A member of the Lethbridge Hurricanes has been recognized by the National Hockey League.
Defenseman Grady Pichette has been ranked as a ‘C’ prospect by the NHL Central Scouting Service’s Preliminary Players to Watch List for the 2027 NHL Entry Draft.
The 18-year-old was selected by the Lethbridge club with the 88th overall pick in the fourth round of the 2023 Western Hockey League Prospects Draft.
From Okotoks, Alberta, Pichette skated in 10 regular season games this year for the Hurricanes, recording one assist and 12 penalty minutes.
Last year, the d-man skated in 59 regular season games, collecting 14 points (three goals, 11 assists) and 12 penalty minutes.
The rearguard has dressed in 76 career matchups with the ‘Canes over parts of four seasons, scoring three goals and dishing out 13 assists, along with 26 penalty minutes.
Pichette has also skated in nine post-season games, earning one assist with two penalty minutes during the 2025 WHL Playoffs, helping the ‘Canes reach the Eastern Conference Championship Series.
The 18-year-old is one of 54 WHL-developed players, and one of 17 defensemen, listed by NHL Central Scouting on the Preliminary Players to Watch List.
NHL Central Scouting identifies players with a rating system, which includes five categories. The ‘A’ category is for players projected to be first-round candidates, while the ‘B’ rating is for players projected to be drafted in the second or third rounds. The ‘C’ rating is for players projected to be fourth or fifth-round picks.
A ‘W’ rating is used for players projected to be sixth or seventh-round picks, with the ‘LV’ rating representing players who have not had sufficient viewings due to injuries.
The full list of ranked WHL players is available on the league website.
