Jean-François Rioux

Goalie scout | QMJHL draft for Elite prospects

[Jean-François Rioux @RickyJF]

@OHLSteelheads @victoriaroyals @SooGreyhound @BladesHockey @monctonwildcats Also on 2008 goalies selected this morning: If Proskurin and Rybkin does report to the CHL, that will be massive for their respective teams, especially for @monctonwildcats as their goalie's list is pretty slim right now.

[Jean-François Rioux @RickyJF]

2026 CHL Import draft has now concluded. Here's a thread about some goalies selected:

Only 1 2007-born goalie selected with Ivan Tkach-Tkatchenko (2025 5th round pick by Utah) with @StingHockey at pick #10

[Jean-François Rioux @RickyJF]

Goalies that were eligible for the 2026 NHL Draft:

Oskari Ahmajarvi (NHL Undrafted) by @OHLSteelheads
Vladimir Proskurin (STL) by @victoriaroyals
David Vermirosvky (NHL Undrafted) by @SooGreyhound
Martin Psohlavec (PHI) by @BladesHockey
Yegor Rybkin (LAK) by @monctonwildcats
Matvei Nokonovich (PIT) by @OHLBarrieColts
Samuel Hrenak (WPG) by @MJWARRIORS
Patriks Plumins (TOR) by @SagueneensLHJMQ

[Jean-François Rioux @RickyJF]

Two #2027NHLDraft eligible were also picked :

Andrei Nokolayev at pick 11 by @TigresVictoigresVicto
Vilmer Salen Forsberg at pick 62 by @BulldogsOHL

Nikolayev played last year with Des Moines of the USHL. Big 6ft4 athletic russian goalie.

From early viewings, Forsberg could be in discussion to be the best goalie prospect of his class. He has a massive frame with great body control for a goalie this age/size.

Curious to see if both will report.

No 2010 goalies were selected.

[Jean-François Rioux @RickyJF]

@jakewtitus Geez, I almost forgot. I don’t understand how 32 guys can be drafted before him

[Jean-François Rioux @RickyJF]

I get that teams may overlook smaller goalies and want to bet on size rather than proven abilities, but I’m very surprised that Carter Casey and William Lacelle didn’t get drafted today #2026NHLdraft

[Jean-François Rioux @RickyJF]

@PuckBunkerBoyce On paper that’s true, but he didn’t look like a 6’2 goalie

[Jean-François Rioux @RickyJF]

Proskurin is finally off the board at #123 with @StLouisBlues. Tremendous value in the 4th round

[St. Louis Blues @StLouisBlues]

With the 123rd overall pick, the Blues have selected goaltender Vladimir Proskurin.

[Jean-François Rioux @RickyJF]

Underrated all year, but made a case for himself at the last U18s. Glad to see him go early with @NHLFlyers

[Philadelphia Flyers @NHLFlyers]

🔶 WELCOME TO PHILLY! 🔶

With the 62nd overall pick in the 2026 #NHLDraft, we are proud to select goaltender Martin Psohlavec.

[Jean-François Rioux @RickyJF]

I like this one for the @Canucks. I had Ivchenko 6th best goalie on my board

[Vancouver Canucks @Canucks]

With the 78th overall pick, the Vancouver Canucks are proud to select Dmitri Ivchenko!

#NHLDraft | @UberEats

[Vancouver Canucks @Canucks]

With the 78th overall pick, the Vancouver Canucks are proud to select Dmitri Ivchenko!

#NHLDraft | @UberEats

[Jean-François Rioux @RickyJF]

@creaseanalysis @NHLBruins Ivanov before Borichev wasn’t on my bingo card 😅

[Jean-François Rioux @RickyJF]

@Mike__Charlton Very quick and athletic. High compete level too. He’ll need to refine some technical areas of his game, but overall a prospect that I liked.

[Jean-François Rioux @RickyJF]

Here’s my final goalie rankings for the #2026NHLDraft

Quick notes:
It was very tight with 1&2. I prefer Borichev’s skating
I could’ve ranked Knowling lower, but I have to value his physical attributes and will be selected early
Very strong depth in the middle rounds (tier 2-3-4)

[Jean-François Rioux @RickyJF]

@dollaballers @AustinReporting Yes, Russian goalies are usually good bets to take

[Jean-François Rioux @RickyJF]

@dollaballers @AustinReporting I did not have enough viewings on Polukeyev, so I wasn’t comfortable enough ranking him. For Tamm, simply didnt like him. I have him 43 on my complete list

[Jean-François Rioux @RickyJF]

#2026NHLdraft

[Scott Wheeler @scottcwheeler]

Hearing the Saginaw Spirit have signed NTDP goaltender and 2026 prospect Brady Knowling.

He’ll form a tandem with fellow 2026 prospect Stepan Shurygin.

Knowling is a BU commit for 2027-28. Announcement expected today.

[Jean-François Rioux @RickyJF]

@BoudScout He was the 4th goalie on my board. Incredible value at round 9

[Jean-François Rioux @RickyJF]

#QMJHL draft is now completed.

These are the top goalies left on my board that should be invited to a training camp in August:

Xavier Leblanc (13)
Florent-Sy-Lam Pham (15)
Rayane Lacombe (16)
Leo Belanger (17)
Nolan Fraughton (19)
Mae Pouget (20)
Aaron Meaden (21)

[Jean-François Rioux @RickyJF]

Alex Brien goes to @Foreurs at 206

He moves very well in the crease and displays good fluidity in his skating. His athletic profile allows him to make difficult saves and remain competitive against quality opposition.