The Athletic’s senior prospects writers Corey Pronman and Scott Wheeler have released their annual mock draft, projecting the first two rounds of the 2026 NHL Draft.
Golden Knights' Penalty
The Vegas Golden Knights enter the projection with a notable penalty: the team forfeits its second‑round selection after a breach of media regulations.
Because the draft order is still being refined by the ongoing Stanley Cup playoffs, the sequence of picks has shifted slightly since the initial model was completed.
Early Forecasts for the Top Six
Analysts are already parsing the early forecasts, which highlight a handful of eye‑catching names at the summit of the board.
The Toronto Maple Leafs are slated to hold the first overall slot and are projected to select forward Gavin McKenna, a player who has risen sharply in scouting reports.
Following them, the San Jose Sharks would take defenseman Chase Reid at second overall, while the Vancouver Canucks are expected to choose center Caleb Malhotra third.
The Chicago Blackhawks’ fourth pick is projected to be Ivar Stenberg, a forward known for his two‑way play, and the New York Rangers would round out the top five with Carson Carels.
Finally, the Calgary Flames are forecast to add Keaton Verhoeff with the sixth overall selection, rounding out a diverse early batch of talent.
These projections reflect a blend of team preferences, player consensus and the ripple effects of recent league developments, offering a snapshot of what the first round could look like when the draft finally unfolds.