The recently completed CHL USA Prospects Challenge provided a nice stage for draft hopefuls, either for 2026 or 2027. The Challenge primarily served as a showcase for 2026 draft-eligibles, which was true of all Team CHL members. However, there are several 2008-born players on Team USA’s roster who are not draft-eligible until 2027. This is due to the NHL’s September 15, 2026 deadline to turn 18 years of age, thus excluding late birth-year players from draft consideration until the following summer. Despite this slight age disadvantage, underagers Sammy Nelson and AJ Francisco joined Team CHL’s Mathis Preston and Team USA’s Wyatt Cullen in leading the event in scoring, totaling three points apiece.
For right winger Preston of the WHL’s Spokane Chiefs, thriving on a big stage is nothing new at this point. The projected first-rounder totaled 7 points at both the Hlinka Gretzky Cup this season (4G 3A) and the World U17 Challenge last season (6G 1A). Although expected by many to be in the top ten, TSN’s Craig Button recently ranked him as being the 25th overall pick. Perhaps this performance will enhance Preston’s already outstanding draft status.
Team USA forward Nelson demonstrated a high motor and exceptional playmaking ability to complement his good size (6’2″, 192 lbs.) in helping lead Team USA’s offensive attack. He is committed to attend the University of Notre Dame in the fall, and most likely will be on Team USA’s U18 world junior team later this season.
Like Nelson, Team USA d-man Francisco contributed Team USA’s offensive efforts, albeit from the back-end. With his solid two-way game, Francisco most likely will join Nelson for the U18 world juniors, during which they will face Preston and Team Canada.