Three promising young players鈥擟arson Carels, Chase Reid, and Maddox Dagenais鈥攁re finalists for the CHL鈥檚 2025-26 Top Draft Prospect Award, recognizing top players eligible for the NHL Draft. The award, announced on June 15, showcases the best talent from the Canadian Hockey League. Carels (WHL), Reid (OHL), and Dagenais (QMJHL) have all demonstrated remarkable skill and performance this season, making them standout candidates. Historically, this award has honored players like Connor McDavid and Patrick Kane, signifying its importance in the hockey community.

By the Numbers
  • Carson Carels: 20G-53A, 73 PTS, +23 in 58 GP
  • Chase Reid: 18G-30A, 48 PTS, +27 in 45 GP
  • Maddox Dagenais: 30G-32A, 62 PTS in 62 GP
State of Play
  • Carels ranked No. 3 among North American skaters in NHL Central Scouting鈥檚 final rankings.
  • Reid ranked No. 2 and was the top-rated current CHL skater heading into the draft.
  • Dagenais ranked No. 15, showcasing significant improvement from his rookie season.
What's Next

The winner will be revealed at the 2026 CHL Awards, with all eyes on these players as they prepare to transition to the NHL. Their performances in upcoming matches and any potential playoff contributions may further solidify their draft standing.

Bottom Line

The finalists for the CHL Top Draft Prospect Award highlight the depth of talent in junior hockey. With a strong connection to future NHL success, the performances of Carels, Reid, and Dagenais will be pivotal not only for their teams but also in shaping the landscape of the upcoming NHL Draft.