Today I take my first look at the 2026 NHL Draft class. This is an extremely preliminary look and a lot will change between now and June 2026. Most of my viewings of this class have been at international events like the World U17 Challenge. I haven’t seen many players yet, but these are the 13 players who have stood out to me in my early viewings.
1. Gavin McKenna, LW, Medicine Hat (WHL)
McKenna is the much-too-early favorite to be the No. 1 pick in the 2026 NHL Draft. He’s an exceptional offensive talent who has been a top WHL player the last 18 months. His puck skills and hockey sense are elite. He makes highly creative plays routinely and has one of the more special offensive minds I’ve seen in a prospect in recent years. His skill and playmaking remind me a bit of Trevor Zegras at the same age, except he’s a way better skater who can make his skilled plays at a very quick pace. The only knock on him can be his off-puck play and at-times-average compete level.
2. Ethan Belchetz, LW, Windsor (OHL)
Belchetz, the No. 1 pick in his OHL Draft, has been excellent out of the gates. He’s built like a truck; at 16 years old, he looks at least 6-foot-4, 220 pounds and he can overwhelm much older players with his physical play. Belchetz skates well for his size and has a ton of skill. I don’t love using this argument, but Belchetz’s advanced physical development is so unique that I do wonder if his age group will catch up to him in a few years.
3. Ryan Roobroeck, C, Niagara (OHL)
Roobroeck has been hyped for a long time, and it’s easy to see why when you watch him. He’s big, fast and has a ton of natural offensive gifts to his game. He’s been a big reason why Niagara has turned around. Given his premium toolkit and position, I do wonder if he can push McKenna as we get deeper into his draft season.
4. Keaton Verhoeff, RHD, Victoria (WHL)
Verhoeff was a goaltender up until a few years ago, and now has a real shot to be the first defenseman picked in his age group. He’s very athletic with a big 6-4 frame, strong mobility and some offense early on in his WHL tenure. He plays quite hard and ticks a lot of boxes NHL scouts will be looking for. I don’t view him as a natural puck-mover who makes the best decisions, but a part of me wonders if that’s just how raw he is.
5. Ivar Stenberg, LW, Frölunda (Sweden Jr.)
Stenberg is a smaller winger, but he’s a truly dynamic offensive player who has been dominant in Sweden’s junior level. He’s extremely smart with the puck, makes a ton of plays, can score from range and beats defenses often with his skill. He could overcome his size issues because he moves very well but also works hard enough, which is how that player type needs to survive in the NHL.
6. Adam Novotný, LW, Mountfield (Czechia)
Novotny will have already played 1.5 seasons of pro hockey at the top level in Czechia before he enters his draft season. He’s a well-rounded forward who has the skating, skill and compete that will appeal to NHL teams. I’m still trying to figure out if his puck play is very good or a difference-maker.
7. Ilya Morozov, LW, Tri-City (USHL)
Morozov jumped out at me in his first USHL games. A 6-3 winger who can skate and be a legit part of his team’s offense at his age is immediately intriguing. I like how he can create in the high-percentage areas due to his size as well.
8. Simon Katolický, LW, Tappara (Finland Jr.)
I don’t usually give players at the Finland U18 level this high a grade, but I was very impressed by Katolický at the U17s. He skates very well for a big man and has the soft skills and vision to make plays and score. He is a direct player who attacks the net and makes himself noticeable often. He is full of potential, and as he advances levels he has the toolkit to be successful versus men.
9. Viggo Björck, C, Djurgårdens (Sweden Jr.)
Björck has been excellent at the junior level in Sweden to start this season. He’s quite undersized, but he is tremendous with the puck on his stick. He has the high-end IQ to hold onto pucks and make difficult plays and tilts the ice when he’s out there due to his skill and vision. He competes and skates well, which could allow him to have success in the NHL at his size.
10. Tynan Lawrence, C, Muskegon (USHL)
Lawrence has a highly likable game. He’s very intelligent at both ends of the ice. He’s a great playmaker who can run a power play and a competitive center who wins battles and comes back on defense well. He plays with pace and creates a lot of offense. The only drawback of his game is he’s closer to 5-11.
11. Luke Schairer, RHD, U.S. NTDP (USHL)
Schairer is the top 2026 prospect at the U.S. National Team Development Program going into next season. He’s a tall, mobile defenseman who can move the puck well and has significant two-way potential as a pro. He’s not a super flashy type, but he has some offensive touch in his game.
12. Mathis Preston, RW, Spokane (WHL)
Preston is one of the most natural scorers in his age group. He’s a strong skater with very good puck skills and creativity who can drive play. He is a true finisher though who projects to have a lot of offense at higher levels.
13. Nikita Ovcharov, LW, CSKA (Russia Jr.)
Ovcharov impressed early on this season in Russia prior to being injured. He has a style of play that could translate to pro success. He has legit speed and is able to make highly skilled plays at quick tempos. He plays hard and takes pucks to the net to create chances while also having a decent-sized frame.
(Photo of Gavin McKenna: Leila Devlin / Getty Images)