Top 10 Prospects for the 2026 NHL Entry Draft

The 2026 NHL Draft class is loaded with elite offensive talent, high-end defensemen, and several players who project as potential franchise centerpieces. While the draft will not take place until June 26-27 in Buffalo, Draft Nation looks at the top 10 Prospects in one of the strongest prospect pools in recent memory. 

At the top of nearly every ranking is Gavin McKenna, a dynamic winger currently playing at Penn State. McKenna combines elite vision, creativity, and puck skills with outstanding hockey sense. After posting 51 points as a freshman and starring for Team Canada at the World Junior Championship, he is widely viewed as the favorite to go first overall.

Swedish winger Ivar Stenberg has emerged as McKenna’s biggest challenger. Playing for Frölunda in the Swedish Hockey League, Stenberg scored 33 points against mature players and professionals, impressing scouts with his two-way game and elite decision-making. Some evaluators believe he may be the most NHL-ready player in the draft.

Among defensemen, Chase Reid has skyrocketed up draft boards. The right-shot blueliner from the Soo Greyhounds possesses exceptional mobility, puck-moving skills, and strong defensive instincts. Many scouts project him as a future top-pairing defenseman.

Another towering defender, Keaton Verhoeff, has turned heads at the University of North Dakota. At 6-foot-4, 210 pounds, Verhoeff combines size, physicality, and a booming right-handed shot. His ability to dominate in all three zones has made him a consensus top talent.

Caleb Malhotra, the son of former NHL center Manny Malhotra, is one of the best centers in the class. Committed to Boston University, he stands out for his intelligence, faceoff ability, and 200-foot game.

Defenseman Carson Carels of the Prince George Cougars brings elite skating and offensive upside from the blue line and is viewed as another likely top-10 selection. He’s a high IQ player that embraces a 200-foot game, and at 6’2”, can play both with physicality and speed. 

Power forward Ryan Roobroeck of the Niagara IceDogs offers a rare blend of size, strength, and scoring touch. At 6-foot-4, he can overpower defenders while still displaying soft hands around the net.

Russian forward Viktor Fyodorov has gained significant attention thanks to his high-end puck skills and offensive creativity. He can fly up and down the ice, and even though he’s a bit on the smaller side, his style of play is commonplace with this brand of NHL hockey. 

Tynan Lawrence is another highly skilled forward who has climbed up the ranks due to his speed and scoring instincts. Fans of Nick Suzuki or Dylan Larkin’s playing style will like Lawrence. Coupled with his scoring and skating skills, Lawrence plays a two-way game and brings a non-stop motor to every shift. 

Rounding out the top 10 is Latvian defenseman Alberts Smits, whose combination of size, mobility, and physical edge has made him one of the most intriguing prospects. Smits reminds fans of Moritz Seider for his playing style and defense-first attitude—but one that can contribute to the offensive game as well. 

With stars like McKenna and Stenberg at the top, and a deep pool of talented defensemen, several of these prospects have the potential to become franchise-altering players. While nothing is guaranteed, the 2026 NHL Draft could shape the future of the league for years to come. 

The Toronto Maple Leafs are officially on the clock.