Ryder Cali
2025–26 Team: North Bay Battalion (OHL)
Date of Birth: September 6, 2008
Place of Birth: Penetanguishene, ON, CAN
Height: 6-foot-2, Weight: 209 pounds
Shoots: Left
Position: Center
NHL Draft Eligibility: 2026 first-year eligible
Rankings
Ryder Cali has had an interesting path to the 2026 NHL Draft. After being acquired by the North Bay Battalion, he was unable to make the team out of camp and secure a spot on the roster last season. Although he wasn’t able to crack the Battalion lineup, that didn’t stop him from succeeding in a different location. He spent the 2024-25 season with the Milton Menace of the Ontario Junior Hockey League (OJHL) and was one of their top players.
He recorded 54 points in 51 games with the Menace and helped them on their path to the league finals. In the playoffs with Milton, Cali recorded 13 points in 20 games, coming up just short in the championship round as they lost in six games to the Trenton Golden Hawks.
Related: 2026 NHL Draft Guide
This season, he not only made the Battalion lineup, but has been a key factor on their team. As a rookie this season, Cali has recorded 16 goals and 20 assists for a total of 36 points in 47 games. His totals would have been higher had a separated shoulder not kept him out for nearly 20 games.
Cali has played with multiple different players this season, but as of right now, while the Battalion are in the playoffs, he is centering Anaheim Ducks prospect Ethan Procyszyn and Nick Wellenreiter. The line is a clear play-driving line for the Battalion and one of their top offensive units. Cali has also found himself on the Battalion power play in the bumper slot.
That is one of Cali’s biggest strengths. Standing at 6-foot-2, he is very good in the offensive zone at forechecking and putting pressure on defending players. He is great at winning puck battles and has a knack for muscling past players to get open. He loves to find open spaces right in front of the net to put in those bang and crash type goals, but he also looks to get open on the boards so he can step in and rip a shot on net.
For a player as noticeable in the offensive zone, Cali has underrated speed, which he shows off when trying to get back on defence. In an instance where the puck quickly or unexpectedly goes back the other way towards the North Bay end, Cali often shows off his wheels and hustles to try and get back into position to prevent a chance against. Oftentimes, he can make it.
Cali brings a lot of underrated aspects to his game, things that don’t pop up on the scoresheet but you can only see if you watch him in person. His size will garner attention, and once teams see what he can do on the ice, they will really like what he brings to an NHL team. Cali will get taken on Day 2 most likely, but over time, teams will be kicking themselves for not drafting him once he gets stronger and even a bit tougher.
Other THW Draft Profiles
Ryder Cali – NHL Draft Projection
There is a lot to like about Cali’s game. He has great size, good speed, and the ability to find open spaces in key offensive areas. He will be one of the top power forwards in this draft, which has become a bit of a rare commodity in the NHL. With what he brings to the table, I see him getting taken in the second round between picks 40 and 64.
Quotables
“Cali is built like a tank, and he puts a ton of power into every shift, with and without the puck. I can see him becoming a solid bottom-six forward if he can improve his playmaking. I considered ranking him lower, but I know some scouts really like him as a long-term project.” – Steven Ellis/Daily Faceoff
“Seeing how Cali performed against some of the best NHL draft eligible players leaves no doubt that scouts will be circling his name on their list as a guy to watch as the season progresses.” – Matt Sookram/Bay Today.ca
Strengths
- Size
- Hands
- Ability to get open
- Powering his way past defenders
- Creating havoc in front of the opponent’s net
Under Construction
- Offensive output
- Not the best shot from distance
NHL Potential
I do believe that Cali has a future in the NHL, but as a role player near the bottom of the lineup. He can be an incredibly effective player in a third-line role and can fill in on the second line if needed. I think he will be needed for a team in the playoffs to be a thorn in the side of their opponent.
Risk-Reward Analysis
Risk – 2/5, Reward – 3/5
Fantasy Hockey Potential
Offense – 6/10, Defense – 5/10
Awards/Achievements
- OHL Top Prospects Game participant
- First-round pick in the 2024 OHL Draft
Interviews/Links
Ryder Cali Stats
Videos
Shorthanded snipe 🎯
Ryder Cali takes it himself and fires it top shelf to give the @OHLBattalion the late first period lead! pic.twitter.com/8WgTrdnlgp
— Ontario Hockey League (@OHLHockey) March 15, 2026
North Bay calls game!
Ryder Cali scores his second of the night for the @OHLBattalion to push them to 2-0 to start the season.#OHLOpeningWeek | @FloHockey pic.twitter.com/Txfm1XCVmn
— Ontario Hockey League (@OHLHockey) September 20, 2025
