The 2026 NHL Scouting Combine is underway in Buffalo, where University of Massachusetts defenseman Landon Nycz is drawing attention for elite mobility and a determined approach to the game. His college coach, Greg Carvel, rates Nycz’s skating just a step behind former UMass star Cale Makar, whom Carvel also coached and who went on to win the Stanley Cup in 2022 and two Norris Trophies.
Nycz’s Impact on the NHL Draft
Nycz enters the pre-draft process as one of the more intriguing blueliners for 2026. NHL Central Scouting placed him No. 55 on its final list of North American skaters. He profiles as a two-way defender who uses speed to jumpstart offense and to close gaps defensively, a style shaped by years of focused work. That mindset was encouraged early by his father, Brian, a former Central Michigan quarterback.
At 17, Nycz was the third-youngest defenseman in NCAA Division I this season and still earned a regular role for the Minutemen. Evaluators at Central Scouting noted that he kept pace with the college game and handled pressure well, projecting that he could be a major factor next season.
The freshman finished with three points (one goal, two assists) in 35 games, scoring in his second collegiate appearance. After an initial adjustment to the speed of the NCAA, he settled in by midseason, saw more ice time — including on special teams — and showed improved confidence. UMass coaches said his reads with the puck stood out even when the points didn’t pile up.
Listed at 6-foot-2 and 201 pounds, Nycz made his biggest gains on the defensive side, sharpening details and adding bite to his game. The staff expects him to bring more physical presence next year and believes his offensive numbers should rise as a result.
Nycz began skating at two and a half, started hockey by early grade school, and moved from center to defense at age 12. The possibility of a pro career came into focus around 15 after joining the USHL with Waterloo and later Sioux City. The Detroit native grew up watching the Red Wings and studies defensemen like Colorado’s Devon Toews and Montreal’s Mike Matheson for their blend of defense, transition play, and selective offensive jumps — comparisons Central Scouting views as fitting.
With a full college season behind him, Nycz is using the summer to add strength ahead of his sophomore year. His coaches describe him as self-driven and reliable, and they believe he has the pieces in place to take a significant step forward. As the 2026 NHL Draft approaches, all eyes will be on Nycz as he continues to develop and showcase his skills on the ice.