric Cairns said. "He's an offensive defenseman who has put together a solid defensive game. He's producing. He's physical. He can fight. He's got great size and mobility. He is a confident person but is not cocky. He's got humbleness to him as well. He's a leader. You can see it." - Allan Kreda 33. Michael Brandsegg-Nygard, RW, Detroit Red Wings Grand Rapids (AHL) 32. Braeden Cootes, C, Vancouver Canucks Prince Albert (WHL [https://thehockeynews.com/whl]) 31. Joshua Ravensbergen, G, San Jose Sharks Prince George (WHL) 30. Bradly Nadeau, LW, Carolina Hurricanes Chicago (AHL) 29. Justin Carbonneau, RW, St. Louis Blues Blainville-Bois. (QMJHL) The Blues have been in search of a pure shooter and feel they have one. A big, powerful skater who isn't afraid to shoot the puck, Carbonneau is someone who can fill that role, similar to what Jordan Kyrou and Vladimir Tarasenko have done in the past. "You know, what I love about the kid is he loves to play hockey," Blues coach Jim Montgomery said. "He loves to be on the ice, and he loves to score goals. He's always trying to figure out where he can go to get the puck to score." - Lou Korac 28. Gabe Perreault, RW, New York Rangers Hartford (AHL) 27. Sam Rinzel, D, Chicago Blackhawks Rockford (AHL) 26. Harrison Brunicke, D, Pittsburgh Penguins Kamloops (AHL) 25. Stian Solberg, D, Anaheim Ducks San Diego (AHL) Top NHL Prospects In Future Watch 2026: 41 To 60 [https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/post-images/70d49b52-5610-4f07-91c1-8dad1e511270.jpeg] Top NHL Prospects In Future Watch 2026: 41 To 60 Prospects on the Flyers, Mammoth, Jets, Kraken, Bruins and more feature from 41st to 60th in The Hockey News' Future Watch ranking. [https://thehockeynews.com/news/latest-news/top-nhl-prospects-in-future-watch-2026-41-to-60] 24. Cayden Lindstrom, C, Columbus Blue Jackets Michigan State (Big Ten) 23. Alexander Zharovsky, RW, Montreal Canadiens Ufa (KHL) 22. Jake O'Brien, C, Seattle Kraken Brantford (OHL) 21. David Reinbacher, D, Montreal Canadiens Laval (AHL) Reinbacher hasn't been able to stay healthy, resulting in a "lack of mileage and lack of experience," according to Laval coach Pascal Vincent. He suffered a knee injury during the 2024-25 pre-season and broke his hand around the same time this season. He's still growing into his body, but he reads the game well and is a strong, agile skater. Though he needs to work on his defense, especially 1-on-1 and with his stick, there is a lot of potential. But Reinbacher must stay healthy. - Stu Cowan -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Future Watch 2026 looks at the world's best prospects from every angle. We analyze the top 10 in the pipeline for each NHL club and count down the top 100 in the game. In addition, we take an in-depth look at how the Seattle Kraken are refining their development system, and we profile several of hockey's best youngsters, including Anton Frondell, Tij Iginla and Sebastian Cossa. You can order this issue now at The Hockey News' online store [https://thehockeynews.store/products/2026-future-watch-7908] or get it for free when you subscribe today at THN.com/free. [https://thehockeynews.store/products/2026-future-watch-7908]
