Thomas Vandenberg
2025-26 Team: Ottawa 67s (OHL)
Date of Birth: Sept. 8, 2008
Place of Birth: Nepean, Ontario, Canada
Ht: 6-foot Wt: 178 pounds
Shoots: Left
Position: Center
NHL Draft Eligibility: 2026 first-year eligible
Rankings
- NHL Central Scouting Final Rankings: 35th (Among NA skaters)
- Barracchini’s Top 96 March Rankings (THW): 52nd
- Forbes’ Top 96 April Rankings (THW): 66th
- Orth’s Top 64 April Rankings (THW): 60th
- Reimer’s Top 64 March Rankings (THW): 52nd
- Craig Button (TSN): 44th
- Daily Faceoff: 65th
- SMAHT Scouting: 54th
Another prospect in the 2026 NHL Draft that made the switch in junior leagues this season, Thomas Vandenberg made the jump from the United States Hockey League (USHL) with the Cedar Rapids RoughRiders to the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) with the Ottawa 67s. The move paid off in a big way for Vandenberg, as he doubled his point total this season (25 goals, 25 assists, 50 points) and put himself on the map in his draft-year season.
While the offensive numbers were great in his first season in the OHL, Vandenberg also has plenty of intangibles that help him stand out when he is on the ice. Even at only 178 pounds, he has zero issue with being a physical player, both with and without the puck. He loves to get in on the forecheck and cause havoc for his opponents, and when he does have the puck on his stick, he throws strong reverse hits when he needs to, so he can protect the puck.
When he is in the offensive zone, he shows off both strong playmaking and shooting abilities. He has the vision and IQ to find his teammates, but does lack the top-end puck work and dynamic skillset to be a game breaker in this aspect of his game. He has a strong shot that should translate to the next level, though, making him a threat at any time.
On the defensive side of the puck, Vandenberg’s physicality and strong two-way game stand out. He is very responsible on his own end of the ice as a center, and can play in any situation defensively. A big aspect of not just his defensive game, but his all-around game also comes in the form of his work at the faceoff circle. He proved to be a strong faceoff taker this season with the 67s and was impactful all season in this department of his game. Overall, he may not have an aspect of his game that stands out as “top-notch”, but he is a player who has a two-way game that NHL organizations love to see from their players and has the base skillset to build off of and turn himself into a fully well-rounded player.
Other THW Draft Profiles
Thomas Vandenberg- NHL Draft Projection
With the skill set that Vandenberg has, on top of being one of the youngest players in the draft class, he should end up being picked somewhere in the middle of the second round.
Quotables
“The skating is subpar and his shot doesn’t stand out, but he makes it work as a tactician, working give-and-gos with his linemates to create space and offensive opportunities. Vandenberg more than holds his own in the defensive zone as well, very active and annoying to offensive players and doesn’t just skate aimlessly wherever.”- Thomas Gagné, SMAHT Scouting
“I’ve been really impressed with Vandenberg. He’s just my kind of player. Gets to the net. Strong in puck protection. Plays with an edge. Is a responsible three zone player. I’m sure NHL scouts wish he were a bit bigger given the way that he likes to play, but you could make the same argument about Brady Martin. I think Vandenberg’s skating is a potential plus quality as he continues to mature physically.”- Brock Otten, OHL Prospects
Strengths
- Plays with strong physicality
- Has a high motor and plays with good energy; strong off-puck game
- Passing ability makes him a strong playmaker
- Skating ability to be strong in space and transition
- Strong faceoff-taking center
Under Construction- Improvements to Make
- Needs to bulk up to handle the size and physicality of the next level
- Does not have one aspect of his game that stands out in a big way
- Puck handling needs refinement
NHL Potential
With the upside that Vandenberg has shown and the fact that he is one of the youngest prospects in this class, he should have plenty of room to further develop his game. At worst, he should end up as a third-line center who can add secondary scoring and some penalty killing to the ice at the NHL level.
Risk-Reward Analysis
Risk: 2/5 Reward: 4/5
Fantasy Hockey Potential
Offense: 6/10 Defense: 7/10
Awards/Achievements
- 2026 Connor McDavid OHL Top Prospects Game
- 2026 U18 WJC (Canada)
- Committed to Providence College (NCAA)
Interviews/Links
Thomas Vandenberg Stats
Videos
Thomas Vandenberg banks the rebound 52 seconds into the first 👀#WorldJuniors #IIHF @hockeycanada pic.twitter.com/BTCo6ytJIo
— IIHF (@IIHFHockey) April 23, 2026
The 67's score on the 5 on 4!
— Ontario Hockey League (@OHLHockey) March 13, 2026
Thomas Vandenberg jumps on the rebound to give the @Ottawa67sHockey the lead with his 24th of the year! pic.twitter.com/mGaeuCt0jV
It's a dream debut for Thomas Vandenberg! 🎩🎩🎩
— Ontario Hockey League (@OHLHockey) September 20, 2025
The @Ottawa67sHockey rookie has three goals in his first career #OHL game!#OHLOpeningWeek | @FloHockey pic.twitter.com/qizbmIZxNH
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