Northern Ontario has long been a breeding ground for NHL talent, supplying key contributors to the Toronto Maple Leafs’ 1960s Stanley Cup squads from towns such as Timmins, Kirkland Lake and Cochrane. Today, a new prospect from the region is drawing attention—South Porcupine native Tanner Adams, a powerful centre.
Adams made a strong impression at the 2026 OHL Cup while playing for The Hill, a private sports academy near Toronto. The 16‑year‑old recorded a hat‑trick and added four assists in the play‑in game, then posted six more goals across the tournament to showcase his offensive presence.
In a draft class lacking a clear No. 1, Adams could have been the top pick, but his agent, Dave Maloney, made it clear that the prospect wanted to remain in Northern Ontario, ideally with a Sudbury‑based club. He was ultimately selected third overall by Brampton (the Wolves held the fifth pick) but chose not to sign with the Steelheads. A trade remains a possibility.
Adams explained the deep connection he feels to his hometown: “It’s where I grew up and it’s where I learned how to play hockey, where I learned how to do everything. It’s my home and I’m proud to be from Northern Ontario.”
Family and community support have also been pivotal for the teenager. “It means everything,” he added. “It’s part of the reason why I am where I am. They give me a lot of support and have helped me throughout my journey.”
Top OHL Prospect Commits To NOJHL's Timmins Rock Amidst Trade Dispute
Tanner Adams will play for the NOJHL's Timmins Rock instead of joining the Brampton Steelheads.
Listed at six feet tall and 202 lb when drafted, Adams combines size with a strong compete level and physicality. “It’s my compete level and physicality,” he said. “When I bring those to the table, it’s hard to stay with me.” He aims to improve his speed, footwork and explosiveness, work that will continue into the 2028 NHL Draft window.
Russia
While Canadian defenseman Landon DuPont heads into the 2027 NHL Draft as the top prospect, his most formidable early challenger may be massive Russian left winger Nazar Privalov. Privalov tallied a high point total in Russia’s junior league last season, and concerns about his speed and conditioning have faded after watching his preseason video. At 6‑ft‑4 and 227 lb, he uses his powerful frame to disrupt defenders quickly and still retains a goal‑scoring touch, making him a player the rest of the 2027 class should monitor.
NAHL
The NAHL has expanded for the upcoming season, adding a new Mountain Division and five fresh franchises, several transitioning from the NCDC. Newcomers such as the Idaho Spud Kings, Billings Cattle Punchers and Pueblo Peppers bring quirky, baseball‑inspired branding that promises to capture fans’ attention. The roster also includes the Grand Junction River Hawks (Colorado) and the Ogden Mustangs (Utah). Pueblo’s Peppers previously competed as the Chippewa Steel before relocating to Colorado.
WHL
Edmonton Oil Kings have unveiled an unconventional development plan for defenseman Holden Wouters, sending him to Shattuck‑St. Mary’s, the prestigious Minnesota prep school that has produced Sidney Crosby, Jonathan Toews and Nathan MacKinnon. The move gives Wouters, who won’t turn 16 until December, access to elite competition ahead of his major‑junior career—a rare step for a WHL club.