The anticipation for the 2026 NHL Entry Draft has reached a fever pitch as the league’s 32 franchises prepare to descend upon the draft floor this Friday. With a class touted for its high-end offensive talent and generational potential at the very top, scouts and executives have spent the last three seasons tracking these prospects. This 2026 NHL mock draft provides a final look at how the first round might shake out, highlighting the players who are expected to become the new faces of their respective organizations.
The Consensus at the Top of the Class
While most drafts feature a debate regarding the number one overall selection, the 2026 class has a clear frontrunner. The gap between the top prospect and the rest of the field is significant, though the talent available in the top five remains elite.
Gavin McKenna: The Generational Prize
Gavin McKenna, the dynamic forward from the Medicine Hat Tigers, has long been the projected top pick. McKenna’s elite skating, vision, and record-breaking production in the WHL have drawn comparisons to some of the greatest players in the modern era. For the team holding the first pick—currently projected to be the San Jose Sharks—the decision appears to be a formality. McKenna represents a franchise-altering talent who can lead a rebuild from day one.
Full 32-Pick 2026 NHL Mock Draft Projections
Below is the complete projection for the first round of the 2026 NHL Draft, accounting for team needs, scouting reports, and the current league standings.
- 1. San Jose Sharks: Gavin McKenna, F (Medicine Hat, WHL)
- 2. Chicago Blackhawks: Viggo Björck, F (IFK Täby, SWE)
- 3. Columbus Blue Jackets: Ryan Roobroeck, F (Niagara, OHL)
- 4. Anaheim Ducks: Joe Iginla, F (Edmonton, WHL)
- 5. Montreal Canadiens: Caleb Desnoyers, F (Moncton, QMJHL)
- 6. Utah Mammoth: Matthew Schaefer, D (Erie, OHL)
- 7. Calgary Flames: Adam Benák, F (Plzeň, CZE)
- 8. Ottawa Senators: Reese Hamilton, D (Calgary, WHL)
- 9. Seattle Kraken: Benjamin Kevan, F (Des Moines, USHL)
- 10. Buffalo Sabres: Tynan Lawrence, F (Muskegon, USHL)
- 11. Philadelphia Flyers: Jakob Ihs-Wozniak, F (Luleå, SWE)
- 12. Minnesota Wild: Quinn Beauchesne, D (Guelph, OHL)
- 13. St. Louis Blues: Cameron Schmidt, F (Vancouver, WHL)
- 14. Detroit Red Wings: Victor Eklund, F (Djurgården, SWE)
- 15. New Jersey Devils: Kashawn Aitcheson, D (Barrie, OHL)
- 16. New York Islanders: Nathan Behm, F (Kamloops, WHL)
- 17. Washington Capitals: Emile Guite, F (Chicoutimi, QMJHL)
- 18. Nashville Predators: Will Moore, F (USNTDP)
- 19. Los Angeles Kings: Luka Radivojevic, D (Örebro, SWE)
- 20. Vegas Golden Knights: Haeden Ellis, F (Lethbridge, WHL)
- 21. Pittsburgh Penguins: Cole Reschny, F (Victoria, WHL)
- 22. Vancouver Canucks: Jackson Smith, D (Tri-City, WHL)
- 23. Tampa Bay Lightning: Jaxon Jacobson, F (Brandon, WHL)
- 24. Boston Bruins: Love Härenstam, G (Luleå, SWE)
- 25. Toronto Maple Leafs: Braeden Cootes, F (Seattle, WHL)
- 26. Carolina Hurricanes: Radim Mrtka, D (Třinec, CZE)
- 27. Dallas Stars: Sascha Boumedienne, D (Youngstown, USHL)
- 28. Winnipeg Jets: Jordan Gavin, F (Tri-City, WHL)
- 29. Colorado Avalanche: Max Crete, F (Upper Canada College)
- 30. Edmonton Oilers: Peyton Kettles, D (Swift Current, WHL)
- 31. Florida Panthers: Bill Zonnon, F (Rouyn-Noranda, QMJHL)
- 32. New York Rangers: Conrad Fondrk, F (USNTDP)
Draft Storylines and Strategic Analysis
This 2026 NHL mock draft highlights a significant shift toward high-mobility defensemen and elite playmaking centers. While the forward crop is top-heavy, the middle of the first round is where teams will find the foundational pieces for their blue lines.
The Utah Mammoth Debut
One of the biggest storylines heading into Friday is the Utah Mammoth. As the league's newest identity, the Mammoth are looking to make a splash in their first major draft. By selecting Matthew Schaefer at sixth overall in this projection, they address a critical need for a franchise defenseman. Schaefer is a modern, transition-focused player who can quarterback a power play, making him a perfect fit for a team looking to establish a new culture.
Defensive Depth and International Standouts
The 2026 class is particularly strong in its international offerings. Viggo Björck out of Sweden has seen his stock rise meteorically, solidifying his spot as a top-three pick. Similarly, players like Adam Benák from Czechia and Victor Eklund from Sweden showcase the global reach of the NHL scouting network. The Detroit Red Wings and Columbus Blue Jackets, teams with a history of scouting European markets heavily, are expected to look toward these international pipelines to bolster their depth.
The Impact of the 2026 Prospect Class
What makes this draft so intriguing is the sheer variety of player types available. Beyond the elite scorers at the top, the late first round is populated by prospects with immense physical tools who may need a few years of development in the NCAA or European professional leagues before making the jump to the NHL. This provides a unique opportunity for contending teams like the Florida Panthers and Dallas Stars to take a swing on high-upside talent despite picking later in the round.
As we look toward Friday’s first round, the projections suggest a night of surprises. With several teams rumored to be exploring trades involving their first-round picks, the order of the top 32 could change in an instant. However, the core group of prospects remains the same: a collection of young athletes ready to fulfill their dreams and begin their journey toward hoisting the Stanley Cup.
Sources & Original Reporting
