Berzkalns is a 6-4 left-shot two-way center whose game scouts describe as a modern power forward. He pairs his size and long reach with real skill: he protects pucks, wins board battles, deflects shots, takes faceoffs in most situations, and flashes high-end carries and give-and-go sequences from a solid skating base. He’s also a hard forechecker whose puck pursuit is one of his most consistent traits.

Berzkalns was drafted by the Edmonton Oilers in the second round (58th overall) of the 2026 NHL Draft.

The development arrow is real. He jumped from eight points as a USHL rookie to 25 in 48 games this season, and he scored the game-tying goal against Canada at the World Juniors as a 17-year-old, a clutch moment on a big stage. Central Scouting is far higher on him than the public boards, placing him 30th among North American skaters while most lists sit in the 65-to-85 range, a spread that reflects the bet on his size-and-skill combination.

The cautions are an inconsistent offensive game and a reported concussion history, a durability flag worth tracking for such a physical player. He’s committed to Boston College, a strong program and a multi-year runway. For fantasy, the projection is a middle-six two-way center who chips in faceoff and physical value, with scoring that depends on the offense rounding into consistency. If it does and he settles into a top-nine power role, a 50-point season is the realistic ceiling.