Spitfires Prospects Shine in NHL Draft Rankings

0:00On April 17th, Windsor Spitfires are making waves beyond the ice in the Ontario Hockey League playoffs, with four players landing spots in NHL Central. Scouting's final rankings for the 2026 draft. Ford, Ethan Bellchitz leads the packet 9th among North American skaters, a huge nod to his size and skill as a 6-foot-5 powerhouse drafted, first overall last year. Bellchitz exploded with 34 goals and 59 points in 57 games this season before a broken collarbone sidelined him. Scouts rave about his pro-level shot, skating for a big guy and leadership in the locker room, keeping him firmly in first round contention despite. The injury, meanwhile, three others Spitfires got recognition too. Ford, Caden Harvey, climbed to 188th, defenseman Andrew Robinson hit 205th after starting unranked, and Grady Spicer. Rounded out at two-fold, these guys are building solid games with Harvey's steady production and Robinson's defensive reliability standing out.

1:04The team grabbed these prospects in recent drafts, betting on their upside and it's paying off even as Bellchitz heals up. Harvey, a fifth-round pick, chipped in during playoffs while Robinson and Spicer bring size and grit from junior leagues. With the draft set for late June in Buffalo's Keeping Center, Windsor's future looks bright as they keep pushing in the playoffs, stacking talent for, seasons ahead. I'm Cory with the story and you've been listening to NHL News today, AI-powered team coverage.