NEW YORK, NY – Each season brings a calendar full of events that help shape the upcoming NHL Draft. While the Hlinka-Gretzky Cup is widely considered the unofficial kickoff to the draft cycle, the NHL Central Scouting Preliminary Rankings provide the first major benchmark for draft-eligible prospects.
This season, two current Lumberjacks and two players from the organization's affiliate ranks earned recognition in the preliminary rankings after strong starts to their campaigns.
Rather than ranking players from 1 to 100, NHL Central Scouting assigns letter grades to draft-eligible skaters and goaltenders to indicate their projected draft range.
A: First round
B: Second or third round
C: Fourth or fifth round
W: Sixth or seventh round
Maxim Šimko – C
One of the top NHL Draft-eligible skaters in the USHL this season, Šimko has seamlessly transitioned from his native Slovakia to North American hockey. Through 11 games, he has recorded eight points (4G, 4A), helping fuel the Lumberjacks' strong start to the season.
Adjusting to the North American game is a major challenge for European players, especially with less time and space on the smaller ice surface. Šimko's ability to adapt quickly has made an immediate impact for the Lumberjacks while strengthening his draft profile.
"Max has an NHL stick and really strong hands. He plays in tight areas and can make the little plays not many people can. He's adjusted well to the North American game so far, and obviously, he'll continue to develop as the year goes on," said Lumberjacks Head Coach
Colten St. Clair.
A sixth-round selection by the Lumberjacks in the 2026 Phase II Draft, Carhart is quickly showing potential as a valuable find. Combining size, skill, and a physical presence, he has made an impression early in the season, recording five points (2G, 3A) in 12 games.
At 6-foot-2 and 197 pounds, Carhart brings a power-forward mentality, finishing checks below the circles and creating turnovers that lead to offensive opportunities. His impact extends beyond the scoresheet, highlighting the details that make him an effective presence on the ice.
"Strider has come a long way since day one. He's a true power forward. His work ethic is second to none, and he's getting rewarded with about a half-point per game this season. We are looking forward to that number growing throughout the year. We as a staff couldn't be more proud of the growth and coachability Strider has shown all year," added St. Clair.
Jakub Šimoncic – W
Another Slovakian prospect in the Lumberjacks organization, Šimoncic played alongside Šimko with HC Nitra last season before returning to Slovakia for the 2026–27 campaign.
Through 17 games with Nitra's U20 team, Šimoncic has produced 26 points (13G, 13A), showcasing the offensive instincts and skill that have helped him stand out. With above-average mobility and speed, plus the ability to create scoring chances for himself and his teammates, Šimoncic continues to build his case as a prospect to watch.
Rylan Hanson – W
The Lumberjacks have a strong track record of developing defensemen from Minnesota, and Elk River native Rylan Hanson is poised to join that tradition when he arrives on the lakeshore.
A silver medalist with Team USA at the 2026 Hlinka-Gretzky Cup, Hanson is a long, rangy defenseman who uses his size and reach to defend the net front and win battles in high-traffic areas. His defensive presence and physical tools have drawn NHL scouts' attention.
Hanson has also committed to play NCAA Division I hockey at the University of Wisconsin, where he will compete in the Big Ten.
Congratulations to Maxim Šimko,
Strider Carhart, Jakub Šimoncic, and Rylan Hanson on earning recognition in the NHL Central Scouting Preliminary Rankings!
### (10/26/26)
About the Muskegon Lumberjacks
The Muskegon Lumberjacks are proud and dedicated members of the United States Hockey League (USHL), the nation's only Tier I junior hockey league and leading producer of NCAA players and National Hockey League draft picks in the United States. The club's goal is to create an environment where student-athletes develop into successful young men, both on and off the ice. This includes playing the game the right way while maintaining academic excellence in the classroom and staying actively involved in the West Michigan community. The organization is committed to providing high-quality, affordable, and top-notch family entertainment while serving as positive role models for the youth and local community.
