Gavin McKenna and Keaton Verhoeff will sit out this season due to their transition to NCAA, marking a notable shift from previous years.

Ryan Lin of the Vancouver Giants stands out as an undersized but dynamic right-handed defenseman, known for breakout puck movement and improved defense as he aims to solidify a top-10 draft position.

Mathis Preston of the Spokane Chiefs is an undersized forward with elite skating and puck handling, with scouts seeking a well-rounded performance showing physicality and strong off-puck play.

The two-game CHL-USA prospects series will close with a published wrap-up of standouts and takeaways on Friday, highlighting performance across the event.

Mikey Berchild of the USNTDP Juniors brings one of the draft’s best releases and speed, with strong showings potentially pushing him into early first-round contention.

Alessandro Di Iorio of the Sarnia Sting is a point-per-game contributor returning from injury, expected to drive pace and contribute offensively and defensively.

Ethan Belchetz of the Windsor Spitfires is highlighted as the top OHL draft prospect with elite size and scoring potential, capable of becoming a dominant power forward.

JP Hurlbert of the Kamloops Blazers is the WHL’s leading scorer, but he must show improved speed and a more complete two-way game.

Xavier Villeneuve of the Blainville-Boisbriand Armada is a high-skill, offensive-minded defenseman whose consistency will be tested against CHL competition.

Victor Plante, the USNTDP Juniors’ leading scorer with elite vision and playmaking ability, will be tested against CHL competition to gauge his potential to drive offense at the next level.

The CHL-USA Prospects Challenge will be staged in Calgary and Lethbridge, Alberta, featuring two-game series designed to showcase draft-eligible players to NHL scouts and executives.

Early notes suggest the NTDP may be slightly down this year, the CHL has a talent edge on paper, and chemistry could be tested by limited team familiarity, with emphasis on team play and connective detail.

Luke Schairer of the USNTDP Juniors is a big, mobile right-handed defenseman projected for first-round consideration if he continues to drive play and defend effectively.

Blake Zielinski of the USNTDP Juniors is a versatile forward whose mechanics are solid; he will need to elevate physicality and driving ability to boost draft stock.

Daxon Rudolph of the Prince Albert Raiders is a 6-3, defensively oriented defenseman whose shutdown ability could place him in top-10 discussions if he neutralizes top CHL forwards.