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On Friday, the NHL Scouting Combine opened its doors to media members, offering a first glimpse at many of the top prospects eligible for the upcoming 2026 NHL draft.
While the fitness testing portion of the combine is scheduled for Saturday, Friday served primarily as a media availability day, allowing players to meet reporters and discuss their paths to becoming elite prospects.
To help ease nerves surrounding some of the more physically demanding tests, including the notorious Wingate bike exercise that has left players exhausted in previous years, several fitness evaluations were conducted before media members were permitted inside. The decision allowed prospects to focus on their performances without the added pressure of cameras and reporters.
Among the notable players made available to the media were Chase Reid, Caleb Malhotra, Ivar Stenberg, Alberts Smits, Keaton Verhoeff and Gavin McKenna. Throughout the day, each prospect reflected on their development journeys, draft experiences and expectations heading into one of the most important weeks of their hockey careers.
The first media session featured Reid and Malhotra, who were both asked about some of the unusual questions and challenges teams have presented during interview sessions at the combine.
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Reid shared a memorable experience from his meeting with the Montreal Canadiens, where team representatives tested his confidence by having him stand away from a garbage can and attempt to throw a puck into it like a basketball.
“I missed,” Reid said with a laugh while Malhotra quickly revealed he had been given the same challenge and also failed to make the shot.
The forward also recalled one of the stranger interview questions he received from a team.
“I was asked if I was on a desert island and there was no water for a day’s walk, but someone besides me had water, would I kill them for it,” Malhotra said while laughing. “I don’t know about that one. It was pretty crazy.”
The second media session featured Stenberg and Smits, with much of the discussion centered around their international experience. Both players have represented their home countries on major stages, including the World Junior Championship and IIHF World Championship. Smits also suited up for Latvia at the Winter Olympics.
Despite the pressure that comes with competing on hockey’s biggest international stages, Smits said his approach remains simple.
“I didn’t think too much of it,” Smits said. “I just went out there and tried to do my best and do my job.”
Stenberg, meanwhile, was asked about the possibility of being selected first overall by the Toronto Maple Leafs. Appearing somewhat nervous under the spotlight, the Swedish forward smiled as he answered in English.
“It would be super fun,” Stenberg said. “Good team, good organization.”
The day’s final session featured two of the draft’s most highly regarded prospects in McKenna and Verhoeff. The pair discussed their long-standing connection through Hockey Canada programs and the challenges of transitioning from Canadian junior hockey to the NCAA.
McKenna spoke highly of his experience with the Penn State Nittany Lions men’s ice hockey team, crediting head coach Guy Gadowsky for helping him continue his development.
MORE: Gavin McKenna reveals honest thoughts on getting drafted by Toronto Maple Leafs
The projected top pick said he built a strong relationship with Gadowsky during his time at Penn State and joked that the two shared some memorable ping pong battles off the ice.
McKenna added that experiences such as playing outdoor games and competing against top collegiate talent made his season especially rewarding. While grateful for his NCAA experience, McKenna said he is eager to take the next step in his career and pursue his dream of reaching the NHL.
Verhoeff echoed similar sentiments about his time with the North Dakota Fighting Hawks men’s ice hockey team. He highlighted the opportunity to play alongside talented teammates, including Cole Reschny, while noting that facing older, stronger and faster competition accelerated his development.
With media day now complete, all 90 prospects attending the NHL Scouting Combine will turn their attention to Saturday’s testing sessions, where they will have an opportunity to showcase their athletic abilities and further strengthen their cases ahead of the NHL Draft.
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