Called Up: The Hockey Prospects Podcast

This week's episode covers an awful lot, but it starts with the latest news and notes from the NHL Scouting Combine. Among the topics discussed, Gavin McKenna's busy schedule, Daxon Rudolph makes his college plans known and much more, the Men's Worlds participants land in Buffalo and more.

We also switch gears to talk about the challenging landscape ahead for the National Team Development Program which has one of its most high-profile players for next season looking to leave. Chris and Cam share the latest about what they know and where things are going as the junior hockey landscape evolves.

The pair also discuss the Toronto Maple Leafs bringing in Judd Brackett to the front office ahead of the draft, how the combine helps or hurts a prospect and whether or not those dinner meetings mean anything anymore.

Plus, check out our regular segments including the Called Up Challenge: Combine Edition. We also address the following questions in Beyond Belief: Who will be the combine darling? Is the NHL Draft going to centralize once again? What will our redrafts of 2026 look like in five years?

And, finally, the fellas decide what combine event they would use to punish their "enemies."
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Ivar Stenberg had a historic World Championship for a player his age, but will that impact his draft stock significantly? Chris and Cam discuss that in depth, as well as where Alberts Šmits will ultimately wind up on draft day after he also impressed at the Worlds.

It is also a busy week on the college recruiting front with Daxon Rudolph narrowing down his next destination. The duo also talks about the Landon DuPont sweepstakes and where he could ultimately end up in the NCAA next season. Is Michigan still the front-runner?

Plus, Chris and Cam dive into the Memorial Cup including the struggles of Kelowna, the wagon that is Kitchener and offer a prediction for who will win.

You won't want to miss our regular segments either, with a Called Up Challenge featuring clues from the crazy 2012 NHL Draft, a Beyond Belief taking on burning draft questions and You Have To Pick One.
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It happens every year, where a few players upset the apple cart in the NHL Draft. Players like Beckett Sennecke or Moritz Seider immediately jump to mind. The thing about the 2026 NHL Draft is that there are TONS of wild cards.

Chris Peters and Cam Robinson go on a deep dive for the players that could be the real disrupters in the draft, either by moving way up, way down or bucking trends. There are probably more players in the 2026 class that can slot into a whole variety of spots in the draft, creating uncertainty and a whole lot of drama.

Among the players discussed: Wyatt Cullen, Viggo Bjork, Simas Ignativicius, Jaxon Cover, Brooks Rogowski, Ryan Roobroeck, Xavier Villeneuve, Egor Shilov and many more.

Chris and Cam take a look at a bunch of names you need to know from the top of the draft and well beyond.

Plus, the duo talks about NHL Draft prospects at the Men's World Championship, and preview the upcoming Memorial Cup. Plus you won't want to miss the Called Up Challenge, Beyond Belief and You Have To Pick One.
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Called Up is going deep on the top of the 2026 NHL Draft and beyond this week as Chris and Cam discuss how the first round can be tiered. Chris and Cam think as many as six players belong in the serious discussions for teams at the very top of the draft. Find out who they are and why this class is so tricky.

Additionally, Chris and Cam share a little insight into list building, handicapping where they think some players will go by sharing if they'll go before or after a player in a similar tier.

After that, Chris and Cam get into a True or False style Called Up Challenge, go through Beyond Belief and a unique You Have To Pick One segment.

Lastly, this week's episode is dedicated to the memory of Johan Nilsson, the founder of EliteProspects. Johan passed away Wednesday after a lengthy battle with cancer. His influence and impact on the hockey world at large is immeasurable and he will be missed. Our thoughts are with all who knew and loved him.
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The Toronto Maple Leafs won the NHL Draft Lottery, while the San Jose Sharks are going to pick No. 2. What will they do with the top two picks? Maybe it isn't as obvious as you'd think.

Chris and Cam break down what the options are for the top five teams and what they should consider.

After the lottery talk, Chris and Cam talk about players making plans for next season and what that might look like for a few notable recruits.

Plus, we briefly preview the championship series in the CHL, two of which you can watch on FloHockey.

Don't miss our Called Up Challenge featuring the recent draft history of the Toronto Maple Leafs and Vancouver Canucks. Plus, Beyond Belief and You Have To Pick One. Vancouver Canucks fans won't want to miss that last segment.

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