Brek Liske – 2026 NHL Draft Prospect Profile

Brek Liske

2025-26 Team: Everett Silvertips (WHL)
Date of Birth: Jan. 09, 2008
Place of Birth: Beausejour, MB, CAN
Ht: 6-foot-2 Wt: 187 pounds
Shoots: R
Position: D
NHL Draft Eligibility: 2026 first-year eligible

Rankings

• NHL Central Scouting: 44^th (among NA skaters)
• Elite Prospects: 40^th
• Peter Baracchini’s March Rankings: 65^th   
• Andrew Forbes’ April Rankings: 87^th  
• SMAHT Scouting: 61^st
• Tony Ferrari – THN: 60^th

The Everett Silvertips dominated the Western Hockey playoffs, winning their first championship in franchise history. With names like Landon DuPont, Carter Bear and Julius Miettinen leading the way offensively for the Silvertips, Brek Liske was a noticeable presence, both offensively and defensively in helping secure that title.

In the regular season, Liske wasn’t much of an offensive producer as he put up 24 points in 52 games played, but that jumped up to under a point per game with 17 in 18 games to help lead the Silvertips to the title. While playing alongside DuPont may account for the increase in production, Liske looked really steady and kept up with him as a strong, complimentary defensive partner. He elevated his game to being another threat on the blueline and it showed. He turned 18 in January, so if he was able to take this big of a step, the ceiling is high for him. 

Liske’s success, no matter where he is in the lineup, is built on his two-way game, compete level and mobility. Whether or not he finds the scoresheet, he gets results in a positive way be it with his creation and playmaking or killing plays within his own zone. He has great speed and agility to lead an attack on the rush. He has great four-way mobility and strong edges to evade pressure either in the offensive or defensive zone. 

He’s calm under pressure as he doesn’t panic and does a great job to assess his options and make a crisp pass to move the play forward. He’s not flashy, but keeps things simple as he uses his speed and smarts to his advantage to succeed in the offensive zone. He doesn’t put himself in danger when making pinches and when he jumps into the cycle, he drives to the net with conviction. He can find shooting lanes well and he does a great job to make strong and crisp cross-ice passes.

Liske shows great awareness and attention to detail defensively, showing great gap control, an active stick and timing in order to take away or negate a play from unfolding. He defends rushes very well, keeping players to the outside and not giving up any opportunity to get to the middle. He displays a strong and physical mindset in plays along the board, but he can elevate that aspect a little to make himself more imposing. He’s smart positionally and is relied upon as a stable defensive presence.

Other THW Draft Profiles

• Giorgos Pantelas
• Jakub Vaněček
• Ben MacBeath

Brek Liske – NHL Draft Projection

For the most part of the season, Liske has always been viewed as a player that can be a mid to late second-round pick or early third-round selection. If a team within that range is in need of a two-way, right-shot defenseman, you can expect him to be taken. The upside is limitless and his play in the postseason has probably elevated his value as a prospect.

Quotables

“All of his attributes are helped in part by his high motor. He’s not necessarily the fastest or most explosive player and he doesn’t come galloping up the ice like some of the higher touted D-Men in this draft class, but he works hard and keeps moving, and this often means he’s winning races and getting in the right positions. Even when he’s on the point, he likes to stay in motion.” – Tom Watson, SMAHT Scouting

“The puck keeps moving when Liske is on the ice, and he has the square, fundamental, and physical defense to play back on the rush. He doesn’t jump off the page, but plays a reliable style that should only grow as he becomes a more physical, and stronger, defender.” ­– Gabe Foley, Recruit Scouting 

“Everything with him happens with power. His explosiveness is impressive: with two or three strong strides along with his agility, he can escape the pressure of any forechecker. After that, the Manitoba native is gifted at evaluating his options.” ­– Martin Therriault, Tout Sur le Hockey 

Strengths 

• Mobility and puck movement
• Sound and complete two-way game
• Smart decision-making and reads
• Composed and doesn’t panic under pressure 

Under Construction- Improvements to Make

• Can offensive production take another step on his own?
• Can he reach his ceiling and be more of a depth defender?
• Physical play can improve

NHL Potential

If he can continue to take strides with his offensive game and continue with his strong play in a top pairing role, Liske could very well hit his ceiling as a strong second-pairing defender. He can impact the game at five-on-five and be a fixture on the penalty kill. He can be a secondary option on the power play, but a player that can also match-up well against anyone. If he doesn’t, he can still be a strong third-pairing defender. 

Risk- Reward Analysis

Risk- 2.5/5, Reward 3.5/5

Fantasy Hockey Potential

Offense- 5/10, Defense 7/10

Awards/ Achievements

Liske recently won the WHL Championship and will take part in the CHL Memorial Cup.

Interviews/ Links

• WHL: Stars of Tomorrow 
• Brek Liske: WHL Championship Post-Game

Brek Liske Stats

Videos