Kings select forward Thomas Vandenberg (Round 4, Pick 103)

The LA Kings have selected forward Thomas Vandenberg with the 103rd overall pick in the 2026 NHL Draft. The Kings traded up, moving picks 113 and 190 to Montreal in exchange for this selection.

The Vitals
Name: Thomas Vandenberg
Position: Center
Shoots: Left
DOB: September 8, 2008
Height: 6-0
Weight: 180
Hometown: Nepean, Canada
NHL Central Scouting Final Ranking: 35 (North American Skaters)
McKeen’s Hockey Final Ranking: 34
TSN / Craig Button Final Ranking: 46
FloHockey / Chris Peters Final Ranking: 51
Sportsnet / Jason Bukala Final Ranking: 59
Hockey News / Tony Ferrari: 64

Stats (Ottawa, OHL): 59 GP, 25 G, 25 A, 50 PTS, 20 PIM

Expert Opinions
Scott Wheeler / The Athletic
Vandenberg, a Providence commit, made the move from the USHL with Cedar Rapids to the OHL with Ottawa this season and was a top player on a top team with the 67’s while playing mostly with two other rookies and creating a lot of the offense for himself. He’s one of the youngest players in the draft, born just a week from eligibility for 2027. At U18 worlds with Canada, he started as the 3C and then found a role as a 2C; he was better earlier in the tournament than later, though and struggled to break through offensively in the quarterfinal.

While he’s average-sized, the details and habits are already there, he puts himself in good spots and he excels in the faceoff circle. He wins races and plays with jump. He applies puck pressure. He played tough matchups and performed in all situations on a consistent basis. He doesn’t have a standout trait or attribute, and is a 5-11ish center who isn’t particularly physical, though he does work very, very hard and doesn’t give up on plays. Some wonder what he is at the next level, even if they like the player, his commitment and his consistency. He has an NHL release, he’s a smart player (though I find he can get a little too hurried at times with the puck and skate himself into bad ice), he works and the development runway and progression are noteworthy enough to belong in the second or third round.

Chris Peters / FloHockey
A speedy skater with a nose for the net, Vandenberg broke out this season with 50 points for the 67’s. He also looked good during the playoffs for Ottawa. Vandenberg’s skating is going to get him drafted and if he can continue to build on the skills he has been showing, he could grow into a strong secondary scoring option.

McKeen’s Hockey
Vandenberg’s best features include his powerful release, quick feet, and fast acceleration, as well as his intelligence without the puck on his stick. He also works hard on the forecheck and loves playing out of the dirty areas on the ice. He plays well low on the power play to create chaos netfront and high on the penalty kill, taking up a large amount of ground. He does struggle with decision-making when in possession of the puck, particularly on the rush, where he throws far too many low percentage passes to the slot. Vandenberg may also struggle adjusting to higher levels where his style of game is less effective against larger, stronger players, particularly in front of the net.

Quick Take – Another offensive prospect here for the Kings. Vandenerg is one of the youngest prospects in the entire draft and won’t turn 18 until early-September. As one of the younger draft-eligible players in the OHL, Vandenberg produced pretty well with 25 goals and 50 points in 59 games played. Looks like a guy with a longer development track but a lot of pretty exciting tools. He’s got a good combination of skating and work ethic to go along with some skill as well. To get him in Round 4 feels like a solid swing here by the Kings.