The 2026 NHL Draft takes center stage as Wyatt Cullen and Casey Mutryn highlight the Chipotle All-American Game. Discover the top prospects and rising stars to watch this year.
The road to the professional ranks is paved with high-stakes performances, and for the next generation of American hockey stars, that road runs straight through Plymouth, Michigan. This week, the hockey world turned its eyes toward the Chipotle All-American Game, a premier showcase that has become a vital scouting ground for the 2026 NHL Draft. With scouts from all 32 NHL teams in attendance, the pressure was on for these young athletes to prove they belong in the big leagues.
2026 NHL Draft: Key Prospects at a Glance
| Prospect Name | Team / League | Position | Notable Detail |
| Wyatt Cullen | USA U-18 (NTDP) | Forward | Son of 3x Cup winner Matt Cullen |
| Casey Mutryn | USA U-18 (NTDP) | Forward | NTDP Captain with elite size/skill |
| Tobias Trejbal | Youngstown (USHL) | Goalie | Top-ranked USHL rookie netminder |
| Mikey Berchild | USA U-18 (NTDP) | Forward | Highly creative offensive playmaker |
| A.J. Francisco | USA U-18 (NTDP) | Defenseman | Mobile blue-liner with high IQ |
Wyatt Cullen and Casey Mutryn Lead the Charge for the 2026 NHL Draft
Leading the pack of hopefuls for the 2026 NHL Draft are two standouts from the USA Hockey National Team Development Program (NTDP): Wyatt Cullen and Casey Mutryn. Both forwards are currently listed among the top 32 on NHL Central Scouting’s midterm ranking of North American skaters, making them “A-rated” prospects to keep a close eye on.
Wyatt Cullen, the son of three-time Stanley Cup champion Matt Cullen, has had a fascinating trajectory. Standing at 6-foot-1, Cullen has undergone a massive physical transformation, growing nearly nine inches in the last 18 months. This growth spurt, combined with his natural hockey pedigree and a commitment to the University of Minnesota, makes him one of the most intriguing names in the 2026 NHL Draft conversation. His performance at the All-American Game only solidified the belief that he is just scratching the surface of his potential.
Meanwhile, Casey Mutryn brings a different but equally valuable package to the ice. At 6-foot-3 and 200 pounds, the NTDP captain is the ultimate “power forward” prototype. Committed to Boston College, Mutryn uses his massive frame and high-compete level to dominate the dirty areas of the ice. Scouts looking for a blend of size and skill in the 2026 NHL Draft have Mutryn circled in red on their draft boards.
Goaltending Excellence: Tobias Trejbal’s Rising Stock
While the forwards often grab the headlines, the 2026 NHL Draft class also features some exceptional talent between the pipes. The star of the All-American Game in the crease was undoubtedly Tobias Trejbal of the Youngstown Phantoms. A right-handed catching goalie from Czechia, Trejbal has taken the USHL by storm as a rookie.
Trejbal currently holds a stellar .922 save percentage and is ranked as the No. 3 North American goalie by Central Scouting. His “pro presence” and ability to stay upright in the butterfly position to cover the upper corners of the net have drawn comparisons to some of the league’s elite modern netminders. For teams looking to secure their future in goal during the 2026 NHL Draft, Trejbal is making a very strong case to be the first goalie off the board.
The NTDP vs. USHL Battleground
The All-American Game is unique because it pits the best of the NTDP against the top American-born prospects from the USHL. This clash of styles provides a perfect evaluation tool for the 2026 NHL Draft. While the NTDP players benefit from a year-round elite training environment, the USHL prospects often bring a “grit” and diversity of playstyles developed across various regional programs.
Notable USHL names like Jack Hextall and Evan Jardine from Youngstown, along with Muskegon’s Jean-Samuel Daigneault, used the platform to prove they could compete with the highly-touted NTDP roster. This competitive depth is exactly why the 2026 NHL Draft is expected to be one of the most talent-rich classes for American hockey in recent memory.
Scouting the Intangibles: Why Mentality Matters
Beyond the goals and assists, the 2026 NHL Draft is about identifying the “intangibles.” Scouts at the All-American Game weren’t just looking at the scoreboard; they were watching how Casey Mutryn led his bench as a captain and how Wyatt Cullen responded to a physical hit.
Director of NHL Central Scouting Dan Marr noted that the All-American Game provides a “sneak peek” at the diversity of talent available. For the players, it’s about showing they can play a “winning brand” of hockey. Whether it’s the defensive responsibility shown by A.J. Francisco or the offensive creativity of Mikey Berchild, the 2026 NHL Draft will reward those who can adapt their game to the highest level of competition.
Conclusion
As the final whistle blew at USA Hockey Arena, one thing was certain: the future of American hockey is in very capable hands. With standout performances from Cullen, Mutryn, and Trejbal, the excitement for the 2026 NHL Draft is only going to grow as we move closer to the summer. These young athletes have shown they have the skill, the size, and the heart to make it to the next level. For fans and scouts alike, the journey toward the 2026 NHL Draft is just getting started, and the All-American Game was the perfect opening chapter.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Who are the top-ranked American prospects for the 2026 NHL Draft?
Based on current rankings, Wyatt Cullen and Casey Mutryn are among the top North American skaters to watch for the 2026 NHL Draft.
2. Where is the All-American Game held?
The 2026 Chipotle All-American Game took place at the USA Hockey Arena in Plymouth, Michigan.
3. Is Wyatt Cullen related to Matt Cullen?
Yes, Wyatt is the son of retired NHL forward and three-time Stanley Cup champion Matt Cullen.
4. What makes Tobias Trejbal a unique goalie prospect for the 2026 NHL Draft?
Trejbal is a rare right-handed catching goalie with a massive 6-foot-4 frame and is currently one of the top-ranked rookie goaltenders in the USHL.
5. How are players selected for the All-American Game?
Players are selected by USA Hockey in collaboration with NHL Central Scouting and various NHL clubs to showcase the best draft-eligible talent.
