Jonah Neuenschwander #19 RW/C – March 10 2009 – Biel-Bienne, Switzerland – 6’3” / 187lbs – Left Handed – EHC Biel-Bienne (NL) Neuenschwander is a physically mature forward whose elite skating and powerful shot provide him with a strong foundation at higher levels. His acceleration and long, powerful strides allow him to create separation in transition, while his frame makes him difficult to contain once he establishes possession in the offensive zone. He protects the puck well and uses his size effectively to create passing lanes, with strong vision and an ability to find teammates through seams. His release is a legitimate weapon, capable of producing goals from both the rush and set offensive situations. He has also shown the ability to contribute on both special teams and uses his stick effectively defensively. Neuenschwander’s impact was inconsistent across viewings, although this should be considered within the context of his age and competition. He spent much of his 2025–26 season as a 16-year-old competing regularly in Switzerland’s National League, facing established professional players on a nightly basis, and his ability to earn that role at such a young age is itself significant. However, he did not consistently drive play or create offense at a level expected of a premier draft prospect. His passing can become careless under pressure, while his defensive awareness and engagement away from the puck remain inconsistent. His combination of elite skating, size and shooting gives him legitimate NHL upside, but his eventual ceiling will depend on whether he can translate those tools into more consistent play-driving, decision-making and overall impact as he matures physically and gains experience against professional competition.
4 – Jonah Neuenschwander Neuenschwander already has an incredible resume, has played at so many levels, and has impressed at every single one. I believe he is the most well rounded forward in this draft so far, I really like so many aspects of his game. He has a very strong, accurate shot, uses his size well, sturdy with the puck, good vision and playmaking ability, and is another large player that can skate extremely well for his size.
2 – Jonah Neuenschwander (6’3″ | 187lbs | F | EHC Biel-Bienne | Switzerland) While the first pick is relatively straightforward, the board really opens up at second overall, and that is where I have Jonah Neuenschwander. Though still raw and continuing to fill out his 6’3” frame, the combination of size, shot, and strong two-way play is hard to ignore. He has been a consistent standout across international play, anchoring top lines for Switzerland at the WJC, U18, and Hlinka Gretzky tournaments even as an underager. Although his pro stint in the Swiss NL may be non-traditional, his high-end toolkit, defensive maturity, and 6’3” frame are why you bet on him at pick two.
Jonah Neuenschwander is impossible to miss when he’s on the ice.
Not only does his gigantic frame tower over every other player on the ice, but he constantly involves himself in the play to search for advantages and opportunities for his team.
The biggest contribution he brings to his team is his hockey IQ, being able to read and anticipate plays before they even happen to properly position himself as a passing option, to pick off an opponent’s pass, or be the first to a loose puck.
His hockey IQ helps him in every aspect of the game to remain one step ahead while bringing a versatile set of skills to capitalize on being that one step ahead.
With the puck, he is great at leveraging his IQ and vision to make quick one-touch passes or carry the puck to open ice while evaluating new options.
Offensively without the puck, he is great at driving the net for deflections, rebounds, or even as a passing option.
Due to his size, his presence in front of the net creates chaos while his opponents try to restrict his ability from making an impact in the slot.
Defensively, he is great at containing his opponents to the perimeter, using his stick to try and create turnovers or intercept passes, and is fairly effective at helping his defencemen when the situation calls for it.
Though I believe that there is an extremely high likelihood that Neuenschwander will be, at the very least, a top ten pick next June, there are still a few aspects of his game I would like to see him improve on over the season to make that an absolute guarantee.
Jonah Neuenschwander, C (2027 NHL Draft Eligible) The Tape: 6-foot-4, 185 pounds | Biel NLA (Switzerland) The Analysis: Neuenschwander played heavy, demanding minutes against every country’s top defensive pairings and never faltered. Finishing with six points (3 goals, 3 assists), he demonstrated a complete two-way profile. He uses his long reach to disrupt plays in his own zone and possesses the vision to transition those turnovers into instant odd-man rushes. He looks completely ready to impact pro hockey back home this fall.
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