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The NHL 2026-27 season begins Tuesday after the shortest preseason in recent memory, with young prospects like Klepov, Hagens and Kantserov pushing for roster spots.
The NHL 2026-27 season begins on Tuesday, closing out the shortest preseason in recent memory and opening the door for young prospects to compete for starting-night lineup spots across the league. With most teams playing just four exhibition games, opportunities to impress were limited, but rookie tournaments, development camps and offseason training gave clubs a solid read on which young players can crack the roster in a meaningful capacity this year.
Short Preseason Shapes Prospect Decisions
Not every team has someone projected to be a full-time NHLer this season. Some players will start the year in the AHL but should factor into NHL action at some point, while many teams may cycle younger players in for a few games at a time.
That shortened schedule puts added weight on prior evaluations. Front offices have leaned on rookie tournaments, development camps and summer training to judge readiness, since the exhibition calendar offered few chances to separate hopefuls.
For bubble prospects, the margin is thin. A strong camp can earn a look, but a slow start can mean a return to the minors, where production and consistency remain the clearest path back to the NHL.
Klepov Could Land on Anaheim Top Line
Could Klepov steal a spot on Anaheim's top line just months after being drafted in the first round? The winger is a tremendous playmaker and finished the year as the OHL's top scorer with 97 points, and he was not far from reaching the 40-goal barrier.
Klepov plays with a lot of finesse but is physically strong, and while he is not an amazing skater, he makes up for it by having the puck more often than not. He had committed to Michigan State University but later changed his mind and signed an entry-level contract with the Ducks, showing how highly the organization values him.
A fascinating fit alongside Leo Carlsson and Cutter Gauthier would give Anaheim a skilled, creative look on its top line if Klepov proves ready.
Hagens, Helenius and Honzek Eye Bigger Roles
Hagens skated in his first pro action between Providence and Boston, and while he did not play much with the big club, he was solid with Providence as he got up to speed. Next up is full time in Boston, where he will likely slot into the lineup.
Hagens' true value is in making smart plays, being a good two-way player and outthinking opponents, something already visible in the AHL. He does play a lot on the perimeter, an area he will need to adjust if he is to succeed in the NHL, and he will also have to figure out how to play with a bit more muscle. If he can exploit the middle of the ice and get the puck where it needs to be, he will be a big-time contributor for the Bruins.
Helenius appeared in nine regular-season games with the Sabres last year, scoring a goal and four points. He returned in the postseason, scoring twice in four games and giving the team much-needed energy. After an excellent AHL season, he has nothing left to prove in Rochester and looks set for third-line center duties in Buffalo, where his physical strength and hockey IQ can create openings for himself and his teammates.
Injuries have plagued Honzek's career, limiting him to just four points in 18 games this past season, so confidence in his game beyond a bottom-six role is hard to establish, though that role is not a bad fit given his playstyle. A promising preseason slate should give hope that he is ready for a huge first full year. He is a strong puck protector who uses his 6-foot-4 frame to his advantage and owns a powerful wrister, and scouts have praised his overall fitness and intensity, which allowed him to return to the NHL from training camp for the second consecutive season.
Nadeau and Kantserov Ready for NHL Spotlight
It feels like a bit of an uphill battle right now given how the past few years have gone, but Nadeau was one of the better wingers in the AHL last year, putting up more than 50 points for the second consecutive season. He has been productive at just about every level, and it is only a matter of time before he puts it all together in the NHL.
Nadeau played 12 games in the NHL in 2025-26, but that number is expected to skyrocket in 2026-27. He is expected to start the season in the NHL while Seth Jarvis recovers from an injury, and he can contribute offensively in a way few other Hurricanes prospects can, so look for him to do whatever it takes to avoid a return to the AHL.
After all the hype in Hawks-land last season, Kantserov is ready for the big show. The 21-year-old had 36 goals and 64 points in 63 games while leading the KHL in goals, and the 2024 Gagarin Cup champion was downright dangerous every time he hit the ice. Despite being a smaller forward at 5-foot-9, he is absolutely fearless.
Kantserov will likely slot into Chicago's top line, and while Anton Frondell might get more hype as a prospect, the fact that Kantserov is a goal-scoring winger who does not have to worry about the two-way responsibilities Frondell carries should unlock some Calder Trophy opportunities.
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