Eric Cruikshank
 |  The Hockey News

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The 2026 NHL Draft class is quickly shaping up to be one of the most promising waves of young talent in recent years.

Headlined by the dynamic offensive talent of Gavin McKenna and the two-way defensive dominance of Keaton Verhoeff, this group is filled with high-end prospects that could alter the trajectory of several franchises overnight.

With the NHL incredibly tight through the opening two months of the season, it’s difficult to project which 16 teams will miss the playoffs and be eligible to win the draft lottery in the spring.

Considering the current NHL standings and organizational needs of the teams positioned to select near the top of this draft, let’s look at one of many ways the top 16 picks could fall next summer.

(Draft order determined by standings, sorted by points percentage, before games on Dec. 4, 2025)

NHL mock draft: Top 16 picks1. Calgary Flames: Penn State (NCAA) left wing Gavin McKenna

The Flames have a scoring problem, and McKenna would solve it. Despite some early-season struggles and defensive concerns while transitioning to the college level, McKenna is undoubtedly the most skilled prospect with the longest track record of high-end offensive production. McKenna would instantly become the face of the franchise in Calgary and could elevate many of the younger pieces the organization has already ushered into the NHL.

2. Nashville Predators: Frolunda (Sweden) left wing Ivar Stenberg

The Predators could get an excellent consolation prize in Stenberg, who undoubtedly has closed the gap with McKenna as this draft’s top offensive talent. The Swedish left winger has displayed high-end vision and playmaking, with a skill set that creates advantages for his teammates across the ice. He consistently has shown pro-level habits while playing against older competition, and he could break Daniel Sedin’s record for the most points among draft-eligible players in Swedish League history.

3. Vancouver Canucks: Muskegon (USHL) center Tynan Lawrence

The Canucks could address their center depth issues with Lawrence. He projects as a reliable, two-way pivot who can make an impact in any on-ice situation thanks to his speed and competitive motor. Lawrence was one of Canada’s best forwards at the U-18 Hlinka Gretzky Cup earlier this year, and he could provide exactly what the Canucks need to unlock a new level of offense in the coming seasons.

4. St. Louis Blues: North Dakota (NCAA) defenseman Keaton Verhoeff

The Blues could get a significant boost to their aging defense corps by landing the top blueliner in this draft class. Verhoeff is extremely mature in his defensive habits and has a lot of tools that would immediately make him an effective two-way defender in the NHL. The opportunity to be mentored by minute-munching defenders with comparable physical profiles, such as Cam Fowler and Colton Parayko, would make this a home-run pick for the Blues.

5. Buffalo Sabres: Windsor (OHL) left wing Ethan Belchetz

After investing heavily in defense in previous drafts, the Sabres could land a 6-foot-5, 228-pound power forward who would become the team’s top prospect. Belchetz’s rare blend of size, skill and improved play along the walls makes him the perfect long-term fit for a top-line role with the Sabres. Belchetz has one of the highest ceilings of any prospect in this class and could become more than just a complementary piece for this group.

6. Edmonton Oilers: Sault Ste. Marie (OHL) defenseman Chase Reid

Reid is close to Verhoeff as being the most complete defender in this class, using his vision to decide the best way to attack. Reid can deliver passes to his teammates in sweet spots or carry the puck end-to-end while beating defenders with ease. He’s an excellent playmaker, but he’s developed a pretty dangerous shot that regularly beats goaltenders from distance. Evan Bouchard and Reid could form an effective one-two punch on the right side.

7. Chicago Blackhawks (via Florida): Vancouver (WHL) defenseman Ryan Lin

With some offensive blueliners in their prospect pool, such as Artyom Levshunov and Sam Rinzel, the Blackhawks could take Lin for his defensive details. His ability to read and react to oncoming defenders off the rush, and to use his stick to intercept passes and erase dangerous opportunities, makes him a special asset. When given time and space, Lin is also a power-play asset and has proved to be a threat all over the ice.

8. Utah Mammoth: Blainville-Boisbriand (QMJHL) defenseman Xavier Villeneuve

Villeneuve brings elements of elusiveness and offensive inclination that are absent from the Mammoth’s defense prospects. Drawing comparisons to Montreal Canadiens star Lane Hutson, Villeneuve consistently fakes out defenders with his deception and skating. Becoming more defensively responsible and building on his 5-foot-11, 162-pound frame will be the primary points of emphasis in his development, but he has all the tools to quarterback a top power-play unit in Utah.

9. San Jose Sharks: Peterborough (OHL) left wing Adam Novotny

The Sharks could take a detailed winger in Novotny, who played in Czechia’s top professional league last season. While it took him some time to adjust to the North American game on a relatively weak Peterborough Petes team, he’s hit his stride offensively. Novotny has elevated everyone around him with his competitiveness, physicality and vision for creative plays. That bodes well for San Jose, whose offensive talents include Michael Misa, Will Smith and Macklin Celebrini.

10. Winnipeg Jets: Prince George (WHL) defenseman Carson Carels

Despite being one of the youngest players in this class with a summer birthday, Carels has played huge minutes for Prince George as a fixture on both special teams units. He’s scoring at more than a point-per-game pace with 27 points in 26 games. The way he skates and shows off his aggressive play under such a heavy workload has him projected as an elite top-four fit on an aging Jets defense.

11. Boston Bruins (via Toronto): Prince Albert (WHL) defenseman Daxon Rudolph

After Boston grabbed forward James Hagens last year, Rudolph could become the Bruins’ foundational defensive prospect. He was the first overall selection in the 2023 WHL Draft, ahead of other top prospects in this class like Verhoeff, Lin and Mathis Preston. Rudolph is a smooth skater with great instincts and gap control, knowing when to pinch and keep plays alive with an uncanny ability to sift long-range shots through traffic.

12. New York Rangers: Niagara (OHL) left wing Ryan Roobroeck

Roobroeck hopes to be an offensive star for the Rangers in the future. The 6-foot-3 left winger scored 44 goals with the IceDogs last year through great mid-range shooting, a strong rush game and smooth handling in tight spaces. Unlike Belchetz, Roobroeck isn’t an overly physical player, and his offensive production this season has been lacking. That said, he has shown enough flashes of brilliance to suggest his offensive potential is worth the bet.

13. Boston Bruins: Jukurit (Finland) defenseman Alberts Smits

Smits has been one of the nicest surprises to come out of this class. The 18-year-old Latvian has elevated into a top-pairing role this season with Jukurit in Liiga, Finland’s top professional league. He’s relentless in his drive to create offense, and it’s translated into production, scoring six goals and 12 points in 26 games. Smits could skyrocket up NHL draft rankings if he continues to have impressive outings. 

14. Chicago Blackhawks: Spokane (WHL) right wing Mathis Preston

Preston’s confidence, speed and energy, along with the handling ability to blow by defenders on the rush, make him a great fit to play alongside Connor Bedard. Preston was tied with Belchetz for Canada’s lead in points at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup earlier this year and showed off his lethal shot and willingness to be a play-driver in the biggest moments.

15. Detroit Red Wings: Djurgarden (Sweden Jr.) left wing Marcus Nordmark

The Red Wings could nab another high-end Swedish prospect in Nordmark, who led Sweden to a silver medal at the Hlinka Gretzky with the most goals (seven) and points (12). While there are questions about his overall engagement without the puck, Nordmark has first-round offensive traits with his hands and finishing, which are among the best in this class and hard to overlook.

16. Columbus Blue Jackets: Tappara (Finland) defenseman Juho Piiparinen

Piiparinen projects to be a shutdown defender who would pair perfectly alongside Zach Werenski in the future, allowing the latter to skate freely and generate offense at will. Piiparinen is strong and agile, with the ability to close out on opposing players effectively while also showing flashes of creative playmaking when opportunities arise.