Chase Harrington’s 2026 NHL Draft Prospects: A Closer Look at His Development

Chase Harrington, a 6’0”, 201-pound forward from Prince George, British Columbia, is emerging as a notable name in the 2026 NHL Draft conversation. Currently playing for the Spokane Chiefs in the Western Hockey League (WHL), Harrington’s performance and scouting reports offer a mixed but promising outlook for his future in professional hockey.

2025-2026 Season Stats: Progress and Challenges

Harrington entered his third full season with the Spokane Chiefs in 2025-2026, but his production saw minimal growth compared to the previous year. In 2024-2025, he recorded 50 points in 68 games, adding 14 playoff points. This season, he improved slightly to 57 points in 61 games, though his playoff performance dipped to just 4 points in 6 games. Despite this, he remained the team’s leading scorer, showcasing his consistent presence on the ice.

A notable aspect of Harrington’s game this season was his increased physicality. He accumulated 105 penalty minutes, a significant jump from the previous year, and averaged nearly 2 hits per game. His ice time of approximately 18 minutes per game placed him as the fifth-most used forward on the Chiefs, indicating his role as a reliable, hard-working player.

Scouting Reports: Strengths and Areas for Improvement

According to TSLH Prospect’s scout Martin Therriault, Harrington’s playing style is marked by his physicality and competitiveness. “He has become a true pest, finishing his checks and specializing in chirping, even in situations where restraint might be expected,” Therriault noted. His ability to control the puck in the offensive zone, combined with his strength and agility, makes him a threat in tight spaces.

Defensively, Harrington is praised for his aggressiveness and stick work, which allow him to effectively attack puck carriers. However, his offensive game remains a point of concern. While he excels at net-front play, collecting rebounds and deflecting shots, his lack of creativity and playmaking ability raises questions about his potential as a consistent offensive contributor at the NHL level.

Therriault also suggested that Harrington’s performance might have been affected by the departure of Berkly Catton, the Chiefs’ former star center, who moved to the NHL. “Harrington has a strong chance of establishing himself in the league, but his long-term role may be more suited to a third-line forward position,” he added.

2026 NHL Draft Outlook

As of now, Harrington is projected to be selected in the late second round of the 2026 NHL Draft. NHL Central Scouting ranks him 26th among North American skaters, reflecting his potential as a two-way forward. While he lacks the flashy skills to be a top-tier scorer, his physicality, work ethic, and defensive contributions could make him a valuable depth player at the professional level.

For fans and scouts alike, Harrington’s development will be closely watched as he continues to refine his offensive game. His ability to adapt to higher levels of competition and improve his playmaking instincts will be key factors in determining his ultimate success in the NHL.

MORE: TSLH Prospect 2026 Draft Guide