This Week in the NHL: 2026 Draft comes into focus with CHL/USA Prospects Challenge

With 32 teams, games every night and countless narratives emerging, the NHL season can make one’s head spin, and it’s easy to miss out on the weekly storylines. Not to worry; every Monday from October to April, I’ll map out the major events, games, plotlines and milestones on tap for the next seven days.

So what’s happening the week of Nov. 24 -30?

Nov. 25-26: CHL/USA Prospects Challenge

Hard to believe a year has passed already. The second annual CHL/USA Prospects Challenge is upon us, with leg 1 Tuesday at the Scotiabank Saddledome in Calgary followed by leg 2 Wednesday at VisitLethbridge.com Arena in Lethbridge, Alta. The CHL team features not just Canadians but prospects of any nationality who play major junior, while the American squad features the USA National Team Development Program’s best.

Last year, the CHL took both games, the first in a 6-1 shellacking and the second in a tighter 3-2 contest. The event vaulted defenseman Matthew Schaefer into serious No. 1 overall draft pick consideration and he never relinquished the spot to James Hagens, with the New York Islanders taking Schaefer first overall last June. Who will make a statement at this year’s event? Daily Faceoff prospect analyst Steven Ellis outlines his top 2026 Draft prospects to watch at the CHL/USA Prospects Challenge here.

Nov. 28: Packed NHL slate for American Thanksgiving

The NFL rules actual Thanksgiving Thursday, with the NHL going dark for a day with no games before loading up its schedule for a packed Friday slate. The Detroit Red Wings kick off the day hosting the Tampa Bay Lightning at 12:00 p.m. ET. The New York Rangers visit the Boston Bruins at 1:00 pm. in the nationally televised matchup designated the ‘Thanksgiving Showdown.’ The 15-game slate features 30 of the league’s 32 franchises and includes 10 matchups starting at 4:00 pm. ET or earlier.