Rudolfs Berzkalns – 2026 NHL Draft Prospect Profile

He has been playing on the Muskegon Lumberjacks’ top six, lining up at center. It has been quite the jump since last season; as a 16-year-old in 2024-25 he played a limited bottom-six role, and now he’s in the top six and ranked 30th among North American skaters.

He battled through some bumps and bruises this season but still suited up for 48 regular-season games, scoring 13 goals and adding 12 assists for 25 points. In the playoffs, he has one goal and four assists for five points in seven games as of this writing, helping Muskegon move on to the Eastern Conference Finals and looking to repeat with back-to-back Clark Cups. He also scored a big-time goal against Canada in the U20 World Junior Championship earlier this season, crashing the net and putting home a rebound.

His one-timer on the power play is deadly. He has three power-play goals this season and sets up in the faceoff circle where he can rocket one-timers home. He can play the penalty kill too, takes faceoffs on it, and scored one shorthanded goal in the regular season. He has been the second-line center this playoffs, playing heavy minutes and being relied upon in all situations.

Berzkalns uses his long reach to his advantage. He can hold onto the puck, keep plays alive in the offensive zone, and win board battles. He’s a good playmaker and is defensively sound, with room for improvement of course. His long reach is always a plus and he can deflect pucks. He can take draws in most situations and is relied upon there, which is a great attribute to have.

NHL Draft Projection

There aren’t a whole lot of left-shot two-way centers in this draft cycle. He looks like an early third-rounder in my eyes, with the lowest being the fourth round.

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Quotables

“St. Clair (Muskegon head coach) described Berzkalns as a “modern power forward,” with a potent combination of rangy size and on-the-puck skill. The Muskegon bench boss noted that he has to be careful when urging Berzkalns to assert himself physically, because he doesn’t want the player to forget how much he can impact a game offensively.” – Matt Gajtka, Bishop Kearney

Strengths

• Hockey IQ
• Physicality
• Two-Way center
• Long reach
• Shooting accuracy
• Winning faceoffs
• Power-play weapon

Under Construction/Improvements to Make

• Skating
• Scoring production
• Net front presence

NHL Potential

Berzkalns is committed to Boston College in the NCAA’s Hockey East, an elite conference and a historically powerful program. He should have an immediate impact there, likely starting in the bottom six and working his way up as the season goes on. Right now, he projects as a bottom-six center at the NHL level, but that can change with the upside he has. The size and intangibles are there, and BC will surely develop him further.

Risk/Reward Analysis

Risk – 2.5/5, Reward – 3.5/5

Fantasy Hockey Potential

Offense – 7/10, Defense – 6.5/10

Awards/Achievements

• US 14U Nationals All-Tournament Team (2022-23)
• US 14U Nationals Tier I Champion (2022-23)
• 2025 USHL Clark Cup Champion

Interviews/Links

• Rudolfs Berzkalns Looking To Claim Clark Cup Before Heading To Boston College Next Season
• BK ALUM BERZKALNS STEPPING UP IN 2ND USHL SEASON

Stats

Videos