Wenatchee Wild Celebrates Three Players In Final NHL Draft Rankings For 2026

The junior hockey team has three players ranked among the top prospects for the upcoming NHL Draft.

Apr. 17, 2026 at 6:52pm

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A fragmented, multi-angled painting depicting hockey players in the Wenatchee Wild's uniforms, broken down into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes and planes of vibrant colors.The Wenatchee Wild's trio of NHL draft prospects showcase their talent and potential through a cubist, geometric interpretation.Buffalo Today

The Wenatchee Wild, a junior hockey team in the Western Hockey League (WHL), are celebrating the success of three of their players who have been included in the final NHL Central Scouting rankings for the 2026 NHL Draft. Goaltender Tobias Tvrznik, forward Caelan Joudrey, and defenseman Darian Rolsing all made the list, showcasing the talent and potential of the Wild's roster.

Why it matters

Having three players ranked by the NHL is a significant milestone for the Wenatchee Wild, as it demonstrates the team's ability to develop top-tier hockey talent. This recognition will likely boost the players' draft stock and provide them with opportunities to further their careers in the NHL.

The details

Tobias Tvrznik, the Wild's goaltender, is ranked among the top eight draft-eligible goalies in North America after posting a .913 save percentage, 16 wins, and a 3.10 goals-against average this past season. Forward Caelan Joudrey is ranked 60th among North American skaters, while defenseman Darian Rolsing is ranked 138th. All three players were previously included in the preliminary and midterm NHL Central Scouting rankings.

  • The NHL Central Scouting's final rankings for the 2026 NHL Draft were released on Thursday, April 16th.
  • The 2026 NHL Draft will take place on June 26 and 27 at Key Bank Center in Buffalo, New York.

The players

Tobias Tvrznik

A goaltender for the Wenatchee Wild, Tvrznik is ranked among the top eight draft-eligible goalies in North America. He posted a .913 save percentage, 16 wins, and a 3.10 goals-against average this past season, and was named a Second-Team Western Conference All-Star.

Caelan Joudrey

A forward for the Wenatchee Wild, Joudrey is ranked 60th among North American skaters. He finished the season with 19 goals and 10 assists, including three multi-point games and two multi-goal games.

Darian Rolsing

A defenseman for the Wenatchee Wild, Rolsing is ranked 138th among North American skaters. In his first season with the team, he scored nine points.

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What’s next

The 2026 NHL Draft will take place on June 26 and 27 at Key Bank Center in Buffalo, New York, where the three Wenatchee Wild players will have the opportunity to be selected by NHL teams.

The takeaway

The Wenatchee Wild's success in developing top-tier hockey talent is a testament to the team's commitment to player development and their ability to identify and nurture promising young players. This recognition will likely open up new opportunities for the three players and further strengthen the Wild's reputation as a premier junior hockey program.