Stenberg Tops NHL Central Scouting's International Rankings

0:00On April 16th, NHL Central Scouting just dropped their final rankings for international skaters ahead of the 2026 draft and for Lundas. Ivor Stimber tops the list as the number one guy. This 18-year-old left wing from the Swedish hockey league held the top spot since January's mid-term rankings. Over in North America, Penn State freshman Gavin McKenna leads the skaters. Stimber put up 33 points, 11 goals and 22 assists, and 43 games this season. Best for any 18-year-old in the SHL. Since the set in Twins back in 1998-99, he also helps Sweden snag gold at the world juniors, tying for the team lead with 10 points in seven games, including a big game winner setup in the Gawkett final. Scouts rave about his high hockey IQ, playmaking skills, and two-way game that drives offense while locking down defense. He's five foot 11, 183 pounds, and knows how to replays like a vet. Close behind him in the top five are big defenseman Albert Smiths from Germany's DEL.

1:04Finland's Oliver Suvonto, Sweden's Beagle Bjork, and right wing. Elton Hermenson. Smiths as six with three and playing pro minutes for Latvia at the Olympics, nearly snacked the top spot with his size, speed, and smarts. The rest bring elite puck skills, physicality, and consistency that NHL teams crave for day one picks. Draft lottery hits May 5th, with the main event June 26th and 27th in Buffalo's Keybank Center. Keep an eye on these international standouts. They're primed to shake up the board. That's the story for today. NHL News Today, Driven by AI, I'm Cory with the Story.