Mock Draft Projects First Two Rounds of 2026 NHL Draft

Analyst Wheeler released a two-round mock draft for the 2026 NHL Entry Draft after weeks of conversations with agents, scouts, coaches and family members of prospects. The projection combines recent scouting reports, team needs and consensus rankings of the top prospects.

Wheeler predicts the Toronto Maple Leafs will select left-winger Gavin McKenna of Penn State with the first overall pick, a choice he says has been confirmed to the player. The San Jose Sharks are projected to take right-winger Ivar Stenberg of Frölunda at No. 2, while the Vancouver Canucks are expected to choose center Caleb Malhotra of the OHL’s Brantford at No. 3.

The Chicago Blackhawks are slated to pick right-handed defenseman Chase Reid at No. 4, and the New York Rangers are forecast to select left-handed defenseman Alberts Šmits at No. 5. Subsequent picks include Carson Carels (Calgary Flames, No. 6), Keaton Verhoeff (Seattle Kraken, No. 7), Viggo Björck (Winnipeg Jets, No. 8) and Ethan Belchetz (Ottawa Senators, No. 9).

Wheeler notes that several teams appear to favor the “best player available” approach, with general managers such as Mike Grier of the Sharks emphasizing talent over positional need. He also highlights that the Seattle Kraken are likely to add a top-end defenseman for the first time, and that the Nashville Predators may target right-handed defenseman Daxon Rudolph at No. 10.

The mock continues through the first round, detailing projected selections for teams including the St. Louis Blues, New Jersey Devils, New York Islanders and Columbus Blue Jackets, before moving into the second round where players such as Alexander Command (Washington Capitals), Oliver Suvanto (Los Angeles Kings) and Adam Novotný (Washington Capitals) are listed.

Wheeler’s draft board reflects a blend of consensus rankings and team-specific scouting, acknowledging that actual selections may shift as teams trade picks or reassess player evaluations in the final days before the draft.