Zach Wooten’s rise as a 2026 NHL Draft candidate has been fueled by steady growth and increased impact, a progression that has begun to draw consistent attention from NHL scouts, even after he was not included in Central Scouting’s Midterm Rankings earlier this month.

The Apple Valley, Minnesota native has taken on a larger role this season with the Green Bay Gamblers and turned that opportunity into tangible results. His strong play recently earned him a spot in the Chipotle All-American Game, further solidifying his standing among draft-eligible forwards.

Now 19 years old, the 6-foot-2, 209-pound forward has developed into a dependable offensive presence whose game continues to trend upward.

After finishing last season with nine goals and 13 points in 36 games, Wooten has made a noticeable jump. This year, he has recorded 21 goals and 36 points while logging increased minutes and responsibility. His goal total ranks among the league leaders, and his shot volume places him near the top of USHL forwards, production that has become difficult to overlook.

Last season was largely about adjustment.

Wooten opened the year in Omaha before being dealt to Green Bay in December, requiring him to adapt not only to the pace of the league but also to a new team environment. As he settled in, his offensive output came in stretches rather than consistently.

“It was my first year in the league,” Wooten said. “I was still getting used to everything and adjusting after the trade.”

That experience proved valuable. Returning to Green Bay this season with a full year of junior hockey behind him, Wooten played with greater confidence from the start. That mindset showed early at the USHL Fall Classic, where he scored twice and helped set the stage for his offensive breakout.

Offseason preparation also contributed to his development.

Wooten trained with East Hockey Group in South Saint Paul alongside teammate Gavin Katz, but the most significant improvement came mentally. Following discussions with the coaching staff last season, he made a deliberate decision to become more aggressive offensively.

“I wanted to shoot the puck more,” he said.

That change has paid off. Wooten has nearly doubled his shot total compared to last season through the same number of games, leading to more goals and a greater overall impact along Green Bay’s top line. Rather than waiting for plays to develop, he has become more assertive, attacking scoring areas and consistently putting pucks toward the net.

Beyond the numbers, Wooten points to consistency as the biggest difference in his game. While last season featured highs and lows, this year his performances have been more steady, earning him increased trust from the coaching staff.

That trust has expanded his role.

Wooten now sees regular time on both the power play and penalty kill, a notable shift from last season when his special teams usage was largely limited to penalty-killing situations. The expanded responsibilities reflect his growth into a reliable, all-situations forward.

“It’s definitely nice to be trusted in all areas of the game,” he said. “I’m glad the coaches have confidence in me this year.”

That progress was recognized during the USHL’s holiday break, when Green Bay head coach and general manager Pat McCadden informed Wooten that he had been selected for the Chipotle All-American Game, an annual showcase featuring the league’s top NHL draft-eligible players.

The news caught him off guard.

“I really wasn’t expecting it,” Wooten said. “I didn’t even know when the game was, so it was pretty cool to hear.”

For Wooten, who had not previously attended USA Hockey national camps, the event offered a new experience. He focused on playing his game and soaking in the opportunity, traveling and rooming with teammate Landon Hafele, who helped guide him through the process.

On the ice, Wooten lined up against some of the top players in his age group. He nearly converted on an early shorthanded breakaway and later was credited with a goal when a shot deflected off his stick and into the net, a fitting moment in a season defined by persistence and growth.

Back in the Gamblers lineup, Wooten has continued to build momentum. He scored in his return against the NTDP U17 team, helping Green Bay earn a point and moving closer to a personal milestone.

“I’m aiming for 30 goals,” he said. “That would be pretty cool.”

With his current pace and expanded role, Wooten has firmly positioned himself as a re-entry candidate for the 2026 NHL Draft. If his production continues, he will remain firmly on the radar of NHL scouts.