The 2026 WHL Bantam Draft is shaping up without a runaway consensus No. 1 pick, as the top spot comes down to a razor-thin battle between two forwards who both look like future elite talents in the league. Madden Daneault out of the Red Deer Rebels U15 AAA program in the AEHL has been the slight frontrunner in a bunch of rankings—like PuckPreps’ January update and Neutral Zone—thanks to his elite hockey smarts, quick agility, slick playmaking, and absurd scoring clip (he’s been cruising over 4 points per game while hanging tough against older kids), with plenty of folks projecting him as a potential 100-point WHL superstar down the line. Hot on his tail is Parker McMillan from Yale Hockey Academy U15 Prep in the CSSHL, a big 6’2″ power forward with a cannon shot, physical edge, and his own ridiculous point totals; he’s grabbed the top spot in places like Elite Prospects’ user rankings and some team boards, viewed by many as an instant-impact top-6 guy who can dominate right away. The split really comes down to taste—Daneault’s creative wizardry versus McMillan’s size and straight-line power—and with the bantam season still wrapping in mid-March, opinions are all over the map. This class feels especially loaded with talent from BC and Alberta, leaning heavily toward BC prospects in the upper tiers, which should make for some fun debates when teams start picking. Of course, mock drafts like this one are just educated guesses—who knows, I might’ve missed on a few sleepers, and the actual draft order could shuffle around big time depending on how the season finishes and the lottery shakes out.
1) Wenatchee Wild (Via Swift Current Broncos)- Madden Daneault
F Red Deer Rebels U15 AAA / AEHL U15 5’10 168 Red Deer, Alberta
Madden Daneault is an electrifying, right-shooting forward born May 7, 2011, in Red Deer, Alberta, who centers the Red Deer Rebels U15 AAA squad in the AEHL U15 league and stands at 5’10” (178 cm) and around 168-175 lbs—giving him solid size and strength for his age in a forward-heavy 2026 WHL Bantam Draft class where he’s frequently ranked #1 overall. He’s widely considered the most complete and dominant player available, a true offensive phenom who shattered the AEHL U15 single-season points record with an astonishing 65 goals and 84 assists for 149 points in just 34 regular-season games (4.38 PPG), plus additional dominance in playoffs and tournaments like the John Reid Memorial (where he earned back-to-back MVPs and top forward honors). Scouts rave about his elite hockey sense—he’s always the smartest player on the ice, reading plays pre-emptively, anticipating passes, finding soft spots, and exploiting gaps with exceptional vision and playmaking that sets up teammates as easily as he scores himself—paired with a lethal, WHL-caliber shot (quick release, one-timer threat from anywhere), deceptive speed, agility, quick hands, and strong edgework that lets him evade checks, drive the net, and create in tight spaces. He combines that with a high compete level, physical willingness (wins battles, absorbs contact, backchecks hard), and two-way reliability, making him a complete package rather than just a scorer. His production has been video-game level even against older competition, often compared to how Kirby Dach or Brayden Point looked at similar ages but even more dominant statistically. Projecting forward, Daneault is viewed as an immediate top-line, franchise-caliber impact player in the WHL—capable of 100+ point seasons as a dynamic center or winger—with legitimate high-end NHL upside (potentially top-six or better) as a smart, skilled, goal-scoring play-driver who thrives in all situations and draws comparisons to stars like Auston Matthews or Connor McDavid in style and ceiling; his blend of IQ, skill, and production gives him one of the highest floors and ceilings in the class, making him the slight consensus favorite for many scouts and teams heading into the May draft.
2) Kelowna Rockets (Via Lethbridge Hurricanes)- Parker McMillan
F-Yale Hockey Academy U15 Prep / CSSHL U15 6’2 181 Vancouver, B.C
Parker McMillan is a towering, right-shooting forward born June 13, 2011, in Vancouver (Semiahmoo area), BC, who plays for Yale Hockey Academy U15 Prep in the CSSHL U15 league and measures about 6’2″ and 180-181 lbs at age 14—already an imposing physical specimen for his draft class. He’s widely viewed as one of the premier power forwards in the 2026 WHL Bantam Draft conversation, often ranked #1 or #2 overall, thanks to his rare combination of elite size, explosive speed, physical dominance, and high-end skill—he physically overpowers opponents with strong contact along the boards, hip-pocket protection, inside-lane drives, and proactive hitting while maintaining ridiculous lower-body power and acceleration that makes him a “cheat code” at the U15 level. His shot is elite (quick catch-and-release from anywhere, lethal one-timer threat), and he pairs it with sharp hockey IQ: quick scanning, smart decisions, slick moves to beat defenders, vision for passes, and consistent breakout reads/interceptions. He’s been absolutely dominant statistically, posting eye-popping numbers like around 41 goals and 50 assists for 91 points in 25 games (3.64 PPG) in the regular season so far, plus standout multi-goal outbursts (e.g., six-goal games pushing him into top-5 all-time CSSHL U15 points history) and even contributing at the U18 level in events like the Western Championships. Scouts describe him as a true five-tool star who embodies the modern power forward archetype, projecting as an immediate top-line impact player in the WHL with superstar potential—able to dominate physically while producing at an elite level offensively. Long-term, he carries legitimate top-six NHL upside (possibly even higher) as a dynamic, goal-scoring winger or power forward who thrives in transition, cycle play, and net-front areas, with his blend of tools and intelligence making him a high-floor, high-ceiling prospect that many teams would love to build around.
3) Vancouver Giants- Artello Forestal
F-OHA Edmonton U15 Prep / CSSHL U15 5’9 150 Edmonton, Alberta
Artello Forestal is a dynamic, right-shooting forward born December 7, 2011, in Edmonton, Alberta, who plays for OHA Edmonton U15 Prep in the CSSHL U15 Prep league and stands about 5’9″ and 150 lbs. He’s widely regarded as one of the purest skill players in the 2026 WHL Bantam Draft class, blending explosive acceleration and elite edgework in transition with what scouts call potentially the best stickhandling and creativity in the entire group—he routinely uses toe drags, quick dekes, and high-pace attacks to beat defenders one-on-one or create highlight-reel chances off the rush and in the cycle. Despite missing significant time early in the 2025-26 season with an injury, he’s been dominant since returning, posting roughly 22 goals and 25 assists for 47 points in just 21 games (over 2.2 PPG), shining as a “lightning rod on offence” with quick hands, feet, and hockey IQ that lets him read plays at top speed while also showing two-way detail and physical willingness along the boards. Scouts project him as an immediate impact top-six or top-line scorer in the WHL next season, with a very high offensive ceiling thanks to his multi-layered game that works at both slow and breakneck paces; long-term, he has legitimate middle-six NHL upside as a fan-favorite play-driver if he continues developing his frame and consistency.
4) Vancouver Giants (Via Wenatchee Wild)- Brody Antignani
F-Calgary Edge School U15 Prep / CSSHL U15 5’8 143 Calgary, Alberta
Brody Antignani is a highly skilled, left-shooting forward born June 2, 2011, in Calgary, Alberta, who plays center for Calgary Edge School U15 Prep in the CSSHL U15 league and measures about 5’8″ (173 cm) and 143-150 lbs—on the smaller side but with exceptional offensive talent that has him firmly in the top-10 conversation for the 2026 WHL Bantam Draft (often ranked around 3rd-10th depending on the outlet, like #3 at Neutral Zone, top-10 at PuckPreps, and frequently in the 6-10 range on Elite Prospects lists). He’s one of the most productive and dynamic players in the class, having posted one of the best U15 seasons in CSSHL history with around 50 goals and 49 assists for 99 points in 34 regular-season games (nearly 3 PPG), plus strong playoff/tournament showings (e.g., multi-goal games, leading scorers in events like the Western Championships and John Reid Memorial), and even 60+ goals/100+ points when including all competitions—numbers that rank among the elite historically at this level. Scouts highlight his elite puck skills, deceptive edgework, quick hands, and cerebral play: he controls pace masterfully (slowing the game to manipulate defenses or exploding with quick first steps), uses creative dekes/toe drags to evade pressure, excels at drawing defenders to create space for linemen, thrives in tight areas/down low/on the power play with sharp finishing (snapshots, backhands, elevations in close), and shows high hockey IQ through pre-scans, vision, and adaptability (scoring via redirects, one-timers, or playmaking). Despite his size, he competes hard, holds onto pucks, and drives offense as a true catalyst—described as a “can’t-miss” playmaker who’s fun to watch and consistently produces even in quieter games. Projecting ahead, Antignani is expected to be an immediate top-six impact forward in the WHL, likely a high-volume scorer and setup man who thrives in skilled, pace-controlled roles; long-term, he has solid middle-six NHL upside (potentially higher if he adds strength/speed) as a smart, skilled offensive driver with a high hockey sense that compensates for lack of elite physical tools—teams love his consistency, creativity, and ability to elevate linemates, making him a safe bet for high-end production at the next levels.
5) Tri City Americans- Kenzo Gibson
F-Burnaby Winter Club U15 Prep / CSSHL U15 5’11 176 North Vancouver, B.C.
Kenzo Gibson is a dynamic, left-shooting forward (primarily center) born April 20, 2011, in North Vancouver, British Columbia, who plays for Burnaby Winter Club (BWC) Academy U15 Prep in the CSSHL U15 league and stands at 5’11” (180 cm) and around 175-176 lbs—offering good size, strength, and a pro-ready frame for the 2026 WHL Bantam Draft class, where he’s consistently ranked in the top 5-10 (e.g., #3-4 in many BC-specific and overall rankings on Elite Prospects user lists and PuckPreps updates, often in the 4-8 range on broader midseason boards like Neutral Zone and Elite Prospects’ top-50). He’s an explosive, high-octane athlete with elite straight-line speed—one of the fastest skaters in the draft class—paired with a powerful first step, relentless motor, and aggressive style that puts constant pressure on opponents in all zones: he forechecks ferociously, backchecks hard, hounds pucks, overpowers defenders with strength and contact, and thrives in transition by galloping up ice to create turnovers or drive the rush. Offensively, he’s a high-volume creator and finisher with a heavy, accurate shot (quick release and power that forces errors), deceptive dekes (inside-outside moves at full speed), and the ability to dictate pace—either exploding past defenders or using his athleticism to win battles and generate chances in tight areas or off the cycle. Scouts praise his competitiveness, physical engagement (absorbs hits, wins puck battles), and ability to force mistakes at a level that’s overwhelming for U15, with standout production like leading the league early (e.g., 15 goals in 9 games at one point, November Player of the Month honors with 25 points in a month, and strong showings in events like the John Reid Memorial and Pat Quinn Classic). Despite occasional tunnel vision on the attack (potentially missing some playmaking reads), his tools make him a “can’t-miss” transition threat. Projecting forward, Gibson is expected to be an immediate top-six impact forward in the WHL—likely a fast, physical, goal-scoring winger or center who excels in rush and forecheck roles—with high-end upside as a top-line producer; long-term, he carries solid middle-six (potentially higher) NHL potential as a relentless, athletic power forward who combines elite speed, strength, and hockey sense to dominate at higher levels, making him a favorite for teams seeking a high-motor, plug-and-play skill set.
6) Victoria Royals- Eli Vickers
D-Delta Hockey Academy U15 Prep / CSSHL U15 5’9 154 Surrey, B.C.
Eli Vickers is a poised, left-shooting defenseman born July 20, 2011, in Surrey, British Columbia, who plays for Delta Hockey Academy U15 Prep in the CSSHL U15 league and measures about 5’9″ (175 cm) and 154-155 lbs—compact but mobile and well-proportioned for a modern two-way blueliner in the 2026 WHL Bantam Draft class, where he’s widely regarded as the top or one of the top defensemen available (often ranked in the 5-10 range overall, like #5 on some continuously updated Elite Prospects user lists, #10 on Neutral Zone’s WHL prospect rankings, and highlighted as a top defensive option on PuckPreps and other scouting outlets). He’s a smart, active, and engaging player with excellent skating (strong edges, good acceleration, and transitional mobility that lets him join rushes or close gaps quickly), high hockey IQ (pre-scans, calm decision-making, anticipates plays, and makes quick, accurate reads), and a proactive offensive mindset—he constantly tests defenses by penetrating zones, advances pucks effectively with crisp passes or carries, activates into shooting lanes for better opportunities, and contributes significantly on the power play with vision and poise under pressure. Defensively, he’s responsible and engaged: sticks active, positions well, breaks up plays, and shows strong gap control without overcommitting. His production has been standout for a defenseman, with around 15 goals and 35 assists for 50 points in 24 games (over 2 PPG) in the regular season so far, plus leading all blueliners in points during events like the 2025 CSSHL Western Championships (8G-18A-26P) and earning September/October Player of the Month honors—demonstrating consistent offensive impact and reliability. Scouts describe him as a “constant presence” with poise, aggression in joining the attack, and the tools to be a top-pair or high-end #3/#4 defenseman; he projects as an immediate impact two-way defender in the WHL, capable of quarterbacking power plays and contributing in all situations right away. Long-term, Vickers carries solid middle-pair (potentially higher) NHL upside as a mobile, smart, puck-moving defenseman who combines IQ, skating, and offensive instincts to thrive at higher levels, making him a high-floor prospect that teams value for his consistency and versatility in the draft’s deeper blue-line group.
7) Moose Jaw Warriors- Teagan Dernisky
F-Yale Hockey Academy U15 Prep / CSSHL U15 5’7 150 Delta, B.C
Teagan Dernisky is a highly productive, left-shooting forward born March 1, 2011, in Delta, British Columbia, who plays primarily as a winger or center for Yale Hockey Academy U15 Prep in the CSSHL U15 league and stands at 5’7″ (170 cm) and 150 lbs—undersized but explosive and skilled in the 2026 WHL Bantam Draft class, where he’s ranked solidly in the top 10-15 overall (e.g., #7-8 on some Elite Prospects user-submitted WHL prospect lists and top-50 rankings, #8 in PuckPreps’ January 2026 top-50 update, and frequently in the 7-10 range on Neutral Zone and other midseason boards). He’s best known as a lethal complementary piece on one of the league’s most dominant lines alongside Parker McMillan, thriving as a speedy, puck-possession threat with elite quickness, sharp acceleration, and the ability to hit rushes at full speed while maintaining tight puck control to evade checks and create danger in transition or on the cycle. Offensively, he’s a volume scorer and playmaker with quick hands, deceptive moves, strong finishing (elevations, snapshots in close), and excellent vision—often setting up big linemates or capitalizing on space they create—while showing high hockey IQ through smart reads, positioning, and adaptability in all situations. His production has been outstanding: around 43 goals and 55 assists for 98 points in 30 regular-season games (3.27 PPG), plus massive tournament impacts like 21 points in six games at a key event (tying McMillan for the lead) and strong playoff/showcase numbers, marking him as one of the most consistent and dangerous finishers in the class despite his frame. Scouts highlight his ability to be a “true compliment player” who elevates lines with speed, skill, and compete level—backchecking hard, winning battles through tenacity rather than size, and staying dangerous even in quieter games. Projecting forward, Dernisky is expected to be an immediate top-six impact forward in the WHL, likely excelling as a dynamic winger or secondary scorer who thrives in skilled, high-pace roles and power-play units. Long-term, he carries solid middle-six (potentially higher) NHL upside as an undersized but speedy, intelligent offensive contributor who uses quickness, puck skills, and hockey sense to overcome physical limitations—making him a high-upside pick for teams valuing play-drivers who produce at elite rates and fit modern, skill-focused systems.
8) Red Deer Rebels- Liam Bordt
F-Northern Alberta Xtreme U15 Prep / CSSHL U15 5’9 154 Langley, B.C.
Liam Bordt is a skilled, right-shooting forward born March 23, 2011, in Langley, British Columbia, who plays for Northern Alberta Xtreme (NAX) U15 Prep in the CSSHL U15 league and stands at 5’9″ (175 cm) and around 154-155 lbs—solidly built with good proportions for a dynamic offensive player in the 2026 WHL Bantam Draft class, where he’s ranked consistently in the top 10-15 overall (e.g., #6 on PuckPreps’ top-50 January update, around #16 in some user-submitted Central Scouting top-100 lists on Elite Prospects, #2 among BC forwards on continuous EP rankings, and frequently highlighted in Neutral Zone evaluations as a high-impact scorer). He’s a pure offensive catalyst with strong puck skills, a heavy and accurate one-timer slapshot (especially lethal on the power play), quick release, deceptive hands, and the ability to create and finish from multiple angles—often wiring home big shots from the point or slot, driving the net, and generating high-volume chances through smart positioning, speed in transition, and relentless attacking mentality. Despite not posting the absolute video-game numbers of the very top tier, his production remains elite: around 24 goals and 24 assists for 48 points in 29 regular-season games (1.66 PPG) so far, plus strong tournament impacts like 4 goals and 1 assist in 4 games at the 2026 U15 Prep Division I Western Championships, multi-goal outbursts (including 4-goal games), and standout moments like wiring home overtime winners or dominating in showcases. Scouts note his high offensive ceiling as a goal-scoring threat who thrives in PP roles, shows poise under pressure, and can be a nightly difference-maker even if he sometimes focuses more on shooting than playmaking reads. Projecting forward, Bordt is expected to be an immediate top-six impact forward in the WHL—likely a high-volume shooter and secondary scorer who excels on special teams and in transition—with solid middle-six (potentially higher) NHL upside as a skilled, right-shot winger or center who uses his shot, hockey sense, and compete level to produce consistently at higher levels, making him a reliable pick for teams seeking offensive depth in the draft’s strong forward group.
9) Regina Pats- Tyson Wolanski
D-Yale Hockey Academy U15 Prep / CSSHL U15 6’2 181 Cloverdale, B.C.
Tyson Wolanski is a big, right-shooting defenseman born March 8, 2011, in Cloverdale, British Columbia, who plays for Yale Hockey Academy U15 Prep in the CSSHL U15 league and measures about 6’2″ (188 cm) and 180-181 lbs—already possessing an imposing, pro-sized frame that stands out in the 2026 WHL Bantam Draft class, where he’s ranked as one of the top defensemen available (often #2 among blueliners on user-submitted Elite Prospects top-40 D lists from March 2026, around #11-14 overall in various WHL prospect rankings like Neutral Zone’s board at #14, PuckPreps top-50 at #13, and frequently in the 10-15 range on continuous and midterm lists). He’s a towering, proactive presence on the back end with strong awareness in all three zones, excellent size and reach for defending, gap control, and physical engagement—he uses his frame to win battles along the walls, disrupt plays, and impose himself without being overly aggressive or taking bad penalties. Offensively, he’s calm under pressure, never seems rushed, drives play up ice effectively with smart puck movement, crisp passing, and the ability to keep possession and generate zone time during his shifts, while also activating when opportunities arise. Scouts describe him as a high-floor, reliable two-way defender with good skating for his size (solid mobility and edges to transition and join rushes), high hockey IQ (quick reads, pre-scans, and proactive decisions), and the tools to impact games consistently. Production details are more limited publicly for defensemen (focusing on team play over flash), but he’s shown capability in tournaments like the John Reid Memorial (contributing points in limited samples) and has earned attention for his all-around impact and pro-style game. Projecting forward, Wolanski is expected to be an immediate top-4 impact defenseman in the WHL—likely a shutdown or two-way guy who logs big minutes, quarterbacks power plays from the point if needed, and thrives in structured systems with his size, poise, and awareness. Long-term, he carries solid middle-pair (potentially top-4) NHL upside as a big, smart, right-shot defenseman who combines physical tools, defensive reliability, and puck-moving ability to project as a dependable, high-floor pro—making him a valuable pick in the mid-to-late first round for teams seeking blue-line stability in this forward-heavy draft class.
10) Portland Winterhawks- Brayden Jugnauth
F-Okanagan Rockets U18 AAA / BCEHL U18 5’8 154 Kelowna, B.C
Brayden Jugnauth is a speedy, right-shooting forward born April 8, 2011, in Kelowna, British Columbia, who plays for the Okanagan Rockets U18 AAA in the BCEHL U18 league (having “aged up” from U15 last season) and stands at about 5’8″ (173 cm) and 154-155 lbs—compact but quick and well-proportioned for a dynamic offensive player in the 2026 WHL Bantam Draft class, where he’s emerged as a notable riser (often ranked in the top 5-10 among BC prospects and around 7-10 overall in various user-submitted and scouting lists on Elite Prospects, PuckPreps’ January 2026 top-50 at #9, Neutral Zone WHL rankings around #6-7, and highlighted as a top BC forward on continuous EP boards). He’s one of the few 2011-born players competing at the U18 level this season (the only standout in some events like the Circle K Classic), which has boosted his visibility and shown his ability to handle older competition—he broke Okanagan Rockets U15 franchise records last year with 42 goals and 24 assists for 66 points in just 30 regular-season games (2.20 PPG), plus strong playoff/tournament impacts, and has carried that scoring touch into U18 with solid point-per-game pace (e.g., 32 goals and 26 assists in 34 games noted in some updates, though stats evolve). Scouts praise his open-ice speed (explosive acceleration and top-end quickness that lets him blow by defenders on rushes), sharp hockey IQ for creating chances off the rush and in the offensive zone (smart positioning, deceptive hands, quick release on his shot, and ability to generate high-danger looks), and offensive creativity—he thrives in transition, finds soft areas, and consistently produces even against bigger/older players. Despite his smaller frame, he competes hard, shows poise under pressure, and has the tools to be a nightly difference-maker as a play-driver. Projecting forward, Jugnauth is expected to be an immediate top-six impact forward in the WHL—likely a fast, skilled winger or center who excels in rush-heavy, skill-based roles and special teams—with solid middle-six (potentially higher) NHL upside as an undersized but speedy, intelligent scorer who uses quickness, shot, and hockey sense to overcome size limitations and produce at elite rates, making him a high-upside pick in the late first or early second round for teams valuing pace and offensive creativity in this BC-heavy draft year.