20 NCHC rookies to watch for 2026-27
· Yahoo Sports
Oct. 2—GRAND FORKS — The Western Hockey League had an impressive crop of defensemen last season.
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The National Collegiate Hockey Conference will benefit from that this season. The Grand Forks Herald's annual rookies-to-watch list features six WHL defensemen — and we couldn't even find room for a pair of second-round NHL picks in Ben MacBeath and Blake Fiddler of Denver.
1. Carson Carels, D, North Dakota: The No. 6 overall pick by Calgary can do it all — skate, add offense and physically punish opponents.
2. Daxon Rudolph, D, Denver: The No. 4 overall pick by Buffalo is a special offensive talent and the highest draft pick Denver has ever had.
3. Ryan Lin, D, Denver: The San Jose Sharks first-round is a smart, all-around blue liner.
4. Adam Benák, F, Western Michigan: The Czech winger is undersized but is an electric playmaker who should produce right away.
5. Ethan MacKenzie, D, North Dakota: MacKenzie is an elite skater who gets it done on both ends of the rink.
6. Mikey Berchild, F, Denver: The Twin Cities product has great vision and is always making things happen on the ice.
7. William Lacelle, G, Omaha: The Mavs may have lost Simon Latkoczy to graduation, but they're bringing in a Canadian World Junior contender in net.
8. Michal Pradel, G, Colorado College: The Slovak World Junior netminder from the USHL will compete with sophomore Jackson Unger for starts.
9. Hawke Huff, D, St. Thomas: The Seattle Kraken pick was one of the best blue liners in the USHL last season. He flipped his commitment from St. Cloud State to St. Thomas this summer.
10. Timmy Runtso, D, Miami: Runtso gives the RedHawks the type of dynamic blue liner they've lacked for a long time.
11. Jonas Woo, D, Arizona State: The Sun Devils lacked a true offensive defenseman last year. Woo will be that guy.
12. Tommy Lafrenière, F, Western Michigan: Lafrenière is coming off of an impressive season in the WHL and could play a big role for a loaded Broncos squad.
13. Victor Plante, F, Minn. Duluth: If he winds up playing with his older brothers, Max and Zam, Victor will have a massive freshman campaign.
14. Jack Pridham, F, Denver: It's anybody's guess how Denver's prized rookie forwards will stack up, but we've got Pridham's impressive Memorial Cup at the top of mind.
15. Connor Davis, F, North Dakota: A relentless competitor, Davis will quickly turn into a fan favorite in Grand Forks.
16. Carl Axelsson, G, Minn. Duluth: The Utah pick is coming off of a great season in the USHL and will be well protected by a veteran defensive corps.
17. Ryan Miller, F, Denver: One of the early WHL commits, Miller is expected to be a big contributor for the Pioneers.
18. Nathan Behm, F, Arizona State: The Chicago Blackhawks pick should slot in high in Arizona State's lineup.
19. Zac Olsen, F, Colorado College: Olsen gives the Tigers some physicality and two-way play up front.
20. Caleb Heil, G, North Dakota: Yes, NCHC Goaltender of the Year Jan Špunar is back, but Heil had a tremendous USHL season last year and is ready to push for playing time.