An early look at the top 10 prospects for the 2026 NHL Draft

The start to the 2025–26 season for the Calgary Flames has not been pretty. In game one of the year, they drove a comeback against the Edmonton Oilers that was heavily filled with luck. Now nine games in, that stands as their only victory on the season so far. They sit with a 1–7–1 record, which is currently the worst in the league.

The Flames weren’t the greatest team in 2024–25 and made minor changes to their roster. With that in mind, plus the terrible start, are the Flames poised to pick top 10 again? That’s the current hype with the league’s worst record and a deep draft class arriving in June. So, let’s take a look at the initial top 10 prospects for the 2026 NHL Draft.

1. Gavin McKenna

Is there much of a surprise here? Since 2023, probably late 2022, Gavin McKenna has been the consensus first overall selection for the 2026 draft.

McKenna got his start with the Medicine Hat Tigers in the WHL, playing games just 15 and 16 years old across the 2022–23 season. Suiting up for 16 games total, McKenna produced 18 points, drawing all the attention that he is used to now. In the following year, he would have a tremendous rookie season, almost eclipsing the century mark, with 97 points in 61 games. He’d very easily win rookie of the year.

Then came his historic D-1 season. Across only 56 games, McKenna would post an outstanding 41 goals and 129 points. The highest D-1 equivalent since the likes of Wayne Gretzky and Mario Lemieux. Come playoffs, he’d put up 38 points in 16 games as the Tigers won the championship. McKenna would practically sweep the WHL and CHL awards, adding to an already hefty trophy case.

With the new NCAA rules, McKenna committed to Penn State University for his draft season. The season is still young, but so far across seven games, McKenna has scored two goals and six assists for eight points. It’s a pretty good start, but for a prospect of McKenna’s calibre, it’s left a cautious impression on some people.

Play style

McKenna dominates the same way every top player does. His vision for offensive creation is elite, consistently finding his teammates through pressure with well-placed passes and creative plays. He creates complete control of the offensive zone thanks to being able to make space for himself and teammates while delivering the puck through traffic. His puck control is smooth and effective, thanks to his quick hands, which create tons of highlight-reel plays. Deceptive and confusing are the best ways to describe how McKenna moves the puck. Count in his fluid edge work, and McKenna moves around the ice in a significant fashion. It adds an extra layer to the flair and deceptiveness of his offensive game.

Even with all his skill, intelligence might just be at the heart of his game. McKenna has an incredible sense in the offensive zone, allowing him to make an impact even when he isn’t flashy. Making the simple and unnoticeable plays that bring their own quiet touch tends to be what McKenna does when he can’t take full control of the game. His shot is accurate and could maybe use a little bit more power, but the accuracy alone is bound to be a viable option to find the back of the net. His speed may not be as effective as his agility, but he still brings a quick pace that’ll keep him going at the higher levels.

Early on, you may see some questions arise about McKenna being the top prospect in this draft. His NCAA start hasn’t been fantastic, but there’s nothing wrong with a point per game. It’s too early for me to move McKenna off of this top spot that he’s held for so long. McKenna dominated the WHL, and as the season moves on, we likely see him pick up some steam in the NCAA.

2. Keaton Verhoeff

After a strong rookie season in the WHL, Keaton Verhoeff has pretty comfortably held down the second ranking in the 2026 draft so far.

The fourth overall pick of the 2023 WHL draft, Verhoeff became a promising piece for the Victoria Royals. He debuted with a 12-game stint in 2023–24, claiming his first two WHL points. The following year was set for Verhoeff to have his rookie season. He started incredibly well, with 10 points in 11 games, and then struck a 10-game point streak that carried into the new year. By season’s end, Verhoeff had scored 21 goals and 45 points in 63 games as a rookie defender. Verhoeff would add 10 points in 11 games in the playoffs. Regarding rookie of the year, Verhoeff was a nominee, ultimately losing to Landon DuPont.

Just like McKenna, Verhoeff took the NCAA route with the new rules in effect. Verhoeff would commit to the University of North Dakota alongside Royals teammate and Flames prospect Cole Reschny. So far, Verhoeff has had a great. In five games, he has three points while continuing his strong two-way presence.

Play style

Verhoeff has turned heads thanks to his size, two-way play, and mobility. He is a scary defenceman on the ice, as he is willing and able to do it all. A commanding presence drives his game in all three zones, bringing a big frame that can dominate in puck or stick battles, lay huge hits, allow an effective long reach, and control the offensive zone. It helps that he is 6’4″ and 218 lbs as a 17-year-old.

A high hockey IQ with top-end positioning in both zones allows for that impactful two-way style Verhoeff has. His stick is effective, constantly poking the puck away or finding passing lanes to intercept. He has a quick, booming shot from the blue line that helped him score 21 goals in the WHL this past season. Puck-moving abilities shine with great vision, amazing puck protection, and a solid set of hands. Verhoeff moves fluidly for a player of his size, with some nice agility and decent speed at times.

Verhoeff has had a better start to his NCAA career than McKenna, which may lead to some premature rankings of Verhoeff in first. His June birthday, with a professional-ready body, helps, for sure. For now, Verhoeff still claims his spot in second, but has felt a lot closer to first than third for some time.

3. Ivar Stenberg

Ivar Stenberg is a name that’s been buzzing around the 2026 draft for a good amount of time now. With his hot start, he sits high in the rankings to begin.

Stenberg has been developing with Frolunda HC practically his whole career. Lighting up every level has been a common trend for Stenberg thus far. Last season, he was deemed too good for the J18 level with 14 points in just four combined games. With the J20 team, he would once again dominate. Stenberg’s stat line would read 26 goals and 53 points in 27 games, a point shy of two points per game.

Considering this, Stenberg would spend a solid amount of time in the SHL. He suited up for 25 games with the professional Frolunda HC team, but with limited time, he would only produce three points. The playoffs went more smoothly, however, as Stenberg scored three goals and six points in 12 games.

Stenberg has been phenomenal to start the 2025–26 season. With 13 games inside the SHL so far, Stenberg has produced two goals and 10 points, already smashing his previous season totals in less than half the games. He sits second on his team in points, behind only a 33-year-old. If Stenberg continues his start, it would be the best draft-eligible season in the SHL since Daniel Sedin in 1998–99.

Play style

Stenberg controls the ice the same way that most wingers of his calibre do, pure offensive skill and talent. There aren’t many holes in Stenberg’s game, while the strengths list has length. To begin, Stenberg is a dual-threat with the puck. He portrays high-end vision and reads that allow him to be a dangerous passer, consistently finding his teammates through traffic. His shot is probably the lesser of the two, but still super dynamic. Stenberg’s arsenal includes a beaming, powerful laser of a wrist shot, which helped him score 26 goals last year.

His hands are also just so smooth. Stenberg combines fast movements with fluid skill to create confusing dekes that leave his opponents wondering what just happened. Continuing, Stenberg also has great skating, a quick pace mixed with some deceptive edgework, allowing him to have the full package. Stenberg has a good first step and some nice explosiveness, which allows him to create separation from his opponents. His hockey sense is also top-notch, constantly reading the play before it develops and taking complete advantage.

Stenberg is high in the early rankings, being a consensus top-five pick to begin with, with most of his placements being at third. He is super talented and would be an elite piece for any team to add come June.

4. Tynan Lawrence

Tynan Lawrence is generating a ton of buzz for the draft early this season. Despite being injured to start the year, the Muskegon Lumberjacks captain currently sits as the top centre of the class.

With NCAA aspirations, Lawrence joined the Lumberjacks last season after dominating at Shattuck St Mary’s like many top prospects before him. Lawrence would have an amazing year in Muskegon as a rookie with 25 goals and 54 points in 56 games. He placed first on the team in both categories. When the playoffs arrived, Lawrence was ready for the challenge as the Lumberjacks went all the way and won the USHL championship. Lawrence added eight goals and 18 points in 14 games to his totals en route to the league victory. Honours were claimed as he was named to the all-rookie team and also the playoffs’ MVP.

Lawrence is an interesting case. With the new NCAA rules, it would’ve been expected that Lawrence would pursue the CHL, given that he is Canadian. He would have joined the Chicoutimi Sagueneens, who drafted him 10th overall in the 2024 draft. However, Lawrence decided to stay loyal to the team that gave him a chance and has stuck around in Muskegon. Lawrence has been held out due to injury to start the year, but just last night he partook in his first game scoring his first goal.

Play style

An incredibly well-rounded centre at a young age is what you are getting with Lawrence. Lawrence shines with his skating ability, which is the driving force of his game. Like he was launched out of a cannon, Lawrence has insanely fast bursts of speed that see him get from one end to another within a matter of seconds. It makes him a weapon in the transition, constantly allowing him to generate high-danger opportunities behind the defence and recover from any defensive mistakes. Another value trait he brings is his goal-scoring shot. Lawrence packs a natural wrist shot with an instant release and speed. Tons of accuracy and power make it a good bet to find the back of the net.

His arsenal also includes great puck control, which creates dominant possession with the puck, paired with his skating. He brings a good amount of flash to his game, generating memorable plays for his team. Lawrence has a fantastic work ethic as well. It seems he never backs down from the play, while constantly moving his feet. He brings a solid defensive impact and isn’t afraid to engage in battles to regain possession. A strong sense of the game of hockey allows Lawrence to stay consistent with his plays. When he has an idea set, he rarely allows anything to collide with his ability to create it.

With an August birthday and being the top natural centre, Lawrence is generating lots and lots of buzz to start the season. While the USHL isn’t the most ideal league, it would be hard to see Lawrence fall from the position he’s currently set himself in.

5. Ryan Lin

If a team requires a dynamic addition to the blue line, they’ll likely have to look no further than Ryan Lin.

Like many players on this list, Lin was drafted to the WHL in the 2023 draft. At sixth overall, the Vancouver Giants were very happy to call his name. Since then, he debuted early in 2023–24 while playing their final three playoff games of that season. Following, Lin played his rookie season this past year. In 60 games with the Giants, he would find the back of the net five times and finished with a total of 53 points. His 48 assists were the most by a rookie. This performance was strong enough for him to be nominated for rookie of the year while also making the CHL’s all-rookie team.

Unlike McKenna and Verhoeff, Lin did not commit to any university under the new NCAA rules. Lin stuck around with the Vancouver Giants and has had a great start in return. In the first 13 games of the year, he has scored three goals and 16 points. Enough to lead the league in defenceman scoring.

Play style

Lin brings everything you want in a smaller, more offensive defenceman. To begin, his skating is incredibly dynamic. His overall agility is the best of the best and may be the top in the draft class. Quick cuts, smooth side-to-side movements, walking the blue line, and controlling the zone are all in Lin’s collection thanks to his edgework. Alongside it is some nice speed that could maybe shine more often. Lin generates a ton of his offence from the blue line. Whether it be his laser of a wrist shot or mind-boggling passes, he becomes a threat in the lower half of the zone. All of this allows him to fit the mould of the very sought-after electric defenceman archetype in today’s world of hockey.

Positioning comes naturally to Lin thanks to his elite hockey IQ. That’s at both ends of the ice. Offensively, he’s always scanning, developing the play inside his head, and being a step ahead of his opponents, allowing for little time to react. At the other end of the ice, Lin is responsible. He stays active and displays a very solid active stick that breaks up opposing opportunities quite often. He may be undersized for a defenceman, but he certainly doesn’t play like it. Fear of engaging in physicality isn’t something that Lin usually falls into, and he doesn’t allow pressure to falter him defensively.

Lin brings a play style that I feel we are starting to see every year. An undersized, but fun to watch and responsible defenceman that everyone needs to succeed in today’s NHL. With skill alone, Lin should go very high in this draft, but typical hockey vendettas may see him drop.

6. Ethan Belchetz

Ethan Belchetz is this draft’s top-end power forward that low-placing teams will be clamouring for.

The first overall pick in the 2024 OHL draft by the Windsor Spitfires, Belchetz has used his massive frame to become a highly valued prospect. Last season, he played his first full season with the Spitfires, filling out a more depthful position on a pretty stacked Spitfires team. Belchetz would suit up for 56 games, scoring 17 goals and 38 points. This performance saw him land on the OHL’s second all-rookie team. Unfortunately, Belchetz suffered an injury in the final home game of the season, keeping him out for the entire playoffs.

To start this season, Belchetz has seemed to take another step. Just 14 games in, he has an outstanding 10 goals and 16 points for the Spitfires. He leads his team in goals, but somehow is second league-wide.

Play style

What you’re likely to hear about all the time for Belchetz is his size. At 17 years old, this guy is 6’5″ and 227 lbs while wasting none of his frame. A demanding net-front presence, Belchetz battles in front for position to redirect the puck, screen the goal, and fish for rebounds. Using his stature, he takes hard drives to the net, generating dangerous chances for his team. You’ll see Belchetz throw mean hits all over the ice and weigh his opponents with physicality. The best trait that comes from the towering frame is Belchetz’s ability to protect the puck. Opponents struggle and find it nearly impossible to strip Belchetz when he gains good possession, due to his strong lower-body strength and shielding.

Belchetz also packs a powerful wrist shot that is a weapon from any area of the ice, capable of beating the goalie. Whether it’s coming off of one of his drives or his created space thanks to his size, Belchetz can laser the puck. Belchetz also moves pretty well for his size. He’s not necessarily the quickest or most agile guy in the world, but he certainly moves with good speed and solid edgework. The rest of his game is made up of typical offensive skills, with great playmaking and a decent set of hands.

As the year goes on, teams will continue to fall in love with Belchetz. At this point, he’d honestly be one of my safer bets for the top five. His mix of skill and size doesn’t come around too often, and teams absolutely adore it.

7. Daxon Rudolph

Daxon Rudolph is a name that has been sitting around the back-end of the top 10 for about a year now.

Rudolph entered the WHL after being drafted first overall by the Prince Albert Raiders in the 2023 draft. He’d have an immediate impact on the Raiders and would only improve as his rookie season went on. The offence was in question, but as soon as the calendar year turned to 2025, Rudolph started a 12-game point streak, accumulating 15 points across. By the end of the season, Rudolph had produced seven goals and 41 points in 64 games.

The Raiders would fall to the dominant Medicine Hat Tigers in the second round of the playoffs, but Rudolph was their best player with 12 points in 11 games. Rudolph would be nominated for rookie of the year, with Landon DuPont eventually winning.

So far this season, Rudolph has continued to be an amazing player. Across ten games so far, he has produced a team-defence-leading eight points while being the most impactful piece on the team across all zones.

Play style

Rudolph brings almost everything you want in a stable defenceman. A projectable frame allows him to battle with opponents and obstruct them from finding good space in the defensive zone. High hockey IQ and intelligence may be the best part of his game. He constantly feels like the first player to have eyes on the puck, and already has the play developing in his head before any other player reacts. His positioning in the defensive end is almost always elite, consistently breaking off opposing passes and objecting lanes. Rudolph knows when to hop in the rush and when to stay back at the blue line, providing a strong sense of offensive engagement to lead to impact.

Agility is the key to Rudolph’s skating, using great edgework to move fluidly across both zones. It makes a viable option to move around the blue line or swiftly regain position in the defensive end. The explosiveness isn’t the best, but nothing that can’t be fixed without some development. He’s projecting well as a puck-moving defenceman, having a good amount of talent in breakout passes and quick tape-to-tape play. His shot is confusing as it is quite accurate and fast, but the results just aren’t quite there yet.

When the time comes for the draft, it wouldn’t be surprising for Rudolph to sneak into the top five. The only thing holding him back is a questionable ceiling. Will he be a top two on a team or just settle in as a top-four? As the season progresses, the answer should become a bit clearer, and that will dictate his draft position. Regardless, he brings a great package of skills that teams especially adore while playing a very sought-after position as a right-handed defenceman.

8. Mathis Preston

When it comes to top forwards in this draft, Mathis Preston is a name that feels like it’s been tossed around forever.

Preston entered the WHL when the Spokane Chiefs drafted him third overall in the 2023 draft. He’d total five games during the 2023–24 season, as Chiefs fans got a taste of his magic with him scoring four goals. A full-time position was ready for Preston the following year. He would suit up for 54 games, scoring 23 goals and 45 points in the bunch. In the playoffs, the Chiefs would end up as the runner-up for the championship. Preston was a big part of this deep run with nine goals and 16 points in 20 games. Despite the great year, Preston did not receive any honours for his rookie performance.

An up-and-down start is the best way to describe Preston’s season so far. In the first two games, Preston would pick up six points and score in each of the first three games. He would go pointless in the following game, but then pick up a three-game goal-scoring streak afterward. Since then, Preston has had one assist in five games. This brings his season totals to six goals and 11 points in 12 games. It’s a good production, but with someone of Preston’s calibre, it’s a little concerning.

Play style

Preston is the most natural goal-scorer in this draft class. He brings a versatile shot that is a constant threat in the offence. Quick releases with accuracy and power. Whether it be a wrist shot, snap shot, or one-timer, Preston has ease with finding the back of the net from any area of the ice.

On top of that, Preston still brings pretty much everything else you want in a dynamic forward. Swift speed, shiny edgework, and deceptive movements allow Preston to make a great impact with just his skating. It’s the key contributor to him being able to effectively use his smarts to find space in the offensive and get dangerous opportunities.

Even with being a top-end goal scorer, Preston still brings very good puck-moving abilities. He can dish the puck at a high level, having patience and vision to find his teammates through pressure. His hands are also incredibly nifty, adding to the flair of his offensive skill. Fast-paced back-and-forth puck movements, smooth drags, or mind-boggling dekes create confusing situations for opponents against Preston.

Although he’s not the biggest of the bunch, Preston makes up for it with his tenacity. He doesn’t shy away from physicality or pressure. His determination to score or get the puck back outweighs any physical disadvantage he may face. Knowing how to play almost every situation with intelligence helps too.

Despite the smaller size and rollercoaster start, I think it would be ridiculous for Preston to escape the top 10. He is everything you want in a top-end forward with the hardworking drive to match his endless skill. Preston will be a welcome gift to any team that is desperately looking for a dynamic forward.

9. Ryan Roobroeck

Another name that’s been around for a long time as a top forward for 2026 is Ryan Roobroeck.

The second overall pick of the 2023 OHL draft, Roobroeck made an immediate impact with the Niagara Ice Dogs. Unlike most, Roobroeck played a full season in the OHL in 2023–24. His rookie season totals finished at 28 goals and 51 points in 63 games, only three points behind the team lead. He would be rewarded with a spot on the OHL’s first all-rookie team.

Following, Roobroeck took a massive step forward in 2024–25. With the extra experience, Roobroeck scored 41 goals and 87 points in 64 games. Those stats would typically get you drafted in the first round, and he did it in his D-1 season. He led his team in every scoring category and returned them to the playoffs. In the playoffs, Roobroeck would add three goals and six points in a quick five-game exit.

Roobroeck hasn’t been too hot to start this season. He has seven goals and only eleven points across 12 games so far, a step back from last year. This, plus his early birthday, has seen him go from top-three conversations to the bottom half of the top 10. With some more production, it wouldn’t be surprising to see Roobroeck shoot back up.

Play style

Roobroeck is an amazing goal-scoring power forward. His shot sits up with Preston’s as arguably the best in the draft. It’s heavy and powerful, making it versatile and a weapon any time the puck comes off his stick. He has a quick release off a wrist shot, with the ability to shoot as a threat in motion or off a one-timer. Then comes his size, which allows him to play in the dirtier areas of the game. He’ll drive to the front of the net, looking to overwhelm for rebounds. His stature creates opportunities for him to protect the puck with ease, causing immense difficulty for opponents to retrieve it. Puck-control in tight makes him a constant threat.

Roobroeck’s dual-threat capabilities shine through thanks to some really good playmaking habits. He can find teammates through traffic, dish out across-zone feeds, or make those simple yet effective give-and-go plays. Finding space to create offensively isn’t an issue for him, thanks to his combination of size and skill. Throughout all the skills, Roobroeck needs to develop some better habits for consistency and effort level. Steps forward in those qualities could see him skyrocket.

Early on, Roobroeck is probably the most polarizing top prospect. He has the talent and maturity of a top-three pick, but he is one of the oldest players in the draft with consistency concerns. A subpar start hasn’t helped either. However, if Roobroeck can rediscover his production throughout the year, he might reclaim his top-five position.

10. Chase Reid

Chase Reid rounds out the top 10 as the fourth(!) right-handed defenceman inside of it.

While most players in this top 10 were drafted in the top 10 of their respective junior leagues, Reid ended up as the 125th pick inside the seventh round of the 2023 OHL draft. Since then, Reid has developed into a strong piece for the Soo Greyhounds. Playing a portion of his season in the NAHL, Reid suited up for only 39 games with the Greyhounds last year, but easily impressed throughout. In those 39 games, Reid put up seven goals and 40 points. Even in the limited amount of games, he was named to the OHL first all-rookie team and picked up the most assists by a rookie.

To start his first full OHL season, Reid has continued his pace from the prior year. In 15 games, Reid sits at just under a point per game with 14 points. He is one point shy of the team lead and is second in scoring for OHL defencemen.

Play style

Reid is an incredibly intelligent player. He sees the game at a high level, displaying a strong understanding of positioning, reading the play, and good two-way habits. Reid isn’t often out of position at either end of the ice. Keeping the pressure on opponents with a great stick is usually Reid’s go-to.

Offensively, he keeps a check at the blue line, developing most of the play from that area. He has no issue staying back for defensive responsibilities, as well as hopping into the rush to generate offensive chances. Reid displays tremendous skating with great agility that allows him to move around the entire ice with ease. Whether it be to control the offensive zone or regain position, Reid’s fluidity makes an impact.

Puck-moving abilities come inside of Reid’s game. Solid breakout passes and in-zone give-and-goes give Reid the projectability to be a defenceman who can quarterback a power play. Pair that with the skating skill I just mentioned, and he is a threat in transition.

After a full year of OHL hockey, it wouldn’t be surprising for Reid to climb some spots come the time for the draft. He’s continuing off of his great rookie year and doesn’t seem like he’ll be slowing down.

A very deep draft class

The 2026 NHL draft class is full of variety. Headlined by Gavin McKenna, a high pick in the 2026 draft is bound to add an elite player to your organization. Tons of possible weapons in the offensive zone and steady options for the back-end. Even with the ten prospects we just covered, there’s still tons of value to be had. Players such as Viggo Bjorck, Xavier Villeneuve, and Carson Carels could’ve just as easily made the list.

If there’s a time to stink it up and get a high draft pick, it’s now. The depth of the 2026 draft can almost promise to bolster that very much-needed talent missing in Calgary.