2026 NHL Draft Preview
Published on June 22, 2026 under Western Hockey League (WHL)
Spokane Chiefs News Release
Buffalo, New York - Spokane Chiefs Chase Harrington, Tyus Sparks, and Brody Gillespie, were among 80 WHL players named to the NHL's Central Scouting Service's final rankings ahead of the 2026 Upper Deck NHL Draft this weekend. The event will take place June 26-27 at the KeyBank Center in Buffalo, New York, with the Toronto Maple Leafs holding the first overall pick. The first round will take place Friday, June 26 with rounds two through seven going through Saturday, June 27.
Chase Harrington, F
Harrington, a 6'1" winger from Prince George, British Columbia, recorded a career high 28 goals and 57 points in 61 games during the 2025-2026 WHL season. He also led the team with 105 penalty minutes and has recorded 130 points and 173 PIMs in 194 career regular season games for Spokane. Spokane's first round pick, eighth overall, in the 2022 WHL Prospects Draft was named Spokane's Co-Player of the Year last season.
NHL CSS Scouting Report
A very solid all-round winger with a strong two-way game. A coach's player that can be utilized up and down a lineup and is capable to contribute in all situations. Makes an impression on both the power play and penalty kill. The type of player that works hard, battles and will stand up for his teammates. A very good skater with speed and quickness. He is smart away from the puck in both ends and shows good attention to detail.
Harrington was the top-rated US-division player in the final rankings, clocking in at 26th among North American Skaters. He was originally Spokane's 8th-overall pick in the 2022 WHL Prospects Draft.
Tyus Sparks
Sparks, a six-foot forward from Meridian, Idaho, joined the Spokane Chiefs in a mid-season trade in January 2026 and led the team with 28 goals and 65 points. In 29 games as a Chief, Sparks scored 12 times and helped on 16 others. Sparks netted twice for Team West in the inaugural WHL Prospects Game in Langley, B.C. earlier this year, the only player to score more than once in the showcase. The Meridian, Idaho native was originally selected eighth overall in the 2023 WHL U.S. Prospect Draft.
NHL CSS Scouting Report
A player that has really come a long way over the past season and a half. He was in and out of the lineup as a 16-year-old. He had a good offseason and showed that he is a top-six scoring/playmaking type of winger in the WHL. Has a heavy shot and scores regularly from the half wall with a one timer on the power play. His play with the puck has improved and he has shown he can be an excellent play maker to go with the shot.
Sparks finished at 37 among North American Skaters in the final NHL CSS rankings. The Idaho native was originally the 8th overall pick by Vancouver in the 2023 WHL Prospects Draft.
Brody Gillespie, F
Gillespie, a 6'1" forward from Vancouver, Washington recorded a career-high in assists (17) and points (24) during the 2025-26 season while also potting seven goals. In 128 career games he recorded 15 goals, 20 assists, and 35 points, while adding six goals in 24 career WHL playoff games.
Joining fellow forward Tyus Sparks on the scoresheet, Gillespie found the net at the 2026 WHL Prospects Game for Team West.
Originally selected with the first overall pick by Spokane in the 2023 U.S. Draft, Gillespie finished the season ranked 163 on the NHL CSS final ranking.
Recent Spokane Chiefs x NHL Draft History
Owen Martin | 3rd Round - 92nd overall | Winnipeg Jets | 2025 NHL Draft
Berkly Catton | 1st round - 8th overall | Seattle Kraken | 2024 NHL Draft
Will McIsaac | 5th round - 145th overall | St. Louis Blues | 2024 NHL Draft
Nathan Mayes | 7th round - 225th overall | Toronto Maple Leafs | 2024 NHL Draft
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