The selections continue a significant period of growth for the agency and bring Kaizen Sports Agency’s total number of NHL drafted players to 18, including two first-round selections in the 2025 NHL Draft.

Toronto Maple Leafs Select Ethan MacKenzie 69th Overall

Defenseman Ethan MacKenzie of Peachland, British Columbia was selected by the Toronto Maple Leafs in the third round, 69th overall, following a breakout season with the WHL’s Edmonton Oil Kings.

After going undrafted in each of the previous two NHL Drafts, MacKenzie emerged as one of the WHL’s top two-way defenders in 2025–26, recording 58 points in 59 games while serving as an alternate captain for Edmonton. He also represented Canada at the 2026 World Junior Championship, registering five points in seven games.

MacKenzie is committed to the University of North Dakota for the 2026–27 season.

EliteProspects described MacKenzie as:

“Fiercely competitive defender with a dynamic transition game and has taken a leap to become an offensive creator; he has third-pair potential.”

Montreal Canadiens Select Brady Klimpke 117th Overall

The Montreal Canadiens selected defenseman Brady Klimpke in the fourth round, 117th overall.

The Calgary, Alberta product completed a strong season with the Saskatoon Blades, producing 46 points in 68 games while establishing himself as one of the WHL’s most intelligent offensive defensemen. Klimpke is committed to the University of North Dakota for the 2027–28 season.

EliteProspects noted:

“Always finding a way to impact the game, he does everything at a high level and adapts according to the situation; he could beat the odds as an undersized defender.”

Los Angeles Kings Select Giorgos Pantelas 153rd Overall

Defenseman Giorgos Pantelas of Victoria, British Columbia was selected by the Los Angeles Kings in the fifth round, 153rd overall.

Pantelas suited up for the Brandon Wheat Kings during the 2025–26 season, recording 37 points in 68 games while continuing to establish himself as a reliable and physically engaged defender. Internationally, he represented Canada at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup and competed in the CHL USA Prospects Challenge.

EliteProspects described Pantelas as:

“Blue line brick wall combines intensity, stick work, and physicality to rack up the stops, but has to improve his skill level to translate in a No. 4 or 5 role.”

Winnipeg Jets Select Noa Ta’amu 199th Overall

Defenseman Noa Ta’amu of San Diego, California was selected by the Winnipeg Jets in the seventh round, 199th overall.

Ta’amu, who played for the Edmonton Oil Kings during the 2025–26 season, becomes the first Samoan player ever selected in the NHL Draft. The son of former NFL player Ed Ta’amu, Noa has emerged as a physically imposing and mobile defenseman with significant upside.

EliteProspects wrote:

“When aggressive, this mobile, intelligent defender looks unstoppable with his crushing contact and vision; finding it every night could make him a third-pair defender.”

Michael O’Rafferty, Senior Managing Director of Kaizen Sports Agency, reflected on the weekend:

“This draft represents years of work behind the scenes from players, families, coaches, and support systems that believed in long-term development. Ethan’s perseverance after being passed over twice says everything about his character. Brady’s intelligence and creativity continue to separate him. Giorgos competes with an edge every shift, and Noa is breaking new ground for the game while bringing a rare physical presence and athletic profile.

To move from 14 to 18 drafted players as an agency, including two first-round picks last year, is meaningful for our group. But more importantly, it reinforces what Kaizen was built on: patient development, strong relationships, and helping players maximize who they can become over time.”