7 players with Vancouver Island connections featured in 2026 NHL Draft rankings

The Western Hockey League (WHL) is heading into the 2026 NHL Draft with serious momentum and Vancouver Island is well represented.

A recent media release from the league highlights seven connections to Vancouver Island, including multiple players tied to the Victoria Royals.

The Royals confirmed that Timofei Runtso and Nolan Stewart have both been named to NHL Central Scouting’s final rankings for the 2026 draft.

Runtso is ranked 48th among North American skaters after a strong rookie season in the WHL where he recorded 44 points (11 goals and 33 assists) in 68 games. The defenceman led all Royals blueliners in scoring and was named the team’s top defenceman.

Stewart, ranked 199th among North American skaters, is coming off a breakout season of his own. The forward posted 50 points (16 goals and 34 assists) in 65 games, more than doubling his previous career total and earned the Royals fan choice award.

He was originally selected by Victoria in the fifth round of the 2023 WHL Prospects Draft.

Another familiar name for local fans is Keaton Verhoeff, a former Royals player who also appears among the top-ranked North American skaters.

In addition to team connections, several players with Vancouver Island roots made the list, including Giorgos Pantelas and Noah Kosick (Victoria), Riley Steen (Ladysmith) and Gavin Lesiuk (Duncan).

Altogether, the Vancouver Island-linked players are part of a larger group of 80 WHL athletes ranked by NHL Central Scouting this year.

The 2026 NHL Draft is set for June 26th and 27th in Buffalo, New York.