Analyst Grades NHL Teams' 2026 Draft Selections

A draft analyst has evaluated each of the 32 NHL clubs’ selections in the 2026 draft, assigning letter grades that reflect the amount of talent added to each organization. The methodology focuses solely on the players chosen, without factoring in trades, fit, or scouting quality, and is intended to gauge how each team’s farm system may improve.

The Toronto Maple Leafs received the highest grade, A+, after selecting winger Gavin McKenna, described as the draft’s highest-upside prospect, along with several promising Day-2 picks. The San Jose Sharks earned an A for acquiring winger Ivar Stenberg, a large-skilled defenseman in Keaton Verhoeff, and mobile defenseman Ryan Lin, all viewed as potential everyday NHL players.

Both the Calgary Flames and Vancouver Canucks were given A- grades. Calgary’s first-round defenseman Carson Carels and center Jack Hextall were highlighted, while Vancouver’s selection of Caleb Malhotra and winger Adam Novotný were praised for their skill and depth contributions.

Seattle Kraken earned a B+, noting defenseman Chase Reid’s offensive tools and forward Casey Mutryn’s high-motor style. The Los Angeles Kings (B) and Buffalo Sabres (B-) were recognized for their depth picks, with the Kings’ winger Elton Hermansson and the Sabres’ defenseman Daxon Rudolph singled out.

Grades continued down the scale, with teams such as the St. Louis Blues (C+), New York Rangers (B-), and Nashville Predators (C+) receiving middling assessments based on a mix of promising first-round picks and later-round bets. Lower grades, ranging from C to C-, were assigned to clubs like the Vegas Golden Knights, Tampa Bay Lightning, and Edmonton Oilers, reflecting limited premium selections and greater reliance on developmental prospects.

The analyst’s grading system, while subjective, offers a snapshot of which organizations may see the most immediate impact from the 2026 draft class.