2026 NHL Draft Overview
The upcoming 2026 NHL Draft is already sparking discussions among analysts, with preliminary rankings indicating a class that lacks the depth at center that characterized the 2025 draft. Early assessments reveal that three out of the top four forwards are wingers, while the leading centers tend to be on the smaller side. Although the prospect pool appears promising in terms of offensive skill, there’s a noticeable scarcity of elite players at critical positions.
Top Prospects
Leading the pack is Gavin McKenna, who gained recognition as part of Canada’s World Junior team this year. McKenna embodies the traits of a solid first overall pick, drawing comparisons to prospect Matthew Schaefer. His exceptional talents have made him a standout player in the CHL, showcasing infectious offense and remarkable skating ability. Despite being an average-sized winger, concerns about his competitiveness seem minor in light of his remarkable scoring potential.
Another key prospect, Roobroeck, made a notable impact during his second season in the OHL, standing at an impressive 6-foot-4. His combination of size, skating agility, and offensive acumen is likely to attract attention from NHL teams. This playmaker has shown he can create scoring opportunities and has the potential to be a significant contributor at the next level, albeit with a moderate compete level being his only downside.
Defensively, Verhoeff emerged as a notable talent, recognized as a top player for Canada at the U18 World Championships. At 6-foot-4, his natural athleticism and competitive spirit allow him to withstand the rigors of playing against older junior competitors. His performance highlights his offensive capabilities as he can effectively manage the puck and maintain a powerful presence during power plays.
On the offensive front, Stenberg, younger brother to St. Louis first-round pick Otto Stenberg, has excelled in Sweden, showcasing high-level skill at both junior and SHL levels. He stood out on Sweden’s U18 roster, displaying exceptional playmaking skills with the capability to impact the power play. His smaller stature does not deter from his intense playing style and impressive skating.
Additional Talents
This class also includes a mix of other compelling talents like Lawrence, whose determination and high-speed play make him a standout center prospect, and Belchetz, a physically imposing winger whose size and talent could make him a future star. Each prospect brings unique skills and attributes to the table, shaping what could be a competitive draft.
Draft Implications
As the 2026 NHL Draft approaches, this early mock draft aligns its order based on current betting lines for the 2025-26 NHL season. The Ottawa Senators’ pick will not be in the running, having forfeited it due to a previous trade issue.
