Evan Jardine- 2026 NHL Draft Prospect Profile

Evan Jardine

2025-26 Team: Youngstown Phantoms (USHL)
Date of Birth: Oct. 23, 2007
Place of Birth: Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, USA
Ht: 6-foot Wt: 185 pounds
Shoots: Left
Position: Left Wing
NHL Draft Eligibility: 2026 first-year eligible

Rankings

• NHL Central Scouting Final Rankings: 78th (Among NA skaters)
• Baracchini’s Top 128 Final Rankings (THW): 92nd
• Forbes’ Top 128 Final Rankings (THW): 84th
• Bukala’s Final Top 100 Rankings (Sportsnet): 65th

In his second full season in the United States Hockey League (USHL) with the Youngstown Phantoms, Evan Jardine began to open many eyes with his development and play. Jardine may not blow anyone away with his defensive game, but he has the size and offensive game that stick out. Whether it is with the puck on his stick or away from the puck, the Bloomfield Hills, Michigan native can make a difference in the offensive zone.

When in possession of the puck, Jardine has great vision and playmaking ability and has no problem finding his teammates for good scoring chances, while also playing a calm game. There are some concerns in this aspect of his game, as his pace of play tends to lack at times, but overall, his playmaking is a strong skill in his toolbox. Setting up his teammates is not the only thing he can do with the puck, though, as he has a strong enough shot to keep opponents on their toes whenever he goes to make a play. His off-puck play stands out thanks to his aforementioned vision, as he finds ways to get himself in a good position for a pass and excels in give-and-go plays along the boards or on cycles. He has the physicality to be a pest to play against, but he has a tendency to shy away from playing a physical style of game more than expected.

Being a player who loves to have the puck on his stick, there are times when Jardine struggles with staying fully engaged in the play at both ends of the ice, and his game can be inconsistent at times, but after putting up 61 points in his draft-year season, he has shown that the tools are there to become an even more productive player as he continues to mature and develop. He needs to develop a skill that truly stands out, as none of them currently do. He will have a great opportunity to do this while playing collegiate hockey at Ohio State.

Other THW Draft Profiles

• Måns Josbrant
• Niko Tournas
• Tobias Trejbal

Evan Jardine- NHL Draft Projection

Jardine, while showing flashes of being a strong producer in the offensive zone, does not have the massive upside that some other prospects have in this year’s draft. But, he has the potential to become a solid player in an NHL organization’s system and should hear his name called in the fourth round of the 2026 Draft.

Quotables

“While Youngstown’s postseason run was limited to just four games, Jardine answered the bell, recording a goal on 11 shots and three total points. Ranked No. 78 among North American skaters in April’s final rankings, Jardine’s style as a puck-possession forward, combined with a willingness to engage in board battles and play physically, makes him a highly attractive draft prospect.”- Ryan Sikes, USHL.com

Strengths

• Strong vision and passing abilities make him a strong playmaker
• Strong shot
• When fully engaged, he is a dangerous offensive player
• Has a solid motor and plays with physicality
• Plays with calmness with the puck
• Strong off-puck play

Under Construction- Improvements to Make

• Engagement lacks periodically
• Overall defensive game needs refinement
• Does not have one singular aspect of his game that stands out in a big way; he needs to find a niche
• Inconsistency in his offensive game, even with his solid numbers

NHL Potential

Currently, Jardine projects to be more of a third or fourth-line forward who can bring energy and offense to the bottom six of an NHL team’s lineup. If he can take the next step while playing at Ohio State, he could end up carving out a third-line role at some point in his career.

Risk-Reward Analysis

Risk: 2/5 Reward: 3/5

Fantasy Hockey Potential

Offense: 6/10 Defense: 5/10

Awards/Achievements

• 2025 WJAC-19 Gold Medal (United States)

Evan Jardine Stats

Videos

Hextall ➡️ Jardine 🟰 🚨😎 pic.twitter.com/FmIvscLZtj

— Youngstown Phantoms (@YtownPhantoms) October 18, 2025

What a move and shot by Jardine!!!🔥🔥 pic.twitter.com/XsGmuui4KF

— Youngstown Phantoms (@YtownPhantoms) January 11, 2026

Ranked #78 among North American skaters by NHL Central Scouting, Evan Jardine continues to climb draft boards ahead of the 2026 NHL Draft.

The Bloomfield Hills, Mich., native brings skill, vision, and offensive creativity every time he touches the puck. #NHLDraft #USHL… pic.twitter.com/9fCAfVc6s3

— USHL (@USHL) June 10, 2026