Battalion Star Drafted
Ryder Cali Becomes Highest NHL Draft Pick for North Bay Battalion, Joins Panthers
Ryder Cali made North Bay history on Saturday when the Florida Panthers picked him 48th overall in round two of the NHL Draft, making him the highest-drafted player in the Battalion's North Bay era. Ottawa Citizen reported that the 32 NHL teams drafted 224 players total, with the Canadian Hockey League producing 106 of them — the highest CHL total since 2010.
Cali, a 6'2", 214-pound center, played 47 games for North Bay in 2025-26, scoring 16 goals and adding 20 assists for 36 points — all while missing 19 games with a separated shoulder. Teammate Alexander Karmanov also heard his name called, going 201st overall to the San Jose Sharks in round seven.
Cali's Reaction: 'Florida Is the Best Place to Get Drafted Ever'
The moment felt unreal for Cali when the Panthers called his name. "It didn't feel real for a second. I had to make sure they said my name," he said, according to Daily Herald Tribune. "I knew when everyone else stood up that it was true. Florida is the best place to get drafted ever."
Cali grew up playing roller hockey in the Cayman Islands before moving to Canada at age seven. His path to the draft was anything but straight. He was originally picked 18th overall by the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds in 2024 but refused to report. North Bay then acquired his rights in September 2024 in exchange for four draft picks. He signed with the Battalion in December 2024 after a stint in the OJHL with the Milton Menace.
A North Bay Era Record, But Not a Franchise One
Cali's 48th overall pick sets a new high for the Battalion's North Bay era, which began in 2013 when the franchise moved from Brampton. The previous North Bay-era record was 68th overall, shared by Cam Dineen in 2016 and Ty Nelson in 2022, according to Hanna Herald. The all-time franchise record still belongs to Matt Duchene, drafted 3rd overall by the Colorado Avalanche in 2009 when the team was still the Brampton Battalion.
Adam Dennis, the Battalion's director of hockey operations, said the team was thrilled with the result. "We're very happy to see Florida take an interest in another one of our players in Ryder," Dennis said, per Goderich Signal Star. "He has dealt with a lot this year with his injury but emerged as a key contributor." Panthers GM Bill Zito added that Cali "fits the mold" of a player who could plug straight into their system.
Karmanov Becomes the Tallest Player Ever Drafted in NHL History
Karmanov's selection in round seven made its own history. The 7'1", 272-pound Moldovan defenseman — who stands 7'4" in skates — became the tallest player ever drafted in the NHL. He also became the first Moldovan player ever picked in the draft. Karmanov played just 20 OHL games this season, recording two assists and 29 penalty minutes, according to Clinton News Record.
Media have dubbed him "Hockey's Wemby," a nod to NBA star Victor Wembanyama. Analysts say his sheer size lets him "push attacks to the outside" just by standing in the middle of the ice. He is committed to Penn State for the coming season, while Cali is set to join Providence College — both using the OHL as a one-year stepping stone before moving to the NCAA.
CHL Dominates the Draft as NCAA Rule Change Reshapes Rosters
The 2026 draft was the first to fully feel the impact of a new NCAA rule that lets CHL players keep their college eligibility. Before the change, playing even one OHL game made a player "professional" in the NCAA's eyes. Now, top prospects can play a season in the OHL and still commit to a college program — a shift that is pulling elite talent into the CHL, according to PR Record Gazette.
The results showed up in the draft numbers. The CHL produced 106 picks in total. The OHL alone accounted for 47 players — 21.1 percent of all selections, according to The Observer. The Battalion now counts three Florida Panthers prospects in Cali, Liam Arnsby, and Shamar Moses, giving the North Bay program a strong marketing pitch for future elite recruits.
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