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Rachel Kryshak
Multiple Authors
The 2026 NHL draft is taking place on Friday (Round 1) and Saturday (Rounds 2-7) at KeyBank Center in Buffalo.
This page will be your home for the entire event as each pick is added below, including scouting notes and team fit analysis for the first-rounders.
More: Prospect rankings
Needs for all 32 teams
Team: Penn State (BIG10)
DOB: 12/20/2007 | Ht: 5-11 | Wt: 170 | Shot: L
2025-26 stats: GP: 35 | G: 15 | A: 36 | P: 51
Scouting notes: The most talented prospect in the draft treats hockey like a chess match. After posting the best points-per-game pace (2.30) in his draft-minus-one year in CHL history, McKenna’s NCAA season got off to a turbulent start. But after returning from the world junior championships, he exploded with 33 points in 19 games, matching Jack Eichel’s and Macklin Celebrini’s NCAA production rates.
His deception and ability to manipulate defenders is elite. He changes pace, catches defenders leaning and executes elite passes. After a brilliant performance at the scouting combine, McKenna quelled concerns about his physical strength. However, concerns with his defensive disengagement, physical engagement in general and desire to play at a more calculated pace remain. If given the opportunity to flourish, McKenna is a potential 100-point scorer and elite power-play asset.
How he fits: Hockey’s worst-kept secret got an exclamation point. After picking “Yukon” by Justin Bieber as his walk-up song, McKenna was drafted by Bieber himself on behalf of the Maple Leafs.
McKenna is going to be an immediately impactful player, something the Leafs desperately need. He will be a significant help to their power play with his playmaking ability. With a new coach in Jim Hiller, who was offensively minded in Toronto as an assistant coach, McKenna will be given the opportunity to flourish alongside Auston Matthews and help the Leafs’ captain regain a 50-plus-goal pace. There is a very real possibility the Leafs have added a premier playmaker, who can be a star in the NHL.
Team: Frolunda (SWEDEN)
DOB: 09/30/2007 | Ht: 5-11 | Wt: 183 | Shot: L
2025-26 stats: GP: 43 | G: 11 | A: 22 | P: 33
Scouting notes: Thanks to his combination of elite hockey sense and skill, Stenberg posted the second-most productive draft-eligible SHL season ever while leading Sweden to world junior gold. His elite processing ability allows him to manipulate defensive coverage and find passing lanes that simply don’t exist for other players. He attacks tight seams, finds backdoor plays and gets the puck to the middle of the ice with excellent success.
Despite his 5-11 frame raising some questions, Stenberg can contribute in the top six immediately. His two-way commitment sets him apart from other offensive-first wingers, and he’s the type of player who will win heavy matchup minutes while providing offense, like Sam Reinhart in Florida.
How he fits: After trading William Eklund, the Sharks made room for another Swedish winger, and Stenberg is going to be a brilliant piece for them.
An NHL-ready winger, Stenberg’s two-way game is excellent. The Sharks don’t have a ton of players in the top six who can play a power game up front. Stenberg will get pucks for Macklin Celebrini, create chances and impact the game in his rookie season. He will step into the lineup, be a reliable two-way player who is tough to play against and can put up 60 points as a rookie. Another key piece to the foundation in San Jose.
1:08
San Jose Sharks select Ivar Stenberg at No.2 in NHL draft
Team: Brantford (OHL)
DOB: 06/02/2008 | Ht: 6-1.75 | Wt: 182 | Shot: L
2025-26 stats: GP: 67 | G: 29 | A: 55 | P: 84
Scouting notes: Malhotra had a meteoric rise up the draft boards, buoyed by absurd production in the second half of the season. He is a details-oriented center who combines two-way reliability with high-end playmaking.
The industry strongly believes that he will be a future captain and is the “type of player you win with.” His hockey sense and ability to make plays under pressure is high-caliber. His development trajectory improved dramatically throughout the season, but a lack of production before the final half of his draft season is a cautionary tale.
The model projects a top-line ceiling, valuing his well-rounded game and offensive instincts. His path to becoming an impactful two-way center hinges on continued skating development and adding strength to his frame. As of now, Malhotra comfortably projects to become a top-six center with the potential to become what Jonathan Toews was at the peak of his career.
How he fits: The Canucks were going back and forth between Chase Reid and Malhotra. The Canucks have favored drafting for need over the past few years, and Malhotra fills such a need at the center position. Malhotra’s production exploded in the second half of the season, and he has the potential to be an impactful two-way center for the Canucks. He’s at least a year if not two away from the Canucks’ lineup, which is fine given they are in the infancy of their rebuild.
There was some thought that Reid would be the pick given the need for overall talent and to avoid what could be an awkward situation with Malhotra’s father Manny coaching the Canucks. Ultimately, need trumped all, and the Canucks hope Malhotra is the foundational center of their organization for a very long time.
1:21
‘I’m only wearing my dad hat tonight’: Manny Malhotra reacts to Canucks drafting son, Caleb
Team: Prince Albert (WHL)
DOB: 03/06/2008 | Ht: 6-2.5 | Wt: 206 | Shot: R
2025-26 stats: GP: 68 | G: 28 | A: 50 | P: 78
Scouting notes: Rudolph is a true dual-threat scorer who makes the game look easy on a consistent basis. His offensive instincts are elite. He reads developing plays, positions himself perfectly and capitalizes by shooting or making a pass to a teammate after drawing coverage.
The concerns keeping his model probability low (41%) are defensive consistency and whether he can handle NHL pace without significant insulation. His production is impossible to ignore, and the offensive upside is legitimate star-tier potential. In one-on-one situations, Rudolph is stick on puck and rarely gets beat. His play with defensive coverage, identifying passing lanes and threats, needs to develop for him to reach his ceiling.
He’s a higher-risk selection with elite offensive traits and the hockey sense to develop his defensive game, which would make him a reliable top-pair defender.
How he fits: The first shock of the draft. Buffalo is known to swing on high-end skill, and Rudolph has that in spades. The Sabres acquired the No. 4 pick earlier this week in the Bowen Byram trade and use it on one of the smartest offensive defenders in the draft.
Given Buffalo’s blue-line depth, Rudolph has time to develop and refine his game at Denver. There is no rush to get him into the lineup. When he gets to Buffalo, he’s going to drive offense from the back end and run a power-play unit. While this might have been a surprise with Chase Reid and Carson Carels still on the board, Rudolph has high-end offensive potential, which the Sabres love to bet on.
Team: Munchen (GERMANY)
DOB: 12/02/2007 | Ht: 6-3 | Wt: 205 | Shot: L
2025-26 stats: GP: 5 | G: 0 | A: 1 | P: 1
Scouting notes: The Latvian defenseman is the textbook “higher on the team lists than the rankings” because he’s a big defender who many feel is guaranteed to step into a top-four role as soon as next season. Teams are more risk-averse and would rather have what they believe is a sure bet with the lower ceiling than take a chance on a player who might win a Norris Trophy down the line … or might never be more than a power-play specialist and No. 5 defenseman.
Smits is a towering physical presence whose development curve was exponential. The combination of a 6-3 frame with above-average skating, an engine that never stops and the desire to physically dominate opponents is attractive for a team looking for a stabilizing force on the back end. He’s likely to be a defensive defenseman who plays tough minutes, kills penalties and is relied upon when holding the lead. He’s not going to move the needle offensively but should be a reliable insulator for a high-octane defenseman who drives play.
A few factors driving Smits’ ranking include the lack of a high-end ceiling, as it is rare that a player with his profile becomes an elite NHL defender. There is some concern about knee stability, given how important skating is to his effectiveness, but Smits should continue to strengthen his lower body to lower his injury risk. He is likely to step into the NHL next season and have an impact because he is as close to a finished product as there is in this draft class.
If he can refine his passing and decision-making, he has the chance to be a solid No. 2, but he’s more likely a Rasmus Ristolainen or Mike Matheson type from day one, which is enticing for a team looking to contend for the playoffs next season.
How he fits: The Rangers were connected to Smits given their desire for a player that can play immediately. They leave a ton of upside on the board in Reid and Carels, but went for the perceived need for a big, competitive defenseman that can help their current core compete.
If the Rangers want to compete on a quicker timeline, Smits makes sense because the other defenders are unlikely to be in the NHL to start the season. With the draft-night acquisition of Pavel Dorofeyev, it is clear the Rangers want to compete with their current core instead of getting younger. Smits is the best player to play big minutes for them next season, even if his ceiling is significantly lower than players left on the board.
Team: Prince George (WHL)
DOB: 06/23/2008 | Ht: 6-1.75 | Wt: 198 | Shot: L
2025-26 stats: GP: 58 | G: 20 | A: 53 | P: 73
Scouting notes: The draft’s most complete defensive prospect led the WHL in ice time while exploding offensively in the second half with a 1.35 points-per-game average. Carels combines high-end mobility with projectable NHL shooting, with the ability to completely control the pace of play.
A true play killer, his physicality sets him apart, as he lines up attackers and finishes with authority. A rare 17-year-old world junior selection for a blueliner, he proved he could handle elite competition. He has drawn comparisons to Charlie McAvoy and Jake Sanderson because of his off-puck play, ability to control transition and offensive impact.
Carels projects as a top-pair defender who shuts down opponents with legitimate No. 1 upside if his offensive creativity continues developing. Add that to the belief that he will be a future captain and foundational player for a Stanley Cup contender, and it is easy to see why Carels is a coveted prospect.
How he fits: The Flames were clearly hoping for Carels to be available with this pick after spending a ton of time scouting him this season. Carels is going to be a highly impactful defender at both ends of the ice for Calgary. Whether he plays with Simon Nemec or Zayne Parekh, Carels is going to be the steadying presence. He immediately becomes the best prospect in the organization and has the potential to be a future star.
When the games get tough, Carels gets better. He can play physical, he can control the pace of play and he leads by example. The Flames may have drafted their future captain tonight.
Team: Sault Ste. Marie (OHL)
DOB: 12/30/2007 | Ht: 6-2.5 | Wt: 195 | Shot: R
2025-26 stats: GP: 45 | G: 18 | A: 30 | P: 48
Scouting notes: Reid combines high-end mobility, above-average size, strong physical skills, elite hockey sense, and both playmaking and shooting ability.
After getting cut from the USHL’s Waterloo Black Hawks and bouncing through the NAHL, Reid joined the OHL and quickly became a top defensive prospect. The model penalizes him for not having a competitive or productive draft-minus-one season, but his production was steady through this past campaign, and his defensive play and decision-making consistently improved.
He controls the ice by carrying pucks in transition, evading opponents effortlessly and finding the quickest path to scoring chances for himself or his teammates. His creation is already top-end NHL offensive-caliber with the way he attacks the middle, draws in coverage and finds teammates. Reid has the potential to be a No. 1 defender if his offense translates and his defensive game continues to improve.
How he fits: The Kraken are over the moon because there is no way they thought Chase Reid would be there at No. 7.
Seattle was in desperate need of a high-end defenseman, and Reid is exactly that. Reid is going to be their future power-play quarterback, their offensive engine from the blue line and a potential star for the Kraken. After drafting forwards with every first-round pick in their history, the Kraken hit a home run with Reid here. He will undoubtedly be the foundational defensive piece on the blue line that will improve the Kraken’s ability to create offense.
Team: Djurgarden (SWEDEN)
DOB: 03/12/2008 | Ht: 5-9 | Wt: 177 | Shot: R
2025-26 stats: GP: 42 | G: 6 | A: 9 | P: 15
Scouting notes: Incredibly intelligent with a work rate off the charts, Bjorck is a well-rounded player with the details to win games. His accomplishments are notable, earning SHL minutes as a draft-eligible player while demonstrating the processing ability that translates across levels. He drove the bus for Sweden at the world juniors and outbattled seasoned NHL veterans at the world championships, winning battles and driving play.
After some eye-popping test results at the combine and a demonstrated ability to play in tough games, he left no doubt that he has the tools to be the NHL’s next small top-six center. The model undervalues the intangibles that drive his game. He has legitimate top-six upside and a track record of scoring. He also possesses the type of competitive fire that makes players like Logan Stankoven and Zach Benson successful in the NHL.
How he fits: Just like the Kraken, the Jets have to be ecstatic to add elite talent at a significant position of need who presents value at their draft position.
Bjorck has the chance to be the steal of the draft. He’s a high-end center with elite hockey sense and “dog on a bone” compete level. He’s going to be a complete nightmare to play against, and the Jets are getting a player with the potential to be the best center in the draft class. Bjorck is going to be ready sooner than later, and should slot into the second-line center position with the Jets. He will outwork opponents, have momentum-changing shifts and be a coach’s dream. Tremendous pick for the Jets.
Team: North Dakota (NCHC)
DOB: 06/19/2008 | Ht: 6-3.5 | Wt: 208 | Shot: R
2025-26 stats: GP: 36 | G: 6 | A: 14 | P: 20
Scouting notes: In his draft-minus-one season, Verhoeff scored 21 goals while playing 26-plus minutes per game in the WHL. His raw potential and development curve made him a potential No. 1 defenseman candidate.
He sought harder competition this season at North Dakota rather than padding his stats in Victoria. It is exceedingly rare that a player his age performs the way he did in college as a defender. His physical game will seamlessly translate to the NHL, pushing opponents off the puck, clearing the net front and killing plays by pinning forwards.
His powerful shot and playmaking continued to show in the NCAA. He’s a highly intelligent individual with a thick, physical build that bodes well for his NHL prospects. Verhoeff projects as a top-pair defender if his skating and decision-making continue to improve.
How he fits: This is a coup for the Sharks. To get an elite forward and a defenseman with top-pair potential is transformational for a franchise that already has Macklin Celebrini and a promising young core.
Verhoeff is the right-handed defender that San Jose needs, and there is an outside chance that he signs out of North Dakota and plays AHL/NHL minutes next season. He’d probably be best-served staying in the NCAA to continue to improve his reads on both sides of the puck.
Verhoeff will be the future power-play quarterback and if he can refine his defensive game, he will be the 25 minutes-per-game defender that the Sharks desperately need. The Sharks are going to be the team to beat in the Pacific in the very near future with elite young talent at every position. This has the potential to go down as the draft that cemented the foundation for the Sharks on their way to Cup contention status.
Team: Usa U-18 (NTDP)
DOB: 09/08/2008 | Ht: 6-1 | Wt: 176 | Shot: L
2025-26 stats: GP: 34 | G: 12 | A: 22 | P: 34
Scouting notes: Cullen underwent a meteoric rise up the draft rankings. His performance at the CHL-USA Top Prospects Series really caught my eye as a potential top player in the draft. A high-end offensive toolbox makes Cullen one of the best transition players in the draft class, with the puck skill to create passing lanes and break defensive coverage.
His offensive skill set is well-rounded with good balance and agility, deceptive playmaking and some of the best hands in the draft, and he has the chance to become a play driver in the NHL if he continues to develop his decision-making on when to move the puck, shoot the puck or beat defenders with his one-on-one skill.
He can overcomplicate the game at times, and his combine results give me pause on how powerful his skating can become, specifically his two-step acceleration. He’s a very exciting offensive player, and if he can develop a separating step in his stride while simplifying his offensive game, Cullen can be a top-line offensive contributor, much like Jonathan Huberdeau was at the peak of his career.
How he fits: Luke Bryan happened to be performing in Buffalo and made a surprise appearance on stage, drafting Wyatt Cullen on behalf of the Predators.
The son of former NHL player Matt Cullen is one of the best offensive creators in the entire draft class. The Predators have needed some elite talent — Cullen is that, and then some. He brings a dynamic offensive toolkit to the Predators who have a ton of competitive forwards, but lack difference-making scoring talent in their prospect pool.
Cullen could become a top-six, offensive play driver, who makes his linemates better. He is everything the Predators prospect pool needs and will be an integral part of the future in Nashville.
Team: Boston University (H-EAST)
DOB: 08/03/2008 | Ht: 6-0.5 | Wt: 185 | Shot: L
2025-26 stats: GP: 18 | G: 2 | A: 5 | P: 7
Scouting notes: Lawrence is a two-way center with high-end speed who could become a reliable matchup center in the NHL. He wins puck battles with relentless effort and is able to transition quickly with ease. He feeds off the creativity and skill of his linemates as opposed to driving play on his own.
The model’s projection reflects concerns about offensive ceiling, which didn’t get any quieter with poor production at Boston University. If he can develop the play-driving component of his game, a second-line center projection is within the realm of possibility. He’s a likely NHLer given his compete level and details on the defensive side, but he needs to convert defensive value into consistent two-way value to reach that second-line level.
How he fits: The Blues were connected to Lawrence, and there was some thought they would wait to select him with their 15th or 16th. Ultimately, the Blues didn’t feel comfortable enough that Lawrence would get to that point in the draft, and used their first pick on a center with a high-end, 200-foot game.
Lawrence is likely to slot in as a second-line center if he can improve his offensive play-driving ability. He’s going to need two years to play an impactful role, but the Blues believe his two-way game will be valuable in the middle of their lineup. They left value on the board, but with multiple first-round picks, they get the guy they like who fits the profile of prospects they favor.
Team: Orebro Jr. (SWEDEN-JR.)
DOB: 06/16/2008 | Ht: 6-1 | Wt: 183 | Shot: L
2025-26 stats: GP: 30 | G: 17 | A: 27 | P: 44
Scouting notes: Command’s draft stock shot up at the combine with his interview process and physical testing. He’s got the personality that matches the fiery competitor that he is on the ice. Command physically overpowers his opponents and beats them in all areas of the ice on sheer will and determination. His body and stick positioning are consistently filling lanes and forcing puck carriers into turnovers.
At a bare minimum, Command has all the makings of third-line center who is a genuine nightmare to play against — otherwise known as exactly the type of player you want in the Stanley Cup playoffs. He is developing offensive instincts and shooting capability, leading to an uptick in scoring toward the end of the season and the belief that there is more to give.
How he fits: A bit of a surprise pick given the profile of the players available on the board like Ethan Belchetz and Nikita Klepov. Command is going to be impactful in all three zones, winning matchups in a third-line role. If his offense continues to develop, he’s got a chance to be a second-line center, but he is most likely to be a high-end third line guy.
He’s going to be a thorn in the side of every opponent, with his extreme drive to win at everything he does. The Devils could’ve used some size with high-end skill on the wing in the top six, but ultimately, they opt for Command who can be a difference maker in the middle of the lineup.
Team: Hv71 (SWEDEN)
DOB: 06/11/2008 | Ht: 6-4.25 | Wt: 200 | Shot: L
2025-26 stats: GP: 27 | G: 0 | A: 3 | P: 3
Scouting notes: A one-man play killer, Gustafsson cemented his status as a high-end defensive prospect by becoming a regular on HV71’s SHL team, a rare feat for a draft-eligible defender. Against his peers, he played nearly half of every game for Sweden at the under-18 championships.
At 6-4 with elite defensive tools and the ability to physically overwhelm opponents, his floor is among the highest of any available defenseman in the draft class. His rush defense is professional grade, with a tight and aggressive gap, forcing attackers to precarious spots, then overpowering them physically to kill the play.
His defensive game is the most translatable part of his NHL game and will allow him to be a trusted defender early in his career. He’s the ideal partner for an elite offensive defenseman because of his ability to insulate and shut down offense, be it in transition or in the defensive zone. Gustafsson is highly likely to become a top-four defender, with legitimate top-pair upside as a No. 2 who plays key shutdown minutes against the opponent’s best offensive players.
How he fits: The Isles absolutely needed to add a defender in the draft. Ideally a right-handed one, but Gustafsson is a high-end defender regardless of handedness.
Already with a refined defensive game, there is a nonzero chance that Gustafsson is ready to play in the NHL next season. A blue line anchored by Matthew Schaefer and Gustafsson is going to be significant for the Islanders’ ability to contend in the future.
Gustafsson is going to be a reliable matchup defenseman who moves the puck well and can penalty kill. Though the need for a right-handed defender is paramount for the team, there is reason to believe Schaefer can play the right side and be just as impactful as he was as the NHL’s top rookie. This is good value for the Isles, who would’ve also done well with Belchetz. Ultimately, they opt for the player at the premier position.
Team: Boston College (H-EAST)
DOB: 08/13/2008 | Ht: 6-4 | Wt: 193 | Shot: L
2025-26 stats: GP: 19 | G: 1 | A: 7 | P: 8
Scouting notes: Whatever the ideal development plan for a player is in their draft year, Hemming endured the opposite in 2025-26. Marred by issues between his Finnish club and the OHL, Hemming joined Boston College and became the youngest player in college hockey. He’s an extremely raw prospect, with translatable NHL skills; he has strong wall play, straight-line offense, puck protection and consistent competitive fire. Combine that with a 6-4 frame that has room to fill out, and Hemming has the potential to become a power forward.
At his best, Hemming dominates low play, creates off the cycle and makes plays using puck skill. His pace of play and speed are cause for concern; there are some similarities to Lawson Crouse at the same age. He’s likely to be better suited as a complementary power winger than a play driver, but his skating and pace of play will ultimately determine how high in the lineup he is able to contribute.
Given that he’s staying at Boston College, Hemming will have every opportunity to refine his offensive toolkit and improve his skating to reach his NHL potential.
How he fits: The Blue Jackets seemed to zero in on Hemming, passing on Belchetz, who is a bigger, more skilled winger. In doing so, they leave significant value on the board.
Hemming has the potential to be a big, power forward who plays in the middle six. He’s going to need a few years to develop, but should give the Blue Jackets a much-needed size boost on the wing. He plays a style that none of the current Columbus prospects play, and gives them a competitive, hard to play against winger who can chip in secondary offense.
Team: Saginaw (OHL)
DOB: 06/27/2008 | Ht: 6-0 | Wt: 180 | Shot: L
2025-26 stats: GP: 67 | G: 37 | A: 60 | P: 97
Scouting notes: The OHL’s first rookie scoring champion since 1973-74, Klepov thrived in Saginaw’s offense-oriented system. His creativity shines through give-and-goes, attacking space and constant movement to create passing lanes. When pressured, he cuts directly inside defensive coverage, collapsing the structure and creating space for teammates. His one-timer is high-end and will be an asset in the NHL, as he can fire pucks top corner before goalies react.
Concerns arise with his defensive engagement, physical skills and pace away from the puck, which will need to improve for NHL coaches to give him the space he needs to succeed. The model loves his production and comparable player success rate, projecting top-line impact with a high floor as a middle-six contributor.
There are a lot of similarities to Jake Guentzel in his game. Klepov isn’t going to be impactful defensively, but his elite offensive toolbox gives him the foundation to be a dual-threat offensive dynamo.
