Get ready for a thrilling ride as we dive into the 2026 NHL Mock Draft, fresh off the exciting World Junior Championships!
The Big Question: Who Will Go First?
Our top pick remains unchanged: Canadian forward Gavin McKenna, the star of Penn State Nittany Lions, is the clear favorite. With the Vancouver Canucks holding the first overall pick, it's a match made in hockey heaven. McKenna, a Western Canadian native, brings offensive talent and a natural playmaking ability that could be the foundation for the Canucks' rebuild.
But Here's Where It Gets Interesting...
The second overall pick, belonging to the Winnipeg Jets, could go in two directions. We have our eye on Swedish forward Ivar Stenberg, who impressed at the World Juniors with his small-area skills and potential to be an immediate impact player. However, Canadian defenseman Keaton Verhoeff is also in the running, fitting the St. Louis Blues' ideal player profile.
The Draft Order: A Look at the Top 31
Vancouver Canucks: Gavin McKenna, LW, Penn State
Winnipeg Jets: Ivar Stenberg, LW/RW, Frolunda HC (SHL)
St. Louis Blues: Keaton Verhoeff, D, University of North Dakota (NCAA)
Calgary Flames: Tynan Lawrence, C, Boston University (NCAA)
Columbus Blue Jackets: Viggo Bjorck, C/RW, Djurgardens IF
Anaheim Ducks: Chase Reid, D, Sault Ste Marie Greyhounds
New York Rangers: Ryan Roobroeck, C, Niagara IceDogs (OHL)
Nashville Predators: Ethan Belchetz, LW, Windsor Spitfires (OHL)
Chicago Blackhawks: Alberts Smits, D, Jukurit (Liiga)
Utah Mammoth: Xavier Villeneuve, D, Blainville-Boisbriand Armada (QMJHL)
New Jersey Devils: Ryan Lin, D, Vancouver Giants (WHL)
Boston Bruins: Carson Carels, D, Prince George Cougars (WHL)
Chicago Blackhawks via Florida Panthers: Daxon Rudolph, D, Prince Albert Raiders (WHL)
Washington Capitals: Yegor Shilov, C, Victoriaville Tigres (QMJHL)
Boston Bruins via Toronto Maple Leafs: Mathis Preston, RW, Vancouver Giants (WHL)
Los Angeles Kings: Adam Novotny, LW/RW, Peterborough Petes (OHL)
San Jose Sharks: Malte Gustafsson, D, HV71 (SHL)
Seattle Kraken: Alexander Command, C, Orebro HK (SHL)
San Jose Sharks via Edmonton Oilers: Nikita Klepov, LW, Saginaw Spirit
Pittsburgh Penguins: Oliver Suvanto, C, Tappara (Liiga)
Philadelphia Flyers: Jaxon Cover, LW, London Knights (OHL)
Buffalo Sabres: Jack Hextall, C, Youngstown Phantoms (USHL)
New York Islanders: Juho Piiparinen, D, Tappara (Liiga)
Montreal Canadiens: Nikita Shcherbakov, D, Tolpar Ufa (MHL)
Detroit Red Wings: Giorgos Pantelas, D, Brandon Wheat Kings (WHL)
Vancouver Canucks via Minnesota Wild: Elton Hermansson, RW/LW, MoDo Hockey (Allsvenskan)
New York Rangers via Dallas Stars: JP Hurlbert, C, Kamloops Blazers (WHL)
Calgary Flames via Vegas Golden Knights: Caleb Malhotra, C, Brantford Bulldogs (OHL)
Carolina Hurricanes: Liam Ruck, RW, Medicine Hat Tigers (WHL)
Seattle Kraken via Tampa Bay Lightning: Casey Mutryn, RW, US National U18 Team (USNTDP)
New York Islanders via Colorado Avalanche: Brooks Rogowski, C, Oshawa Generals
Remember, this mock draft is a fun exploration of possibilities, and the real draft could take some unexpected turns! Who do you think will make the biggest impact in the NHL? Let's discuss in the comments and share our predictions!
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