Sportsvival is ramping up its draft coverage as NHL teams finalize their boards; below is a full scouting dossier on defenseman Carson Carels, one of the fastest‑rising blue‑liners in the 2026 class, profiling how his WHL production, role against top competition, and evolving two‑way skillset are shaping a legitimate first‑round draft ceiling.
Player Profile
Name: Carson Carels
Position: Defense
Height / Weight: 6’2” / 194 lbs.
Birthdate: June 23, 2008.
Birthplace: Cypress River, Manitoba, Canada.
Current Club: Prince George Cougars (WHL).
Early Days
Carels’ development is rooted in structure and hockey sense. He came up through Manitoba minor programs and the Pilot Mound Hockey Academy before being selected and fast‑tracked into the Prince George lineup. From his earliest junior minutes he showed an inside‑out defensive approach, reading pressure early, supporting possession, and avoiding risky plays- traits that smoothed his jump to major junior.
Physical Profile
Frame: At 6’2” and 194 lbs, Carels already has pro‑ready length and lower‑body strength with room to add targeted muscle for heavier minutes.
Skating & Tools: Strong, efficient stride with good balance through contact; pivots are clean and gap control through the neutral zone is a clear strength. He’s not an elite burner but his mobility is more than sufficient for a modern two‑way defenseman.
WHL Path
Prince George trusted Carels early and expanded his role methodically. He progressed from sheltered minutes into a matchup role against top opposing lines, earning late‑game defensive deployments and special‑teams responsibilities—an indicator of coaching staff confidence in his composure and decision‑making.
2025–26 WHL Production
Carels has taken a clear step forward offensively in his draft year. Verified WHL and public stat trackers list his 2025–26 totals as: 48 GP, 17 G, 41 A, 58 PTS, +17
His scoring rate from the blue line places him among the WHL’s more productive defensemen and reflects a growing willingness to activate and finish plays without sacrificing defensive structure.
On‑Ice Production & Impact
Two‑Way Reliability
Carels is trusted in defensive‑zone starts and late‑game situations. He defends with anticipation, holds gaps, and uses reach and body positioning to steer attackers wide and limit high‑danger chances.
Puck Movement
Calm and deliberate under pressure, Carels favors first‑pass efficiency and controlled exits. He converts defensive stops into structured breakouts rather than forcing low‑percentage plays.
Special Teams
A fixture on the penalty kill for his reads and lane control; on the power play he contributes with accurate point shots and quick puck movement that generate second‑chance opportunities.
Defensive Game
Carels’ defensive value begins with anticipation. He maintains gap discipline, angles attackers to the outside, and uses his length to disrupt entries without overcommitting. Along the boards and in front of the net he plays with balance and leverage, consistently winning inside positioning battles and limiting rebounds.
Offensive Upside
The offensive breakout in 2025–26 reflects improved timing and confidence. Carels activates selectively, times his jumps into space as a trailer, and gets pucks through traffic from the point. His shot is accurate and well‑placed rather than overpowering—an attribute that produces sustained offensive pressure and secondary chances at higher levels.
Scouting Section
Positives
Pro‑ready size with strong defensive fundamentals.
Calm, efficient puck mover under pressure.
Breakout WHL production from the blue line.
Trusted in shutdown minutes and special‑teams roles.
Negatives
Not yet a true power‑play quarterback; playmaking from the point can still grow.
Top‑end lateral agility can improve when matched against elite speed.
Pro Comparison
Comparable: Noah Hanifin
Carels projects as a modern two‑way defenseman who blends positional discipline with growing offensive contribution. Like Hanifin early in his career, Carels offers a high floor: dependable, heavy minutes, and the ability to eat matchups while contributing offensively in a controlled way.
Sportsvival View Draft Projection & Fit
Projection: Mid‑first round (Top‑15) in the 2026 NHL Draft. Carels’ size, defensive maturity, and sharp rise in WHL production position him as one of the safest and most valuable defense prospects in the class.
Fit: Ideal for teams seeking a dependable, minute‑eating top‑four defenseman who can play in all situations and stabilize a pairing.
Key Considerations:
Continued offensive confidence and playmaking growth.
Improvements in lateral agility and separation against elite pace.
How his game translates to pro strength and pace- adding targeted muscle and maintaining mobility will be critical.
If Carels’ offensive trajectory and skating refinement continue, he has the tools to evolve from a dependable top‑four NHL defenseman into a true all‑situations cornerstone on the back end.
(photo courtesy of the Daily Faceoff)