It’s been a long time since we’ve had a true debate as to who should go first overall, but it looks like we finally have a multi-horse race for the 2026 NHL Draft. Gavin McKenna was the early favourite, dating back to last season when he lit the Western Hockey League (WHL) on fire, but after the 2026 World Juniors, Swedish phenom Ivar Stenberg split the debate. Since then, Keaton Verhoeff and Chase Reid have gained attention as possible usurpers for the top spot. McKenna has reasserted himself in recent months, but it’s still anyone’s game as we head into the last stretch before the 2026 NHL Draft.
Defencemen have truly taken over the top end of this draft class. Half of my top 10 prospects are defencemen, three of which are in the top five. It’s reminiscent of the 2021 Draft that saw Owen Power go first to the Buffalo Sabres; although he was the favourite, there was no guarantee he was going to end up the first pick. Matty Beniers, Kent Johnson, Luke Hughes, Brandt Clarke, and Simon Edvinsson all looked like future stars. There are also shades of the 2008 Draft, which saw Steven Stamkos go first, followed by defencemen Drew Doughty, Zach Bogosian, Alex Pietrangelo, and Luke Schenn.
Much has been said about the strength of the 2026 Draft class, and while it doesn’t offer as much high-end talent as years previous, it has a wide array of solid middle-of-the-lineup options, especially after the first 10 picks. The difference between my 64th pick and my 32nd pick was minimal and boiled down to preference, which I believe will largely affect how NHL teams treat this draft. There isn’t really a ‘best player available,’ just players that one team likes more because of personal bias or fit.
For example, let’s look at Maddox Dagenais. Some rankings have him as a top-25 pick, whereas I placed him 51st, and the biggest difference seems to be what scouts prioritize. If you like a player with a heavy shot, strong offensive instincts, and NHL-ready size, then Dagenais will rank much higher. However, I value prospects with high-end skating and work ethic, and I felt he fell far short in both. That sets the 2026 Draft up for a much more unpredictable draft, which is always a lot of fun.
Finally, the 2026 Draft has one glaring weakness – goaltenders. I chose not to place any goalies in my top 64, but that’s not because I didn’t like any of them. Tobias Trejbal, Parker Snell, Michal Orsulak, and Brady Knowling are very solid prospects and could emerge as strong NHL netminders. However, the skater crop felt so close together that I opted to focus solely on them, and I wouldn’t be surprised if it took until the third round before a goalie heard his name called.
With that, let’s get into my top 64 prospects for the 2026 NHL Draft.
First Round
1. Ivar Stenberg, LW, Frölunda (SHL)
I became a big fan of Stenberg at the 2026 World Junior Championship. He was immediately noticeable whenever he was on the ice and finished the tournament with a team-leading 10 points. He already plays a pro-style game, attacking the ice with confidence and placing himself in the perfect position to make things happen in the offensive zone. But what makes him my top-ranked prospect is his two-way game. He has a great work ethic and frequently chipped in on defence and the backcheck, helping Sweden give up the fewest goals at the World Juniors. This is the closest the 2026 Draft Class has to the next Macklin Celebrini.
2. Gavin McKenna, LW, Penn State U. (NCAA)
Although I have Stenberg first, I think McKenna might have the highest potential of this draft class. His ability to move the puck is otherworldly; whether he is stickhandling through traffic and trying to create space, or finding passing lanes that seemingly don’t exist and placing the puck perfectly on his teammates’ sticks, he never seems to have any difficulty setting up or finishing plays. While I do have concerns about his defensive game and overall effort, he has continued to improve at Penn State and is well on his way to becoming a regular NHL All-Star who can pile up the points.
3. Chase Reid, RD, Soo Greyhounds (OHL)
A highly mobile offensive defender who can eat minutes, Reid has been one of the most impressive defencemen in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) this season. When the puck is on his stick, he can slow down the game to a crawl, creating time and space for himself to find the perfect passing lane or wait for a scoring opportunity to reveal itself. He stickhandles and skates well, and although he lacks some physicality, he plays a very heads-up, highly aware game that will make him incredibly valuable to any team.
4. Keaton Verhoeff, RD, U. North Dakota (NCAA)
Verhoeff may have started his hockey career as a goalie, but he’s now one of the top defencemen in the 2026 Draft class. Like Reid, he’s a highly mobile defenceman, using his long reach and agility to position himself to shut down opponents. He doesn’t wait in one spot, either, and constantly adjusts and shifts to make sure he is in the best place possible. His booming shot from the blueline is enough to scare any goalie, but he also moves the puck very well for a 6-foot-4 player. There were concerns about how his offence would translate to the NCAA, but with 20 points in 33 games, he’s looked right at home with the University of North Dakota. Were it not for Reid’s incredible season, he’d be the best defenceman.
5. Carson Carels, LD, Prince George Cougars (WHL)
No one stood out more at the WHL Top Prospects Game in February than Carson Carels. He was all over the ice, showcasing a high-end work ethic, great skating mechanics, and incredible offensive instincts, and contributed to all four of his team’s goals in one form or another. Back with the Prince George Cougars, he has a similar impact, running the team from the blue line, directing plays like a general, and always knowing when to activate to push the play against the opponent. With his skills and intelligence, he’s set up for a long, successful career, no matter what role he’s given.
6. Caleb Malhotra, C, Brantford Bulldogs (OHL)
Centres will be at a premium at the 2026 NHL Draft, and Caleb Malhotra promises to be the first off the board. The 6-foot-2 centre for the Brantford Bulldogs has torn through the OHL this season, scoring 29 goals and putting up 84 points in 67 games. He skates like the wind, flying around defenders, and has a nice, fluid stride that keeps up his momentum when he changes direction. With the puck, however, he can slow the game down to a crawl, drawing in defenders and placing them exactly where he wants them to create high-danger scoring chances for his teammates. He’s a tactician when running the play, and that level of intelligence and vision will make him a difficult opponent at any level.
Related: Baracchini’s Top 96 March Rankings
7. Daxon Rudolph, RD, Prince Albert Raiders (WHL)
I might be higher on Daxon Rudolph than most, but I see a similar package to Carels. He’s a big-minute, reliable defenceman who can command his team from the blue line. At the WHL Top Prospects Game, he was just as noticeable to his Western counterpart, and certainly earned both his Team East captaincy and Player of the Game honours. But what I’ve appreciated most about Rudolph’s game is his ability to stay calm no matter the situation; the higher the pressure, the calmer he is. Armed with a very high hockey sense, good size, and smooth skating, he should also be another highly sought-after defenceman this year.
8. Tynan Lawrence, C, Boston University (NCAA)
Like McKenna, Tynan Lawrence has had a bit of a tougher adjustment to the college game after leaving the United States Hockey League’s (USHL) Muskegon Lumberjacks. In his first 15 games with Boston University, he had just one goal and four points, a long shot from his initial projections, but he’s still demonstrating skills that will make him a top pick. He is unafraid to go up against bigger opponents in the corners and behind the net, has very good straight-line speed, and has an offensive presence similar to Malhotra, using a barrage of high work ethic and creativity to make plays happen. He just needs to gain a bit more confidence and strength to reach that next level.
9. Viggo Björck, C/W, Djurgårdens IF (SHL)
There’s little that Viggo Björck can’t do. At the World Juniors, he showed off his excellent shot and refined playmaking skills, finishing with the third-most points on Team Sweden behind Stenberg and team captain Jack Berglund. He is also arguably one of the fastest players up for the 2026 Draft, and he can remain in control of the puck while moving at top speed. Some might have pointed to his 5-foot-10 frame as a weakness, but he still throws big hits and has played almost the entire 2025-26 season in the Swedish Hockey League (SHL), where his 15 points rank among the top 10 U20 players in the league. There is no doubt that he is one of the best players up for the 2026 Draft and worthy of a top-10 selection.
10. Alberts Šmits, LD, EHC München (DEL)
I’ve watched a lot of Carter Yakemchuk over the past couple of seasons. In his draft year, he struck me as a highly-skilled defenceman who needed a lot of polish to become a reliable presence on the blueline in the NHL. He took big risks, driving the offence when no one else on his team would, and while that sometimes created incredible chances, it also put him in some really bad positions.
Related: 2026 NHL Draft Guide
I see a lot of the same things in Alberts Smits: his willingness to take his team’s offence on his back and charge in with the puck, his physicality, and love for a high-risk/high-reward play. Šmits will need a lot of patience, too, but with a more well-defined defensive game, he has a very intriguing upside, similar to the Ottawa Senators’ top prospect.
11. Ryan Lin, RD, Vancouver Giants
We’ve been down this road before; a smaller defenceman with tons of talent gets passed over because he isn’t big enough, only to prove everyone wrong when he breaks into the NHL. This year, that defenceman is Ryan Lin, a highly-skilled two-way player who will slip down the draft because he’s 5-foot-11. He’s incredibly intelligent in his positioning and where he puts pressure on the opponent, forcing them to the outside and blocking shooting lanes, and he uses a deadly combination of speed and vision to set up the perfect play. He’s also got a powerful shot and can lay some huge hits despite his smaller size. Underestimate him at your own risk.
12. Adam Novotny, LW, Peterborough Petes (OHL)
I’m a sucker for a great skater and a hard worker. When I saw Braeden Cootes play for the first time, I couldn’t believe how hard he was working every single shift, and he was able to give his team life even when they looked down and out. This year, the player who best fits that definition is Adam Novotny. A fierce competitor and a fantastic skater, he’s been a huge part of the Peterborough Petes, even though he’s a rookie. He can duck in and out of traffic without losing the puck, has great stickwork both with and without the puck, and plays defence. He’s the whole package.
13. Ethan Belchetz, LW, Windsor Spitfires (OHL)
The NHL is a copycat league; if one team finds something that works, every other team will try to replicate it. Recently, teams have been trying to find the next Tage Thompson: a big, highly-skilled player who can skate well and score 40 goals. This year, they might have that with Ethan Belchetz, a 6-foot-5, 227-pound winger with the Windsor Spitfires. His home office is in front of the net, using his massive frame to block the goalie’s sight, then uses a flick of the stick to pick up a rebound or tip in a shot. Surprisingly, he isn’t the most physical player, but he does love throwing a bone-crushing hit when the timing is right. He’s built for the playoff grind, but unfortunately, he’s out indefinitely with a broken clavicle, ending his season early.
14. Marcus Nordmark, RW, Djugårdens IF U20 (Nationell)
Marcus Nordmark jumped onto the 2026 Draft radar with an incredible performance at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup, where he led the tournament with seven goals and 12 points in five games. Most noticeable was his brilliance with the puck; he can push and pull the puck like it’s attached to his stick with a string. Paired with a high-end vision, he can find impossible passing lanes and the slightest shooting angles. He’ll need to work on his defensive presence and backchecking, but his ability to manipulate the puck to his will cannot be ignored.
15. Xavier Villeneuve, LD, Blainville-Boisbriand Armada (QMJHL)
There are a lot of similarities between Lin and Xavier Villeneuve. Both are highly-skilled, undersized defencemen who can control the play with their vision, speed, and offensive sense. Villeneuve stands out with his creativity in puck movement. He loves to start the rush and pinch in for a scoring chance, but he also has the speed and awareness to get back to his assignment and prevent an odd-man rush. He can also move incredibly quickly with the puck on his stick, pulling off tight turns to create space or deke around an opposing defender to get closer to the net. There’s a bit more risk with his style of play as competition gets faster and stronger, but right now, his ceiling is sky-high.
16. Oscar Hemming, F, Boston College (NCAA)
Oscar Hemming looked very good at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup, but then a contract dispute held him off the ice for 134 days before he joined Boston College in December. The NCAA is a different beast from U20 hockey, but Hemming has adapted well enough with a goal and eight points in 19 games. He cycles the zone well and knows where to put himself to create scoring chances. He also uses his big 6-foot-4 frame well, punishing opponents who decide to also chase the puck into the corner, face him against the boards, or just happen to be in his way. Had he not missed so much of the season, he could have been ranked higher.
17. Mathis Preston, RW, Vancouver Giants (WHL)
When I first watched Mathis Preston, I saw shades of Berkly Catton: fast, creative, and impossible to stop. Over the course of the season, however, Preston has returned to earth, but that doesn’t mean he isn’t still an intriguing prospect with a lot of skill. He is a speedy forward with a highly active stick who uses it to break up plays and create turnovers, has plenty of creativity, and hustles on the backcheck. There are times he overcomplicates his process, but it’s clear to see that he’s a very intelligent player who has incredible potential. Hopefully, next season, he can stay healthy and show everyone what he can really do.
18. Gleb Pugachyov, RW, Chaika Nizhny Novgorod (MHL)
Gleb Pugachyov is one of the most intriguing prospects up for the 2026 Draft. The first thing I noticed was that he works incredibly hard and was instantly noticeable every time he stepped on the ice. In one clip, I saw him set up a play, then had to finish it when his teammate missed the shot. He’s also highly competitive and aggressive on the puck in a way that reminds me of Igor Chernyshov, who I ranked 16th overall in 2024 (but ended up going 33rd overall to the San Jose Sharks). Pugachyov has better KHL numbers than the Sharks’ rookie, too. He’s not the most offensively gifted, but his speed and work ethic get the job done. It’s no wonder scouts reportedly love him.
19. JP Hurlbert, LW, Kamloops Blazers (WHL)
I initially placed JP Hurlbert 9th among my top-10 draft-eligible WHL prospects, but I’d argue he’s now a fringe lottery pick. A red-hot start launched him into first-round status, and a very strong showing at the WHL Top Prospects Game cemented it. He was all over the ice, beating opponents one-on-one and charging all over the ice. His work ethic around the puck was infectious, earning him several grade-A scoring chances. He’s quick, creative, and intense on the forecheck, which has vaulted him to the top of the WHL scoring race earlier this season. If he can round out his game away from the puck, he has a great future ahead of him.
20. Juho Piiparainen, RD, Tappara (Liiga)
Although he was fairly quiet at the 2026 World Juniors in the scoring column, Juho Piiparainen proved that he was one of the best shutdown defenders in the 2026 Draft class. He’s an incredibly responsible defender who uses an enviable combination of strength, positioning, awareness, and intelligence to prevent breakouts, create turnovers, and protect his goalie. He uses his 6-foot-3 frame very smartly, and while he’s not afraid to throw a big hit, he isn’t reckless. Add in a smooth skating stride and that he was nearly a point-per-game player in the U20 SM-sarja, and you have a potential top-four NHL defenceman.
21. Oliver Suvanto, C, Tappara (Liiga)
Oliver Suvanto is a big, two-way centre who has continued to impress this season with his competitiveness and all-around presence. He uses his 6-foot-3 frame to break up plays and push opponents off the puck, as well as set up scoring chances and screens in front of the net. He was named one of Finland’s Top Three Players at the 2026 World Juniors despite being the youngest on the team, but his pro-style game makes him effective in any role. His skating needs significant work, but if he can improve that, he may follow in the footsteps of his idol, Aleksander Barkov.
22. Elton Hermansson, RW, MoDo (Allsvenskan)
Elton Hermansson’s offensive skill is undeniable. He can rifle the puck and uses a lot of creativity when moving the puck, helping him put up 11 points at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup and 11 goals with Modo, the highest total of any U18 player in the Allsvenskan. He isn’t the most physical player, but he isn’t afraid to use his 6-foot-1 frame to push a player against the boards. I am concerned about his lack of intensity, but if he finds himself in the right system, he could become an incredibly dangerous player in the NHL.
23. Alexander Command, C, Örebro HK U20 (Nationell)
In a similar vein to Suvanto is Alexander Command, who has thrived this season while playing a physical, two-way game mainly in the U20 Nationell league in Sweden. He is excellent at winning battles and getting the puck to his teammates, and he uses his strength and vision to drive to the inside, pushing past opponents to create space and scoring opportunities. In 30 games, he has 44 points and 61 penalty minutes (PIM), making him the only U20 player to hit both the 40-point and 60-PIM markers this season. It’s a rare combination to find a player who can do both, especially one so young – he’ll turn 18 just 10 days before the draft – which will make him a highly sought-after player on draft day.
24. Adam Goljer, RD, HK Dukla Trencin (Slovakia)
Building on a strong defensive class is Adam Goljer, who has largely been overlooked this season, but has shown very similar skills to the Raiders’ star, Daxon Rudolph. He is very calm while defending and isn’t bothered by much, which has allowed him to jump up to the top pairing on his team in the Slovak top division, as well as his ability to move smoothly through the neutral zone and quarterback a power play. With strong skating mechanics, a well-developed offensive sense, and strong defensive tendencies, he could emerge as a future top-four two-way defenceman.
25. Malte Gustafsson, LD, HV71 (SHL)
In 27 games with HV71, Malte Gustafsson has put up just three assists and zero goals, which hardly screams first-round pick, but he continues to earn more minutes thanks to his well-rounded approach. He’s not much of a rush defender, looking to carry the puck into the offensive zone, but he moves well across the ice and places himself in the right places to prevent breakouts, using his large frame and long reach to stop an opponent in his tracks. He could add a bit more physicality, but there aren’t many things to critique in his game right now, which is a great sign.
26. Niklas Aaram-Olsen, LW, Örebro HK U20 (Nationell)
Another hard-working, two-way forward, Niklas Aaram-Olsen can zip around the ice effortlessly. He’s a great skater and can move around the offensive zone well, looking for scoring opportunities or passing lanes. He contributes to the forecheck and backcheck, as well, using his speed and agility to close gaps quickly. There have been some concerns raised about his consistency, but he continues to get chances in Sweden’s top league and has played more SHL games than Command, although he’s still looking for his first pro point in 16 appearances. Definitely someone worth raking a bit of a risk on.
27. Nikita Klepov, LW, Saginaw Spirit (OHL)
Yes, there are warts to Nikita Klepov’s game, namely his defensive engagement and intensity from shift to shift. But when he’s on, the OHL’s leading scorer is incredibly fun to watch. He has a great shot with a quick release, and he uses plenty of deceptive movements and subtle shifts to get the goalie off-kilter. He’s also a creative puck-mover who can slip a puck by several defenders to a wide-open teammate. The way he sees the game is incredible, and I considered putting him quite a bit higher based on what he can do when on the attack. I just wish he were a bit more engaged on the backcheck.
28. Liam Ruck, RW, Medicine Hat Tigers (WHL)
Despite losing McKenna, the Medicine Hat Tigers remained a powerhouse in the WHL thanks to Liam Ruck and his twin brother, Marcus. The two are close in skill, but Liam will likely be selected first because of his finishing ability. He’s a hard-working two-way player who demonstrates high awareness, excellent puck skills, and plenty of creativity when in close to the net. Only Cameron Schmidt outscored Liam’s 45 goals this season, and his 104 points put him second in the league scoring race to Markus’ 108 points. My only concern is how he will do without his brother on his line, as the pair have formed an almost telepathic connection on the ice. If we’re lucky, though, we’ll never have to find out.
29. Tomas Chrenko, C, HK Nitra (Slovakia)
Tomas Chrenko’s shot is one of the better in his draft class. He can rip it from anywhere, and his pinpoint accuracy ensures it’s probably going to hit its target. At the 2026 World Juniors, his five goals tied for second in tournament scoring and led the Slovaks by a good margin – the next highest goalscorer only put up two all tournament. Back home, he’s been the best teenager in the Slovak pro league, doubling the points of the next highest scorer. He is a bit of a power play assassin, so if he can increase his effectiveness five-on-five, he’ll be a fantastic middle-six scorer.
30. Wyatt Cullen, LW, USA U18 (NTDP)
While the US National Development Team (USNDP) isn’t as strong this season as in years past, Wyatt Cullen is arguably the best player on it right now and deserves first-round consideration. He’s a point-per-game player on the roster, blending a strong work ethic with speed and great awareness on both ends of the ice. He battles for the puck, chips in defence, throws hits, and can fire the puck. Many of the USNDP’s highlights involve him in one way or another, showing how impactful he is on the ice. All the building blocks are there to be an effective NHL player in the future.
31. Ilia Morozov, C, Miami University (Ohio) (NCAA)
Few can match Ilia Morozov’s work ethic. His game isn’t perfect, but his willingness to engage with every opportunity he’s given has helped make him a more well-rounded player this season. He’s now frequently making a positive impact every time he steps on the ice and is consistently showing strong problem-solving skills. Given his age, no one expected him to join the NCAA this season, but he hasn’t looked out of place with Miami University (Ohio), recording 20 points in 36 games as the youngest player in college.
32. Simas Ignatavicius, RW, Geneve (NL)
A smart, two-way player, Simas Ignatavicius is seemingly always in the right spot at the right time. He is aware of the play around him and positions himself to support it, but also be ready to go where it’s headed. His ability to accurately predict what will happen on the ice, as well as his well-rounded tool kit, has made him one of the best youngsters in Switzerland’s National League (NL). His game has few weaknesses, similar to Nate Danielson, who went far higher than expected in the 2023 NHL Draft, thanks to his high intelligence. While a top-10 selection isn’t likely, Ignatavicius will be a name to watch for the second half of the first round.
Second Round
33. Yegor Shilov, C, Victoriaville Tigres (QMJHL)
34. Jack Hextall, C, Youngstown Phantoms (USHL)
35. Victor Plante, LW, USA U18 (NTDP)
36. Casper Juustovaara Karlsson, C/LW, Luleå HF (SHL)
37. Adam Valentini, F, U. Michigan (NCAA)
38. Tomas Galvas, LD, Bílí Tygři Liberec (Czech)
39. Tommy Bleyl, RD, Moncton Wildcats (QMJHL)
40. Vertti Svensk, LD, SaiPa (Liiga)
41. Beckham Edwards, C, Sarnia Sting (OHL)
42. Pierce Mbuyi, LW, Owen Sound Attack (OHL)
43. Nikita Shcherbakov, LD, Tolpar Ufa (MHL)
44. Markus Ruck, F, Medicine Hat Tigers (WHL)
45. Adam Nemec, LW, Sudbury Wolves (OHL)
46. Casey Mutryn, F, USA U18 (NTDP)
47. Zach Olsen, RW, Saskatoon Blades (WHL)
48. Ben MacBeath, LD, Calgary Hitmen (WHL)
49. Ryan Roobroeck, C, Niagara IceDogs (OHL)
50. Mikey Berchild, LW, USA U18 (NTDP)
51. Maddox Dagenais, C, Quebec Remparts (QMJHL)
52. Thomas Vandenberg, C, Ottawa 67’s (OHL)
53. Jaxon Cover, LW, London Knights (OHL)
54. Alex Elofsson, RD, Örebro HK U20 (Nationell)
55. Lavr Gashilov, C, Avto Yekaterinburg (MHL)
56. Brooks Rogowski, C, Oshawa Generals (OHL)
57. Cooper Williams, C, Saskatoon Blades (WHL)
58. Sami Alalauri, RD, Pelicans U20 (SM-sarja)
59. Vilho Vanhatalo, RW/LW, Tappara (Liiga)
60. William Håkansson, LD, Luleå HF U20 (Nationell)
61. Oscar Holmertz, C, Linköping HC U20 (Nationell)
62. Alessandro Di Iorio, C, Sarnia Sting (OHL)
63. Giogos Pantelas, RD, Brandon Wheat Kings (WHL)
64. Chase Harrington, LW, Spokane Chiefs (WHL)
