Men's Ice Hockey | 1/20/2026 4:32:40 PM

Zach Wooten’s emergence as a 2026 NHL Draft prospect has been driven by steady progression that is becoming difficult for NHL scouts to ignore, even after he was left off the Central Scouting’s Mid-Term Rankings earlier this month.

The Apple Valley, Minnesota native has taken on increased responsibility and converted it into production with the Green Bay Gamblers this season. That performance recently earned him a selection to the Chipotle All-American Game and further elevated his profile among draft-eligible forwards.

At 19 years old, Wooten, a 6-foot-2, 209-pound forward, has established himself as a reliable, offensive contributor whose game continues to move in a positive direction.

After recording nine goals and 13 points in 36 games last season, Wooten has taken a clear step ahead. He has produced 21 goals and 36 points this year while playing a larger role in the lineup. His 21 goals are tied for third in the league, and his 110 shots place him among the top forwards, production that is forcing increased attention.

Last season served as a developmental year. 

Wooten began the season in Omaha before being traded to Green Bay in December, forcing him to adjust not only to the league but also to a new environment. The transition took time, and his production came in spurts as he found his footing.

“It was still my first year in the league,” Wooten said. “I was getting acclimated to the league and to Green Bay.”

That experience laid the groundwork for his current season. Entering this year with a full season of junior hockey behind him and returning to Green Bay, Wooten played with greater assertiveness from the outset. That confidence was evident at the USHL Fall Classic, where he scored twice and set the tone for his offensive breakout.

Offseason preparation also played a role in his growth. 

Wooten trained with East Hockey Group in South Saint Paul alongside Gamblers teammate Gavin Katz. The most significant change, however, came mentally. After conversations with the coaching staff last season, Wooten made a conscious effort to increase his shot volume.

“I made it a goal of mine to shoot the puck more,” he said.

The results reflect that adjustment. His shot total has nearly doubled from last season through the same number of games, fueling both his goal scoring and his overall offensive impact along Green Bay’s top line. Instead of waiting for plays to develop, Wooten has become more direct, attacking scoring areas and consistently putting pucks on net.

Beyond the numbers, Wooten points to consistency as the biggest improvement in his game. Last season featured strong performances mixed with quieter nights. This year, his play has been more even, earning him increased responsibility from the coaching staff.

That trust shows in his usage. 

Wooten has seen regular time on both the power play and penalty kill, a change from last season when his special teams role was primarily limited to the penalty kill. The expanded role highlights his development into an all-situations forward.

“It’s awesome,” he said. “It’s definitely nice to be out there in all situations, and I’m glad I’m trusted by the coaching staff this year.”

That progression led to national recognition during the USHL’s holiday break. Green Bay head coach and general manager Pat McCadden informed Wooten that he had been selected for the Chipotle All-American Game, an annual event showcasing the top NHL draft-eligible players in the USHL.

The news came as a surprise.

“I was pretty caught off guard,” Wooten admitted. “I wasn’t even thinking about it. I honestly had no idea when the game was or anything, so it was really cool to hear that.”

For Wooten, who had not previously attended USA Hockey national camps, the event was a new experience. He focused on taking in the moment and playing his game without added pressure. He traveled and roomed with Gamblers teammate Landon Hafele, who played in the event last year and helped him navigate the experience.

On the ice, Wooten skated alongside some of the top players in his age group, including Muskegon’s Anthony Thomas-Maroon. He nearly scored on a shorthanded breakaway early in the game and later picked up a goal when a shot deflected off his stick and into the net, a fitting reward for his efforts to this point in the season.

Back with Green Bay, Wooten has continued to build momentum. He scored in his return to help the Gamblers earn a point against the NTDP U17 team, moving him one step closer to his personal scoring goal.

“I’m aiming for 30 goals,” he said. “I think that’d be cool.”

At this stage, Wooten has firmly placed himself in the conversation as a re-entry candidate for the 2026 NHL Draft. If his production continues at this pace, he will be difficult for scouts to overlook.

About the USHL

The United States Hockey League (USHL) and its 16 teams are committed to being the world's leading junior hockey league. This season, more than 50% of NCAA Division I men's hockey players and nearly 25% of NHL players have USHL experience. The USHL has developed more than 285 direct NHL Draft picks since 2020, and eight of the last 10 Hobey Baker Award winners, including Macklin Celebrini (Chicago Steel).

Elevated through the recently announced Declaration of Excellence with the NHL and USA Hockey, the league's player-first approach, including a 2:1 practice-to-game ratio and a schedule with 92% of games played on weekends, provides its players with the optimal environment for athletic and personal growth, creating pathways for the next generation of stars like Auston Matthews (NTDP), Kyle Connor (Youngstown Phantoms), Jeremy Swayman (Sioux Falls Stampede), and Johnny Gaudreau (Dubuque Fighting Saints).