With the 2026 World Junior Championship in the rear view mirror and the 2026 Winter Olympics in full swing, eyes are starting to turn to the 2026 NHL Entry Draft. There were plenty of prospects in this year’s draft class who stood out for their respective countries at the WJC’s, helping their draft stock or even putting themselves further on the map. But that was only a small sample size of what is behind these prospects.
These kids have all had different routes to where they are now, and some have seen their rankings change as the season has progressed, both on and off the ice. With the NCAA and Canadian Hockey League (CHL) working with each other to allow CHL players to make the jump to college hockey, fans have gotten to see a lot more of some of the top prospects in the 2026 Draft.
After seeing the top two picks from the 2025 Draft both making their NHL debuts this season (Matthew Schaefer and Michael Misa), could we see a couple from this year’s class make the immediate jump? Maybe, but it is less likely to happen than it did with last year’s class. With that being said, there is plenty of top-end talent, both forward and defenseman-wise, in this class.
1. Ivar Stenberg, LW/RW, Frölunda HC (SHL)
After a strong showing at the 2026 WJC with Sweden, Ivar Stenberg has taken the top spot in my rankings. There is not much that Stenberg can not do on the ice, and he made that known at the WJC. He plays a complete, responsible two-way game that begins in the defensive zone and ends in the offensive zone. When he has the puck on his stick, he has the vision and shooting ability to be a threat to pass or fire the puck at the net.
This season with Frölunda HC, he is producing and playing a game that is not typically seen from an 18-year-old. The tools he has at his disposal are already at or near NHL level, and with a top-notch work ethic, Stenberg has all the makings of a top-line winger in the NHL and a potent power-play threat.
2. Gavin McKenna, LW, Penn State University (NCAA)
Making the jump to the college ranks after playing for the Medicine Hat Tigers (WHL) the last two seasons, Gavin McKenna has had a bit of a learning curve this season. There is no denying the fact that he has the tools to be an absolute game-changer with his elite playmaking, vision, and a shot that continues to impress, but the biggest gripe with his game this season has been his engagement throughout an entire game.
There are times when he just does not seem fully in the play, and this has been evident throughout his time at Penn State. When fully engaged, he has shown every bit of why he was long considered to be the sure-fire number one pick for the 2026 Draft.
Since returning from the WJC’s, McKenna has seen his production pick up and has posted strong numbers in his freshman season for the Nittany Lions. As the season has progressed, he has become more involved in the physical aspect of the game. Overall, he is probably the prospect with the most upside in this year’s class, but seeing more consistent and engaged play is going to be key the rest of the season.
3. Keaton Verhoeff, RD, University of North Dakota (NCAA)
Another prospect who made the move from junior hockey to the NCAA this season, Keaton Verhoeff’s transition has been a bit smoother compared to McKenna’s. From the backend of the ice, there is not much he can’t do. As his freshman season has progressed, Verhoeff seems to have gotten more comfortable and confident with his defensive game and has taken a big step in his development in this aspect of his game. Whether it is shutting opponents down in his own zone or on rushes, he has the upside to be a top-pair defenseman.
On the offensive side of the puck, he constantly finds himself moving around looking to either get open for a pass or to find a teammate when he has the puck on his stick. He tends to get a bit too overly active in the zone, occasionally finding himself out of position, but he has the skating ability to recover well. He can make a strong play whenever he has the puck, either finding a teammate or creating a lane to get a shot on net. Overall, Verhoeff has the tools at both ends of the ice to make him the top defenseman in this year’s draft class.
4. Chase Reid, RD, Soo Greyhounds (OHL)
Chase Reid’s rise to becoming a top prospect for this year’s draft class has been something to watch. Going from being in the North American Hockey League (NAHL) last season to being one of the OHL’s best defensemen is nothing short of incredible. This alone shows the work ethic and determination Reid has, and he continues to demonstrate them with the Soo Greyhounds in his draft year. He has great mobility from the backend of the ice and loves to get involved in rushes and the play in the offensive zone. He is great on the power play with his mobility, shot, puck handling, and overall vision of the ice.
Defensively, he does not play an overly physical game, relying more on his stickwork to keep opponents to the outside and out of high-danger areas of the ice. After playing a big role for the United States at the WJC, in part due to Cole Hutson’s injury at the tournament, he has certainly opened people’s eyes even more, and a strong finish with the Greyhounds will only heighten that further.
5. Caleb Malhotra, C, Brantford Bulldogs (OHL)
Caleb Malhotra has seen his draft rank continue to improve throughout the season, reflecting the overall development of his game. Watching him at the beginning of the season and now, you can see how his game continues to mature as the season progresses. While he may not have the greatest strength, he has no problem going to the dirty areas of the ice to make a play and has a work ethic to match. When he’s not battling opponents, he has the speed in open ice to make them pay and the mix of playmaking and goal-scoring to be a threat at all times in the offensive zone. He is on pace to push for 90 points in his rookie season with the Brantford Bulldogs, but his game is not just offensive; he plays a strong, reliable two-way game, much like his dad, who spent plenty of time in the NHL (Manny Malhotra).
6. Tynan Lawrence, C, Boston University (NCAA)
A mix of injuries and an early-season move from the United States Hockey League (USHL) has slowed down Tynan Lawrence’s production and draft-year season, but there are plenty of skills and abilities to love about him. He proved with the Muskegon Lumberjacks that when his game is on, he is an absolute game-changer. He has the two-way game that teams love from their centers, along with transition speed, a strong work ethic, and a balanced approach to goal-scoring and playmaking. While the numbers have not been there yet at Boston University (two points in 11 games), he has not looked out of place at the collegiate level and has shown the promise and upside that made him one of the USHL’s best playmakers last season.
7. Carson Carels, LD, Prince George Cougars (WHL)
A great two-way defenseman who can chip in on the offensive side of the game, Carson Carels has the tools to be a steady top-four defenseman in the NHL. He has the mobility skating wise to make a difference at both ends of the ice. He is great in transition, defensively, cutting off angles and space on opponents, and then using that same mobility in the offensive zone to work his way into a good spot, either at the point or when he jumps into the play. His hands and vision have made him a great playmaker with the puck on his stick, helping him become a player capable of excelling in any situation.
Since returning to Prince George from the WJC’s, Carels has been great and has recorded a point in each game he has played in (15 games), and continues to solidify himself as a top-10 pick.
8. Alberts Šmits, RD, Jukurit (Liiga)
A big riser in the rankings as the season has progressed, Alberts Šmits may not be putting up the numbers some feel he should be with Jukurit of Liiga, but he has the upside and potential to be an impact player in the top four for an NHL team. It really starts with the confidence with which he plays, not letting any moment or opponent be too big for him, and that showed at the WJC’s and so far at the Winter Olympics. Šmits is rock-solid defensively, showing no problem throwing his weight around or relying on his stickwork to shut down an opponent.
Related: Alberts Šmits Has a Chance to Solidify Top-10 Status in 2026 NHL Draft
When he has the puck on his stick, he is another defenseman in this year’s class who has the vision and mobility to be a threat at any time. The biggest downfall of his overall game is his decision-making at times, taking risks a bit more than some would hope, and he does get a bit “shot happy” with the puck on his stick.
9. Viggo Björck, W/C, Djurgårdens IF (SHL)
Viggo Björck continues to prove to the doubters that his size is not going to limit him on the ice. I personally felt like he was slighted by NHL Central Scouting with his preliminary list grade back in October. He stood out in a big way for Sweden at the WJC’s, along with Stenberg, thanks to his skating, IQ, and facilitator’s skill set. Like many younger players in the SHL, he has matured his game by playing at that level and is logging top minutes for Djurgårdens IF. The numbers may not be there offensively quite yet, but the overall play Björck continues to show, with the speed, shiftiness, and absolute domination in the middle of the ice, bodes well for him as we draw nearer to the 2026 Draft.
10. Ethan Belchetz, LW, Windsor Spitfires (OHL)
A player on the opposite side of the spectrum when it comes to size, Ethan Belchetz is a big-bodied winger who has no problem using that body at either end of the ice. Defensively, he throws his weight around to separate opponents from the puck or win puck battles, then uses it in the offensive zone to protect it, battle, and get a shot off. He has a great shot with a quick release and has taken his goal-scoring numbers to another level this season (32 goals). He does find himself waiting for the play to come to him at times, but overall, Belchetz is moving around the ice, always looking to make something happen.
11. Daxon Rudolph, RD, Prince Albert Raiders (WHL)
A defenseman whose game has gone to another level this season, thanks to some added confidence with the puck on his stick, Daxon Rudolph has the hockey sense and IQ to make an impact at both ends of the ice. Defensively, he consistently makes smart, safe plays to avoid putting himself in position and is great at slowing opponents in transition. When the puck is heading the other way, it seems like Rudolph is either leading rushes or jumping into them. His puck skills have taken a big step this season, and he has shown that he can run a power play for the Prince Albert Raiders.
12. Ryan Lin, RD, Vancouver Giants (WHL)
Another smaller defenseman (5-foot-11), Ryan Lin, is like Björck, not letting it deter him from being an impactful player on the ice. He shows no signs of apprehension when it comes to going to the dirty areas to battle at either end of the ice and then hops into the play in the offensive zone whenever he sees a lane to do so. He has high-end hockey IQ, processes the play in front of him well, and uses his mobility and playmaking to find lanes for either a shot or a pass in the offensive zone. While he does get involved heavily in the offensive zone, getting down low has not limited or hampered his defensive game, as he has the speed and wherewithal to avoid leaving his defensive partner out to dry and is all-around a responsible defenseman.
13. Malte Gustafsson, LD, HV71 (SHL)
Standing at 6-foot-4, Malte Gustafsson has great mobility for his size. He changes direction really well for his size and maneuvers smoothly around the ice. After starting the season at the U20 level, Gustafsson has begun to get his feet wet in the SHL and seems more comfortable and confident at the professional level in Sweden. On top of that, he is beginning to learn how to use his big frame and is becoming a solid, all-around defenseman. He may not light the world on fire with his offensive game, but the upside is there for him to be a solid defenseman at the NHL level.
14. Adam Novotný, LW/RW, Peterborough Petes (OHL)
Another player who has adjusted well to a new league of play this season, Adam Novotný, has proven why the Peterborough Petes took him early in the 2024 CHL Import Draft. He has the size to play like a power forward (6-foot-1, 205 pounds), but also has the overall skill to play that style of game. He is a very detail-oriented player at both ends of the ice, not leaving the defensive zone too early to get a jump on an opposing defenseman, and then having the shot to pick corners on goaltenders.
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While his WJC performance was not where he wanted (three points in seven games), Novotný has the skill to be a top-to-middle-six player at the NHL level and can absolutely be lethal on the power play.
15. Oliver Suvanto, RW, Tappara (Liiga)
Before the Hlinka Gretzky Cup, Oliver Suvanto was a bit of an unknown when it came to the 2026 prospects, but after a strong showing for Finland in the tournament, followed by being part of the Finnish WJC team, he has certainly begun to catch the eyes of many. He is a big winger (6-foot-3), and when he gets moving at full speed, he is awfully difficult to slow down with how powerful he is. He has a great work ethic and motor at both ends of the ice and is great with his defensive positioning. Refining his overall offensive game could help him become a middle-six winger at the NHL level, given the talent and maturity he already shows.
16. Elton Hermansson, RW/LW, MoDo Hockey (HockeyAllsvenskan)
As he has gotten more playing time in MoDo Hockey, Elton Hermansson is finding his way at the professional level. He is another player who had a strong showing for Sweden at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup and has shown off a strong offensive skill set. His vision stands out, making him a great playmaker with the puck on his stick, and he has the hands to put himself in a strong position to make a play. On top of his all-around playmaking, his goal-scoring makes him a true threat in the offensive zone.
17. Oscar Hemming, F, Boston College (NCAA)
After a long process of figuring out how and where he was going to play this season, Oscar Hemming finally landed at Boston College for his draft-year season. He just scored his first NCAA goal on Feb. 14 in his 12th game, but there really is no reason to be worried about his offensive game. He plays with a relentless motor at both ends of the ice and is a pest to play against. As he has become more accustomed to playing in North America and in collegiate hockey, he is starting to truly showcase his power-forward style.
Hemming has no issue going to the net and the dirty areas to make plays, and he has the all-around skill to be an impactful player. If he can finish the season on a high note, he could find himself higher in the rankings closer to the 2026 Draft.
18. Xavier Villeneuve, LD, Blainville-Boisbriand Armada (QMJHL)
The biggest reason that Xavier Villeneuve is not higher in my rankings is his size as a defenseman. He stands at 5-foot-11 and weighs only 157 pounds. It does not limit him much, though, as he has the work ethic to get involved in board battles and does not shy away from the dirty work. He very easily could be this draft class’s best overall playmaker with the vision, skating, and passing ability he has. While his goal-scoring numbers are down a bit this season, he is a very offensive-minded defenseman who will likely need a more defensively minded partner. One big question mark is his defensive game, given his size, but an NHL team will certainly love the upside he has on offense.
19. Marcus Nordmark, RW, Djugårdens IF U20 (Nationell)
Marcus Nordmark is a highly gifted offensive winger with a shot that could already be at an NHL level. He made his SHL debut earlier this season but has spent most of the year at the U20 Nationell level. At the U20 level, he has lit up the scoresheet and has put all of his offensive tools on display. Whether it is carving up defenses with his stickhandling skills or using his IQ and vision to process and break down the play to find lanes, Nordmark has all of the tools you want from a player to be a high-volume point producer. He tore up the Hlinka Gretzky Cup, putting up 12 points in the tournament, but the biggest concern is his work ethic, which is sometimes lacking.
20. JP Hurlbert, RW, Kamloops Blazers (WHL)
An offensive powerhouse in the Western Hockey League (WHL), JP Hurlbert has been on a torrid pace this season. He currently leads the league in points (83), is second in goals (36), and fourth in assists (47). There is not much he can not do when he is at the top of his game. He has an elite shot that has been on display this season for Kamloops, and he can work around defenders with his puck skills. He has shown he is willing to get involved in the physical aspect of the game as well, but, like Nordmark, people are most concerned about his competitiveness. He sometimes shows a lack of effort, and his skating is still a bit of a work in progress.
21. Nikita Klepov, RW, Saginaw Spirit (OHL)
Making the move from the USHL to the OHL following a strong Hlinka Gretzky Cup for the United States, Nikita Klepov has become the Saginaw Spirit’s driving force on the offensive side of the puck, helping fill the void left offensively by Michael Misa and Igor Chernyshov (San Jose Sharks) There is not much he will not do to make a play, whether it is using his hands or his physicality to get into position for a shot. He became the first draft-eligible OHL player to reach 30 goals this season and has been every bit the playmaker that he is a goal-scorer.
Related: Nikita Klepov Should Be a 1st-Round Pick in the 2026 NHL Draft
Klepov plays with relentless motor and is very responsible on his own end as well. While his skating is a bit below average in terms of speed, the future Michigan State Spartan has been every bit the player the Spirit hoped he would be when they selected him in the 2025 CHL Import Draft.
22. Ilia Morozov, F, University of Miami (OH) (NCAA)
Coming into his draft-year season, Ilia Morozov was a bit of an unknown to many, but he has opened the eyes of many with his play in his first season at the University of Miami (OH). He sticks out on the forecheck and backcheck, where he is relentless on opponents. When he gets the puck on his stick, he can get to the net to make a play or stay to the outside of the ice to find teammates.
The numbers are not there yet, but Morozov’s offensive game has fit in just fine at the collegiate level. Defensively, he is as responsible as they come and plays great in his own end of the ice.
23. Juho Piiparinen, RD, Tappara (Liiga)
While his offensive game won’t light the world on fire, Juho Piiparinen plays great defense. He constantly finds himself in the right spot in the defensive zone and scans the ice to make sure he is at least within reach of an opponent. He is 6-foot-2 and 203 pounds, but relies more on his stick work defensively instead of playing an overly physical game. He is far from a flashy player, but when he has the puck, he has solid puck skills to make smart plays. With his defensive play, he could easily be a lockdown second or third-pair player at the NHL level.
24. Adam Valentini, C, University of Michigan (NCAA)
The decision to attend the University of Michigan rather than join the Kitchener Rangers (OHL) drew some criticism, but the move has paid off for Adam Valentini. On a deep Wolverines team, Valentini has had a strong freshman campaign and has not allowed his size to limit his play (5-foot-11), throwing his body around whenever he can. He also plays a great net-front game and goes to the front of the net to act as a screen without hesitation, and he has the motor that makes playing against him a headache for opponents at both ends of the ice.
25. Mathis Preston, RW, Vancouver Giants (WHL)
After a great start with the Spokane Chiefs this season, Mathis Preston was traded to the Vancouver Giants, but has been limited to just two games with the Giants due to a lower-body injury. Before the injury, Mathis was able to show off what made him the number three pick in the 2023 WHL Prospects Draft. He has the speed to burn by defenders in transition, along with puck skills that make it an all-around hard time to defend him. When he gets into the offensive zone, Preston has a shot that he can get off anywhere, and it is a hard one. If he can bounce back from his current injury and finish on a strong note, he could easily climb up the rankings.
26. William Håkansson, LD, Luleå HF U20 (Nationell)
Known more as a defensive defenseman, there isn’t much that William Håkansson can not do in his zone of the ice. He has the shutdown skill to kill any momentum an opponent gains in transition, relying on both his size (6-foot-4, 207 pounds) and his reach. Given his defensive skill set, he is a great penalty killer. While he is not going to be an offensive juggernaut, he does play a simple and smart game when he has the puck on his stick. If he can develop his offensive game, Håkansson could become a really strong shutdown defenseman who can chip in offensively at the NHL level.
27. Yegor Shilov, C, Victoriaville Tigres (QMJHL)
Making the move from the USHL to the QMJHL this season has been a seamless one for Yegor Shilov. His creativity with the puck on his stick, combined with his skating, makes him a threat through the neutral zone. While he has a strong shot, he plays more of a pass-first game. When he is fully engaged, he has proven to be an absolute game-changer and difference-maker, and he currently ranks in the top-10 in points in the entire QMJHL. His play makes him a player who can excel in any situation.
28. Ryan Roobroeck, C, Niagara IceDogs (OHL)
While some may be a bit down on Ryan Roobroeck, the tools are there for him to be a first-round pick come June. His numbers offensively may not be exactly on pace with last season’s, but he has the shooting ability to be an impactful player at the next level. He has the size and build (6-foot-4, 225 pounds) to play a power forward style of game, and has enough playmaking skill to be a difference maker at a secondary level at the next step of his hockey career, but has the potential to be more if he can apply himself on a more widespread level.
29. Tomas Chrenko, C, HK Nitra (Slovakia)
After being an offensive dynamo for Slovakia at the WJC’s, Tomas Chrenko has not slowed down since returning to HK Nitra (albeit without former linemate Adam Nemec, who is now with the Sudbury Wolves of the OHL). Chrenko has a strong mix of goal-scoring ability, which he showcased at the WJC, and great playmaking.
He can make any play with the puck on his stick and has no problem making them around or through opponents. Even with being on the smaller side (5-foot-11, 170 pounds), he gets involved physically whenever he needs to and has looked really strong all-around in his first full season in Slovakia’s top professional league.
30. Jaxon Cover, LW, London Knights (OHL)
One of the most intriguing prospects in this year’s draft class is Jaxon Cover. He has only been playing ice hockey for a handful of years, after playing inline hockey until age 13. You can see plenty of the inline skill set when he is on the ice with the London Knights. He has the stickwork to maneuver around opponents and the patience to wait for the right time to attack and make a play. He is a raw prospect at this point, but has shown plenty of upside with his aforementioned stick work and his natural goal-scoring ability.
Playing for a coach like Dale Hunter in London, who always seems to get the best out of his players and can develop them into well-rounded players, Cover has a chance to be this year’s William Horcoff. Horcoff was seen as a raw talent with plenty of upside that the Pittsburgh Penguins took at the back half of the first round, and Cover could be headed down the same road.
31. Pierce Mbuyi, LW, Owen Sound Attack (OHL)
After earning Rookie of the Year honors in the OHL last season, Pierce Mbuyi has somewhat flown under the radar when it comes to draft rankings this season. He was left out of the OHL’s Top Prospects Challenge, but has put up a strong second season with the Owen Sound Attack. He may be on the smaller side of a power forward-playing winger (5-foot-11, 151 pounds), but he still plays that style of game. His speed allows him to keep himself out of bad spots on the ice, and he is great in transition and space. He plays with plenty of energy and constantly battles for the puck. A strong mix of goal-scoring and playmaking
32. Alexander Command, C, Örebro HK U20 (Nationell)
A center who can play either a physical or a skilled style of play, Alexander Command is an all-around complete player. He has the IQ on the ice to play in any situation, handles pressure well at both ends of the ice, and is a responsible two-way player. While his speed and overall skating are still a work in progress, Command is an impact player wherever he is on the ice and combines these skills with a strong shot and passing ability to be a center any NHL organization would love in its lineup.
Honorable Mentions: Wyatt Cullen (C), Nikita Shcherbakov (LD), Alessandro Di Iorio (C), Victor Plante (LW), Nikas Aaram-Olsen (LW)
