Liam MacKenzie – Student Reporter
Buffalo, New York – The future of the NHL is almost here as the 2026 NHL Draft is set to take place on June 26-27, giving all 32 franchises the opportunity to reshape their futures with the next generation of hockey talent. From potential franchise cornerstones to underrated sleepers, this year’s draft class is filled with elite skill, high-end skating, and players who could make an impactful at the NHL level for years to come.
While every team enters draft weekend with different needs and priorities, each selection has the potential to alter the direction of a franchise. With that in mind, let’s dive into my predictions for how the first round of the 2026 NHL Draft could unfold.
1. Toronto Maple Leafs Selection – With the first pick in the 2026 NHL Draft, the Toronto Maple Leafs select Gavin McKenna, a left winger out of Penn State. Widely regarded as the top prospect in this year’s class, McKenna possesses elite offensive instincts, exceptional hockey IQ, and the ability to create scoring chances whenever the puck is on his stick.
Landing McKenna would give Toronto another franchise cornerstone to build around while immediately strengthening an already dangerous forward group. Pairing him with stars such as Auston Matthews, William Nylander, John Tavares, Matthew Knies, and Max Domi would give the Maple Leafs one of the deepest and most talented offensive cores in the NHL. His playmaking ability, creativity, and finishing touch should complement Toronto’s established stars and help keep the franchise in Stanley Cup contention for years to come.
2. San Jose Sharks Selection – With the second pick in the 2026 NHL Draft, the San Jose Sharks select Chase Reid, a right-shot defenseman from the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds of the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) who is committed to Michigan State. Reid has emerged as one of the top blue-line prospects in this draft class thanks to his elite skating ability, offensive instincts, and dependable two-way game.
For a Sharks organization that is continuing its rebuild around a talented young forward core, adding a cornerstone defenseman is a priority. Reid fills a major organizational need on the blue line and has the potential to develop into San Jose’s No. 1 defenseman for years to come. Pairing him with the Sharks’ young core would give the franchise another foundational piece as they continue building toward Stanley Cup contention.
3. Vancouver Canucks Selection – With the third pick in the 2026 NHL Draft, the Vancouver Canucks select Caleb Malhotra, a two-way center from the Brantford Bulldogs of the OHL. The son of former NHL forward Manny Malhotra, Caleb has developed into one of the most complete players in this draft class, following in his father’s footsteps with a high hockey IQ, strong defensive instincts, and leadership qualities. His commitment to Boston University should only continue his development before making the jump to the professional ranks.
For Vancouver, Malhotra fills an important need down the middle by adding a reliable 200-foot center who can contribute in all situations. While Ivar Stenberg would also be an outstanding selection if the Canucks elected to go with the best player available, the organization is already stronger on the wing than it is at center. Stenberg’s offensive upside makes him an exceptional talent regardless of position, but Malhotra’s combination of skill, defensive responsibility, and positional value makes him the ideal fit for Vancouver at third overall.
4. Chicago Blackhawks Selection – With the fourth pick in the 2026 NHL Draft, the Chicago Blackhawks select Ivar Stenberg, a versatile winger from Frölunda Hockey Club of the Swedish Hockey League. Capable of playing on either wing, Stenberg is one of the most dynamic offensive players in this draft class, combining elite skating, creativity, and playmaking ability with a dangerous scoring touch.
The Blackhawks continue to build around Connor Bedard and their young core, and adding another high-end offensive weapon like Stenberg would further accelerate their rebuild. While Chicago has already assembled an impressive group of young talent, selecting the best player available gives the organization another potential top-line forward who can provide lineup flexibility and help the Blackhawks remain competitive for years to come.
5. New York Rangers Selection – With the fifth pick in the 2026 NHL Draft, the New York Rangers select Viggo Björck, a versatile forward from Djurgårdens IF in Sweden. Capable of playing both center and right wing, Björck is one of the most complete offensive talents in this draft class, combining high-end skating, exceptional hockey IQ, and a dangerous scoring touch with outstanding playmaking ability.
The Rangers continue to build around a talented core, and adding a player with Björck’s versatility gives them another dynamic weapon who can fit anywhere in the top six. Whether he ultimately develops as a center or transitions to the wing at the NHL level, his offensive skill set and positional flexibility make him an ideal selection for New York as they look to remain a Stanley Cup contender for years to come.
6. Calgary Flames Selection – With the sixth pick in the 2026 NHL Draft, the Calgary Flames select Carson Carels, a left-shot defenseman from the Prince George Cougars of the Western Hockey League (WHL) who is committed to the University of North Dakota. Carels has established himself as one of the premier defenseman in this draft class, showcasing excellent skating, strong puck-moving ability, and a dependable two-way game.
For Calgary, this selection not only strengthens the organization’s blue line, but also creates the opportunity to pair Carels with fellow young defenseman Zayne Parekh for years to come. While Parekh thrives with his elite offensive instincts and ability to generate offense from the back end, Carels brings a steady, reliable presence that complements his game perfectly. Together, they have the potential to develop into one of the NHL’s premier defensive pairings, giving the Flames a dynamic combination of offensive creativity and defensive stability as they continue to build toward the future.
7. Seattle Kraken Selection – With the seventh pick in the 2026 NHL Draft, the Seattle Kraken select Keaton Verhoeff, a right-shot defenseman committed to the University of North Dakota after starring with the Victoria Royals of the WHL. Standing at 6-foot-4, he combines size, mobility, physicality, and offensive instincts, giving him the potential to become a true top-pairing defenseman.
If Verhoeff is still available at seventh overall, Seattle would be getting tremendous value and one of the biggest steals of the draft. He would be an outstanding addition to an already promising young core, providing the Kraken with another cornerstone on the back end as they continue building for the future. His ability to impact the game in all three zones makes him an ideal fit for a team looking to strengthen its defensive foundation for years to come.
8. Winnipeg Jets Selection – With the eighth pick in the 2026 NHL Draft, the Winnipeg Jets select Tynan Lawrence, a center from the Muskegon Lumberjacks of the United States Hockey League (USHL) who is committed to Boston University. Lawrence has established himself as one of the premier forwards in this draft class thanks to his elite skating ability, high hockey IQ, and relentless competitiveness. His speed allows him to create separation in transition, while his vision and playmaking make him a constant offensive threat.
For Winnipeg, Lawrence would be an outstanding addition to the organization’s young core, giving the Jets another dynamic playmaker down the middle with the potential to develop into a top-six center. His complete skill set and strong work ethic make him an ideal fit for a franchise looking to remain competitive both now and in the future.
9. Florida Panthers Selection – With the ninth pick in the 2026 NHL Draft, the Florida Panthers select Albert Smits, a left-shot defenseman from Jukirit of Finland’s top-tier professional ice hockey league Jääkiekon SM-liiga. Smits has emerged as one of the most polished defensemen in this draft class, combining excellent skating, strong defensive awareness, and the ability to move the puck efficiently in all three zones.
Given Florida’s track record of developing young talent, Smits has the skill set to compete for a roster spot as early as next season and could seamlessly slide into the Panthers’ lineup. His mature two-way game and poise under pressure would make him an excellent fit on Florida’s blue line, providing another dependable defenseman for a team looking to remain among the NHL’s elite while continuing to build for the future.
10. Nashville Predators Selection – With the tenth pick in the 2026 NHL Draft, the Nashville Predators select Daxon Rudolph, a right-shot defenseman from Prince Albert Raiders of the WHL who is committed to the University of Denver. Rudolph has established himself as one of the top defenseman in this draft class thanks to his excellent skating, strong puck-moving ability, and reliable two-way game.
While there is certainly a case to be made that Nashville should address its need on the wing, with Ethan Belchetz representing an outstanding option at this spot, the opportunity to add a defenseman of Rudolph’s caliber is simply too good to pass up. His combination of offensive upside, defensive awareness, and ability to play in all situations gives the Predators another cornerstone piece on the blue line, helping strengthen a defensive core that can support the franchise for years to come. Should Nashville ultimately choose Belchetz instead, they would still be adding a dynamic winger with tremendous offensive upside, making either direction a strong move for the organization.
The Rest of the Draft
11. St. Louis Blues Selection – Malte Gustafsson, LD, HV71 (Sweden)
12. New Jersey Devils Selection – Ethan Belchetz, LW, Windsor Spitfires (OHL)/Michigan State Commit
13. New York Islanders Selection – Ryan Lin, RD, Vancouver Giants (WHL)/Denver Commit
14. Columbus Blue Jackets Selection – Wyatt Cullen, F, United States Development Program (USDP)/Minnesota Commit
15. St. Louis Blues Selection – Oliver Suvanto, C, Tappara (Liiga, Finland)
16. Washington Capitals Selection – Oscar Hemming, F, Kiekko-Espoo (Liiga, Finland)/Boston College
17. Los Angeles Kings Selection – Xavier Villeneuve, LD, Blainville-Boisbriand (QMJHL, Canada)/Boston University Commit
18. Washington Capitals Selection – Nikita Klepov, F, Saginaw Spirit (OHL)/Michigan State Commit
19. Utah Mammoth Selection – Adam Novotný, LW/RW, Peterborough Petes (OHL)
20. Buffalo Sabres Selection – Elton Hermansson, RW/LW, MoDo Hockey (HockeyAllsvenskan, Sweden)
21. Philadelphia Flyers Selection – Alexander Command, C, Örebro HK (SHL, Sweden)
22. Pittsburgh Penguins Selection – Ilya Morozov, C, Miami University (Ohio)
23. Boston Bruins Selection – Juho Piiparinen, RD, Tappara (Liiga, Finland)
24. Vancouver Canucks Selection – JP Hurlbert, F, Vancouver Giants (WHL)/Michigan Commit
25. Seattle Kraken Selection – Mathis Preston, F, Vancouver Giants (WHL)
26. New York Rangers Selection – Maddox Dagenais, C, Quebec Rempart (QMJHL)
27. San Jose Sharks Selection – Liam Ruck, F, Medicine Hat Tigers (WHL)
28. Montreal Canadiens Selection – Marcus Nordmark, LW, Djurgårdens IF (SHL, Sweden)
29. St. Louis Blues Selection – Ryan Roobroeck, C, Niagara IceDogs (OHL)
30. Calgary Flames Selection – William Hakansson, LD, Luleå HF (SHL, Sweden)
31. Carolina Hurricanes Selection – Jack Hextal, C, Youngstown Phantoms (USHL)/Michigan State Commit
32. Ottawa Senators Selection – Markus Ruck, F, Medicine Hat Tigers (WHL)
Closing Thoughts – The 2026 NHL Draft is set to play a pivotal role in shaping the league’s future, with every first-round selection carrying the potential to change the trajectory of a franchise. Whether teams prioritize organizational needs or simply take the best player available, this draft class is filled with elite talent capable of making an impact for years to come, making June 26-27 one of the most exciting events on the NHL calendar.
