We have published our Preliminary Ranks for the 2026 NHL Draft at @smahtscouting.com.

✍🏻 My write-ups featuring Viggo Björck, Malte Gustafsson -underrated name so far for me- among the listed ones, and William Håkansson and Viktor Fyodorov as honorable mentions:

smahtscouting.com/2025/11/09/2...

Today's episode of "Video Scouting Stories":

Something tells me that Kiekko-Espoo might need to review how to lift the protective nets. Impossible not to love those streams.

It doesn't show up in the stats, but this "two-and-a-half" screen by Max Lind to set up Eric Nilson for the score is just brilliant.

🧠 These are the kind of plays I love to see, both for the intelligent off-puck game by Lind and for the recognition of the open line and subtle fake by Nilson

Simon Wang 🇨🇳 at 31. It will definitely be the name that will generate the most "I told you about him" in a few years. I'm surprised by his ranking based on what we've seen so far, but I understand the appeal he has. It sure will be an interesting profile to track:

www.tsn.ca/matthew-scha...

#WorldJuniors The Unger Sorum & Sandin-Pelikka chemistry with the strong start 🇸🇪🔥

By the way, Sandin-Pelikka is just too good for this game. Kid is everywhere on the ice, and how calm he plays along the blueline despite the pressure.

My first contribution for @smahtscouting.com, talking a bit about four players that Sweden 🇸🇪 is showcasing for this promotion: Victor Eklund, Melvin Novotny, Jakob Ihs-Wozniak and Eddie Genborg as an honorable mention, one of my favorite names and someone I hope gets more attention from now on:

Paul Sintschnig 🇦🇹 showed early in the WJC-20 D1A with this goal against France. One of the names I’ve noted to keep an eye on in this event. He’s only 15 years old, but always eager to try things with the puck:

Victor Eklund is included, and I am excited to see his performance in the World Juniors, as he has the skill and relentless motor to blend into the game without problems. Frondell didn't make it in the end, but that's understandable given that he has been dealing with injuries for part of the season

Missed so much being at the rink. Today’s the day to put analysis aside and get back to see old colleagues.

Thank you for the welcome.

I want to use this account regularly to keep you updated on all the work I’m doing as a European Crossover Scout with the team at @smahtscouting.bsky.social.
Looking forward to discuss about prospects with all of you.