There are still about ten months until the 2026 NHL Draft; however, there has been a ton of hype surrounding this draft class. This group features players from the CHL, the NCAA, and the Swedish Hockey League (SHL). Before the season begins, here are the top 10 players to know this upcoming season.

Gavin McKenna – LW – Penn State University

The term “generational” can be thrown out too much at times, but when it comes to Gavin McKenna, it is completely justified. He does almost everything the right way and plays the game better than nearly anyone. He has an incredible IQ of the game and has rounded off his two-way play. His playmaking, acceleration, shooting, and transition game are all superior to those of anyone in his age group. His speed isn’t elite, but he can still lead a breakout, and his acceleration makes up for that. He knows his role in the defensive zone; however, he can work on being more attentive once there.

Keaton Verhoeff – RD – University of North Dakota

Next up is another player who recently made the jump to the NCAA from the WHL. Keaton Verhoeff. The 6’4″, 212lb defenceman has been seen as a potential franchise anchor on the blue line. His bruising play, not being afraid to use his large frame. As well as his offensive upside, which he showed off with the Victoria Royals this past season. He breaks up plays and is a true leader, being named captain of Team Canada at the Hlinka-Gretzky Cup. If it wasn’t for McKenna, Verhoeff would be the consensus number one.

Ryan Roobroeck – C – Niagara Ice Dogs

In a draft that is flush with centres, London, Ontario’s own Ryan Roobroeck is arguably the best of them. Another player of large stature, Roobroeck, stands at 6’4″, 190lbs. While most have him in and around the five spot, to me, Roobroeck is a top-three talent. Along with his size, he has immense abilities in the offensive zone. His shot and release are among the best in junior hockey, and he isn’t afraid of puck battles. His hands are also elite. Once he gets going, there is almost no way to stop him or take him off the puck. There are some questions regarding his defensive game and skating; however, it has been clear that he has worked on addressing those.

Ivar Stenberg – LW/RW – Frölunda HC

The first non-Canadian is Sweden’s Ivar Stenberg. Primarily playing on Frölunda’s J20 team, Stenberg earned himself a spot on the main team later on in the season. Stenberg anticipates the plays beforehand with his astounding hockey sense. He is a playmaker mainly, finding passing lanes anywhere in the offensive zone. Not only that, but he also has a wicked shot. Similar to Roobroeck, once Stenberg picks up speed, he is extremely difficult to stop.

Viggo Björck – C – Djurgårdens IF

The second player from the SHL is another centre, Viggo Björck. Just as his Swedish counterpart, Ivar Stenberg, Björck is a playmaker mainly. He brings the game down to his pace and doesn’t let anything change that, for the most part. His shot is great, and while it isn’t one of the strongest, he still can score. He keeps the puck on a string, finding teammates anywhere. There is cause for concern with his size at 5’10”, 172lbs. However, we have seen that it is not much of an issue before.

Ethan Belchetz – LW – Windsor Spitfires

Into the back half of this top 10, we have Ethan Belchetz from Oakville, Ontario. The Windsor Spitfire winger is yet another player who brings size to the table. He sits at 6’5″, 227lbs, larger than anyone else in this list. Like those other players, Belchetz uses that size advantage well. In this case, the winger uses it to drive the net and attack the ice. He creates offence and will put himself in places for grade A chances; he is also an excellent playmaker.

On top of that, Belchetz is one of the best offensive players on defence in this draft. He has stated previously that he models his game after Rick Nash, whom he calls the “ultimate power forward”. The culmination of everything, Belchetz is one of the most promising and intriguing wingers, if not players, in this draft.

Tynan Lawrence – C – Muskegon Lumberjacks

As mentioned before, this is the draft of the centres; Tynan Lawrence is no different. Recently named captain of the Muskegon Lumberjacks for the upcoming season, Lawrence will then move on to Boston University. He owns a high-powered motor and never stops skating while on the ice. He is another guy with a developing two-way game, with some more work being needed on the defensive side. He hounds the opposition on the forecheck and forces them into coughing up the puck. This has been observed frequently, allowing him to initiate the offence for whoever he is playing for. He attacks the dangerous areas and creates separation with the puck on his stick.

Ryan Lin – RD – Vancouver Giants

Heading back to the WHL, the eighth spot belongs to right-shot defenceman Ryan Lin. The Vancouver Giants’ star has been turning heads, surpassing records and milestones. He passed Bowen Byram in multiple stats as a 16-year-old on the Giants. Remember, Byram is still thought of as one of the Giants’ best-ever players. Alongside Landon DuPont of the Everett Silvertips, Lin was the first WHL defenceman since Scott Niedermayer to hit 50+ points in their rookie season. A bit smaller for a defenceman, the 5’11” Lin still is incredibly effective and has shown no cause for concern regarding his size.

Mathis Preston – C – Spokane Chiefs

Another player from British Columbia is Penticton’s Mathis Preston. Someone who, back in November, Craig Button said, reminded him of Joe Sakic. His IQ is amazing, and his hands are lightning fast. Along with his puck control, Preston cannot only get by any defenceman in his way. He can also fight them off and still make plays under pressure. He sees the game with his head constantly on a swivel. He finds lanes to make a play and create offence. Preston showed all of his attributes on the international stage for Canada multiple times, alongside his peers in this top 10.

Daxon Rudolph – RD – Prince Albert Raiders

Finally, rounding out the top 10 is Daxon Rudolph. The third defenceman on the list is the third right-shot defenceman. A fluid skating style with a refined game in the defensive zone, Rudolph is one to watch. Just as I mentioned with Keaton Verhoeff earlier, Rudolph is elite on defence. He breaks up plays like it’s nothing and consistently stops offences in their tracks.

Ever since he joined the Raiders, he has gotten involved in the offensive side of the game more often. He uses his hockey sense and naturally adapts to the offensive side. His vision and playmaking have seen incredible improvement in the past year. If he progresses at this rate next season, there is a chance Rudolph climbs even higher. He has solidified himself as not only a top defenceman in this class, but also a top player.

This is one of the most loaded draft classes we have seen in a while. The amount of pure raw talent is incredible, and it has teams and fans alike excited about what their team can get their hands on next June. This summer, these 10 are the best of the best, and will only continue improving, and they are must-see TV.

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