Inside BU’s Rising Star Tynan Lawrence, the Tense Malhotra-Desnoyers Rivalry, and Secret Olympic Prospects for 2026
Are there any prospects headed to the Olympics this year worth keeping an eye on? — Cedric S.
How do you think playing in the Olympics is likely to impact how Smits is perceived by NHL teams? — Rowen B.
Here’s my working list of young players I’ll be watching:
Slovakia:
- G Adam Gajan (Blackhawks)
- F Dalibor Dvorsky (Blues)
Italy:
- G Damian Clara (Ducks)
Latvia:
- D Alberts Smits (2026)
- F Dans Locmelis (Bruins)
- F Sandis Vilmanis (Panthers)
Denmark:
- F Oscar Fisker Molgaard (Kraken)
Smits is the big one. We’ve seen men’s international events play a role in elevating a player’s draft stock. Men’s worlds cemented Moritz Seider as a top prospect in 2019. Juraj Slafkovský’s performances at men’s worlds and the Olympics were at the center of the Habs’ decision to take him at No. 1. And if Smits plays well on a Latvian blue line that could need him, it’ll matter. He’s going to be a top-10 pick in this draft. A strong showing against NHLers could solidify him as a top-five pick down the stretch.
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