2026 NHL Mock Draft: Who Will Be Drafted in First Round?

After the Hockey Gods favoured the Toronto Maple Leafs for the second time in 10 years and shunned the Vancouver Canucks and Calgary Flames for the umpteenth time, we can move on. 

Easier said than done for the aforementioned Western Canadian franchises. Let’s get into which players are the most likely to be selected in the top 16 at the 2026 NHL draft, taking place on June 26 and 27 at KeyBank Center in Buffalo. 

NHL Mock Draft: Best Top 16 Picks 

1. Gavin McKenna, LW, Penn State (Toronto Maple Leafs)

Gavin McKenna is going to Toronto. While we’ll have to wait for confirmation, the McKenna draft odds, along with him being the best offensive player in the draft class, almost assure his selection at No. 1.

Related: Gavin McKenna Scouting Report: Why Leafs Will Draft McKenna

2. Ivar Stenberg, LW, Forlunda, SHL (San Jose Sharks)

While the San Jose Sharks are already stacked with young offensive talent, Ivar Stenberg’s ceiling is too high to turn a blind eye. He’s the best all-around forward in the draft class, and that will be too appealing for general manager Mike Grier and Co. to pass up.  

3. Caleb Malhotra, C, Brantford Bulldogs (Vancouver Canucks)

Who should the Vancouver Canucks pick in the first round of the NHL draft? While selecting a defenceman makes a lot of sense, I’m pivoting to centre Caleb Malhotra, who raised eyebrows with his spectacular play in the OHL playoffs.

The fact that his dad, Manny, is the head coach of the AHL’s Abbotsford Canucks tips the scales.

4. Keaton Verhoeff, D, North Dakota (Chicago Blackhawks)

Keaton Verhoeff is among the best three defencemen, but it’s anyone’s guess who will be selected first. 

Verhoeff stepped up to the college ranks earlier than most, and some think it was a mistake. I’m of the opposite opinion, believing he’ll be NHL-ready sooner. It also showed courage, which should bode well for his draft stock. 

5. Chase Reid, D, Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds (New York Rangers)

Chase Reid is arguably above Keaton Verhoeff in the pecking order. Reid could be selected as high as No. 2 if the San Jose Sharks prioritize a positional fit. 

That said, I’m expecting the Blueshirts to call his name at No. 5. 

6. Carson Carels, D, Prince George (Calgary Flames)

When discussing who the Flames should pick in the first round of the NHL draft, it’s important to take general manager Craig Conroy’s words at face value. He said they’d pick the best player available, not worrying about the best positional fit.  

It feels like salt-of-the-earth Carels, a cowboy through and through, is the perfect fit. 

7. Nikita Klepov, RW, Saginaw Spirit (Seattle Kraken)

The Seattle Kraken need more offence in a hurry. Nikita Klepov probably won’t impact proceedings in 2026-27, but he should be an instrumental player for the future. 

He’s a crafty offensive player who led the OHL in scoring, but his defensive capabilities are questionable.

8. Viggo Björck, C, Djurgardens (Winnipeg Jets)

The Winnipeg Jets are in desperate need of more depth down the middle, preferably someone who will be good enough to centre their second line. 

9. Daxon Rudolph, D, Prince Albert (Florida Panthers)

The Florida Panthers, who will likely be among the Stanley Cup odds favourites at the BetMGM sportsbook despite missing the playoffs, could just as easily select a forward with their No. 9 pick. Still, I’m going with the Prince Albert Raiders’ Daxon Rudolph. 

He’s being compared to Drew Doughty, and he could be a top-four defenceman in the near future.

With that in mind, Viggo Björck is who the Jets should pick in the first round of the NHL draft.   

10. Alberts Šmits, D, München (GER), (Nashville Predators)

Alberts Šmits is an imposing 6-foot-3 blueliner who is mature beyond his years. As an 18-year-old, he impressed for Latvia in the 2026 Winter Olympics, averaging 18 minutes, 44 seconds of ice time. 

He was the youngest player at the tournament and will be an asset to any team. He’s also more NHL-ready than most. 

11. Tynan Lawrence, C, Boston University (St. Louis Blues)

Tynan Lawrence’s inconsistency with Boston University last season has dropped his draft stock. It’s the only reason he won’t be selected in the top 10, and the Blues will be more willing to take a risk as they have three first-round picks. 

The ceiling is also high for the two-way centre. 

12. Ethan Belchetz, LW, Windsor (New Jersey Devils)

Ethan Belchetz is tailor-suited for the New Jersey Devils. He’s a 6-foot-5 winger who would perfectly complement diminutive stars Jack Hughes and Nico Hischier. 

As you’d imagine, he’s keen on spending a ton of time in front of the net and screens goalies better than most. 

13. Wyatt Cullen, LW, University of Minnesota (New York Islanders)

Wyatt Cullen is the son of three-time Stanley Cup champion Matt Cullen, and he’s capable of being a steady top-six forward. 

He was one of Team USA’s best players at the World Under-18 Championship, notching nine points in five games. 

14. Ryan Lin, D, Vancouver Giants (Columbus Blue Jackets)

The Columbus Blue Jackets could use another potentially top-tier defenceman, and the Vancouver Giants’ Ryan Lin fits the bill. 

While only 5-foot-11, Lin plays aggressively and is a dynamic skater with a high hockey IQ.

15. Xavier Villeneuve, D, Blainville-Boisbriand (St. Louis Blues)

Xavier Villeneuve has been hindered by injuries this year, but he’s touted as a likely top-20 pick. 

After selecting a centre (Tynan Lawrence) with the No. 11 pick, the St. Louis Blues will want to balance the books by drafting a skilled defenceman who can move the puck and could be a future quarterback for the power play. 

16. Oscar Hemming, LW, Boston College (Washington Capitals)

Another big, strong forward to accompany Tom Wilson could provide the dream scenario for the Washington Capitals. Oscar Hemming might be picked sooner, but I like his fit with the Caps.