BUFFALO, N.Y. — The future of the National Hockey League arrives Friday night at KeyBank Center when the opening round of the 2026 NHL Draft begins, bringing together a class that scouts believe is rich in elite forwards, franchise defensemen and long-term organizational cornerstones.
The Toronto Maple Leafs hold the No. 1 overall selection after winning the NHL Draft Lottery, followed by the San Jose Sharks and Vancouver Canucks. Toronto's unexpected lottery victory dramatically altered the landscape of the draft and placed one of hockey's most storied franchises in position to select the player many evaluators consider the best prospect available, Penn State star Gavin McKenna.
While there is less consensus at the top than in some recent years, NHL executives widely agree that McKenna, Swedish winger Ivar Stenberg and defenseman Chase Reid represent the elite tier of the 2026 class. Behind them sits a group of high-end defensemen and centers capable of becoming franchise-building pieces for teams seeking long-term help.
Rounds 2 through 7 are scheduled for Saturday.
MY TOP 10 PROSPECTS
1. Gavin McKenna, LW, Penn State
The most dynamic offensive player in the draft. McKenna combines elite vision, creativity and scoring touch with the ability to drive play at high speed. He projects as a future NHL superstar and remains the favorite to become the first overall pick.
2. Ivar Stenberg, LW, Frölunda (Sweden)
A highly skilled winger with game-breaking offensive instincts. Stenberg's skating and puck skills allow him to create chances seemingly out of nothing, making him one of the most dangerous forwards in the class.
3. Chase Reid, D, Soo Greyhounds
The top right-shot defenseman available. Reid possesses size, mobility and offensive upside while already showing the defensive awareness NHL clubs covet in a future No. 1 defenseman.
4. Caleb Malhotra, C, Brantford Bulldogs
A complete two-way center who plays a mature game beyond his years. Malhotra can score, defend and win faceoffs, giving him one of the highest floors among the top prospects.
5. Keaton Verhoeff, D, University of North Dakota
The premier college defenseman in the draft. Verhoeff's combination of size, skating and puck-moving ability has scouts projecting him as a top-pair NHL blueliner.
6. Carson Carels, D, Prince George Cougars
An offensive defenseman with tremendous hockey sense and puck-distribution skills. Carels can quarterback a power play and impact games in transition.
7. Viggo Björck, C, Djurgårdens IF
One of the most intelligent players available. Björck sees the ice exceptionally well and consistently makes the right play under pressure.
8. Alberts Smits, D, EHC München
A rising European defenseman whose stock climbed throughout the season. Smits combines physical play with strong puck-moving ability and projects as a reliable top-four NHL defenseman.
9. Ethan Belchetz, LW, Windsor Spitfires
A natural goal scorer who has steadily climbed draft boards. Belchetz possesses a quick release and the offensive instincts teams seek in a future top-six winger.
10. Tynan Lawrence, C
A powerful center with size, skill and a pro-style game. Lawrence may not receive the same attention as the players above him, but several scouts believe he could eventually become one of the better two-way forwards in the class.
PROJECTED TOP 10 SELECTIONS
- Toronto Maple Leafs — Gavin McKenna, LW
- San Jose Sharks — Chase Reid, D
- Vancouver Canucks — Ivar Stenberg, LW
- Chicago Blackhawks — Caleb Malhotra, C
- New York Rangers — Keaton Verhoeff, D
- Calgary Flames — Carson Carels, D
- Seattle Kraken — Viggo Björck, C
- Winnipeg Jets — Alberts Smits, D
- Florida Panthers — Ethan Belchetz, LW
- Nashville Predators — Tynan Lawrence, C
The strength of the 2026 draft lies not only in its elite talent at the top but also in its depth on defense. Several clubs selecting in the top 15 are expected to target blueliners, creating what could become one of the most defense-heavy opening rounds in recent NHL Draft history. The class also features a strong European contingent, continuing a trend that has reshaped scouting strategies across the league.
For Minnesota hockey fans, the draft carries added local interest because Verhoeff and several other collegiate prospects have spent significant time competing in the Upper Midwest hockey pipeline. Their development paths have become increasingly attractive to NHL organizations looking for players capable of making a quicker transition to the professional game.
