A deep dive on Saskatoon Blades forward Cooper Williams.
The WHL is expected to play a significant role in the 2026 NHL Entry Draft. Leading up to draft day, THN's WHL team will be providing profiles on some of the top WHL talent expected to hear their names called in Buffalo at the end of June. Today's profile focuses on Saskatoon Blades forward Cooper Williams.
Cooper Williams
Team: Saskatoon Blades
Position: Left-Shot Center
NHL Central Scouting: 50th Among NA Skaters
Height: 6'1"
Weight: 166 lbs
A highly intelligent, two-way center, Cooper Williams enters the 2026 NHL Draft as one of the most creative playmakers out of the Western Hockey League. Serving as a crucial offensive engine for the Saskatoon Blades, the 18-year-old followed up an impressive rookie campaign with another highly productive season in 2025-26, registering 23 goals and 34 assists for 57 points in 66 games.
He was highly effective on the power play and showcased his strong two-way capabilities by winning 45% of his faceoffs and actively breaking up plays in the neutral zone. On the international stage, Williams surprised scouts by excelling in a depth role to help Team Canada capture a bronze medal at the 2026 Hlinka Gretzky Cup, while also standing out as a premier playmaker at the WHL Top Prospects Game.
What makes Williams such an intriguing prospect is his elite hockey IQ and exceptional soft touch with the puck. He plays a highly patient, calculating game, utilizing his vision to manipulate defensive structures before threading crisp passes through traffic to find his linemates. Rather than forcing plays, Williams excels at scanning the ice and anticipating where the play is going, allowing him to consistently intercept passes and force turnovers.
Make sure you bookmark THN's WHL site and add us to your favourites on Google News for the latest news, exclusive interviews, breakdowns, and so much more. This article originally appeared on The Hockey News.
2026 NHL Draft Profiles:
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