The Athletic’s annual mock draft for the 2026 NHL Draft has become a focal point for analysts and fans eager to glimpse the next wave of talent set to reshape the league. Released this week, the projection blends scouting reports, combine performances and team needs into a narrative that already feels like a prelude to the draft’s opening night.
Projected Picks by Team
The Toronto Maple Leafs are slated to take Gavin McKenna, a dynamic winger who honed his craft at Penn State, where his blend of speed and offensive instincts made him a standout in the Big Ten. The San Jose Sharks, seeking a defenseman who can anchor their blue line, project Chase Reid, a player whose physicality and skating suggest a future top‑pair role. In Vancouver, the Canucks lean on Caleb Malhotra, a centre whose two‑way play and hockey sense have drawn praise from management, making him a logical fit for a team looking to add depth down the middle. Chicago’s Blackhawks choose Ivar Stenberg, a scoring winger whose offensive upside could complement the development of Connor Bedard, adding a complementary piece to a young core. The New York Rangers opt for Carson Carels, a defenseman compared to Charlie McAvoy, aiming to reinforce a blue line that has been searching for a steady, puck‑moving presence. The Calgary Flames’ selection of Viggo Björck reflects a calculated response to a critical centre shortage, as the Swedish forward is projected to contribute immediately in a top‑six role.
Defensive Emphasis and Future Impact
A noticeable thread throughout the mock draft is the premium placed on defensemen, with several clubs opting for blueliners who bring size, mobility and offensive upside. The Seattle Kraken and Winnipeg Jets each add depth at defence, while the Florida Panthers keep Wyatt Cullen in their sights as a potential offensive catalyst. Later rounds see the St. Louis Blues tab Ethan Belchetz, a forward whose rare size‑skill combination could become a projectable bottom‑six asset, while the New York Islanders select Malte Gustafsson, a versatile defender despite a recent influx of left‑handed talent. The Columbus Blue Jackets, Washington Capitals and Los Angeles Kings each add pieces that address specific roster gaps, from physicality to speed, underscoring how team needs continue to shape the board. The breadth of talent projected across North America and Europe illustrates the global reach of the draft, with prospects from Penn State, Sweden, Germany and Russia all represented. As teams finalize their strategies, the upcoming draft promises to deliver a blend of polished skill, untapped potential and the kind of surprise selections that can redefine a franchise’s trajectory.