Ryan Brown – 2026 NHL Draft Prospect Profile

Ryan Brown

2025-26 Team: London Knights (OHL)
Date of Birth: Oct. 27, 2007
Place of Birth: Newmarket, ON, CAN
Ht: 5-foot-11 Wt: 177 pounds
Shoots: L
Position: LW
NHL Draft Eligibility: 2026 first-year eligible

Rankings

• NHL Central Scouting: 184^th (among NA skaters)
• Peter Baracchini’s March Rankings: 51^st
• Andrew Forbes’ April Rankings: 82^nd

NHL teams are always looking to find those potential hidden gems on the second day of the 2026 NHL Draft. London Knights forward Ryan Brown definitely feels like that kind of player that teams should have an eye on. 

Starting the season with the Sarnia Sting where he had 23 points in 34 games, Brown was traded to the Knights where he instantly popped off for 40 points in 33 games and an additional five in five playoff games. While he’s low on draft boards, the increased offensive production and overall impact he brought should have teams lining up. He was able to adjust and be an impact player in the second half with one of the best development teams in the Ontario Hockey League. 

Brown is a highly energetic winger who has a high-end compete level and work ethic. He’s tenacious when chasing for loose pucks and is persistent on puck carriers to force mistakes. He can make timely stick lifts and is always getting the inside edge to separate player from puck and regain possession. He has great anticipation skills to intercept pucks and hockey sense as he’s always putting himself in the right spot to create plays and is successful in doing so.

Once he has the puck, his skilled game, determination and offensive instincts take over. He’s a decent playmaker with some deception and creativity and is always driving hard to the danger areas for quality scoring opportunities. Though it’s his shot that’s impressive. He has a lightning quick release and great accuracy as he can burn you from anywhere on the ice. He’s a smooth and agile skater and is always pushing players back to open things and takes advantage with his shot.

Brown can look to round out his defensive game, but he still shows that drive and mindset away from the puck. He needs to add more strength, though he doesn’t let his size get the best of him as he’s constantly pressuring players and doesn’t back down in any engagement in the difficult areas. If he can take a big step forward with a prominent role, excelling against tougher assignments next season like he did in his draft year, his value will increase.

Other THW Draft Profiles

• Rian Chudzinski 
• Beckett Hamilton
• Jaxon Cover

Ryan Brown – NHL Draft Projection

There’s not a lot of talk surrounding Brown given he’s ranked 184^th among NA skaters. There’s a chance he may be overlooked, but given how his game took off and thrived with a new team in the second half and was a key offensive contributor, that might garner some attention from NHL teams. He reminded me of Owen Griffin last year as he had a strong finish, though he had a higher rank and he was taken in the fifth round. Even though I was higher on Brown in my last rankings, I will have Brown as a third-rounder (like I did with Griffin) in my final one. If someone takes a flyer on him in the sixth or seventh round, that would be a decent pick up. 

Quotables

“One of the OHL’s best energy players, Brown’s involvement never wanes. He charges after loose pucks, crashes into opponents, initiates contact every chance he gets, and wins position constantly.” – Elite Prospects 

Strengths 

• Skating and foot speed
• Ability to drive the middle of the ice
• Strong and tenacious work ethic
• Strong shot generation and accuracy

Under Construction- Improvements to Make

• Continue to add strength
• Round out defensive game
• Can he continue to elevate production?
• Can he handle an increased work load?

NHL Potential

When you get to the later part of the draft, the likelihood of becoming an NHLer shrinks. Though, Brown does have a lot of projection and upside as a potential fourth line energy player with a scoring touch. He engages well, he’s aggressive on defenders and he can force turnovers as a result. He can be utilized anywhere in the lineup and can do damage at even strength. There’s some risk, but there could be some benefit with his game.

Risk- Reward Analysis

Risk- 2/5, Reward 2/5

Fantasy Hockey Potential

Offense- 6.5/10, Defense 5.5/10

Ryan Brown Stats

Videos