2026 NHL Mock Draft: McKenna to Leafs leads draft week top 32 – but then what?

Jun 22, 2026, 09:00 EDTUpdated: Jun 22, 2026, 10:26 EDT

2026 NHL Mock Draft: McKenna to Leafs leads draft week top 32 – but then what?

Credit: Steven Ellis

It’s draft week, baby.

The fun is set to begin in Buffalo on Friday night, with 32 players poised to realize their dreams at the KeyBank Center. Another 192 players will get selected on Saturday in what should be quite an interesting draft, all things considered. It feels like Gavin McKenna is a super safe bet at No. 1. After that? All bets are off.

Many in the industry expect the San Jose Sharks to go with Chase Reid at No. 2. The third pick is where things get truly exciting, though. The Vancouver Canucks could use a center – but would they want to take the coach’s son, or instead pick a winger like Ivar Stenberg? Or, heck… maybe a defenseman?

You probably hear it all the time – but there might legitimately be some draft pick chaos on Friday. There’s no true consensus on the top five prospects at this point. Still, if you’re a team picking early, you’re probably happy with what you’re getting.

Here’s an updated top 32 mock draft, with a final top 64 coming on draft day:

1. Toronto Maple Leafs: Gavin McKenna, LW (Penn State University, NCAA)

It feels unlikely Toronto would go any other way. He’s the most skilled forward, and just about everyone I’ve talked to has McKenna joining the Leafs out of training camp next year. Toronto needed something to make next season more fun – McKenna makes that happen. Don’t overthink it – unless there’s a trade-off you simply can’t refuse. McKenna can handle the pressure probably better than anyone in the draft, given he’s been in the spotlight for about half a decade.

2. San Jose Sharks: Chase Reid, RHD (Soo Greyhounds, OHL)

The Sharks absolutely need a defender. And that’s what I still think they’ll do, even if I personally prefer Stenberg. Reid is the best available, thanks to his outstanding puck skills and competitive nature. You can argue that the OHL isn’t as strong as it once was because the older competition jumped to the NCAA early. But with all the translatable skills – primarily, decision-making under pressure, outstanding mobility and high-end vision – he is definitely the closest to becoming a No. 1 defenseman out of anyone. If the Sharks don’t see themselves in the Landon DuPont hunt next year (they shouldn’t), this is their chance to address their blueline.

3. Vancouver Canucks: Ivar Stenberg, LW (Frolunda, SHL)

I have had heavy doubts for a while now that the Canucks would select Caleb Malhotra at No. 3. Some scouts pushed back, saying they felt Vancouver would still do it. Now, less so, so we’ll see. Blackhawks would absolutely love this. Stenberg is strong with the puck, has a fantastic shot and might have the second-best hockey sense of anyone in the draft behind McKenna’s. Stenberg’s production fell as the season wore on, but he still had one of the best seasons by a U-19 player in recent SHL history. Stenberg’s ceiling might not be as high as McKenna’s from an offensive production standpoint. But if you’re looking for someone who excels in more facets of the game, Stenberg is the best choice.

4. Chicago Blackhawks: Carson Carels, LHD (Prince George Cougars, WHL)

Carels, in my opinion, is closer to being the best defender than the third. He was one of the best young defenders in the CHL, and scouts love him. Carels brings that rugged, heavy-lifting mentality he and his family use on the farm right onto the ice. When you combine his elite defensive awareness, seamless two-way game, punishing physique, and off-the-charts hockey IQ, you get a truly premium defensive prospect. He showed high-end flashes during the World Juniors, and he possesses every tool necessary to become a top-pairing defender one day. You won’t find many more defensemen as rounded as him in the draft, and he hits like an absolute truck. Carels is the type of prospect who’ll work his tail off no matter what, and you have to love that.

5. New York Rangers: Caleb Malhotra, C (Brantford Bulldogs, OHL)

The Rangers could use a bit of everything in the draft. But they’d be thrilled to get the top center in the draft at No. 5. Malhotra’s steady, smart play has helped him emerge as the No. 1 center for this draft. It’s not a great group down the middle, but Malhotra looks like a future top-six threat. He was a huge part of Brantford’s success this year, which included 13 goals and 26 points in just 15 playoff games. Malhotra battles hard at both ends, giving opponents little time to make quick, heads-up decisions with the puck. Will he have the natural play-driving ability to excel offensively in the NHL? We’ll see.

6. Calgary Flames: Viggo Björck, C (Djurgardens, SHL)

Björck is a good fit here. Björck played first-line minutes to close the SHL season out, which is incredible given he was 17 for most of the year. He impressed at the World Juniors and was one of my favorite players at the World Championship. He might be small, but he’s not afraid of physical play and is a wizard with the puck. With his combination of fearlessness and pure skill, the Flames would be very happy to add Björck to the fold and continue to build up their depth down the middle.

7. Seattle Kraken: Alberts Šmits, LHD (EHC München, DEL)

Šmits was a big part of Latvia’s World Junior and Olympic teams this season. The 6-foot-3 blueliner moves well for his size and makes so much happen with the puck. It’s always nice seeing an 18-year-old who plays with a ton of confidence on the power play. He also has plenty of pro experience under his belt, highlighted by a strong first half with Jukurit in the Finnish Liiga before joining München to finish the DEL campaign. You don’t often find a draft-eligible defender in Euro pro leagues who plays 18-20 minutes, but Šmits impressed. Seattle has never drafted a defenseman in the first round, but now’s the time to change.

8. Winnipeg Jets: Daxon Rudolph, RHD (Prince Albert Raiders, WHL)

A WHL defender leading the charge in Winnipeg? Heck yeah. Rudolph has a booming shot, makes great breakout passes and can knock guys down. Rudolph’s two-way game is intriguing, as is his ability to get himself out of trouble consistently with and without the puck. I think there’s still work to be done to make him more aggressive in the D zone – he’s a bit too passive for some scouts’ liking. But with the puck, Rudolph should become a top-four threat who can play on one of the power-play units.

9. Ottawa Senators (via Florida Panthers): Wyatt Cullen, LW (USNTDP)

Oh baby! Nobody believed the Panthers would keep their first-round pick. Now… will the Sens? Or will they package it off for some a top-six forward? If not, I could see them targeting Cullen here, given he’s one of the smarter wingers in this draft class. Some scouts think there’s legit potential for Cullen to go in the top five. He was USA’s top player throughout the U-18 World Championship thanks to his high-end hockey sense and ability to get the whole American attack moving. His puck-handling – both as a shooter and a passer – is remarkable. Cullen is a high-end skater who seemed to find another gear once he got up to speed this season. Cullen is a constant scoring threat because he’s always scanning lanes for passes, but he has the quick footwork and lateral mobility to blow by most opponents and put himself into dangerous areas.

10. Nashville Predators: Keaton Verhoeff, RHD (University of North Dakota, NCAA)

Verhoeff jumped from the WHL to the NCAA this year and was productive, averaging 16 to 20 minutes per game on one of the top teams in the country. He takes up a ton of space at 6-foot-4 and is willing to hit you hard while also making many high-end passes in the offensive zone. Scouts wish he’d add a bit more speed to be a true top-pairing defender, though, but there’s time for him to figure that out. His slow end to the season has dropped his stock, but it could be found money for the Predators if Verhoeff smooths things out. I really like the upside here.

11. St. Louis Blues: Tynan Lawrence, C (Boston University, NCAA)

Could the Blues capitalize on Lawrence’s fallen stock? A disappointing college tenure, combined with a lackluster U-18s tenure, definitely didn’t help Lawrence’s standing. He was once viewed as a legitimate candidate to go first overall – like, four months ago. The good news? He really found his game near the end of the NCAA season and should play a leading role with BU next year. He’s an aggressive forward who boasts high-end hockey IQ. There’s still a lot to love about his game, but he’ll need to have a huge season in college to really win back scouts. For now, he’s a high-risk, high-reward pick – but one the Blues should absolutely consider at this point.

12. New Jersey Devils: Ethan Belchetz, LW (Windsor Spitfires, OHL)

The Devils could use a massive power forward who can handle the physical game while pummeling shots on net. I call Belchetz the Chaos Conductor because he uses his 6-foot-5 frame to push his way into scoring lanes, and few defenders know how to handle that. I’m not sure he’s quick enough to be as big of a difference-maker as I’d hope, but I still see top-six potential here. Plus, I don’t think Belchetz will have a difficult time winning fans over with his play style – he’s the best power forward in the draft class.

13. New York Islanders: Malte Gustafsson, LHD (HV71, Sweden U-20)

Teams took notice of Gustafsson’s hot U-18s, and it’s hard to believe he’ll fall out the top 15 on draft day now. Gustafsson is a 6-foot-4 defender who played well in the SHL, despite having little to show for it on the scoresheet. His skating is good for his size, allowing him to play a very mobile game. Gustafsson rarely struggles to get the puck out of his zone. A lack of flash and high-end offensive instinct likely won’t help his stock to the average fan, but you still need guys who can kill plays, and that’s exactly what he does – quite effectively, I might add. Gustafsson will have a very solid career, no doubt about it.

14. Columbus Blue Jackets: Ryan Lin, RHD (Vancouver Giants, WHL)

I really like Lin, who is coming off a solid showing at the U-18s and is easily one of the most skilled defensemen in the draft class. While Lin is small at 5-foot-11, he does an excellent job of making sure opponents don’t get near him or the puck. His decision-making is near the top, and he has the skating to burn guys. You put those together and it’s easy to understand why Lin has the puck so often. I think he still has a few things to work on, but I believe in Lin’s game enough to think the team that takes him will have a fan favorite on its hands.

15. St. Louis Blues (via Detroit Red Wings): Oscar Hemming, LW (Boston College, NCAA)

After missing the first half of the season due to a contract dispute with his Finnish club, Hemming came out swinging with Boston College. He had a pair of assists in just his second game and even had a nice four-point run during a three-game stretch. But after finishing with just two points in his final 11 games, it was a difficult end for a guy many scouts still really like. At his best, the 6-foot-4 forward is an absolute menace who can beat you with size, speed, and skill. The raw potential is there, but he was forced to play some heavy catch-up to make up for lost time. I think a full year of college will do him wonders, and I still see some top-six potential.

16. Washington Capitals: Alexander Command, C (Orebro, Sweden U-20)

The Capitals have no shortage of wingers in the system, so it feels like Command would be a nice pickup here. Command isn’t flashy, but he has all the makings of a reliable, all-situations center in the NHL. His floor is very high – he fits an archetype that succeeds quite frequently. He’s a smart, solid two-way center who makes everyone around him better. He doesn’t seem to have many off shifts, and that’s because he’s effective away from the puck, too. Command can contribute offensively but also will win faceoffs, block shots and make moves with intent. I’ve liked him internationally, and he has played quite well against his own age group. I think he can be a truly fantastic No. 2 center.

17. Los Angeles Kings: Nikita Klepov, RW (Saginaw Spirit, OHL)

Klepov is a stout shooter and wasn’t far off from reaching the 40-goal barrier this season. It was a bit surprising to see how hot he started, given he only put up 31 points in the USHL the year prior. But once he showed how consistent he could be, scouts became believers. The Michigan State University commit plays with a ton of finesse, but he’s physically strong, too. He’s just an OK skater, but that’ll improve with time. I really like this for LA, though – it feels like he’d be a good top-six scoring threat for a team that needs a bit of that in the system.

18. Washington Capitals (via Anaheim Ducks): Maksim Sokolovskii, LHD (London Knights, OHL)

It feels like Sokolovskii is bound to go in the first round this year. Teams can’t get enough of his 6-foot-8 frame. Nobody will mistake Sokolovskii for an offensive demon – he had eight points between 49 regular season and playoff games. But he’s truly a terrifying human being when it comes to 1-on-1 situations – he makes it his life mission to kill you. There isn’t a single player that he’s afraid of, yet everyone is terrified about the possibility of Sokolovskii adding another dimension of speed to his game in the future. I really like Sokolovskii as a shutdown option – he makes it his goal to stop guys at any cost, something teams typically like.

19. Utah Mammoth: Adam Novotny, LW (Peterborough Petes, OHL)

Novotný would be a stellar pick here for a Mammoth team that could use some extra scoring on the wing. He’s a rugged forward with an excellent shot – something we saw plenty of times with Peterborough. Novotný surpassed the 30-goal mark as an OHL rookie with Peterborough and easily finished as the Petes’ No. 1 scorer. Novotný loves to get the puck on net by any means necessary, and he’s a strong skater, too. I like his two-way work – he’s a full-time team player. I see a solid middle-six scoring threat here.

20. Buffalo Sabres (via San Jose Sharks): Elton Hermansson, RW (MoDo, Allsvenskan)

The Sabres could use another skilled winger in the system. Hermansson loves generating offense – the 12 points at the U-18s are a perfect example of that. He put up solid numbers in the second-tier Swedish league this year, which isn’t easy to do. From an offensive standpoint, there’s a lot to love, especially on the power play. His game away from the puck is just “OK” at best. It feels like he isn’t as impactful as he needs to be when he’s not piling shots on net. I want to see more urgency when attacking opponents to regain possession. That being said, the offensive potential is high, and I’d love to see him alongside Konsta Helenius – it feels like a perfect match.

21. Philadelphia Flyers: Oliver Suvanto, C (Tappara, Liiga)

The Flyers love drafting big dudes, and the 6-foot-3 Suvanto would be a good fit. Suvanto spent most of the season playing against men in Tappara, where he has shown he can play a reliable two-way game. I wish we saw him put up better numbers against junior-aged players, though. Still, I really like his play away from the puck, and I thought he looked solid at the World Juniors in a variety of roles. I think we’re talking about a big, middle-six guy here, but I want him to find another gear offensively.

22. Pittsburgh Penguins: Ilia Morozov, C (Miami University, NCAA)

Morozov was the youngest player in college hockey, but you couldn’t tell with how often Miami relied on him this year. At 6-foot-3 and more than 200 pounds, he’s a big center who commands respect. He put up solid numbers on a team that didn’t have a ton of big-time firepower to work with. I also like his confidence and the way he’s always looking to make a pass, even through traffic. Morozov doesn’t have as much offensive upside as some others around this point. But his game away from the puck, mixed in with his overall power, intrigues me. If you’re the Penguins, you probably love this pick.

23. Boston Bruins: William Håkansson, LHD (Almtuna IS, Allsvenskan)

The Bruins could use another defender in the system, and Håkansson, while not flashy, would be a solid pickup. Can he kill plays? You bet, and that’s what matters. He uses his big 6-foot-4, 207-pound frame to flatten opponents while being a pain in the rear end defensively. Håkansson is quite mobile for his frame, too. I have little concern about his D-zone play or his ability to be a decent penalty killer. He can be mean, too.

24. Vancouver Canucks (via Minnesota Wild): Mathis Preston, RW (Vancouver Giants, WHL)

Preston’s strong showing at the U-18s helped boost his stock in a big way. He finished with six points in five games while being one of the team’s top all-around offensive threats. He was a puck-possession machine, and he consistently got the puck into high-danger areas. Preston is an undeniably talented player who could become a top-six threat down the line. Preston has a remarkable shot and often wastes no time firing in the back of the net from the slot. His shot looks NHL-ready right now.

25. Ottawa Senators: (via Seattle Kraken and Tampa Bay Lightning): Liam Ruck, RW (Medicine Hat Tigers, WHL)

Hmmmmmmmmm…. Could the Senators snag the Ruck twins and bet high on upside? I think the Flames would be absolutely floored if they could get Ruck here – mostly because they’d be in a perfect spot to snag Markus with their early second-rounder. He led all draft eligibles out of the WHL with 45 goals, showing some incredible chemistry with his twin brother. Ruck is extremely dangerous around the net with a variety of quality shot choices at his disposal. Without improved skating, though, scouts will continue to be worried about him, though. I expect that to be something Ruck works on this summer, though.

26. New York Rangers (via Dallas Stars): Gleb Pugachyov, RW (Chaika Nizhny Novgorod, MHL)

Pugachyov is definitely someone who could earn some love around here. Pugachyov is a big, 6-foot-3 forward who played well against men even in limited action. He can physically dominate his own age group, and he has done so this year without getting himself into too much trouble. Pugachyov plays a solid two-way game and won’t stop moving, even if he doesn’t have high-end top speed yet. If Pugachyov can find another level to his offensive game, he’ll be a huge get – and if you’re the Rangers, it’s a worthy bet.

27. San Jose Sharks (via Buffalo Sabres): Adam Goljer, RHD (Dukla Trencin, Slovakia)

I wonder if the Sharks double down and take another defender here – and, honestly, it’s a better fit than reaching for someone at No. 20. I’ve been a Goljer fan for a few years now, and it feels like his U-18 World Championship performance has helped his stock. He’s raw, but that’s fine because there’s some solid upside. At 6-foot-3, he has size. He also plays with a ton of confidence, allowing him to consistently attack and defend strongly against older competition in the top Slovak league. Playing close to 20 minutes a night against men is no small feat for a 17-year-old, no matter the league. I’d like to see him come to North America, but, overall, I think there’s a lot to like about his game and I’d be taking a chance on him here if I was Vancouver.

28. Montreal Canadiens: J.P. Hurlbert, LW (Kamloops Blazers, WHL)

No CHL rookie was as lethal as Hurlbert this year. He recorded 42 goals and 97 points with Kamloops. He’s an exceptionally skilled forward who, at one point, was so far ahead in the WHL scoring race that nobody was in the same area code. The University of Michigan commit has a great one-touch shot that he routinely unleashes on the power play. He’s also an exceptionally smart puck-mover who has very little difficulty getting it where it needs to be against players his own age. My two pre-season concerns – his play away from the puck and his lack of high-end speed – remain issues. Still, the Canadiens have a good opportunity to bet high on talent here.

29. St. Louis Blues (via Colorado Avalanche): Xavier Villeneuve, LHD (Blainville-Boisbriand Armada, QMJHL)

I’m a Villeneuve fan – I think the Blues should be, too. Villeneuve was one of the best defensemen at the 2025 U-18 World Championship, helping Canada win gold. He had 62 points last season in the Q and would have surpassed that this year if he hadn’t missed about 25 games due to injury. Villeneuve can drive the play from the point and is as good as anyone in this draft class on the man advantage. His confidence is remarkable, too. With three first-rounders, I like the idea of the Blues betting high on upside.

30. Calgary Flames (via Vegas Golden Knights): Maddox Dagenais, C (Quebec Remparts, QMJHL)

From a fit standpoint, I like this. A lot of Dagenais’ power-forward tendencies come from his bigger frame. But he’s far more than that. He’s a decent skater who battles so hard to win every individual puck battle. Dagenais also loves to keep the puck on his stick. Thanks to his pure muscle, Dagenais is a possession machine, rarely giving the puck up on the rush. Dagenais has a good shot release but tends to choose less-than-ideal locations to fire it off. Still, there’s a ton of upside, and he has experience playing both center and the wing, too.

31. Carolina Hurricanes: Tommy Bleyl, RHD (Moncton Wildcats, WHL)

The Hurricanes love betting high (and it paid off this year), so going for an undersized, but offensively dominant defender feels like a good fit. Bleyl is a highly skilled two-way defender who came out of nowhere to register 81 points as a QMJHL rookie. He’s exceptionally crafty, skates very well and doesn’t let bigger competition bother him. Bleyl plays a calm, collected game defensively while consistently getting himself into scoring lanes in the other zone. Right now, he needs to get stronger – he gets pushed around too often, especially in front of the net. But his mobility and raw hockey sense are definitely there.

32. Ottawa Senators: Markus Ruck, C (Medicine Hat Tigers, WHL)

I’m not 100% coninced the Senators would target both Ruck twins, but if they snagged Liam with their second pick, I couldn’t see them passing on Markus. Markus is a special playmaker – he works as hard as anyone you’ll find in junior hockey. He loves to do the dirty work to make plays happen, no matter who he’s looking for on the ice. Ruck has obvious chemistry with his brother but can also dazzle on his own. My biggest concern was how unimpactful he looked during the playoffs – he kept getting pushed around far too much for my liking, and he doesn’t have the top-end skating to burn guys. But there’s a ton of upside, and I love the idea of the Sens drafting the twins and banking on their chemistry.

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