These are long overdue. With the Olympics coming to a close and the majority of the important draft-eligible events having already taken place this season, the time couldn’t be better to release my first rankings of the season – my top-64 draft-eligible prospects.
This season, some of the top players have taken roads we haven’t seen in the past. Some of them have learned from their experiences and others have used tournaments like the World Junior Championship to push their names up the list – as far up as the top-three.
While some prospects used their play this season to drive their draft stock higher, others have seen themselves drop in consideration from the start of the season due to play, injuries and others pushing their way up the list. It’s the first season we’re seeing former CHLers play in the NCAA prior to their draft while the U.S. Development Program continues to be a major feeder for the NHL Draft.
Once again, the 2026 NHL Draft is littered with talent throughout the top-50 prospects from right-handed defensemen to players who started in the second round and have worked their way into a first-round fringe player. Which players will have an immediate NHL impact in 2026-27? That remains to be seen. But with that in mind, here’s a look at my top-64 draft-eligible prospects.
The jump to the NCAA didn’t come without an adjustment period for Gavin McKenna. The slower start had people questioning his path and what it meant for his draft stock. That said, a tough finish to the World Junior Championship for Canada and some off-ice issues that later came with more context, has McKenna on one of the hottest runs in the NCAA over the past month and a bit.
Even with his counterpart – Ivar Stenberg – having arguably the best draft-eligible seasons in SHL history, McKenna’s recent run has brought back a ton of intrigue into where this kid’s ceiling is really at. While many of slid Stenberg into that number one spot, I’m stuck on McKenna’s undeniable production.
Size and strength have been a discussion point around McKenna at six-feet and 170 pounds, but having gone the NCAA route, he’s had the opportunity to develop differently both in strength and overall play rather than staying in the WHL where he dominated last season. That’s included 13 multi-point games in the 30 games he’s played with Penn State this season, one of which was an eight-point night for the freshman.
As for the off-ice legal issues, given the context, there is some believe amongst draft analysts that this could create even more intrigue from some teams. Take it for what you will, McKenna’s overall ability and skill puts him right in line with Stenberg for that number one spot. As of now, it remains a two-horse race for the top pick.
We’d be crazy to deny just how good Stenberg has been. If the World Junior Championship wasn’t his coming out party to the rest of the world, what he’s been able to do in the SHL this season sure is. Stenberg is pacing towards record numbers with 32 points in 38 games – which could land him the top offensive numbers for a draft-eligible player in the SHL. That is currently held by Daniel Sedin who had 42 points in 50 games.
The argument for Stenberg is that his development in the SHL playing professionally could land him in the NHL and playing at an NHL level sooner than McKenna and his collegiate route. That said, like McKenna’s jump to the NCAA, Stenberg’s jump from the SHL to the NHL would surely see an adjustment period as well.
What’s intriguing about Stenberg’s game is the way that he can use neutral ice to attack. He’s able to build momentum and create up ice which makes him so dangerous even before entering the offensive zone. Add to that his strength and size, already playing against men in the SHL and teams will be licking their chops to draft the 18-year-old.
Can't stop watching this Ivar Stenberg play. Definition of taking a hit to make a play.
Ivar Stenberg has 6G 18A 24P in 25GP in the SHL. Ivar is projected to reach numbers we have never seen out of an 18y/o in the SHL. He is on pace for 12G 37A 49P in 52GP
Daniel Sedin has the… pic.twitter.com/C6Ms25ENYB
— The Prospect Don (@TheProspectDon) December 10, 2025
His defensive zone coverage is heading in the right direction and, at times, is already impressive. That and transitioning into an offensive threat who gets to the high-danger areas, there’s no wonder Stenberg is right there with McKenna atop every ranking.
A right-handed defenceman comes with natural interest. Making the jump to the NCAA as well this season, Keaton Verhoeff has a ton of upside making him the top defenceman in the draft. His mindset is attack first and he’s able to control the puck and push the play in all areas of the ice. While he has shown glimpses of defensive strength, overall his own end is where teams will have to work with him to develop his decision-making and confidence.
While an injury sidetracked Tynan Lawrence’s season, teams still shouldn’t sleep on what he can provide. Hard-nosed and a willingness to not take any shifts off, Lawrence has returned from his injury with something to prove with Boston University. He plays a 200-foot game and doesn’t shy away from tough areas. On the offensive side of the puck, he can make plays and shoot when opportunities present themselves. He has some of that blue-collar work ethic on the ice and that makes him hard to pass up – even with the shorter season given the missed time.
He comes as a solid frame and already over six feet tall, Chase Reid offers a lot of what teams will be looking for. From his mobility and smooth skating, to his transition game and puck moving, Reid has all the tools and is starting to put them together with the Greyhounds. He has a shot from the point that gets through and it allows for him to be a key component in the Greyhounds offence this season. While the physical side of his game can use some tweaking, Reid’s stick-on-stick defence has worked for him to this point. He’s aggressive when he needs to be, but can also hang back and tends to be quick in his decision making which benefits his overall game.
A modern day power forward, Ethan Belchetz is the perfect mix of size, strength and scoring. He’s on pace to finish his OHL season with over a point per game – tied for sixth in goals through 57 games this season. He’s tough on the puck and his strength makes him hard to control for any opposing player. Add to that his willingness to go hard into puck battles with strong retrieval skills and Belchetz will draw the attention of a number of teams in the top-10 at the draft.
At one point this season, Caleb Malhotra was trending as a second to third round pick. How quickly that has changed. The OHL rookie is 26th in the league with 26 goals and is second amongst league rookies in points, next to Nikita Klepov. His work ethic has been outstanding so far this season and he’s already showing glimpses of strong two-way play up the middle. He creates dangerous opportunities both for himself and his teammates and away from the puck he finds the open areas to push the play. If this is just the beginning of his junior career, Malhotra could easily climb himself into the top-five of this year’s NHL Draft.
A puck-mover that sees the game extremely well, Ryan Lin is another blue liner that looks like a strong candidate to be a top-10 pick in June. He’s been involved a lot this season for the Giants offensively, leading the team with 51 points in just 44 games. Lin has played a part – at least statistically – in 30 percent of the Giants goals this season and that’s a compliment to his ability to transition the puck, move it up ice and not shy away from taking on defenders head on. His offensive play also shouldn’t take away form how well he can play in his own end – positionally sound and attacking the opposition.
Every year there seems to be a player who falls off a little bit based on their size. This season, Viggo Björck is that player. He has high-end talent, however, his small stature seems to be playing against him amongst some draft analysts. If he wasn’t able to sway some with his World Junior Championship performance, then they may have made their minds up about Björck, but they should reconsider. He’s a deceptive player that can handle the puck in extremely tight areas. His vision is impeccable and he’s a spark plug that can turn the play up ice quickly and efficiently. While he wouldn’t make the jump right away, give him another year and people will understand why he’s a top-10 pick in this draft.
Rounding out the top-10 is yet another defender – Carson Carels. He’s physical, strong and gets right into the grill of opposing players. He can play on both sides of the puck and keeps his head up, looking for the next play to push the pace. He’s mobile and when he’s not walking the line in the offensive zone, he’s cutting off the angles in his own end. Carels could easily slide up to eighth or ninth, as he’s been a force for the Cougars this season.
11. Daxon Rudolph, RD, Prince Albert Raiders (WHL)
12. Elton Hermansson, RW/LW, Örebro HK U20 (Nationell)
13. Xavier Villeneuve, LD, Blainville-Boisbriand Armada (QMJHL)
Related: Top 5 CHL Defencemen in the 2026 NHL Draft
14. Mathis Preston, RW, Vancouver Giants (WHL)
15. Adam Novotny, LW/RW, Peterborough Petes (OHL)
16. Nikita Klepov, RW, Saginaw Spirit (OHL)
17. Alberts Šmits, LD, Jukurit (Liiga)
18. Marcus Nordmark, RW, Djurgårdens IF U20 (Nationell)
19. Malte Gustafsson, LD, HV71 U20 (Nationell)
20. Oliver Suvanto, RW, Tappara (Liiga)
21. J.P. Hurlbert, RW, Kamloops Blazers (WHL)
22. Juho Piiparinen, RD, Tappara (Liiga)
23. Oscar Hemming, F, Boston College (NCAA)
24. Jack Hextall, C, Youngstown Phantoms (USHL)
25. Ryan Roobroeck, C, Niagara IceDogs (OHL)
26. Ilia Morozov, F, Miami University (Ohio) (NCAA)
27. Niklas Aaram-Olsen, LW, Örebro HK U20 (Nationell)
28. Adam Valentini, C, University of Michigan (NCAA)
29. Beckham Edwards, C, Sarnia Sting (OHL)
30. Tomas Chrenko, C, HK Nitra (Slovakia)
31. Alessandro Di Iorio, C, Sarai Sting (OHL)
32. Alexander Command, C, Örebro HK U20 (Nationell)
33. Jaxon Cover, LW, London Knights (OHL)
34. Pierce Mbuyi, LW, Owen Sound Attack (OHL)
35. Filip Novak, F, HC Sparta Praha U20 (Czechia U20)
36. Casey Mutryn, F, USA U18 (NTDP)
37. Yegor Shilov, C, Victoriaville Tigres (QMJHL)
38. Braidy Wassilyn, C, London Knights (OHL)
39. Lars Steiner, RW, Rouyn-Noranda Huskies (QMJHL)
40. Giorgos Pantelas, RD, Brandon Wheat Kings (WHL)
41. William Håkansson, LD, Luleå HF U20 (Nationell)
42. Maddox Dagenais, C, Québec Remparts (QMJHL)
43. Vladimír Dravecky, LD, Brantford Bulldogs (OHL)
44. Tobias Tomik, C/RW, Vancouver Giants (WHL)
45. Mikey Berchild, LW, USA U18 (NTDP)
46. Oscar Holmertz, C, Linköping HC U20 (Nationell)
47. Liam Ruck, RW, Medicine Hat Tigers (WHL)
48. Vertti Svensk, LD, Saipa (Liiga)
49. Victor Plante, LW, USA U18 (NTDP)
50. Lavr Gashilov, C, Avto Yekaterinburg (MHL)
51. Viktor Fyodorov, C, Chaika Nizhny Novgorod (MHL)
52. Adam Nemec, F, Sudbury Wolves (OHL)
Related: 5 2026 NHL Draft-Eligible OHL Players to Watch For
53. Wyatt Cullen, C, USA U18 (NTDP)
54. Luke Schairer, RD, USA U18 (NTDP)
55. Axel Elofsson, RD, Örebro HK U20 (Nationell)
56. Brooks Rogowski, C, Oshawa Generals (OHL)
57. Alexei Vlasov, LW, Victoriaville Tigres (QMJHL)
58. Vilho Vanhatalo, LW/RW, Tappara U20 (SM-sarja)
59. Markus Ruck, F, Medicine Hat Tigers (WHL)
60. Jean-Christoph Lemieux, C, Windsor Spitfires (OHL)
61. Cole Zurawski, RW, Owen Sound Attack (OHL)
62. Blake Zielinski, F, USA U18 (NTDP)
63. Chase Harrington, LW, Spokane Chiefs (OHL)
64. Olivers Mürnieks, C, Saint John Sea Dogs (QMJHL)
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