1

Toronto Maple Leafs

Over the past three to five years, first overall picks have set the bar pretty high and Gavin McKenna should be no different. The Penn State forward possesses insanely quick footwork with strong tracking and a wicked shot with tons of patience. McKenna may not be the biggest player on the ice but he makes up for it in a lot of other areas of his game from his hand eye coordination to his hockey IQ, both of which are off the charts. He relentlessly tracks the puck and remains involved in every sequence, rarely drifting away from the play. He will not turn away from the action for one second; it is astonishing how quickly McKenna is able to process and create within the blink of an eye. He is always in motion one way or another and can read the ice at an elite level that coordinates with sudden movements, effortless release and ability to use the traffic in front to find seams and scoring chances.

2

San Jose Sharks

The San Jose Sharks have an outstanding top half but are missing a true game changer on the back-end, albeit so are a lot of teams, however, Chase Reid can be that and more but his most realistic projection resembles Noah Hanifin, while his ceiling is significantly higher if everything clicks. Reid answers a lot of glaring questions on the Sharks blueline in a world where he can turn the page and become a Cale Makar or Adam Fox but he carries some risk within his game. The Soo defenseman is a premium asset in this class and in the NHL with elite skating, ridiculous vision and playmaking ability for a shot-blocker and outstanding composure in all situations. Reid loves to play the game on the edge, chasing the puck wherever it goes, charging up off the rush, and creating offense but it can sometimes cause him to overskate, struggle to regroup or pivot back and rush plays causing mishaps and costly turnovers. He has a lot of growing to do within his game but has a lot of NHL-ready attributes and a thundering shot from anywhere on the ice.

3

Vancouver Canucks

Ivar Stenberg is a skilled and intelligent forward whose combination of quickness, creativity, and poise allows him to consistently impact the game offensively. He is a crafty player who uses strong footwork and explosive crossovers to create separation, force turnovers, and attack open ice. Stenberg displays excellent vision and playmaking ability, delivering crisp tape-to-tape passes and making plays at speed. He is also a natural shooter who can capitalize on scoring opportunities from a variety of areas on the ice. With his controlled approach and composure under pressure, Stenberg consistently makes smart decisions and creates offense while maintaining possession and driving play.

4

Chicago Blackhawks

Carson Carels is a mobile defenseman whose skating ability is a clear strength. He possesses excellent edges, strong speed, and long, powerful strides that allow him to cover ice efficiently and maintain strong positioning in all three zones. Carels remains calm under pressure and consistently makes composed decisions with the puck, using his mobility and quick cuts to evade forecheckers and transition play effectively. He also demonstrates strong instincts along the blue line, showing excellent timing on pinches and utilizing the boards well to keep plays alive in the offensive zone. His combination of skating, poise, and hockey sense makes him a reliable and effective presence on the back end.

5

New York Rangers

The New York Rangers have had a lot of interest in Keaton Verhoeff this season and should run to the podium to call his name. He is a long-term projection whose game still requires refinement, but the foundation of an NHL-caliber defenseman is evident. Playing NCAA hockey as a 17-year-old in his draft year is an ambitious challenge, and while there were moments where he appeared overwhelmed by the pace and pressure, the experience should prove valuable for his development. He possesses a highly projectable frame, plays with plenty of physicality, and flashes offensive upside that suggests there is more to unlock as his confidence and decision-making mature. Verhoeff remains a raw prospect with significant areas for improvement, but his combination of size, competitiveness, and upside makes him an intriguing developmental player. If he continues to progress, he projects as a reliable defender capable of handling NHL minutes, with the tools and potential to become a dependable presence at the professional level.

6

Calgary Flames

Caleb Malhotra is a competitive two-way forward who brings an aggressive, hard-checking style and consistently outworks opponents. He plays with pace, physicality, and strong attention to detail, using his footwork and determination to win battles and create possession. Offensively, he is a calm and intelligent playmaker with silky hands, strong awareness, and the ability to find open ice and exploit seams in coverage. His deception and puck skills allow him to make plays in tight spaces and generate opportunities for teammates. Malhotra can be trusted in key situations and contributes in all three zones. While he can struggle at times in the faceoff circle, particularly on important draws, his combination of compete level, hockey IQ, physical engagement, and offensive creativity makes him a valuable and effective player, and has the potential to become one of the cornerstones of an NHL lineup.

7

Seattle Kraken

Alberts Smits projects as one of the most NHL-ready defensemen in the class and is arguably the safest bet to carve out a long, standalone career at the next level. His game is built on poise, efficiency, and consistently making the right decision with the puck. Smits is comfortable carrying the puck through all three zones and doesn't waste possessions, showing the patience to hold onto it until a shooting or passing lane opens. He regularly jumps into the rush at the right moments and isn't afraid to get to the net front at either end of the ice, demonstrating a mature understanding of timing and positioning. For a player of his frame, he moves exceptionally well, displaying constant motion and strong awareness as he cycles the puck and keeps plays alive. When opportunities arise, he unleashes a heavy, old-school point shot that can beat goaltenders cleanly or create dangerous rebounds. His blend of reliability, puck-moving ability, and polished decision-making gives him one of the highest floors among defenders in this draft class.

8

Winnipeg Jets

Tynan Lawrence is a highly intriguing long-term projection at center, showing a blend of physical tools and developing offensive instincts that point to legitimate NHL upside. He uses his frame well to establish position and get to the net, living around the front of the goal and consistently creating from the slot area where he is most dangerous. His release is already strong, with a clear ability to shoot to the off-hand side of goaltenders and catch them moving, adding a layer of deception to his finishing game. Lawrence also brings natural explosiveness, using his speed in short bursts to generate separation and drive offence when he gets going downhill. His season was split between the USHL and NCAA, and that experience against a mix of older, more physically mature competition proved valuable for his development. He finished the year on a strong note, with a tremendous back half that saw steady improvement shift into noticeable NHL-caliber flashes. While the offensive game is still coming together and not yet fully consistent, the foundation is there, supported by strong two-way abilities and a willingness to compete in all areas of the ice.

9

San Jose Sharks (via: Ottawa Senators)

The Sharks answer a big defense need while getting back a William Eklund type with a much higher ceiling, landing Viggo Björck who is a smooth operator with his dynamic foot speed while remaining a step ahead of his competition. He thrives with quick decision-making, which allows him to see a play before it unfolds and keeps defenders on their toes. His smaller frame with tight strides and confidence allows him to find open ice without being detected. Björck is hard to knock off the puck with hard cuts to turn on a dime and great delay. The Swedish-born speedster is a stocky talent who can manipulate attackers with smooth hands and effortless strides to gain a step off the rush. If given the opportunities and chances to succeed, Björck shouldn’t have issues transitioning to the NHL level. He can become the best offensively-driven forward on his team while playing top-six minutes every night and on special teams. When the puck is on Björck’s stick, it isn’t for long. He quickly distributes the puck, finds a shooting lane, one-touches or feeds a pass through traffic. If the puck remains on his stick, he is always looking to create. His speed, hockey sense and awareness are at an elite level and a true cornerstone for success at the NHL level.

10

Nashville Predators

Malte Gustafsson stands out as an extremely mobile, puck-carrying defenseman who actively drives play up ice and consistently joins the rush as an additional layer of offence. He is a big defender with noticeable power in his stride and strong lateral mobility, allowing him to recover, transition, and attack space effectively in all three zones. Gustafsson is highly aggressive, frequently stepping up in the neutral zone and pinching with confidence, but he also shows the awareness to retreat and reset when needed, maintaining structure within his risk-taking game. He is not afraid to drive directly through contact, often trucking head-first to the net and asserting himself physically with a strong, assertive presence. In the offensive zone, he flashes a strong release from the point with a heavy shot and a capable kick-point, while also showing the ability to settle the game down or accelerate it depending on the situation. Having held his own against SHL competition, his blend of pace, strength, and puck-moving ability gives him the profile of a modern two-way defenseman with significant upside if his decision-making continues to refine.

11

St. Louis Blues

Alexander Command is a high-motor playmaking center whose game consistently stands out through pace, skill, and reliability. He combines ridiculous speed and hands for his stature, using sharp hip movement and body control to create separation and keep defenders off balance. His game “pops” in transition, where he drives the middle of the ice effectively and fulfills his center responsibilities with consistency and detail. Command is comfortable battling in traffic and shows a willingness to engage physically while still maintaining offensive instincts and creativity. While he was never viewed as a breakout star or major riser, he has established himself as a dependable, steady presence down the middle. His ability to control play through the middle lane, support both ends of the ice, and contribute with a strong release gives him a well-rounded projection. Command profiles as a reliable, two-way center who brings pace, competitiveness, and consistent execution in a critical position.

12

New Jersey Devils

Oliver Suvanto has been all over the map in terms of projecting his NHL potential, but the tools are clearly there to work with. He is a strong, stocky center who brings a two-way foundation and the frame of a power forward, consistently using his strength and balance to force his way into high-danger scoring areas. Suvanto plays with confidence and determination, never giving up on a play and repeatedly driving the net to create chances through effort and persistence. He competes hard in the faceoff circle, battling for draws to give his team early possession, and shows an ability to slip behind defenders to find quiet ice in dangerous areas. There is a lot to like in his overall profile, with clear upside and multiple development paths available depending on how his game continues to evolve at the pro level.

13

New York Islanders

Ethan Belchetz uses his size effectively in the offensive zone, consistently creating advantages through strong body positioning and an understanding of how to shield defenders from the puck. Despite his larger frame, he remains well-rounded, showing the ability to protect possession, win battles along the boards, and establish a reliable net-front presence. His combination of physical maturity and positional awareness allows him to extend offensive-zone time and create opportunities for teammates.

14

Columbus Blue Jackets

Wyatt Cullen plays with an infectious level of competitiveness that shows up on nearly every shift. He has good hands and consistently creates offense through skill, highlighted by a sharp, deceptive release that catches goaltenders off guard. What stands out most, however, is his determination. Cullen refuses to give up on plays, relentlessly pursuing loose pucks and second-effort opportunities. While he can get knocked down more often than expected for a player of his size, he wastes no time getting back to his feet and re-engaging with the same aggressive, fired-up mindset. His blend of skill, resilience, and compete level makes him a difficult player to contain and one who can generate momentum through sheer effort as much as talent.

15

St. Louis Blues (via Detroit Red Wings)

Daxon Rudolph plays with a noticeable level of confidence that allows him to make an impact at both ends of the ice. He is eager to jump into the rush and support the attack, recognizing opportunities to get involved offensively without looking overwhelmed by the pace of play. Physically, Rudolph brings a heavy, imposing presence, using his size to separate opponents from the puck and win battles along the boards. His combination of assertiveness, mobility, and strength gives him the tools to influence the game in multiple ways, making him a reliable defender capable of handling difficult minutes while still providing offensive support.

16

Washington Capitals

Ryan Lin presents a dependable two-way game, defensive awareness, and ability to play within a structured system. He consistently uses his positioning and the available ice to create space for himself and his teammates, whether walking the blue line to open passing lanes or extending possessions along the boards. Defensively, Lin is active and reliable, covering large areas of the ice with strong anticipation while providing consistent support for his teammates around the net and in coverage. His willingness to do the little things, combined with his composure and ability to manage the game from the back end, gives him the profile of a defender coaches can trust in all situations.

17

Los Angeles Kings

Elton Hermansson is a highly intriguing offensive project who consistently dominates puck possession and drives play through sheer skill and creativity. He has the ability to create chances for himself that few others in the class can generate, using elite-level hands and stickhandling to navigate through pressure and open up lanes that don’t appear to exist. Hermansson profiles as a true sniper with the ability to pick corners and finish with precision, giving him clear high-end scoring upside. He also shows a knack for reading the game a step ahead, occasionally cheating into space to spring odd-man rushes and capitalize on transition opportunities. While still a developing player, his offensive instincts and puck dominance make him a dangerous and dynamic presence whenever he’s on the ice.

18

St. Louis Blues (via: Washington Capitals)

Nikita Klepov fits into a Blues lineup with a combination of mobility, edge control, and physical competitiveness along the boards. He is highly effective in transition thanks to his quick stops, sharp edgework, and ability to turn on a dime, allowing him to evade pressure and create separation in tight spaces. Despite his agility, Klepov also brings a physical edge, often out-muscling opponents in puck battles and showing a willingness to engage in contested areas of the ice. His blend of quickness, strength, and battle-winning ability makes him a reliable presence who can contribute in both possession play and the grindier aspects of the game.

19

Utah Mammoth

Gleb Pugachyov is a powerhouse forward who brings a physically dominant, high-energy style that immediately changes the tone of a shift. He throws bone-crushing hits and plays with an edge that makes him difficult to handle, consistently battling to establish inside positioning and refusing to back down from contact. Pugachyov thrives in high-pressure situations, often elevating his game when intensity rises and playing with noticeable competitiveness and urgency. His game is built on effort and force, combining strong maturity with explosive traits that allow him to impact both ends of the ice. Whether it’s winning puck battles, driving through checks, or setting a physical tone, he consistently imposes himself and brings a level of intensity that shifts momentum in his teams favor.

20

Buffalo Sabres (via San Jose Sharks):

Adam Novotný is a reliable, detail-oriented forward who consistently contributes through his work ethic and ability to advance play. He is heavily involved in the hard areas of the ice, competing effectively in the corners and establishing a strong net-front presence where he battles for positioning and second-chance opportunities. Novotný is an efficient skater with solid edgework that allows him to navigate traffic, maintain possession, and remain effective in transition. He sees significant usage through the neutral zone, where his awareness and puck-moving ability help drive play up ice. Whether through crisp passing, smart puck distribution, or simple, effective decisions, he consistently looks to move the puck forward and keep his team on the attack. His combination of competitiveness, skating foundation, and commitment to playing a straightforward, team-first game makes him a dependable presence in all three zones.

21

Philadelphia Flyers

Brooks Rogowski is a highly effective, play-driving forward whose combination of size, skating ability, and offensive instincts allows him to impact the game in multiple ways. He moves exceptionally well for his frame, displaying smooth, controlled skating mechanics and the ability to maneuver confidently with the puck on his stick through traffic. Rogowski consistently generates offense through a simple, efficient approach, making smart plays and keeping possession moving in the right direction. He is a strong net-front presence who creates problems for defenders and finds ways to influence scoring chances around the crease. His compete level and drive stand out, as he regularly pushes play and has the qualities of a game-changer when engaged offensively. As he continues to develop, improving his first-step quickness will be important, particularly given his stature, but the foundation of his skating and overall impact on the game suggest significant upside moving forward.

22

Pittsburgh Penguins

Mathis Preston brings a dynamic, high-energy offensive game built on pace, skill, and constant movement. He combines tight puck handling and strong body control with quick, efficient edgework that allows him to evade defenders and create space through sharp crossovers and sudden direction changes. Preston plays with noticeable bite, showing a willingness to engage physically while still maintaining his creativity in possession. He is dangerous both off the rush and in-zone, using traffic effectively, finding seams for tape-to-tape passes, and finishing plays with a quick, deceptive release or a well-timed one-timer. Capable of generating offense from the neutral zone inward, he consistently drives play forward and keeps defenders on their heels, rounding out a complete, modern attacking profile.

23

Boston Bruins

Roobroeck fits the bill with pro-ready size but doesn’t demand the middle of the ice compared to others. However, he checks all the boxes of a big centerman who has a scoring touch with strong two-way attributes. He utilizes his size within his heavy shot and along the boards. Beyond that, he’s not very physically engaged and steers away from contact more often than not. Among the bigger centers in the draft, he has some of the best upside with great tools. The London, Ontario-born forward has the notable two-way tendencies, but can get lost in transition and can remain a step behind the play. He loves to jump up or lead the rush, but will often have to change direction to catch up or battle with himself to regain positioning in all zones, creating a lot of stop-and-go that can be prevented. He spends a lot of time in the neutral zone and is slow on the backcheck in certain situations. Roobroeck projects as a top-six forward with a lethal shot and high-end offensive vision, with ties to a physical game that will need to be presented more as he develops.

24

Vancouver Canucks (via Minnesota Wild)

JP Hurlbert is a pure goal-scoring threat who consistently finds open ice and creates offense through a combination of intelligence, vision, and positioning. He uses his body and awareness effectively to create space, showing evasive movement that allows him to slip pressure and remain available as a passing or shooting option. Hurlbert brings a strong offensive foundation with a quick, accurate release and the ability to finish plays off one-timers or in tight scoring areas. He also helps kickstart offense in transition, showing the ability to regroup and move play up ice efficiently while maintaining control under pressure. Competitive in battles and capable of drawing contact, he establishes a strong base in contested areas, making him both a consistent scoring option and a dependable driver of offensive sequences.

25

Ottawa Senators (via: Florida Panthers, via: Seattle Kraken)

A unicorn on skates — a blend of size, skill and physicality — standing at 6-foot-7, 240 pounds. Maksim Sokolovskii has all the tools to become the next Zdeno Chára but has a minimal floor. Having to defend on a heavily offensive team can be a challenge. Still, he handled it well, especially coming over from Russia, with a different language and style of play to learn. The 2008-born defender shows maturity in all situations as a well-rounded shot blocker. His anticipation, combined with his large frame and long reach, makes it easy for him to close gaps and have good deception in his movements. The framework is certainly there for Sokolovskii, but he will still need some refining as he develops into a stay-at-home defenseman with a rocket of a shot. He is a true nightmare to play against and can fit anywhere in the lineup at the pro level. Sokolovskii has good footwork and pace on both sides of the puck. He can kick-start offense from behind his own net or carry the puck up through the neutral zone. His playmaking abilities are those of a forward, and he walks the blueline exceptionally well with possession

26

New York Rangers (from Dallas Stars via Carolina Hurricanes)

Marcus Nordmark is an under-appreciated high upside winger who could be of high value for the New York Rangers. He will cheat to create offense and loves a good breakaway attempt while generally finishing them. He drives plays, looking to create and score from anywhere on the ice. Along the wing, he has long strides with above-average speed and uses his size to bounce off attackers to create space. He is regarded as one of the most polarizing and naturally gifted offensive talents to come out of the 2026 draft class. Nordmark has the edge over his competition with his ability to penetrate high-danger zones and maintain strong awareness in the offensive zone. He is swift in his release, often forcing defenders into errors through deception to capitalize on them. The 18-year-old has shown his skills internationally, often playing above his age group. He is a quick, sharp forechecker with excellent offensive potential. Although he focuses more on positioning than physicality, he has great promise to develop into a top-six NHL forward, given his pro frame, offensive instincts, and capacity to create scoring opportunities.

27

San Jose Sharks

Ilya Morozov is offensively gifted, which makes him an aggressive checking forward with a lot of bite. Morozov is a jagged stick handler under pressure, but has a strong stick and can find openings that otherwise may not be open to the average player. He possesses a mature pro frame, which gives him a distinct advantage in board battles and net-front positioning, even when competing against older competition. Playing down the middle is where he thrives with a strong wrister and the ability to create so much space and utilize it. He uses his frame with a strong stride to put himself into areas to succeed. He can charge up with sharp crossovers with functional skating and a ridiculous shot, posting eight goals, 12 assists and 20 points through 36 games in the NCAA. As a 16-year-old, he struggled in the USHL for the Tri-City Storm, with only 22 points in 59 games. However, those are notable stats for a player of his stature and age while being regarded by some as a projected first-round pick in the 2026 NHL Draft. He brings a lot of value to the table on and off the scoresheet and can fill a middle-six two-way center role and be trusted every time he steps on the ice.

28

Montreal Canadiens

Tommy Bleyl is a deceptive decision-maker with a lot of NHL qualities. He has an insanely quick release and is offensively driven with amazing defensive awareness. He plays in all situations and logged big minutes for the Moncton Wildcats with 63 games under his belt this season. The young right-shot defenseman is not afraid to join the rush, carry the puck up ice or go coast to coast. He does all of this while keeping his head on a swivel, scanning the ice at all times and using his body and hands to create space to get around the opposition. The 18-year-old isn’t careless either; he knows when to jump up or sit back, especially in the offensive zone, to keep plays alive at the line. The two-way puck-moving defenseman creates from the blue line by constantly moving his feet, avoiding checks and can keep the puck moving while shifting into crossovers to change the angle almost seamlessly. He quarterbacks the Moncton power play effectively by staying light on his feet, finding and creating seams to execute quick heads-up plays and uses his speed to cut into the slot or net front. One of the smoothest skaters in his class with precise and sharp cuts, Bleyl is flashy in the offensive zone but remains man-to-man and rarely gets behind the eight ball in the defensive end. He could easily become one of the best defenseman out of his class with top-line potential and elite abilities that will translate well to the pro level.

29

St Louis Blues

Maddox Dagenais is a high-energy, hard-nosed forward who makes his presence felt in all three zones. His relentless motor and competitive nature allow him to consistently impact the game through physical play, puck pursuit, and strong defensive habits. Dagenais is highly active in the neutral zone, finishes checks with authority, and willingly engages in battles along the boards and around the net. He plays with noticeable heart and determination, protecting teammates when necessary and never shying away from physical confrontations or stirring the game up when momentum is needed. Despite his physical style, he also demonstrates strong offensive awareness, recognizing opportunities to support the attack and create scoring chances. His powerful crossover stride generates impressive speed for a player of his frame, making him particularly effective on chip-and-chase plays where he can pressure defenders and recover pucks. Dagenais projects as a hardworking, driven player whose combination of physicality, skating, and competitiveness makes him a valuable asset in all situations.

30

Calgary Flames

Jack Hextall simply doesn’t waste puck possession. He can regroup and find better options with sharp edges and awareness, while creating the time and space necessary to maintain continuous pressure. The Rolling Meadows-born forward is an aggressive forechecker, strong puck supporter and net front presence. He is a secondary option at all times and makes things easier on his linemates by getting open and having quick one-touch passes around the horn. Hextall has the qualities of Scott Laughton, Christian Humphreys and/or Clayton Keller, with his IQ, two-way ability, underrated speed, stick-handling, playmaking, offensive creativity and a quick release with pinpoint accuracy from distance. He is a pesky center with amazing vision who plays the game the right way. Hextall’s versatility and the way he approaches the game have the makings of a strong bottom-six center with the ability to elevate his game and be a top-six contributor at the pro level, as he can step up for a faceoff and be a difference maker in key situations. The 2008-born skater is the old cliché of not being great at anything but good at everything. He lacks any elite traits, but he contributes in every facet of the game and makes up for his lack of elite-level stuff with an intensity that can't be matched.

31

Carolina Hurricanes

Benjamin MacBeath is coming off a strong WHL campaign, in which he posted seven goals, 44 assists and 51 points in 67 games played. He has offensive potential with strong puck-moving abilities, clean breakouts and sits between the hashmarks and blue line — not too shallow or too deep — but his bread and butter lies in his own zone. He will have to refine his defensive decision-making but has the potential for first-or second-pairing usage in the NHL when the time comes. Getting out of the D-zone and into the O-zone can be tricky, but with strong breakouts and active puck play, the 18-year-old possesses strong puck support and hockey IQ. He walks the line carefree, throws pucks on net, has the willingness to get down low and battle in the corners and keeps pucks in the zone any which way he can. MacBeath isn’t overly physical but controls the game in all three zones, playing big minutes and not forcing plays or making costly mistakes with calm decision-making. The Calgary Hitmen defenseman is eerily similar to Hitmen alumni Travis Sanheim, with the way he approaches the game, taking away space with a long reach, tying up the open man, puck support in both ends, doesn’t jump up in the rush often, but starts it from behind his own net and has a calm approach under pressure.

32

Ottawa Senators

Pierce Mbuyi possesses one of the most complete offensive toolkits in the class, blending elite playmaking ability with a strong scoring touch. His vision is exceptional, consistently identifying passing lanes before they develop and moving the puck quickly to keep defenders off balance. Mbuyi plays with outstanding deception, disguising his intentions until the last moment, while his hockey sense allows him to stay a step or two ahead of opponents in all three zones. He attacks with purpose, never giving up on a play and frequently creating second-effort scoring chances through persistence and anticipation. When he elects to shoot, he becomes just as dangerous, boasting a wicked shot and a lightning-quick release that beats goaltenders before they can get set. He also excels at finding open ice, getting pucks through traffic and using screens effectively to take away the goaltender's vision. Combined with good foot speed and a relentless offensive mindset, Mbuyi consistently drives play and creates scoring opportunities every time he touches the puck.