McKenna, Stenberg among youth eager to show worth before 2026-27 season begins

The NHL's next generation is hungry and eager to step into the spotlight this month.

It all begins this weekend at rookie camps and prospect tournaments across North American before NHL training camps open in less than two weeks. The participating players include potential franchise cornerstones, future full-time regulars and several candidates who could eventually enter the race for the Calder Trophy, awarded after each season to the League’s top rookie.

For drafted prospects, free-agent signings and players on tryouts, the tournaments and training camp that follows represent an opportunity to make a strong impression. Their performances will help determine who earns an NHL roster spot later this month.

Here are prospects to watch at respective rookie tournaments and training camps (listed alphabetically):

Trey Augustine, G, Detroit Red Wings

Where to watch: NHL Prospects Tournament, Little Caesars Arena (Detroit); Sept. 12-15

Augustine (6-foot-1, 183 pounds) combines technical polish, composure and fierce competitiveness, qualities that make him Detroit's top prospect. He finished 24-9-1 with a 2.11 goals-against average, .929 save percentage and three shutouts as a junior at Michigan State, earning consecutive Big Ten Goaltender of the Year honors. The position always requires patience, but the Red Wings are excited about Augustine’s consistency in collegiate and international pressure situations that should provide the 21-year-old a chance to start for Grand Rapids of the American Hockey League this season.

Viggo Bjorck, F, Winnipeg Jets

Where to watch: Prospect Showdown, Slush Puppy Arena (Gatineau, Quebec); Sept. 12-13

Bjorck's frame (5-9, 177) has yet to prevent him from driving play against bigger and older competition. The No. 8 pick in the 2026 NHL Draft had 15 points (six goals, nine assists) in 42 games for Djurgardens of the Swedish Hockey League last season, nine points (three goals, six assists) during Sweden's run to the gold medal at the IIHF 2026 World Junior Championship and six points (one goal, five assists) at the IIHF 2026 World Championship. The 18-year-old’s quickness, deception, defensive awareness and relentless competitiveness usually keep the puck on Bjorck’s stick and opponents under pressure.

Trevor Connelly, F, Vegas Golden Knights

Where to watch: Rookie Showcase, Tech CU Arena and Sharks Ice (San Jose).; Sept. 12-13, 15

Connelly (6-1, 175) took an important developmental step during his first full season in the AHL, where the 20-year-old had 49 points (14 goals, 35 assists) in 46 games for Henderson. The No. 19 pick in the 2024 NHL Draft is a gifted skater and playmaker whose speed, puck skills and vision can challenge defenders in transition. Connelly’s consistency remains essential, but in an organization willing to part with high draft picks, he represents a valuable opportunity to develop homegrown, top six talent.

Caleb Desnoyers, F, Utah Mammoth

Where to watch: Rookie Showcase, Tech CU Arena and Sharks Ice (San Jose); Sept. 12-13, 15

Desnoyers (6-2, 178) gives the Mammoth a cornerstone center with intelligence, competitiveness and a playmaking touch. Just prior to being the No. 4 pick in the 2025 NHL Draft, he had 30 points in 19 playoff games with Moncton of the Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League, was named league playoff MVP and won 63.7 percent of his face-offs. Desnoyers followed it up last season with 78 points (22 goals, 56 assists) in 45 regular-season QMJHL games. The 19-year-old’s blend of size, two-way awareness and leadership projects into a top six role.

Victor Eklund, F, New York Islanders

Where to watch: vs. New Jersey Devils at Northwell Health Ice Center (East Meadow, N.Y.); Sept. 15

Eklund (5-11, 161) blends skill, pace and edge in a package that could result in a full-time role with the Islanders this season. He had 24 points (six goals, 18 assists) in 43 games during his rookie season with Djurgardens in the Swedish Hockey League and followed it up with 10 points (three goals, seven assists) in nine AHL games. The No. 16 pick in the 2025 draft, he had an assist in his NHL debut on April 14. Eklund, who turns 20 on Oct. 3, willingly attacks contested areas despite his modest frame and plays with noticeable tenacity. His combination of playmaking, physical engagement and professional experience give him top six potential.

Jacob Fowler, G, Montreal Canadiens

Where to watch: Training camp

Fowler (6-1, 223) has already demonstrated his winning pedigree at the collegiate level can translate professionally. The 2025 Mike Richter Award (top college men’s goalie) winner went 19-7-1 with a .916 save percentage with Laval (AHL), then went 9-6-2 with a 2.43 GAA and .908 save percentage in 17 games with the Canadiens. The 21-year-old’s calm positioning and ability to manage difficult moments offer legitimate potential to be a starter in the NHL.

James Hagens, F, Boston Bruins

Where to watch: Prospects Showcase, LECOM HarborCenter (Buffalo); Sept. 13-14

Hagens (5-11, 177) gives the Bruins a dynamic young center their prospect pool needed. The No. 7 pick in the 2025 draft, he led Hockey East with 47 points (23 goals, 24 assists) in 34 games as a sophomore at Boston College. Hagens’ vision, creativity and ability to attack with pace can eventually energize Boston’s top six and power play. After getting four points in six AHL games with Providence and reaching the NHL, Hagens, who played three Stanley Cup Playoff games, appears close to landing a full-time role with the Bruins. He turns 20 on Nov. 3.

Emil Hemming, F, Dallas Stars

Where to watch: NHL Prospects Tournament, Little Caesars Arena (Detroit); Sept. 12-15

Hemming's frame (6-2, 211), heavy shot and improving two-way game make him a fit in Dallas. The No. 29 pick in the 2024 draft had 63 points (26 goals, 37 assists) in 46 games with Barrie of the Ontario Hockey League last season, then elevated his performance with 15 goals and 28 points over 21 OHL playoff games. Hemming, 20, played five games with Texas of the AHL, which should prepare him for full-time professional hockey. He's a potential middle-six power forward who can complement skilled centers and finish chances.

Cole Hutson, D, Washington Capitals

Where to watch: Capitals rookie camp, McMullen Hockey Arena (Annapolis, Md.); Sept. 13-15

Hutson immediately displayed the dynamic offense that made him one of college hockey’s most productive defensemen. After getting 80 points (24 goals, 66 assists) across two seasons at Boston University, the 20-year-old had 10 points (three goals, seven assists), including six on the power play, in 14 NHL games for the Capitals last season. His skating, intelligence and deception compensate for his frame (5-11, 175), much like older brother, Canadiens defenseman Lane Hutson. The Capitals are excited because Hutson already changes their tempo and projects as a creative power-play quarterback with significant offensive potential.

Tij Iginla, F, Utah Mammoth

Where to watch: Rookie Showcase, Tech CU Arena and Sharks Ice (San Jose); Sept. 12-13, 15

Iginla (6-0, 182) rebounded emphatically last season from double hip surgery, getting 41 goals and 90 points in 48 games with Kelowna of the Western Hockey League. The No. 6 pick in the 2024 draft is creating his own identity but attacks scoring areas, shoots decisively and plays with the competitiveness expected from Jarome Iginla’s son. Utah is excited about this healthy, confident 20-year-old who believes he can make the roster this season and projects as a versatile forward capable of influencing games.

Brady Martin, F, Nashville Predators

Where to watch: Prospects Showcase, Wake Competition Center (Morrisville, N.C.); Sept. 13-15

Martin (6-0, 185) plays the forceful, detail-oriented style Nashville wants from its future centers. The No. 5 pick in the 2025 draft had one assist in three NHL games last season, when the 19-year-old also had eight points (four goals, four assists) playing for Canada at World Juniors. Martin is strong on pucks, relentless on the forecheck and possesses enough skill and intelligence to contribute offensively.

Porter Martone, F, Philadelphia Flyers

Where to watch: vs. New York Rangers at PPL Center (Allentown, Pa.); Sept. 12-13

Martone (6-3, 214), the No. 6 pick in the 2025 draft, has already given Philadelphia an exciting preview of his potential as a power forward. After leading Michigan State with 25 goals and 50 points in 35 games, he had 10 points (four goals, six assists) in nine NHL regular-season games. Martone had points (two goals, three assists) in 10 playoff games. He combines finishing ability and playmaking with competitive bite, and his willingness to attack the interior, complement skilled linemates and embrace major moments make Martone a potential game-changer for the franchise. He turns 20 on Oct. 26.

Gavin McKenna, F, Toronto Maple Leafs

Where to watch: Maple Leafs training camp

The No. 1 pick in the 2026 NHL Draft represents the rare prospect capable of reshaping Toronto's long-term ceiling. McKenna had 51 points (15 goals, 36 assists) in 35 NCAA games as a freshman for Penn State, and also had 14 points (four goals, 10 assists) for Canada at World Juniors. His exceptional vision, intelligence and playmaking ability allow him to manipulate defenders and create quality chances. Additional strength will help the 18-year-old’s adjustment to life in the NHL, but the Maple Leafs have themselves a potential elite, offensive driver.

Roger McQueen, F, Anaheim Ducks

Where to watch: Rookie Showcase, Tech CU Arena and Sharks Ice (San Jose); Sept. 12-13, 15

McQueen (6-5, 197) offers a tantalizing blend of center size, mobility and intelligence. The No. 10 pick in the 2025 draft had 27 points (11 goals, 16 assists) in 36 games at Providence College, earned Hockey East Rookie of the Year honors and won 55.1 percent of his face-offs before gaining AHL experience with San Diego, where he had three points (one goal, two assists) in seven games. His skating and puck distribution distinguish McQueen -- who turns 20 on Oct. 2 -- from many forwards with similar size. The Ducks envision a matchup center capable of creating offense, protecting pucks and eventually logging heavy minutes.

Radim Mrtka, D, Buffalo Sabres

Where to watch: Prospects Showcase, LECOM HarborCenter (Buffalo); Sept. 13-14

Mrtka (6-6, 218) provides Buffalo with an unusually promising combination of reach, mobility and puck-moving ability. A right-handed shot, the 19-year-old had 34 points (one goal, 33 assists) in 43 WHL games for Seattle last season before receiving an eight-game AHL introduction with Rochester. The Sabres project him as a top four, first-pass defenseman who can eventually neutralize opposing forwards while advancing play efficiently. His improving physicality and offensive awareness give Mrtka considerably more upside than a traditional stay-at-home defender.

Bradly Nadeau, F, Carolina Hurricanes

Where to watch: Prospects Showcase, Wake Competition Center (Morrisville, N.C.); Sept. 13-15

The No. 30 pick in the 2023 NHL Draft led Chicago of the AHL in goals (27) for a second consecutive season and finished with 56 points in 52 games and had three goals in 12 games with the Hurricanes. More importantly, Nadeau (5-11, 180) has improved defensively, added penalty-killing responsibilities while gaining strength. The 21-year-old is a dangerous middle-six shooter whose quick release, skating and developing two-way reliability fit nicely within Carolina's aggressive, pressure-oriented system.

Alberts Smits, D, New York Rangers

Where to watch: vs. Philadelphia Flyers at PPL Center (Allentown, Pa.); Sept. 12-13

Smits (6-3, 205) is unusually accomplished for an 18-year-old defenseman. The No. 5 pick in the 2026 draft played in Finland's Liiga, Germany's DEL, the 2026 Winter Olympics and IIHF World Championship last season. Smits combines NHL-ready size with mobility, intelligence and versatility that make him capable of competing for an immediate role while possessing the foundation to become a dependable, high-minute cornerstone for many seasons.

Ivar Stenberg, F, San Jose Sharks

Where to watch: Rookie Showcase, Tech CU Arena and Sharks Ice (San Jose); Sept. 12-13, 15

Stenberg (5-11, 183) gives San Jose another elite offensive building block alongside its emerging young core. The No. 2 pick in the 2026 draft had 33 points (11 goals, 22 assists) in 43 SHL games, the most in that league by a player 18 or younger since Henrik and Daniel Sedin. He had 10 points (four goals, six assists) to help Sweden win gold at World Juniors, and eight points (four goals, four assists) at the World Championship. Stenberg’s vision, speed and professional experience could facilitate an immediate NHL transition with the likelihood of evolving into a creative, pace-driving wing. Stenberg turns 19 on Sept. 30, the day before the Sharks play their season opener at home against the Florida Panthers on Oct. 1 (10 p.m. ET).

Ilya Protas, F, Washington Capitals

Where to watch: Capitals rookie camp, McMullen Hockey Arena (Annapolis, Md.); Sept. 13-15

Protas (6-6, 225) has progressed from an intriguing third-round pick (No. 75) in the 2024 draft to a probable NHL contributor with terrific speed. The 20-year-old won AHL Rookie of the Year after he had 66 points (29 goals, 37 assists) in 69 games for Hershey. Protas, who had four points (one goal, three assists) in four games with the Capitals, is projected as a third-line center who can provide scoring, matchup flexibility and a similar imposing presence; his brother, 25-year-old Aliaksei Protas (6-6, 250), has 171 points (68 goals, 103 assists) in 321 games with Washington.

Brayden Yager, F, Winnipeg Jets

Where to watch: Prospect Showdown, Slush Puppy Arena (Gatineau, Quebec); Sept. 12-13

Yager (5-11, 180) gives the Jets a skilled center who plays a responsible 200-foot game that should translate to the NHL. The No. 14 pick by the Pittsburgh Penguins at the 2023 draft combines puck control and playmaking with proven production, evidenced by his 30 points (10 goals, 20 assists) in 68 games with Manitoba of the AHL in 2025-26. Yager has learned to manage pucks, maximize shorter shifts and contribute defensively as a professional. The 21-year-old projects as a dependable top six forward capable of contributing in all situations.

Carter Yakemchuk, D, Ottawa Senators

Where to watch: Prospect Showdown, Slush Puppy Arena, Gatineau, QC; Sept. 12-13

Yakemchuk’s combination of size (6-3, 219), shot and offensive aggression make him Ottawa’s most intriguing prospect among defensemen. The right-handed shot had 40 points (10 goals, 30 assists) in 54 games with Belleville of the AHL before he had a goal and assist in four regular-season games and two assists in his NHL playoff debut with the Senators. Yakemchuk, who turns 21 on Sept. 29, must still improve his consistency without the puck, but his ceiling is substantial. He should eventually be able to support Jake Sanderson and bring another element to the power play.