The Top Five 2026 NHL Draft Picks

The first five players taken in the 2026 NHL draft have already demonstrated their talents throughout their amateur careers. Now the question is—can they show off those skills and make significant contributions to the teams that picked them this season? 

The road to the NHL can be relatively easy for some, and a challenge for others. Even the most talented draft choices have a learning curve entering the professional world. A top five draft choice may have been his team’s most talented player in the past. But now, on the ice with the world’s best players, the pressure to “fit in” or excel can be overwhelming at first.

The great ones find a way to make the jump to the NHL look easy. However, it’s not. Future development depends on several factors: skills already established, honing those skills at the next level, how they deal with inevitable injuries, and their desire to be part of a fraternity that consists of the world’s best. 

Here’s a quick look at this year’s top five choices and whether they will see the NHL in their rookie season:

#1 Gavin McKenna – Toronto Maple Leafs (Penn State, NCAA)

There was little doubt that McKenna was going to go first overall, and the Maple Leafs made it a reality for the 5-11, 170-pound left wing. Physically, he’s not big and will need to hit the weight room to play consistently well against mature men at the next level. McKenna has proven that size doesn’t define his skills, and in this day and age, the NHL features many smaller players. And of course, the Leafs will give him plenty of time and protection to develop physically and on the ice. 

McKenna will start the year on the NHL roster. He has steadily improved his game in juniors and at Penn State. He flourishes in working his way through traffic and can make plays from anywhere on the ice. He has one of the most accurate shots in this draft class, which will give headaches to NHL goalies.

He joins players like Auston Matthews, William Nylander, Matthew Knies and John Tavares in Toronto, and they will help McKenna develop. 

#2 Ivar Stenberg – San Jose Sharks (Frolunda SHL)

Several general managers and player personnel directors thought that Stenberg had all the tools to be the first overall choice in this year’s draft. The Sharks weren’t disappointed when he “slipped” to them at second overall. Stenberg will fit in nicely with Macklin Celebrini, who was picked first in 2024 and has proven to be a dynamic player.

Stenberg’s strengths are his passing and playmaking skills. The 5-11, 190-pound winger is equally adept at making plays off the rush or from anywhere in the offensive zone. He will cause opposing blueliners fits with his play behind the goal line.

But Stenberg’s value doesn’t end in the offensive zone. He’s also gifted in the defensive end of the ice where he plays with an advanced hockey IQ. He understands his team’s defensive zone structure and philosophies but will need to get used to the speed of the NHL game this year. 

Stenberg has a solid chance to make the Sharks’ roster right away. If he’s not on the ice opening night, he’ll be there before season’s end.

#3 Caleb Malhotra – Vancouver Canucks (Bradford, OHL)

The Canucks have gone Malhotra crazy in recent months. On June 1, Manny Malhotra, who was picked No. 7 by the Rangers in the 1998 draft, was named the team’s head coach. A few weeks later, Vancouver picked his son, Caleb, with the third overall pick. 

The 18-year-old Malhotra will be a beast when all is said and done. He measures in at 6’2” and weighs 185lbs but has room to add twenty pounds of muscle to his frame as he matures. Even with his size, he is highly skilled with quick feet and hands. Those traits allow him to play well in both ends of the rink, getting shots off in traffic and making pinpoint passes to teammates.

While Malhotra is a few years away from his ideal size as a power forward, 2026 will likely see him away from the team, developing outside the NHL. But fans of the Canucks will have fun watching him develop while playing for his dad.

#4 Daxson Rudolph - Buffalo Sabres (Prince Albert, WHL)

Rudolph was the first defenseman selected in this year’s draft and he received a raucous reception in front of the hometown fans in Buffalo when his name was called. The Sabres picked him after moving up to the fourth spot, making a trade with the Chicago Blackhawks.

Rudolph uses his 6-3” frame to help him gain solid defensive positioning. He wins the tough one-on-one battles in front of the net and in the corners. In the offensive zone, he can score from the point or find an open teammate. Rudolph has a good feel for when to jump into a play and get a scoring chance in the offensive zone. 

While Sabres fans want to see him sooner rather than later in Buffalo, it is likely that Rudolph will need at least another year of development before he hits the NHL ice.

#5 Alberts Smits - New York Rangers (Munchen, DEL)

Smits is another defenseman with good size (6-3, 209) and is the highest Latvia-born player selected in the draft—and for good reason. He represented his country in the 2026 Olympic Games and was the youngest player to participate.

He is comfortable playing on both ends of the ice with a smooth skating style that allows him to make plays all over the rink. He can go from offense to defense, and back again, in a flash. The left-hander has very good gap play, which allows him to force turnovers. He can pass or carry the puck up ice for scoring chances and has already proven he can play with the world’s best at the Olympics.

Don’t expect Smits to make the NHL roster for opening night in New York, but don’t be surprised if he joins the team later in the season to gain experience. He’s an early bloomer with the right size to play today at the NHL level.