With rumours flying, Blazers’ brass ready for anything ahead of Prospects Draft

The Blazers are putting the final touches on their draft rankings, with Director of Player Personnel Aaron Keller noting the club will pick the top remaining player on that list – regardless of position – at No. 8.

Kamloops is scheduled to have eight picks in the first four rounds of the draft, including three in Round 2.

“We’re really loaded that way,” Keller said. “We know we’re going to get some good players. It’s up to us to do good with our jobs and make sure we’re picking kids that fit the way the Kamloops Blazers want to play.”

Clouston said the club will consider trades that involve second-round draft capital.

“There might be something between now and when those picks come up that presents itself that we decide, ‘Let’s use that pick, those picks, and look at adding a player that can step into our lineup next year.’”

Alternatively, the club may opt to make selections with each of those three picks, increasing odds of finding capable players.

“It’s just a gut feel, but this year the draft might not be as deep as it has been the two previous years,” Keller said. “With that said, there are going to be lots of good players picked in every round. It’s up to us and our scouts to identify those kids.”

The 2026 draft may offer a window into potentially changing strategies as clubs adapt to recent dramatic changes to the junior hockey landscape.

For example, some blue-chip prospects are opting to move on from the WHL at earlier ages and join the NCAA ranks, a fact that may make teams more apt to trade high picks, perhaps in exchange for veterans who do not plan to leave the league.

“I think you’ll see teams move picks a little bit more,” Clouston said.

Rumours of top-10 picks and elite older players being on the trade block have reached Mark Recchi Way.

“There’s lots of people who believe they have inside information that teams are flipping picks or moving up or moving down,” Clouston said. “We’ll find out soon enough.

Added Keller: “We’ve heard tons of chatter. Lots of teams have been throwing potential scenarios out there.”

Many draft pundits expect Madden Daneault, Parker McMillan and Brayden Jugnauth – in no particular order – to be the top three picks in the draft.

Round 2 and each remaining round will take place on Thursday.

by Marty Hastings

With rumours flying, Blazers’ brass ready for anything ahead of Prospects Draft

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