2026 NHL Draft — Prospects 1 – 10

Professional Scouting & Fantasy Analysis

The 2026 NHL Draft is shaping up to be one of the most compelling classes in recent memory — headlined by a generational top end and loaded with first-round depth across every position. The following is an independent ranking and scouting breakdown of prospects 1 – 10 eligible for selection at KeyBank Center in Buffalo on June 26–27, compiled with input from publicly available Central Scouting data, league statistics, and analyst reporting from across the draft landscape. Rankings reflect a combination of current production, projectability, and long-term NHL upside — with a fantasy hockey lens applied throughout.

Prepared April 2026

#1. Gavin McKenna — LW

Penn State University (NCAA)

6’0″ | 170 lbs | Shoots: Left | Born: Dec. 20, 2007 | Whitehorse, YK

There is no debate here — Gavin McKenna is the most anticipated draft prospect since Connor McDavid, and the 2026 class is his to define. The 18-year-old Whitehorse, Yukon native spent parts of three seasons with the Medicine Hat Tigers (WHL) before making a landmark jump to Penn State University — the first major CHL talent to benefit from the NCAA’s new eligibility rules.

McKenna’s WHL resumé is nothing short of historic. In his final regular season with Medicine Hat, he registered 129 points (41G-88A) in 56 games, second in the entire WHL, while also finishing the season on a 54-game point streak — a modern CHL record dating back to 2000. He was named WHL and CHL Player of the Year — only the third 16-year-old ever to win the CHL award, joining John Tavares and Sidney Crosby. He then led Medicine Hat to the WHL Championship and a Memorial Cup Finals appearance, totalling a jaw-dropping 173 points across regular season, playoffs, and Memorial Cup play.

At Penn State, McKenna has not skipped a beat. He won the Big Ten scoring title as a freshman with 38 points in 24 games and was named Big Ten Freshman of the Year. He also suited up for Canada at the 2026 World Juniors, finishing second in tournament scoring with 14 points in seven games (gold medal game misconduct aside).

Fantasy Outlook: A franchise-altering selection. McKenna’s combination of vision, playmaking, and elite hockey IQ is compared to Patrick Kane and Doug Gilmour — deceptive despite his slight build. He drives play, dominates possession, and makes everyone around him better. He is built to be a 90-point NHL player in short order and is expected to be the No. 1 pick in the 2026 NHL Draft. Any team landing McKenna should pencil him into the lineup immediately.

#2. Ivar Stenberg — LW/RW

Frölunda HC (SHL)

5’11” | 183 lbs | Shoots: Left | Born: Sept. 30, 2007 | Stenungsund, SWE

If McKenna is the consensus alpha, Ivar Stenberg is running a very close campaign. The younger brother of Blues prospect Otto Stenberg, Ivar has cemented himself as the top international skater in this class and has genuinely pushed McKenna for the No. 1 overall conversation throughout the 2025–26 season.

Stenberg’s season with Frölunda in the SHL has been the stuff of legend. He finished with 33 points (11G-22A) in 43 games — the most by an 18-year-old SHL player since Daniel Sedin in 1998-99. He outperformed Nicklas Backstrom, Marcus Näslund, Lucas Raymond, and Leo Carlsson at the same age. Only the Sedin twins have ever done more as draft-eligible 18-year-olds in the SHL. Frölunda’s GM placed him alongside Rasmus Dahlin as the most exceptional talent to come through their system in a decade.

Stenberg then capped his season by leading Sweden to gold at the 2026 World Junior Championship — their first WJC title in 14 years — finishing first in tournament scoring with 10 points in seven games, including a goal and two assists in the gold medal victory over Czechia.

Fantasy Outlook: NHL Central Scouting ranked Stenberg No. 1 among all international skaters. His most apt NHL comparison is William Nylander — an elite playmaker with a dangerous shot, superb hockey sense, and the ability to produce at both even strength and on the power play. He is a franchise cornerstone who profiles as a top-six winger from day one, capable of anchoring a power play at the NHL level.

#3. Chase Reid — RHD

Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds (OHL)

6’2″ | 187 lbs | Shoots: Right | Born: Dec. 30, 2007 | Chesterfield, MI

One of the great draft-year stories in recent memory, Chase Reid went from being cut by the USHL’s Waterloo Black Hawks and toiling in the NAHL to being firmly entrenched in the top-five conversation for the 2026 NHL Draft. The Michigan native has been nothing short of sensational since joining the Soo Greyhounds in December 2024.

Reid’s production has been elite. After posting 40 points in 39 games as a late-arriving rookie in 2024–25, he followed that up with 48 points (18G-30A) in 45 games this season — a 1.07 points-per-game pace that ranked second among all OHL defensemen. His 18 goals placed him tied for fourth among all OHL blueliners. He represented Team USA at the 2026 World Juniors, logging top-four minutes and tying for the lead among US defensemen with four points in five games.

Reid’s game is defined by explosive transition skating, elite zone entries (he led the OHL in entries via stickhandling among defensemen), and a dangerous shot that averages over four shots per game. His edgework and lateral quickness allow him to carry the puck at will and quarterback a power play. NHL Central Scouting ranked him No. 2 among North American skaters on their final rankings. He is committed to Michigan State University in the fall.

Fantasy Outlook: Reid is the most dynamic offensive defenseman in this class. Corey Pronman of The Athletic called him a “major minutes NHL defenseman who can run a first power play.” His upside as a puck-moving, play-driving blueliner is immense. The Vancouver Canucks have been heavily linked to him at the top of their big board.

#4. Carson Carels — LHD

Prince George Cougars (WHL)

6’2″ | 202 lbs | Shoots: Left | Born: Jun. 23, 2008 | Cypress River, MB

The farm-kid from Cypress River, Manitoba, Carson Carels has emerged as one of the most well-rounded defensive prospects in this entire draft class. Selected 16th overall by Prince George in the 2023 WHL draft, the left-shot blueliner has quietly put together a remarkable season that has him firmly in the top-five conversation with legitimate claims to being the first defender off the board.

In 2025–26, Carels posted 73 points (20G-53A) in 58 games — more than doubling his prior-year output — finishing second among all WHL defencemen in points, with the fourth-highest goal total. He was named assistant captain of the Cougars and captained Team West at the WHL Prospects Game. He also represented Canada at the 2026 World Juniors, earning a bronze medal. NHL Central Scouting ranked him third overall among North American skaters on their final list.

What separates Carels is the completeness of his game. He is a physical player who logs 27+ minutes per night across all situations, dominates one-on-one battles in transition with elite backward skating, and distributes the puck with high-end vision and touch. At the WHL Top Prospects Game, he contributed to every point his team scored. Scouts have used words like “monster” and “effortless” to describe how he commands his ice.

Fantasy Outlook: Carels is a jack-of-all-trades defenseman — capable of running a power play, anchoring a shutdown pairing, and driving play in transition. He is in a three-way race with Reid and Verhoeff to be the first blueliner selected, and multiple major boards have him as high as third overall. He projects as a top-pairing NHL defenseman capable of big minutes in every situation.

#5. Keaton Verhoeff — RHD

University of North Dakota (NCAA)

6’4″ | 212 lbs | Shoots: Right | Born: Jun. 19, 2008 | Fort Saskatchewan, AB

Right-shot defensemen of Keaton Verhoeff’s size, skill, and pedigree come along once a generation. At 6’4″ and 212 pounds, the Fort Saskatchewan native became the third-youngest player in NCAA history to play varsity hockey when he enrolled at the University of North Dakota this season — and he hit the ground running.

Verhoeff transitioned from a historic WHL rookie campaign (21 goals and 45 points in 63 games as a 16-year-old, the third-most goals ever by a WHL defenseman 16-or-younger in history) to the highly competitive NCHC conference, where he led all freshman defensemen in points while playing 20+ minutes per night. He was added to Canada’s 2026 World Junior team as a 17-year-old — an honour extended to only 14 players since 2010 — and posted four assists in five games, helping Canada to a bronze medal. He also helped UND reach the NCAA Frozen Four semifinal before a 2-1 loss to Wisconsin.

Verhoeff’s game is built on his imposing frame, an active stick, and a hard, accurate shot — particularly lethal on the power play. Scouts compare him to Noah Dobson, with some veteran observers going as far as Alex Pietrangelo. His backward skating is a known area for development, but his positional awareness, reach, and compete level more than compensate at this stage. He will return to UND for his sophomore season.

Fantasy Outlook: Verhoeff is the highest-upside defender in this class. A right-shot, big-bodied, offense-capable blueliner with a rocket shot — he is the rarest commodity in the NHL draft. Most boards have him in the top four, and at least one veteran scout has him No. 1 overall. His NHL ceiling as a first-power-play quarterback and top-pairing shutdown defender is enormous.

#6. Caleb Malhotra — C

Brantford Bulldogs (OHL)

6’2″ | 182 lbs | Shoots: Left | Born: Jun. 2, 2008 | Toronto, ON

The son of former NHLer Manny Malhotra and nephew of two-time NBA MVP Steve Nash, Caleb Malhotra has inherited one of hockey’s most celebrated work ethics — and backed it up with a breakout season that turned him from a fringe prospect into one of the biggest draft-day risers of the 2026 class.

Malhotra came to the OHL after one season in the BCHL with Chilliwack, and his adjustment was seamless. In 67 OHL regular-season games with Brantford, he posted 84 points (29G-55A) — second among all OHL rookies and 12th in overall league scoring — with a plus/minus of +33 and eight game-winning goals. He has continued to produce in the playoffs, tallying 13 points in seven games and leading all rookies in postseason scoring. NHL Central Scouting ranked him sixth overall among North American skaters. He is committed to Boston University for 2026–27.

Malhotra’s calling card is his two-way dominance. He reads the play faster than anyone in his age group, intercepts lanes before they open, and backchecks with urgency. He is a reliable face-off man and has the hockey IQ to be deployed in any situation. OHL Central Scouting director Dan Marr praised his “combination of speed, hockey IQ, consistent compete, and skill” projecting him as a potential top-line NHL forward.

Fantasy Outlook: The consensus best centre available in this class. In a draft dominated by wingers and defensemen, Malhotra stands alone as the premium option down the middle. He projects as a second-line NHL centre at minimum, with legitimate top-line upside if his offensive game continues to develop. He could go anywhere from third to eighth on draft night.

#7. Ethan Belchetz — LW

Windsor Spitfires (OHL)

6’5″ | 227 lbs | Shoots: Left | Born: Mar. 30, 2008 | Oakville, ON

Selected first overall in the 2024 OHL Priority Selection, Ethan Belchetz is among the most physically imposing forwards in the entire 2026 class, and his ability to combine that size with legitimate offensive skill has scouts projecting a future franchise power forward.

Belchetz’s 2025–26 campaign was unfortunately cut short in early March by a broken left clavicle, but not before he posted 34 goals and 59 points in 57 games — on pace for over 40 goals in a full season. He opened the year with a standout performance at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup for Canada, leading the team with seven points (4G-3A) in five games. Prior to his injury, he was an all-situations forward for Windsor, contributing to both the power play and penalty kill while averaging 88 puck touches per game. NHL Central Scouting’s Dan Marr noted that “Ethan filled the holes in his game this past season,” ranking him ninth overall among North American skaters despite missing the final month of the season.

At 6’5″ and 227 pounds, Belchetz is not a one-dimensional bruiser — he has excellent offensive instincts, a booming one-timer, and quick hands for a player his size. NHL comparisons gravitate toward Brady Tkachuk, particularly in terms of his puck protection and ability to create room for himself and teammates in heavy areas.

Fantasy Outlook: The injury clouds his final rankings somewhat, but the talent here is undeniable. In a league hungry for big power forwards, Belchetz offers a unique combination of net-front dominance, shot volume, and hockey sense. Any team drafting him gets a potential top-six winger who will be physically ready for the NHL game on night one.

#8. Tynan Lawrence — C

Boston University (NCAA)

6’0″ | 185 lbs | Shoots: Left | Born: Aug. 3, 2008 | Fredericton, NB

A product of the Shattuck–St. Mary’s pipeline that produced Sidney Crosby, Nathan MacKinnon, and Macklin Celebrini, Tynan Lawrence entered this season with legitimate No. 1 overall conversations — and while his draft year has been more complicated than anticipated, the tools that generated that hype remain very much intact.

Lawrence spent the first half of the season recovering from a preseason injury before going off for 17 points in 13 USHL games with Muskegon. Recognizing the stage the NCAA offers, he made the bold decision to enroll at Boston University mid-semester — one of the most unconventional moves in recent draft history. His adjustment to Hockey East competition was measured but showed the game-processing ability and motor that scouts have raved about. He posted strong defensive zone numbers and generated quality scoring chances consistently. He also represented Canada at the U18 Worlds.

Lawrence is a legitimate two-way centre. His skating allows him to get on top of opponents before they can establish possession, and his puck pursuit is relentless. He is Fredericton’s most notable hockey export since a long line of Atlantic Canadian talent. Most boards have him landing in the top eight to ten on draft night. NHL Central Scouting placed him seventh overall among North American skaters on their final list.

Fantasy Outlook: Lawrence is a coach’s dream — a mobile, high-compete two-way pivot who can be trusted in every situation. The question is ceiling: can he be a true first-line centre, or is he a high-end second-line player? Either way, he is a first-round pick who will add tangible value in multiple fantasy categories — points, plus/minus, and faceoff percentage among them.

#9. Ryan Lin — RD

Vancouver Giants (WHL)

6’0″ | 177 lbs | Shoots: Right | Born: Apr. 18, 2008 | Richmond, BC

Ryan Lin is one of the most dynamic offensive defensemen in recent WHL memory, and the fact that he is doing it from Richmond, B.C. — skating for his hometown Giants — makes his story all the more compelling.

Lin’s numbers have been spectacular from the moment he entered the WHL. As a 16-year-old rookie, he posted 53 points in 60 games — one of only nine U-17 blueliners to ever reach 50 points in the WHL, joining an exclusive group that includes Scott Niedermayer. This season in his draft year, he followed up with 50 points (11G-39A) in 42 games before injuries slowed his campaign, giving him 103 career WHL points in 103 games. He was named an alternate captain for Team West at the 2026 WHL Prospects Game and represented Team CHL at the CHL-USA Prospects Challenge. NHL Central Scouting ranked him 13th among North American skaters.

Lin is a creative, skating-first defenseman who dominates the transition game. His vision allows him to quarterback a power play with the precision of a player much older, and his ability to read the play before it develops gives him an edge that outstrips his slight frame. The knock, of course, is size — at 6’0″, he falls below the threshold many teams are comfortable with at the NHL level. But the game is rapidly evolving, and Lin’s profile aligns with the modern NHL blueliner.

Fantasy Outlook: The comparison to Luke Hughes and Lane Hutson floats around Lin’s name with good reason. If he lands with a team willing to invest in his development, he has top-pair power-play quarterback upside. He is a high-reward selection and one of the most exciting offensive defensemen in this class regardless of draft position.

#10. Nikita Klepov — F

Saginaw Spirit (OHL)

6’0″ | 181 lbs | Shoots: Right | Born: Jun. 2008

Nikita Klepov had arguably the most impressive individual OHL season in the entire 2026 draft class, and he did it in a manner that drew direct comparisons to one of the greatest junior hockey players in history. In leading the OHL in scoring with 97 points (37G-60A) in 67 games as a rookie, Klepov became the first player since Patrick Kane in 2007 to simultaneously win the Eddie Powers Memorial Trophy (top scorer) and the Emms Family Award (Rookie of the Year). He also tied a Saginaw franchise record with 37 rookie goals, adding 38 power-play points and three shorthanded markers.

NHL Central Scouting’s Dan Marr offered a memorable quote about Klepov’s game: “He reminds me of Ilya Kovalchuk — always open, always dangerous with the one-timer.” That says it all. Klepov possesses exceptional hockey sense, a quick release, and the ability to find soft spots in a defense that few prospects at this age can replicate. He is committed to Michigan State University in the fall.

The knock on Klepov is his skating mechanics, which some scouts believe could limit his ability to truly separate from NHL-caliber opponents. However, his relentless forecheck and high-end puck skills are so elite that most organizations are willing to look past that limitation.

Fantasy Outlook: Klepov is one of the most proven offensive producers in this class. His comparable production to Patrick Kane’s OHL debut season is not hyperbole — it is historical fact. If his skating can improve to even an average NHL level, he has the tools to be a 25-to-35-goal scorer at the next level. He is a genuine first-round talent and one of the more complete forwards available despite his European transfer background.

— The Add List +