Top prospect Tynan Lawrence is making up for lost time in NHL draft season
Tynan Lawrence may have only played nine games so far this season, but he has already created a ton of buzz for the 2026 NHL Draft.
The current captain of the Muskegon Lumberjacks played an important part role on last year's Clark Cup championship team. Lawrence was named playoff MVP, and it helped set the tone for his NHL draft season.
“One [championship] is obviously great," Lawrence said. "[It was] a great experience and a lot of fun, and you learn a lot along the way. Once you get that feeling, it kind of carries over the summer. You want to chase that feeling, that kind of success again. So, it kind of just makes you want to push harder and keep working, especially throughout the summer. When you do come back, you know, you're ready in game shape and ready as best you can.”
However, the best laid plans sometimes have bumps on the road. After representing Canada and winning bronze at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup back in August, Lawrence's start to his second USHL season was delayed due to an injury. He missed just over a month before making his season debut on October 24th, and then sat out another month before finally returning to full-time action at the end of November.
But like most smart players, Lawrence turned that into a learning experience.
“There's going to be some good days, some bad days,” Lawrence explained. “I feel like you just try to help out the guys around you as much as you can, especially when you're out of the lineup, just little things to help out the team. I tried to stay as positive as possible and manage the ups and downs.”
The Lumberjacks didn't miss a beat in his absence, and Lawrence credits his teammates with that. “Yeah, they obviously played really well. It's obviously a team effort, a lot of guys are producing a lot of points like Melvin [Novotny] and some other guys, but I feel like we just had a real good team success, and that's why we've been winning the games that we have been. As soon as I came back, they made it easy on me by keeping their foot down [on the gas] and [kept] winning, so it's been good so far.”
With eight goals and five assists through nine games this season, Lawrence's offensive zone impact has already been impressive.
“I'm just always open, you know, ready for whatever the other team gives me,” said Lawrence. “I have to just trust my instincts and feel for the game. “Whether I look at the goalie and see if I can get him going down or going one way or the other, and I can see an opening, and you kind of just read the play and read what's happening. A teammate might be open, it might be covered, it all depends on the situation around me. I think that's one of the main things. I'm just always open and ready for whatever the other team gives me.”
As a centre, which is a position that carries a lot of responsibility, Lawrence is aware that he needs to put in the necessary work to be a solid two-way player.
“I kind of like the responsibility and how you're always around the puck and you can kind of drive the play yourself, and you're up the middle and always have the puck on your stick,” Lawrence added. “In the d-zone, you have a lot of responsibility, and you can help your d-men a lot by keeping pucks out of the net, and it’s a lot of fun.”
To help with that, he does video work on opponents ahead of time. “If we are going into a week, and I know they have a strong starting goalie,” said Lawrence. ”I always try to pick out like one or two things. What are their weaknesses? Where are their weak points? if they're strong on their feet or, you know, you get them off bounces, just like, little things that'll help you out, especially in games. I don't focus too much on it, but it's just nice to have in the back of your mind.”
Lawrence is a pass and shoot guy. He can bury his wrist shot or make that patient pass, which is what makes him so dangerous. His tendencies change according to what’s happening on the ice. His shots get on net, and he is especially dangerous around the crease. That’s a spot where he is exceptional, and he makes his linemates better.
“If you want to score goals, they all aren’t going to be pretty,” Lawrence emphasized. “You have to get to the hard areas sometimes. I don’t shy away from going to the paint. Getting in the goalie's eyes or banging in a rebound. A goal is a goal, and I take a lot of pride in finishing around the net. Not backing down and trying to bear down on all of those rebounds.”
Lawrence is 6-foot and around 185 pounds at the moment. Technically, he is a bit shorter than the NHL average of just over 6-foot-1, but as he’s still 17, he could continue to grow. But he's the same height as 2024 first overall pick Macklin Celebrini, who Lawrence watches and tries to emulate.
“Here's a guy who went to the USHL and BU, and [is] now in the NHL,” Lawrence noted. ”He competes hard and is always trying to win those 50-50 battles. He takes pride in that, and that’s why he’s had so much success.”
Being out there in important situations is a sign that the coaching staff has faith in you. Players thrive off that, and it’s something players have to work for.
“All players strive towards that, and I am a player who can be trusted out there. Whether you’re up or down, I am one of those guys itching to be out there. I want to play in all situations,” Lawrence said with pride.
Committed to Boston University, just like Celebrini, Lawrence spoke highly of one of the nation's best college hockey programs, and explained why he committed there.
“They are a great school from the coaches to the players past and present. It just felt right going through the recruiting process. You’ve seen a lot of players come through there and have success in the NHL. I want to be one of those players and they really care about player development. Wanting a guy to succeed at the college and pro level.”
Teammates speak highly of Lawrence's presence and leadership on and off the ice. They listen to him. When you can back up your play, that’s the best kind of leadership. Teams who scout him will take this into account, too. In a draft low on natural centres, it's no surprise that Lawrence is currently being touted as a top-10 pick. Ranked seventh overall on the latest Elite Prospects NHL Draft ranking, it wouldn't be surprising if Lawrence was selected higher, given his skill, leadership qualities, and two-way play.
