The 2026 NHL Draft will open its doors tomorrow in Buffalo, New York, kicking off a weekend that promises to reshape the league’s future.
The Top Prospects
At the very top of the board, Gavin McKenna is widely projected to be the first overall selection, a dynamic offensive winger whose elite puck skills and hockey sense have drawn comparisons to the league’s most creative forwards.
The second overall pick will be a battle between two very different talents: Chase Reid, a defenseman praised for his skating and offensive upside, and Ivar Stenberg, a forward who has already proven himself in the SHL and on the world stage.
A Crucial Decision for Vancouver
The Vancouver Canucks sit at No.3 and face a choice between Caleb Malhotra, a big two‑way center with size, skating and hockey sense, and Stenberg, whose versatility could add depth to their forward group.
Malhotra’s physical presence and ability to win face‑offs make him an attractive option, while Stenberg’s proven scoring touch could also sway the decision.
Beyond the Top Three
Viggo Björck, a dominant center known for his playmaking vision and competitive spirit, looms as a player whose size may cause some teams to hesitate despite his high‑end skill set.
The defensive depth of the draft is also noteworthy, with Carson Carels offering a physical, well‑skating presence that projects him as a reliable top‑four defender, and Alberts Šmits, a tall, mobile left‑shot defenseman whose high‑end point shot could make him a power‑play asset.
Other prospects such as Keaton Verhoeff, Daxon Rudolph and Malte Gustafsson add further intrigue, rounding out a class that appears deep on both the forward and blue‑line sides of the ball.