The 2026 NHL Draft is less than a year away, and the hype is already building. This class is loaded with high-end talent — from electrifying playmakers like Gavin McKenna to towering defenders like Keaton Verhoeff. Early projections suggest it could be one of the deepest groups of the last decade, featuring a balance of skill, size, and upside across all positions. While it’s still early in the scouting process, here’s a preseason look at the Top 32 prospects shaping the conversation heading into the 2025–26 season.
1. Gavin McKenna — LW, Penn State (NCAA)
6’0” |165 lbs |Dec. 20, 2007
McKenna is an electrifying offensive winger with elite skating, vision, and creativity. A natural playmaker who thrives in transition, he also owns a deceptive shot and relentless compete level. He projects as a future first-line star and possibly a franchise-changing winger.
2. Keaton Verhoeff — RHD, North Dakota (NCAA)
6’4” |212 lbs |Jun. 19, 2008
Verhoeff is a towering right-shot defenseman with leadership qualities and high-end tools. He’s got vision, poise with the puck, and a heavy shot, paired with polished defensive instincts for his age. If his skating improves, he has true top-pair, all-situations NHL potential.
3. Ivar Stenberg — RW, Fronlunda (SHL)
5’11” |170 lbs |Sep. 30, 2007
Stenberg blends elite puck skills, offensive instincts, and a dangerous shot with strong play-driving ability along the boards. Already producing in the SHL playoffs at 17, his strength on the puck and creativity set him apart. He projects as a top-line NHL winger with star upside.
4. Ethan Belchetz — LW, Windsor (OHL)
6’5” |227 lbs |Mar. 30, 2008
Belchetz is a towering power forward who was the No. 1 pick in the 2024 OHL Draft and wasted no time making an impact with Windsor. With his size, strong wall play, and heavy shot, he’s already a matchup nightmare. While his skating still needs refinement, his combination of frame and skill makes him one of the most intriguing power wingers in the 2026 class.
5. Ryan Lin — RHD, Vancouver (WHL)
5’11” |172 lbs |Apr. 18, 2008
Lin might be the most intelligent defenseman in the 2026 draft class, already logging 25+ minutes per night as a 16-year-old with Vancouver. He blends elite hockey IQ with smooth puck movement, sharp defensive reads, and the ability to excel in all situations. While not the biggest blueliner, his poise, vision, and complete two-way game have drawn early comparisons to Adam Fox.
6. Ryan Roobroeck — C, Niagara (OHL)
6’4” |190 lbs |Sep. 25, 2007
Roobroeck is a towering forward with a natural scoring touch. Last season, he led Niagara with 44 goals and 93 points in 69 games, outpacing several NHL-drafted teammates while logging big minutes on both special teams. Despite his size, he plays more with skill than physicality, showcasing a strong release and smooth skating stride that make him dangerous in transition. If he adds more presence down the middle this year, his draft stock could rise even higher.
7. Tynan Lawrence — C, Muskegon (USHL)
6’0” |168 lbs |Aug. 3, 2008
Lawrence was the Clark Cup MVP last season after powering Muskegon’s playoff run with 18 points in 14 games as a 16-year-old. Nearly a point-per-game rookie in the USHL, he already plays a mature, two-way game with pace, smarts, and strong defensive habits. His quick release, vision in transition, and willingness to drive play through the middle make him one of the most polished centers in this draft class.
8. Mathis Preston — RW, Spokane (WHL)
5’11” |168 lbs |Jul. 21, 2008
Preston is a dynamic offensive winger with slick hands, speed, and a scorer’s touch. He led the U17s in goals with six in five games — including a semifinal hat trick and another in the gold medal game — and has continued to shine with Hockey Canada and Spokane. Shifty and confident with the puck, he can beat defenders off the rush or in tight spaces, and his quick release makes him a constant threat. He leans offense-first, but his creativity and ability to deliver in big moments give him clear top-line potential.
9. Daxon Rudolph — RHD, Prince Albert (WHL)
6’1” |194 lbs |Mar. 6, 2008
The No. 1 pick in the 2023 WHL Bantam Draft, Rudolph started last season steady but truly elevated after the calendar flipped to 2025. He became a force for Prince Albert, logging heavy minutes in the playoffs and nearly producing at a point-per-game pace from the back end. A smooth skater with strong edges, he reads the ice well, defends the rush effectively, and isn’t afraid to jump into the play. With his size, vision, and quick-release shot, Rudolph projects as a modern top-pairing defenseman with growing offensive confidence.
10. Carson Carels — LHD, Prince George (WHL)
6’1” |174 lbs |Jun. 23, 2008
Carels logged over 24 minutes a night as a 16-year-old in Prince George, showing his versatility on both the power play and penalty kill. A steady, well-rounded defenseman, he combines strong skating, physical play, and a heavy shot from the point. While not flashy, he’s reliable in all three zones, closes gaps with good timing, and makes smart, simple puck decisions. With his size, mobility, and poise, Carels already looks like a pro and projects as a top-pair candidate in this draft class.
11. Xavier Villeneuve — LHD, Blainville-Boisbriand (QMJHL)
5’10” |160 lbs |Sep. 29, 2007
Villeneuve is one of the most skilled defensemen in this class, already earning QMJHL Defenseman of the Year honors at just 17. An elite puck-mover with high-end vision, he creates offense from the blue line with his edges, deceptive footwork, and ability to open space. He quarterbacked Canada’s power play at the U18 Worlds, finishing with four goals — the most of any defenseman in the tournament. While undersized, his hockey IQ, poise, and dynamic playmaking make him a potential top-tier offensive blueliner in the 2026 draft.
12. Chase Reid — RHD, Soo Greyhounds (OHL)
6’2” |185 lbs |Dec. 30, 2007
Reid’s rise last season was remarkable — from starting in the NAHL to finishing as a point-per-game defenseman logging 25–30 minutes a night in the OHL. A smooth-skating right-shot blueliner, he handles pressure with poise, moves the puck efficiently in transition, and owns a heavy, accurate shot. His defensive game continues to develop, and as he adds strength to his frame, his ceiling grows even higher. A Michigan State commit, Reid is trending toward being one of the OHL’s top defensemen this season and has legitimate first-round NHL Draft potential.
13. Viggo Bjorck — C, Djurgården (HockeyAllsvenskan)
5’10” |165 lbs |Mar. 12, 2008
Bjorck is one of the most skilled playmakers in the 2026 class. After breaking scoring records at both the J18 and J20 levels in Sweden, he made his HockeyAllsvenskan debut last year and impressed enough to earn a spot at the World Junior Summer Showcase. Despite being on the smaller side for a center, he’s quick, slippery, and highly creative with the puck, showing poise as both a facilitator and finisher. He excels in the faceoff circle, contributes on the penalty kill, and isn’t afraid to drive the net through contact. With his hockey IQ, speed, and agility, Bjorck projects as a true center at higher levels. If he keeps growing physically, his upside could be massive.
14. Adam Novotny — LW, Peterborough Petes (OHL)
6’1” |198 lbs |Nov. 13, 2007
Novotny is a pro-built winger who already has experience playing against men in Czechia’s top league with Mountfield. He stood out at the 2024 Hlinka, the 2025 U18 Worlds, and even earned a bronze medal with Czechia at the World Juniors shortly after turning 17. Now joining Peterborough for his draft year, he brings size, skill, and a strong skating stride to the OHL. Novotny plays with confidence, drives the net effectively, and has a dangerous curl-and-drag shot. He combines good hands, solid two-way instincts, and a competitive edge, making him a player well-suited for the North American game. Expect him to quickly emerge as one of the Petes’ top forwards.
15. Marcus Nordmark — LW, Djurgården (J20 Nationell)
6’1” |183 lbs |May 4, 2008
Nordmark was a standout for Sweden last season, leading the team in scoring at both U17 Worlds and the Hlinka Gretzky Cup. He delivered one of the tournament’s biggest moments with a hat trick capped by an overtime winner in the semifinal, sending Sweden to the gold medal game. Domestically, he thrived with Djurgården’s J20 team, playing at over a point-per-game pace despite spending part of the year at J18. A shifty, skilled forward with excellent hands, creativity, and a lethal snap shot, Nordmark has shown he can play all three forward positions and impact games both in open ice and in tight spaces.
The son of former NHL defenseman Robert Nordmark, Marcus also has ties to the CHL as an import pick of the London Knights, though he’ll begin his draft year with Djurgården. With his size, offensive instincts, and proven clutch ability, he projects as a first-round talent in the 2026 NHL Draft.
16. Elton Hermansson — RW, Örebro (J20 Nationell)
6’1” |176 lbs |Feb. 5, 2008
While fellow Swedes Ivar Stenberg and Viggo Bjorck have drawn most of the early headlines, Hermansson is another legitimate first-round talent from this group. A right shot who can play both wings, he impressed at the U17 Worlds, Hlinka Gretzky Cup, and the U18 Five Nations, showing off his offensive skill against strong competition.
Hermansson is a skilled puck-handler and natural scorer, dangerous with his curl-and-drag wrister and quick one-timer from the flank. He can beat defenders one-on-one, create off the rush, and finish plays inside the offensive zone. While his defensive game and overall polish still need work, his size, speed, and offensive upside make him one of the most intriguing Swedish forwards in the 2026 draft class.
17. Nikita Klepov — LW, Saginaw Spirit (OHL)
5’11” | 161 lbs | Jun. 27, 2008
A Michigan State commit, Nikita Klepov brings high-end vision and playmaking ability to the Saginaw Spirit after a year in the USHL. His game is built on creativity — using hesitations, fakes, and slick puck skills to open lanes and set up teammates.
Klepov is a strong skater who consistently creates zone entries and drives play off the rush. While his size is modest for a first-round winger, his hockey IQ and power-play upside make him a legitimate prospect to watch. With a late June birthday and a move to the OHL this season, scouts expect his game to climb quickly as he adjusts — giving him real potential to climb draft boards.
18. Niklas Aaram-Olsen — LW, Örebro (J20 / SWE)
6’0” |179 lbs |Apr. 19, 2008
Niklas Aaram-Olsen is one of the most intriguing Norwegian prospects in years. He produced a point per game with Örebro’s J20 team and led Norway in scoring at the Division 1A World Juniors as just a 16-year-old.
His biggest weapon is his shot arsenal — a heavy snapper, curl-and-drag release, and a strong one-timer that makes him a threat from both the bumper and the flank on the power play. He skates well, covers the ice effectively, and is willing to track back on pucks, though his stride could still use some refinement.
If he adds more physicality and consistency away from the puck, Aaram-Olsen’s natural scoring tools could make him one of the more exciting under-the-radar wingers in this draft class.
19. Jack Hextall — C, Youngstown (USHL)
6’0” |183 lbs |Mar. 23, 2008
A Michigan State commit, Jack Hextall already carries himself like a pro. Even as a 16-year-old in the USHL, he showed a polished all-around game that wasn’t fully reflected in his point totals.
Hextall is a complete two-way center — strong on his skates, excellent at protecting the puck, and relentless in battles. He plays with physical edge, isn’t afraid to throw big hits, and takes pride in his defensive work. Offensively, he has a good shot, strong vision, and the ability to attack both the net-front and the high slot.
He was USA’s No. 1 center at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup, and while his production didn’t match his impact, he looked the part of a first-round talent. With more opportunity in Youngstown this season, expect the numbers to catch up to his pro-style game.
20. Cooper Williams — C, Saskatoon (WHL)
6’0” |166 lbs |Feb. 18, 2008
One of the best 200-foot players in this draft class, Cooper Williams impacts the game at both ends of the ice. He plays with speed, smarts, and responsibility, while still bringing offensive punch.
Last season, he put up 57 points in 68 games for Saskatoon, and the expectation is that he can take another step to reach a point-per-game pace. Williams isn’t shy about driving the net and using his IQ to create chances, making him a reliable presence in all situations. Slotted to play on the top line this year, he’ll have every opportunity to showcase his complete game and leadership.
21. Adam Nemec — LW, HK Nitra (Slovakia)
6’0” |159 lbs |Oct. 18, 2007
The younger brother of Devils defenseman Simon Nemec, Adam is carving his own path as a forward. He made his pro debut with HK Nitra at just 16 and played a bigger role last season at 17, showing poise against men. His CHL rights belong to the Sudbury Wolves, but he’s expected to continue his development in Slovakia this year.
Nemec is a skilled, opportunistic winger with strong instincts on and off the puck. He finds open ice well, creates chances around the slot, and owns a quick release with good finishing touch. While his skating remains average, his compete level and willingness to engage physically help balance his game. Already productive at international events — including four points in seven games at the 2025 U18 Worlds — Nemec continues to prove he belongs among the top forwards in his age group.
He’ll need to add strength and refine his skating, but his ability to produce at the pro level makes him a legitimate first-round candidate for 2026.
22. Tobias Tomik — LW, Vancouver Giants (WHL)
6’1” |187 lbs |Dec. 18, 2007
A late-2007 born winger, Tomik already has plenty of high-level experience under his belt. He spent most of last season playing against men in Slovakia’s top pro league with Trencin, and he’s also been a standout internationally — skating on Slovakia’s top line at the 2024 U18 Worlds as a 16-year-old and later suiting up at the World Juniors just weeks after turning 17. This year, he makes the jump to the WHL’s Vancouver Giants, the same program that helped Samuel Honzek turn into a first-round NHL pick.
Tomik is a natural shooter and finisher, with a quick, heavy release that makes him a power-play weapon. While his skating isn’t a standout, he has the hands, scoring instincts, and versatility to play all three forward positions. He’s also shown he can contribute on the penalty kill at the international level, suggesting dual special teams upside. Projected as a top-nine scoring winger, Tomik’s North American transition in the WHL will be closely watched by NHL scouts this season.
23. Adam Valentini — C, Kitchener (OHL)
5’11” | 183 lbs | Apr. 11, 2008
A Michigan commit, Valentini is a smart two-way center with quick feet, strong puck protection, and excellent hockey sense. After a year in the USHL with Chicago, he now joins Kitchener where he’s expected to be an impact player right away. His vision, pace, and responsibility make him a well-rounded top-six forward prospect.
24. Alberts Smits — LHD, Jukurit (Liiga)
6’3” | 205 lbs |Dec. 2, 2007
Smits is a mobile, shutdown-style defenseman who already earned Liiga minutes with Jukurit and stood out for Latvia’s U18 team. At 6’3”, he combines size, poise, and a reliable first pass with a heavy point shot, making him a steady two-way presence coaches trust in all situations.
25. William Håkansson — LHD, Luleå (SHL)
6’4” | 207 lbs | Oct. 8, 2007
Håkansson is a big, rangy two-way defenseman who played heavy minutes in Sweden’s J20 league and even suited up in the SHL for Luleå’s championship squad. Strong and physical with smooth skating for his size, he moves the puck well, has a hard shot, and shows the poise to handle higher-level play. He projects as a steady, reliable defender with late first-round potential.
26. Tomáš Chrenko — C, Nitra (Slovakia)
5’11” | 170 lbs | Nov. 2, 2007
Chrenko is a skilled, creative center who already has pro experience with Nitra in Slovakia’s top league. He impressed at back-to-back U18 Worlds, leading Slovakia in scoring last spring with eight points in five games. A smart skater with good edges, vision, and deceptive hands, he can drive play through the middle and set up teammates with precision. Size is his main question mark, but his talent and compete level make him a strong first-round candidate.
27. Lars Steiner — RW, Rouyn-Noranda (QMJHL)
5’11” | 181 lbs | Nov. 12, 2007
Steiner had a standout rookie year in the QMJHL, scoring 60 points in 57 games with Rouyn-Noranda. A strong, stocky winger, he combines speed, skill, and physicality to play a competitive game despite being under six feet. He’s dangerous in transition, can score with a quick wrister or one-timer, and isn’t afraid to battle along the boards. His mix of energy, skating, and scoring touch makes him an intriguing prospect with NHL upside.
28. Simon Katolický — RW, Tappara (Finland U18)
6’4” | 187 lbs | Jul. 24, 2008
Katolický is a towering winger with surprising mobility, standing at 6’4” but skating with real fluidity. Last season he dominated Finland’s U18 league and showed well internationally for Czechia, proving he can handle tougher competition. With his combination of size, hands, and vision, he generates offense at pace and owns a heavy shot from distance that could translate against pro goalies.
29. Oscar Holmertz — C, Linköping (J20 Nationell)
6’0” | 183 lbs | Mar. 21, 2008
Holmertz is a smooth-skating center who stood out at U17 Worlds and nearly hit a point-per-game pace in Sweden’s J20 league as a 16-year-old. His edge work and pull-away speed make him hard to contain, while his quick hands and sharp playmaking instincts allow him to create space for linemates or generate his own chances. More of a natural facilitator than finisher, Holmertz flashes a quick release when needed and carries clear top-six NHL upside if he continues to round out his compete level.
30. Alessandro Di Iorio — C, Sarnia (OHL)
6’1” | 174 lbs | Mar. 17, 2008
Di Iorio, the No. 2 pick in the 2024 OHL Draft, has already built a strong résumé with Hockey Canada, leading the Youth Olympics in scoring, wearing a letter at U17s and Hlinka, and cracking the U18 Worlds roster as an underager. A smart, skilled center with soft hands and a deceptive curl-and-drag wrister, he can both finish plays and set up teammates. He’s also stronger than he looks in battles, showing good stick lifts and a willingness to attack the middle. Expect him to post a breakout season in Sarnia as one of the OHL’s top draft eligibles.
31. Colin Fitzgerald — C, Peterborough (OHL)
6’2” | 207 lbs | Apr. 1, 2008
Fitzgerald is a big, physical, pro-style center who plays a heavy north-south game. A strong skater once he gets moving, he combines size, speed, and a hard shot to pressure defenders and drive the net. While his production has been limited in bottom-six international roles, his physical edge and competitiveness give him the tools to project as a future third-line power forward with upside if his offensive game continues to grow.
32. Olivers Murnieks — C, Sioux City (USHL)
6’1” | 190 lbs | Jul. 31, 2008
Murnieks is a pro-built, two-way center who already brings a mature, reliable game. He impressed as a 16-year-old in the USHL and even centered Latvia’s top line at the 2025 World Juniors as a double underager, holding his own in tough matchups. Strong in the faceoff circle and an effective penalty killer, he plays with detail and responsibility, showing the traits of a future NHL 3C even if his skating and high-end skill are more average.
This October ranking is just the beginning. Over the course of the season, player development, international tournaments, and league play will shift the board dramatically. Some names here will rise into the top tier, while others may slide as new stars emerge. What’s clear is that the 2026 NHL Draft already promises excitement, intrigue, and franchise-changing talent. Keep checking back as we track these prospects and update their progress on the road to draft day next June.
