2026 NHL Draft — Top 11 – 20 Prospects
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 11 – 20 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
#11. Daxon Rudolph — RHD
Prince Albert Raiders (WHL)
6’2″ | 202 lbs | Shoots: Right | Born: 2008 | Lacombe, AB
Selected first overall by Prince Albert in the 2023 WHL Prospects Draft, Daxon Rudolph has continued to deliver on that billing with a confident, polished game that NHL scouts are increasingly bullish on heading into June. Rudolph finished as the leading scorer among all draft-year WHL defensemen with 78 points (28G-50A) in 68 games — tied for 17th in overall WHL scoring — and captained Team East at the 2026 WHL Prospects Game. His 97 career WHL regular-season points in 113 games establish him as one of the most accomplished young defensemen the league has produced in recent years. NHL Central Scouting ranked him sixth among North American skaters on their final list.
Rudolph’s game is defined by composure and intelligence. He is a supremely patient defender — he does not overcommit or chase, instead using positioning and read to eliminate space for opponents. Offensively, he controls tempo from the back end with a heavy point shot, sharp vision, and the skating stride to jump into the rush when the moment is right. His two-way reliability is what separates him from other offensive-minded defensemen.
Fantasy Outlook: Rudolph is a calm, steady presence who does not wow you in any single area but beats you in all of them. He profiles as a legitimate top-four NHL defenseman who can log meaningful minutes in every situation. Most mock drafts have him going in the 10-to-15 range, and any team that misses on the top defensive prospects would do well to scoop him up in that tier.
#12. Liam Ruck — RW
Medicine Hat Tigers (WHL)
6’0″ | 175 lbs | Shoots: Right | Born: 2008 | Osoyoos, BC
Liam Ruck had a remarkable WHL season, recording 104 points (45G-59A) in 68 games — second in the entire WHL only to his twin brother Markus. The 45 goals led all draft-eligible WHL players and gave him the highest goal total of any prospect in this class, regardless of league. He also chipped in 39 power-play points. NHL Central Scouting ranked him 26th among North American skaters.
What makes Liam arguably the more desirable twin for scouts is his pure goal-scoring ability and net-front dominance. He drives to the dirty areas with purpose, finishes in tight, and uses his hockey sense to be in the right place at the right time every shift. His decision-making with the puck is advanced for his age, and he is a reliable two-way winger who held his own defensively even while producing at an elite offensive rate.
The main questions surrounding Liam involve how he will perform without Markus by his side, as the brothers have developed much of their game in tandem, and whether his skating can add another gear to truly separate at the next level.
Fantasy Outlook: In the late first round to early second round range, Liam Ruck is a legitimate steal. He is one of the most prolific goal scorers in this draft class and has the traits to be a middle-six winger with power-play upside in the NHL. Most boards currently have him in the late first round, and any team looking for a finisher near the net should take notice.
#13. Markus Ruck — C/F
Medicine Hat Tigers (WHL)
6’0″ | 167 lbs | Shoots: Left | Born: 2008 | Osoyoos, BC
The slightly older Ruck twin, Markus actually outpaced his brother in WHL scoring this season with 108 points (41G-67A) in 68 games — the most points by any player in the entire WHL this season and one of the great offensive performances by any draft-eligible player in recent memory. NHL Central Scouting ranked him 13th among North American skaters on their final rankings.
Where Liam is the pure scorer of the pair, Markus is the playmaker. His 67 assists reflect a player with elite passing instincts, vision, and the ability to control a game with the puck on his stick. He is also an outstanding distributor on the power play, and his goal-scoring was equally impressive at 41 goals. He is described by scouts as a relentless worker — someone who outbattles, outhustles, and out-competes opponents far more physically imposing than himself.
The knock on Markus is the obvious counterpart to his brother: questions about whether his production is sustainable away from Liam, and whether his slight frame will limit his effectiveness against NHL-calibre defenders. Both are fair, but the level of production Markus showed this year demands respect.
Fantasy Outlook: Markus Ruck is a serious talent who is likely undervalued relative to his brother simply due to positional preference (wingers tend to go earlier). As a centre with 108 WHL points, he has the vision and compete to carve out a meaningful NHL career. He and Liam could be among the best late first-round or early second-round values in this draft.
#14. JP Hurlbert — F
Kamloops Blazers (WHL)
6’0″ | 183 lbs | Shoots: Right | Born: Apr. 11, 2008 | Allen, TX
The first Texas native to garner legitimate first-round buzz in recent draft memory, JP Hurlbert made the move from the USNTDP to the WHL’s Kamloops Blazers this season and immediately put himself on the map. In his first and only WHL season, Hurlbert finished with 97 points (42G-55A) in 68 games — ranking fourth in overall WHL scoring as a rookie and leading all WHL rookies in both goals and points. He was WHL Player of the Month for September and October. NHL Central Scouting ranked him 10th among North American skaters. He is committed to the University of Michigan for the 2026–27 season.
The crown jewel of Hurlbert’s game is his shot — specifically, the speed of his release. Scouts describe it as among the quickest wrist shots they have seen from a draft-eligible player, making him a one-timer specialist who can receive pucks in scoring position and beat goaltenders before they have time to set. His hockey IQ and vision are also excellent, allowing him to create plays and exploit defensive breakdowns at a high rate.
The legitimate concern is his skating. Hurlbert does not have elite separation speed, and scouts wonder whether his pace will be exposed against NHL-calibre athletes. He also needs to improve his game away from the puck.
Fantasy Outlook: Hurlbert is one of the purest goal-scoring prospects in this draft. If his skating develops to even average NHL standards, his shot, sense, and work ethic make him a genuine 25-to-30 goal scorer at the next level. He is a first-round talent with a high offensive floor and the potential for more.
#15. Niklas Aaram-Olsen — RW/LW
Örebro HK U20 (Nationell, Sweden)
6’1″ | 187 lbs | Shoots: Left | Born: Apr. 2008 | Norway
One of the draft’s most intriguing European wildcards, Niklas Aaram-Olsen is a Norwegian-born winger playing in Sweden’s U20 Nationell circuit with Örebro HK who has emerged as a legitimate late first-round candidate heading into June. He finished the regular season with 40 points (20G-20A) in 29 games — a 1.38 points-per-game pace — and then turned heads internationally with a strong showing at the 2026 U18 World Championship, where he put up four goals in five games for Norway.
Aaram-Olsen is a skilled, two-way winger with excellent puck-handling ability, zone-entry creativity, and defensive awareness that is unusual for a player of his offensive profile. He reads the ice well, plays in multiple situations, and does not shy away from physical engagement. His offensive instincts in tight spaces draw consistent praise from European scouts.
The uncertainty around Aaram-Olsen is the typical European prospect caveat — he is playing in a junior-level Swedish circuit, and his production has not been tested at a true professional level yet. However, his strong international performances and the maturity he displays in all three zones suggest a player ready to take the next step.
Fantasy Outlook: He is a longer-term project than the CHL and NCAA players in this range, but Aaram-Olsen’s combination of skill, compete, and two-way ability give him a real NHL ceiling. Teams looking for a late-first or early-second pick with upside should have him firmly on their radar. He has the tools to be a reliable middle-six winger in time.
#16. Mathis Preston — F
Vancouver Giants (WHL)
5’11” | 176 lbs | Shoots: Right | Born: Jul. 2008 | Penticton, BC
Mathis Preston entered this season as arguably the top WHL forward prospect outside of the Ruck twins and the transfer players, and while his stock has dipped from a preseason ceiling of top-10, the tools remain elite. Preston split his season between the Spokane Chiefs and the Vancouver Giants following a trade-deadline deal, accumulating 44 points (18G-26A) across 46 combined games despite injury interruptions. NHL Central Scouting ranked him 24th among North American skaters.
Preston’s calling card is his skating — explosive acceleration that creates instant separation, elite edgework, and the ability to make defenders look foolish with quick direction changes. His shot is powerful and versatile — accurate from distance, dangerous on the one-timer, and effective on the wrist shot. He is not just a scorer; he uses his speed to be a genuine two-way threat who presses on the forecheck and recovers defensively with urgency.
The knocks on Preston are consistency and a defensive engagement level that scouts have flagged as needing improvement. He also dealt with injuries this season, which limited his ability to build momentum. At 5’11”, some teams will have frame concerns as well.
Fantasy Outlook: Preston is one of the most dynamic pure skaters available in this draft. In an NHL game increasingly built on pace, his speed-first profile gives him a clear path to the lineup. If his defensive game and consistency round out — both reasonable expectations given his age — he has genuine top-six upside. He is a high-ceiling late first-round selection.
#17. Elton Hermansson — RW/LW
MoDo Hockey (HockeyAllsvenskan, Sweden)
6’1″ | 174 lbs | Shoots: Left | Born: Feb. 2008 | Sweden
Elton Hermansson is among the most skilled European prospects in the 2026 class, standing out as a technically gifted winger playing in Sweden’s second-highest pro circuit — HockeyAllsvenskan — with MoDo Hockey. He finished the season with 21 points (11G-10A) in 38 games, leading all players 18-and-under in Allsvenskan in goals and ranking fourth in points. NHL Central Scouting ranked him fifth among all international skaters — a remarkable testament to the quality of his game relative to the competition level he faces. His performance at the U18 World Championship further elevated his stock.
Hermansson’s game is built on offensive creativity, superb puck-handling, and strong zone-entry ability. He finds soft spots in defenses intuitively and distributes the puck with excellent timing. His defensive awareness is above average for a winger of his offensive profile, and his skating — particularly his top speed and edgework — is considered a genuine weapon. He is a longer-term developmental project, but one with high upside.
The main critique of Hermansson is that he can lack intensity at times and has not yet shown the consistent urgency scouts want to see on every shift. His frame will also need to fill out before he can handle the rigors of the NHL’s pro pace.
Fantasy Outlook: Hermansson is a best-kept secret for patient fantasy rosters. He brings elite skill, legitimate offensive instincts, and the ability to grow into a top-six role. He will likely need development time in Europe before making the NHL jump, but the ceiling here is significant. Think of him as a slow-burning stock with high upside in deep keeper leagues.
#18. Marcus Nordmark — RW
Djurgårdens IF U20 (Nationell, Sweden)
6’2″ | 187 lbs | Shoots: Left | Born: May 2008 | Sweden
The son of former NHL defenseman Robert Nordmark (who played three of his four NHL seasons with the Vancouver Canucks), Marcus Nordmark has inherited the hockey genes and is making a name for himself in Sweden’s U20 Nationell circuit with Djurgårdens IF. He finished the 2025–26 season with 38 points (14G-24A) in 25 games — a 1.52 points-per-game pace that ranks among the elite in European junior hockey. He also logged one assist in eight games at the SHL level, getting his first taste of professional competition.
Nordmark is a poise-first forward who combines excellent vision, strong puck skills, and surprising physicality for a player of his age. He is an intelligent distributor with the ability to create from the perimeter but who does not shy away from the high-danger areas either. His goal-scoring and playmaking are balanced — not siloed to one dimension. His defensive engagement has been flagged as an area for development, as he can occasionally drift out of the defensive structure.
Most public boards have Nordmark just outside the first round, but a handful of analysts have him comfortably inside it, citing his tools and the rarity of legitimate two-way wingers at this age from Sweden.
Fantasy Outlook: Nordmark carries the appeal of a high-ceiling European winger with the bloodlines and the instincts to develop into a consistent NHL producer. He is a patient play in deeper formats, but teams who can wait for his development to unfold may find significant value. His upside is that of a reliable top-six winger with strong two-way credibility.
#19. Xavier Villeneuve — LD
Blainville-Boisbriand Armada (QMJHL)
5’11” | 157 lbs | Shoots: Left | Born: Sep. 2007
Xavier Villeneuve is the most purely offensive defenseman available in this draft — a player whose ability to create and control play from the back end is elite, even if his slight frame raises legitimate questions about how he will handle the physical demands of professional hockey. Despite injury limiting him to only 37 games, Villeneuve posted 38 points (6G-32A) for a 1.03 points-per-game average — ranking third among all QMJHL defensemen. NHL Central Scouting ranked him 17th among North American skaters.
Playing 20-plus minutes per night for Blainville-Boisbriand, Villeneuve moves the puck with rare precision. His passing touch is among the best in this draft class at any position, and his ability to quarterback a power play is already NHL-caliber in terms of decision-making and creativity. He consistently finds the dangerous pass that no one else in the building sees, and his vision from the point gives shooters prime-time looks.
The concern is obvious: at 5’11” and 157 pounds, Villeneuve will need to add significant strength before he can handle NHL-caliber power forwards on a nightly basis. His foot speed is also cited as a limiting factor. The frame is small even by modern NHL defenseman standards.
Fantasy Outlook: In the right system with patient development, Villeneuve has the offensive tools to be a productive NHL defenseman — a power-play specialist who can be sheltered defensively while driving offence in the right circumstances. He is a high-floor offensive fantasy pick for patient roster builders who can wait for development. Several mock drafts have him going in the early-to-mid second round.
#20. Ilya Morozov — F
Miami University (Ohio) (NCAA)
6’3″ | 205 lbs | Shoots: Left | Born: Aug. 3, 2008
Ilya Morozov may be the youngest player in NCAA hockey this season — he won’t turn 18 until August 3rd, after the draft itself — but that has not stopped him from making a legitimate impression in his freshman year at Miami University (Ohio). Morozov posted 20 points (8G-12A) in 36 games for the RedHawks, logging NHL-notice numbers while also establishing himself as one of the most physically ready players in the freshman class at 6’3″ and 205 pounds.
What separates Morozov from other forwards in this tier is his compete level and two-way commitment. He is relentless on the forecheck, wins battles along the boards with regularity, and is trusted to play in defensive situations — rare characteristics in a first-year college player. His physical maturity allows him to absorb hits and battle for pucks in a way that most draft-eligible players simply cannot match yet. He is also actively building his offensive game, showing strong playmaking instincts and the willingness to attack in transition.
The projection questions for Morozov are about upside. Is he primarily a high-compete, physical two-way forward, or will the offensive game develop enough to push him into top-six territory? His young age for his draft year is actually a significant positive — he will be one of the youngest players selected, meaning considerable development runway remains ahead.
Fantasy Outlook: Morozov is one of the most intriguing high-floor/high-compete picks in this class. He is the type of player who fills a stat line in ways beyond points — hits, face-offs, plus/minus — and his physical tools give him an unusually clear path to an NHL roster. For deep fantasy leagues, his versatility and size make him a long-term asset to monitor closely.
– The Add List +