The 2026 Upper Deck NHL Draft is poised to shake up the league, and after a thrilling draft lottery, the Toronto Maple Leafs hold the coveted first overall pick. While there’s a near-unanimous consensus on Toronto’s selection, the remaining top spots are a hotbed of speculation. Leading experts from NHL.com, Sportsnet, and ClutchPoints offer wildly divergent predictions for picks 2 through 16, highlighting a deep and intriguing 2026 NHL Draft class.
This post-lottery mock draft season reveals strategic considerations and unexpected twists. From dynamic wingers to cornerstone defensemen, teams will be looking to secure their future stars. Let’s dive into the expert debates and see who might land where in Buffalo.
The Top Contenders: McKenna to Toronto, Then Pure Intrigue
The anticipation for the 2026 NHL Draft reached a fever pitch after the lottery. The Toronto Maple Leafs emerged victorious, securing the first overall selection. Their choice appears to be a foregone conclusion.
Toronto Maple Leafs: Drafting an Elite Offensive Driver
Every major expert agrees: the Toronto Maple Leafs will use their No. 1 pick on Penn State University forward Gavin McKenna. Kimelman from NHL.com calls the 5-foot-11, 170-pound winger the “most talented player” in this draft class. McKenna’s journey through the NCAA saw him overcome early adjustments. He exploded later in the season, finishing tied for fifth with 51 points (15 goals, 36 assists) in 35 games. This included a remarkable 33 points (11 goals, 22 assists) in 19 games following the 2026 IIHF World Junior Championship. There, he helped Canada clinch a bronze medal.
Morreale, also from NHL.com, reinforces this view. He describes McKenna as the “most dynamic offensive playmaker” of the class. He notes the 18-year-old established nine team records during his freshman season at Penn State. Additionally, McKenna finished second in scoring at the World Juniors with 14 points (four goals, 10 assists). His vision, hockey IQ, and playmaking ability project him as an elite offensive force in the NHL. Sportsnet’s Jason Bukala concurs, envisioning McKenna as a player who can replace high-end skill like Mitch Marner’s.
San Jose Sharks: A Deep Dive into Divergent Opinions
The real intrigue begins with the San Jose Sharks, who won the No. 2 selection. Here, expert opinions diverge significantly, showcasing the depth and varying evaluations of the 2026 class. The Sharks already boast cornerstone talents like Macklin Celebrini and Michael Misa.
Kimelman (NHL.com) projects the Sharks to take Alberts Smits, a 6-foot-3, 205-pound defenseman from Munchen, Germany. Smits stands out for his proven ability against top-tier competition. He even averaged 18:44 of ice time in four games for Latvia at the 2026 Winter Olympics, despite being the tournament’s youngest player. His maturity, strong skating, and high-end offensive game make him a potential NHL-ready player next season.
Morreale (NHL.com), however, sees the Sharks selecting Ivar Stenberg, a 5-foot-11, 183-pound left wing from Frolunda, Sweden. Morreale suggests Stenberg is the “next-best player available.” He would serve as an elite complementary wing for Celebrini. Interestingly, Morreale also acknowledges the Sharks might trade down for an elite defenseman.
- Jason Bukala (Sportsnet) offers yet another perspective, picking Chase Reid, a 6-foot-2, 195-pound right-shot defenseman from Sault Ste. Marie. Bukala believes the Sharks’ GM, Mike Grier, will prioritize the best available player, and Reid’s excellent skating ability makes him a “tough-to-pass-up” blueliner. This stark disagreement highlights the strategic choices San Jose faces.
- www.nhl.com
- www.sportsnet.ca
- www.nytimes.com
- www.usatoday.com
- clutchpoints.com
Unpacking the Top 16: Player Profiles and Team Strategies
The 2026 NHL Draft class offers a blend of immediate impact players and high-potential prospects. Teams will weigh best player available against specific organizational needs.
Vancouver Canucks (No. 3): Securing a Franchise Center
Both NHL.com experts and Bukala agree on Caleb Malhotra, a 17-year-old center from Brantford (OHL). Malhotra is arguably the top center available. He finished second among OHL rookies with 84 points (29 goals, 55 assists) in 67 games. His playoff performance was even more impressive. Malhotra is described as an offensively gifted, committed two-way player. His father, Manny Malhotra, coaching the Canucks’ AHL affiliate, adds a local connection. ClutchPoints also ranks Malhotra highly, calling him one of the smartest players in the class.
Chicago Blackhawks (No. 4): Building Around Bedard
The Blackhawks aim to complement their young core. Kimelman selects Ivar Stenberg, praising his offensive dynamism and defensive reliability. He envisions Stenberg as an ideal playmaking wing for Connor Bedard or Anton Frondell. Morreale, on the other hand, picks Chase Reid, a right-shot defenseman who can move pucks and quarterback a power play. Bukala sides with Stenberg, noting his “historic numbers” in the SHL and a 2026 World Juniors gold medal for Sweden. ClutchPoints also has Stenberg heading to Chicago, creating a “nightmare” scenario for opponents alongside Bedard.
New York Rangers (No. 5): Reinforcing the Blue Line
The Rangers consistently seek defensive upgrades. Kimelman projects Chase Reid, highlighting his high-end all-around game and skating. Morreale opts for Carson Carels, a 6-foot-2, 198-pound defenseman from Prince George (WHL), known for his fluid skating and two-way acumen. Bukala and ClutchPoints, however, lean towards Keaton Verhoeff here. Verhoeff, a 6-foot-4 right-shot defenseman, would address the Rangers’ need for a dynamic, two-way blueliner. This pick underscores the perceived strength of defensemen in the upper tier of this draft.
Calgary Flames (No. 6): Addressing Offensive Needs
Calgary’s draft strategy focuses on adding offensive firepower. Kimelman projects Carson Carels, emphasizing his all-around skill and strength. Morreale targets Viggo Bjorck, a 5-foot-9 center from Djurgarden, Sweden, to boost offensive presence. Bukala, interestingly, selects Tynan Lawrence, a two-way center. ClutchPoints has Malhotra surprisingly going to Calgary at this spot, further illustrating the varied perspectives.
Seattle Kraken (No. 7): The Search for a Franchise Defender
Both NHL.com experts agree on Keaton Verhoeff, a 6-foot-3, 208-pound defenseman from North Dakota (NCAA). He is seen as an optimal choice for a franchise defenseman. Verhoeff impressed in NCAA hockey as a freshman and improved significantly at the World Juniors. Morreale notes his size and transitional ability, comparing him to top NCAA 17-year-old defensemen. Bukala, however, sends Nikita Klepov to Seattle, addressing their goal-scoring needs.
Winnipeg Jets (No. 8): Depth on Defense
Both Kimelman and Morreale agree on Daxon Rudolph, a 6-foot-2, 206-pound defenseman from Prince Albert (WHL). The Jets need defensive depth, and Rudolph brings size, skill, vision, and high hockey IQ. He was third among WHL defensemen in points. Morreale even compares him to Drew Doughty. Bukala projects Carson Carels here, praising his two-way game and local connection.
Florida Panthers (No. 9): Future Offensive Drivers
The Panthers seek to get younger on defense or add offensive pop. Kimelman suggests Ryan Lin, a dynamic defenseman from Vancouver (WHL). Morreale picks Tynan Lawrence, a two-way center capable of driving play. Bukala sends Viggo Bjorck to Florida, noting the Panthers’ ability to insulate a smaller, skilled player. ClutchPoints, however, has Alberts Smits going to Florida to boost their defensive depth.
Nashville Predators (No. 10): Best Player Available or Needs?
The Predators face a strategic choice. Kimelman projects Viggo Bjorck, emphasizing his strong SHL performance despite his youth. Morreale, however, returns to Alberts Smits, a strong-bodied defenseman who impressed at the World Juniors and Olympics. Bukala opts for Daxon Rudolph, a high-energy defenseman, while ClutchPoints sends Ryan Lin to Nashville.
St. Louis Blues (No. 11): Bolstering the Pipeline
With multiple first-round picks, the Blues can afford to take the best player available. Kimelman selects Tynan Lawrence. Morreale suggests Oliver Suvanto, a mature two-way center from Finland. Bukala and ClutchPoints agree on Alberts Smits, recognizing his size, physicality, and readiness for the NHL.
New Jersey Devils (No. 12): Adding Size and Snarl
Both Kimelman and Morreale agree on Ethan Belchetz, a 6-foot-5, 228-pound left wing from Windsor (OHL). Despite injury concerns, Belchetz is a physical, hard-to-handle power forward who could bring much-needed size and snarl to the Devils’ top-six. Bukala has Oscar Hemming going here to provide size up front.
New York Islanders (No. 13): Boosting Scoring Potential
The Islanders need more top-six scoring upside. Kimelman picks Oliver Suvanto, praising his physical maturity and two-way game. Morreale selects Wyatt Cullen, son of Matt Cullen, highlighting his “special offensive skills” and high hockey IQ. Bukala, however, sends Ethan Belchetz to the Islanders, focusing on his size and skill combination.
Columbus Blue Jackets (No. 14): Adding to a Big Forward Core
Columbus has a core of big, strong forwards. Kimelman selects Oscar Hemming, a 6-foot-3 left wing, for his skating and physical willingness. Morreale projects Ryan Lin, a mobile, high-IQ defenseman. Bukala has Ryan Lin as well, drawing comparisons to NHLer Denton Mateychuk.
St. Louis Blues (No. 15, via Detroit): Dynamic Puck-Mover
Both NHL.com experts and ClutchPoints agree on Xavier Villeneuve, a 5-foot-11 defenseman from Blainville-Boisbriand (QMJHL). Despite injuries, Villeneuve showed exceptional offensive drive from the back end and power-play quarterback potential. Bukala, after an earlier defensive pick, has the Blues taking winger J.P. Hurlbert to add scoring.
Washington Capitals (No. 16): Seeking Top-Six Scoring
The Capitals look for players with top-six scoring upside. Kimelman picks Adam Novotny, a 6-foot-1 left wing who made a seamless transition to the OHL, known for his power-forward game and high volume shooting. Morreale selects Nikita Klepov, the OHL Rookie of the Year and league-leading scorer. Bukala, however, sends Ilia Morozov, a center with size and skill, to Washington.
The Consensus and the Contrasts: What We Learned
The 2026 NHL Draft class is remarkably deep, particularly with high-end wingers and a strong pool of defensemen. While Gavin McKenna is the undisputed top prospect, the real story unfolds from pick two onwards. The debates among experts often center on position value versus pure talent, and how perceived team needs might sway a pick. Centers like Caleb Malhotra are highly valued but scarce at the elite level after the top few. Defensemen like Keaton Verhoeff, Chase Reid, and Alberts Smits are consistently ranked among the best, but their exact draft order varies widely.
This diversity of opinion makes the 2026 draft one of the most unpredictable in recent memory. Teams will have ample opportunity to find franchise-altering talent, but careful scouting and strategic planning will be paramount.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are the standout prospects generating buzz in the 2026 NHL Draft class?
The 2026 NHL Draft features several elite talents. Gavin McKenna (LW, Penn State) is the consensus first overall pick, lauded for his dynamic offense and high hockey IQ. Other prominent names include Ivar Stenberg (LW, Frolunda, Sweden), known for his historic scoring. Caleb Malhotra (C, Brantford OHL) is considered the top center. On defense, Keaton Verhoeff (D, North Dakota), Chase Reid (D, Sault Ste. Marie), and Alberts Smits (D, Munchen, Germany) are all highly rated, with strong two-way games and international experience.
Where will the 2026 Upper Deck NHL Draft take place, and when are the rounds scheduled?
The 2026 Upper Deck NHL Draft is scheduled to be held at the KeyBank Center in Buffalo, New York. The first round of the draft will take place on June 26, starting at 7 p.m. ET. The subsequent rounds, 2 through 7, will follow on June 27, commencing at 11 a.m. ET. Fans can typically watch the first round on major sports networks like ESPN and Sportsnet.
How do team needs influence early-round selections in the 2026 NHL Mock Draft?
Team needs play a significant role, often creating divergence among expert mock drafts. For example, while the San Jose Sharks have strong offensive prospects, some experts project them drafting a top defenseman like Alberts Smits or Chase Reid at No. 2 to bolster their blue line. Similarly, teams like the Calgary Flames are specifically targeting offensive forwards to address scoring issues. While some GMs prioritize the “best player available,” others will lean into organizational gaps, especially after the top few undisputed talents are off the board. This dynamic leads to varied predictions for many teams beyond the first overall pick.