My prediction is that this draft will have the most Top Ten defenseman in the 2026 NHL Draft. In 2021, we saw Owen Power (Sabres) go first overall, Luke Hughes (Devils) fourth overall, Simon Edvinsson (Red Wings) go sixth overall, and Brandt Clarke (Kings) eighth overall. This draft will have more, and I think the quality is a bit better overall.
My latest rankings don’t reflect where I think players may get picked. Keaton Verhoeff has a top-pairing ceiling. He may drop a bit because some teams might look for more offense, but he’s going to fall in the Top Five. I would be surprised if he slips past that, but he had the hardest competition of any of the blueliners, so he’s Top Ten all day long, no matter what.
Chase Reid has rocketed up the charts. He has the best shot in the draft and a solid all-around game. Like Verhoeff, he’s right-handed as well, and that goes a long way in being a Top Five pick. He may go second. Would I do that? Probably not. I wanted to see more of him in the playoffs. Not a knock, just looking for a bit more out of him. Still, I can see him going this high.
Alberts Smits. Let’s not forget how nasty and physical he can be. He didn’t care about matching up against Connor McDavid in the Olympics. He has a big point shot and can play on a top power play as well as defend. I think he will get better, and right now, He’s going to be one of the top three defenseman t going to be one of the top three or four defensemen taken. He can slip if teams are looking for more offense. That is possible, but he’s a Top Ten lock.
Carson Carels is getting tremendous hype. He is a terrific defenseman; that’s not the issue. My issue is, I wonder how good his all-around game will be. He is fast and feisty. According to InStat, he’s averaging 1.9 hits per game, and he’s winning 60% of his puck battles. He’s 6-2, 194 pounds, and will get over the magic 200-pound mark easily. He averaged over 25 minutes a game with Prince George, and he had 20 goals in the regular season and was a point-per-game player in the playoffs. He loves to shoot the puck and plays in all situations. Another Top Ten lock and possibly Top Five.
Daxon Rudolph may be underrated to some degree. He’s 6-2 with a right-handed shot. His 24 points in 16 playoff games so far ensure he will be a Top Ten lock.
Ryan Lin looked good in the U18s. He could sneak into the Top Ten. Another righty with a lot of offense.
Malte Gustafsson is emerging. He played 27 SHL games for HV71 and won gold in the 2026 U18s. He had five points in six games. At 6-4, he might sneak in there.
I think six is a really good bet with an outside shot on seven if there’s a run on defenseman.
