KEARNEY, Neb. – Tri-City Storm defenseman Bode Laylin has placed #131 among North American skaters in NHL Central Scouting's (NHLCS) final rankings. 

The rankings, released Thursday, name the top draft-eligible prospects for this summer's 2026 NHL Entry Draft. NHLCS is a bureau of the National Hockey League. Laylin's #131 ranking projects him as a fifth round selection. 

Laylin was named a finalist for the USHL Defenseman of the Year Award on Tuesday. He impressed this season, notching career-highs in goals (11), assists (27), points (38) and shots (119). His 38 points ranked seventh among USHL defenseman. Laylin's 11 goals were third among USHL blue liners. His six power play goals tied for first among defenseman in the league. Laylin additionally contributed one goal and one assist across two Storm playoff games this season. 

Laylin put up 19 points across 59 regular season games in his first full USHL campaign last year. The right-shot player debuted with Tri-City during 2023-2024, appearing in nine regular season contests. 

Laylin placed #103 among North American skaters in January's NHL Central Scouting midterm rankings. The St. Michael, Minnesota native earned a "C" rating on the organization's preliminary players to watch list last October.

The 2026 NHL Entry Draft is scheduled for Friday, June 26 and Saturday, June 27 at KeyBank Center in Buffalo, New York.