Lars Steiner – 2026 NHL Draft Prospect Profile – The Hockey Writers – NHL Entry Draft

Lars Steiner

2025-26 Team: Rouyn-Noranda Huskies (QMJHL)
Date of Birth: November 12, 2007
Place of Birth: Davos, Switzerland
Ht: 5-foot-10 Wt: 176 pounds
Shoots: Right
Position: Right Wing
NHL Draft Eligibility: 2026 first-year eligible

Rankings

Lars Steiner had a strong second season in the Québec Maritimes Junior Hockey League (QMJHL) with the Rouyn-Noranda Huskies. The Swiss forward had an impressive 55 points in only 44 regular-season games, with his 30 goals being second on the team, trailing only 20-year-old, American-born Thomas Verdon, who scored six more but also enjoyed 20 more games than Steiner. Steiner helped the Huskies top the West Division standings as the team reached the semifinals stage of the league playoffs.

Other than his good performance at the club level, where he also wore the ‘A’ on his jersey, Steiner represented Switzerland at his second WJC. There, he had four points in five games, a good sign of progress after being held scoreless in the 2025 tournament.

Steiner is a player gifted with a strong, fast shot and a physical edge to his game that allows him to play much bigger than his relatively modest size. In North America, he showed he can play a direct game with his strong will and good motor. A hard worker, he developed a strong two-way game that makes him a player with a strong chance at a top-nine role in the NHL, considering his defensive abilities and his excellent shot.

On the drawbacks, he needs to improve his involvement in offensive plays as well as his playmaking abilities. He isn’t the best passer, and he needs to make better decisions with the puck when shooting isn’t the obvious choice. With that being said, he’s a player to watch as a potential surprise selection in the draft. Steiner should return to HC Davos for the upcoming season; he will have a good chance to develop into a higher-level environment.

Lars Steiner – NHL Draft Projection

Steiner has obvious NHL potential, but his size made him slip down in the pre-draft rankings. While he plays much bigger than what his frame suggests, other options on draft day will be gifted with a more impressive body presence. However, it’s not hard to imagine that some teams will be willing to give him a look in the third or fourth round as an interesting option for a bottom-six winger with good potential as a secondary scorer.

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Quotables

“A non-stop engine propels him up and down the ice, as he outworks all QMJHLers he faces. He barrels through the neutral zone with purpose, instantly zeroing in on his assignments. This allows him to venture confidently deep into the offensive zone and crash the net, with confidence in his feet’s ability to make up for lost ground.” – Hadi Kalakeche, Eliteprospects

“His game is built around a rare blend of straight‑line power, east‑west deception, and a motor that forces defenders into mistakes. He doesn’t dominate with flash; he dominates with inevitability. Every shift feels like he’s bending the ice toward the offensive zone. He’s the kind of winger who can drive a line without needing to be the focal point — a trait that NHL teams covet because it scales up lineup structures.” – Hockeywiz

Strengths

• Excellent shooting abilities with a fast release
• Can play with an edge; bigger than his size
• Plays a complete 200-foot game
• Already adapted to a North American environment

Under Construction/Improvements to Make

• Not overly creative; must improve his playmaking skills
• Because of that, he doesn’t have sure-fire, first-round potential, as he seems to be lacking in overall offensive skills despite his great shot.

NHL Potential

Steiner has all it takes to become a full-time NHL player in the future. His game is built for a third-line role, and he can excel as an offensive option thanks to his strong shooting ability, but the big question is if his body is ready for that. However, he’s well worth a shot on draft day.

Risk- Reward Analysis

Risk: 3/5 Reward: 3/5

Fantasy Hockey Potential

Offense: 7/10 Defense: 7/10

Awards/Achievements

• Drafted 46th by the Rouyn-Noranda Huskies in the 2024 CHL Import Draft
• 2024-25 CHL All-Rookie Team
• WJC Top 3 Player on team in 2026
• Played in two WJCs with Team Switzerland

Lars Steiner Stats

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