2026 NHL Mock Draft: And with the first pick, the Canucks take…

We’re fully past the halfway point in the 2026 NHL Draft season, so it’s time to have some fun.

We haven’t done a mock draft yet this season, given the small sample size means things change on a nightly basis. But, with the Canucks cementing themselves as the worst team in the NHL by a mile, we felt like it was time to change it up.

As always, mock drafts aren’t draft boards. It’s a chance to predict what a team might do, based on previous drafting strategies, team needs, etc. We’ll have a new draft board next week, and, spoiler alert, Ivar Stenberg is the new No. 1.

So much is going to change over the next few months. We won’t know the draft order until late June. But as of today, here’s what the 31 draft selections could look like in Buffalo. And, remember, this is all for fun:

1. Vancouver Canucks: Ivar Stenberg, LW (Frolunda HC, SHL)

The growing consensus around scouts is that Stenberg will be the first player taken off the board. While most scouts would agree that McKenna has more pure skill, Stenberg has the ability to impact the game in more ways away from the puck. The incredible numbers playing against men don’t hurt, either. It wouldn’t be surprising if they bet high on McKenna’s skill, but they need someone who can make a true difference all over the ice and Stenberg is just ahead of the game right now.

2. St. Louis Blues: Gavin McKenna, LW (Penn State University, NCAA)

The 2025-26 season has been an absolute dumpster fire for the Blues this year, so they’ve got the opportunity to land a franchise-changing prospect here. McKenna’s play has been heavily scrutinized this year, but he had 14 points at the World Juniors and has played some of his best hockey since returning to Penn State. Given how close the top two seem this year, Blues fans should be thrilled with this opportunity.

3. Calgary Flames: Tynan Lawrence, C (Boston University, NCAA)

The Flames could use some extra center depth, especially if they move on from Nazem Kadri. They could go with Lawrence or Caleb Malhotra here. Lawrence has struggled to produce early in his college career, but joining a new team mid-season – especially at a higher level – is never easy. Scouts were happy to see the move, though, and if he can get comfortable, Lawrence can help boost his draft stock down the line. Remember, you’re drafting based on the future, not the present. Few players can influence the play both with and without the puck in this draft class as Lawrence can.

4. Winnipeg Jets: Keaton Verhoeff, RHD (North Dakota University, NCAA)

The Jets like Elias Salomonsson, and Sascha Boumedienne is no slouch, either. But Verhoeff would instantly become Winnipeg’s No. 1 D prospect, someone who could be a big-time difference-maker immediately. I wouldn’t be surprised if they took Chase Reid or Alberts Šmits here, but Verhoeff’s combination of size, mobility and offensive awareness makes him the top choice at No. 3.

5. New York Rangers: Chase Reid, RHD (Soo Greyhounds, OHL)

I could see Reid going as high as No. 3, so this would be a steal for the Rangers. He does a good job of slowing things down when it’s needed. He’s a good puck distributor who makes great heads-up passes from his own zone, and he has the defensive awareness to get back after skating up the ice for a rush. In terms of raw ability, Reid has incredible upside.

6. Chicago Blackhawks: Ethan Belchetz, LW (Windsor Spitfires, OHL)

At 6-foot-5 and 228 pounds, Belchetz is a human wrecking ball. He’s not your typical power forward – he’s incredibly skilled. The top pick from the 2024 OHL Draft, Belchetz can dominate around the net, and he has a huge shot, too. If the Blackhawks were to draft Belchetz, he could create chaos and take on more physical responsibility alongside someone like Connor Bedard or Frank Nazar.

7. Nashville Predators: Alberts Šmits, LHD (Jukurit, Liiga)

The Predators could go a few directions here. Belchetz makes sense as a chaos conductor with a great shot. Maybe they splurge for Oliver Suvanto and his big frame down the middle. Maybe Carson Carels is more their fancy. But for here, I went with the best player available, and Šmits fits the bill. He had a strong showing at the World Juniors, is set to play at the Olympics and already plays 20 minutes a night against men. It feels like he’s the next Moritz Seider – and he’d instantly become Nashville’s top defensive prospect.

8. Washington Capitals: Caleb Malhotra, C (Brantford Bulldogs, OHL)

Just go best player available, and that’s Malhotra. Could Malhotra be off the board at this point? Absolutely. His ability to wait out opponents before making a last-second pass into a scoring lane is unmatched. He’s a great skater who plays a strong two-way game and loves getting involved physically, as well.

9. Columbus Blue Jackets: Carson Carels, LHD (Prince George Cougars, WHL)

Some scouts think Carels could be the second defender off the board behind Verhoeff or Reid. Carels’ defensive awareness, two-way skill, strong physique and high-end hockey sense make him one of the top defensive prospects in this year’s draft class. He plays a ton of minutes, is smart with the puck and is a tremendous play-breaker. I could see the Blue Jackets taking Viggo Björck if they’re chasing more upside, but Carels’ ceiling as a reliable, two-way defenseman is too high to ignore.

10. Ottawa Senators: Forfeited

Sorry, Sens fans.

11. New Jersey Devils: Adam Novotný, LW (Peterborough Petes, OHL)

The Devils could use a strong forward who can be a difference-maker with the puck, so this feels like an excellent fit. Novotný’s stock has continued to grow in recent weeks. He had a tough time getting on the scoresheet at the World Juniors, but he routinely made an impact with the puck while also doing an excellent job of retrieving it.

12. Los Angeles Kings: Daxon Rudolph, RHD (Prince Albert Raiders, WHL)

The Kings could go in any direction here, which is why I’m taking the best player available. The Prince Albert defender has put up some excellent numbers this season, putting himself on pace for about 80 points. Rudolph has a big 6-foot-2, 203-pound frame, and he’s exceptionally smart with and without the puck, too. He’s playing some downright dominant hockey as of late, so it’s worth tuning in and seeing what he’s capable of.

13. San Jose Sharks: Ryan Lin, RHD (Vancouver Giants, WHL)

San Jose has done a lot to address their blueline in recent years, but they should absolutely take Lin if he’s available with this pick. The thought of Lin manning a power-play unit for a decade-plus in San Jose is enough to get anyone excited. He’s so skilled, smart and is an excellent skater. The knock against him is his size, but scouts still view him as a high-end, puck-moving prospect. Always bet high on skill.

14. Philadelphia Flyers: Malte Gustafsson, LHD (HV71, Sweden U-20)

This feels like a Flyers pick. They absolutely love big, strong dudes and Gustafsson does it all while being excellent, mobility-wise. Gustafsson is a 6-foot-4 defender who is already playing a ton of minutes against men in the top Swedish league and is even getting some power-play time. His skating alone makes him intriguing.

15. Chicago Blackhawks (via Florida Panthers): Viggo Björck, C (Djurgardens, SHL)

The Hawks already have plenty of centers, but there’s an argument that Björck (or even Anton Frondell) could move to the wing. I love the idea of Björck setting up Bedard on the power play for a one-timer. His numbers in the SHL have been nothing to get too excited about, but his play at the World Juniors – albeit a two-week event – showed what he can do when he’s surrounded by talent. Scouts are really high on him right now.

16. Boston Bruins (via Toronto Maple Leafs): Oscar Hemming, LW (Boston College, NCAA)

Like Philly, Boston likes forwards with size, and Hemming would be a great fit here. Hemming was a standout at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup, but he has missed most of the season due to a contract dispute back home. He had a pair of assists in just his second college game, and early scouting reports about his play have been really positive. Hemming is one of the draft’s top power forwards, and if he’s available here, he’s a no-brainer for the Bruins. Don’t let his lack of playing time discourage you – scouts love him.

17. Seattle Kraken: Oliver Suvanto, C (Tappara, Liiga)

The Kraken have drafted plenty of centers the past few years, but if Suvanto is around at this point, it’s worth taking a chance on him. He has spent the season playing against men in Tappara, where he has shown himself to be sound and reliable defensively. Suvanto has been solid internationally this year, primarily playing against older competition in the U-20 ranks. His domestic league numbers might not be special, but it’s hard not to like his play away from the puck.

18. Anaheim Ducks: Elton Hermansson, RW (MoDo, Allsvenskan)

Hermansson has been one of my favorite Swedes this year, and he’d give the Ducks a strong shooter for the future. He’s great with the puck, is always looking to create high-quality chances and he can absolutely dominate the competition on the power play. Hermansson might not be the most rounded player at this point. But his play in the second-tier pro league, as well as his dominance internationally, should excite Ducks fans.

19. San Jose Sharks (via Edmonton Oilers): J.P. Hurlbert, C/LW (Kamloops Blazers, WHL)

Hurlbert plays a bit of center and the wing, and his results this year have been absolutely mind-blowing. He led the CHL in scoring throughout the first half of the season (Cameron Schmidt has since caught up), and I thought he looked good in the CHL USA Prospects Challenge, as well. Again, I hate bringing up size, but scouts are worried that he doesn’t have the pure strength at this point to be a difference-maker in the NHL. But his shot is high-end for this age, and he has the hockey sense to create some high-quality plays. Hurlbert could go in the top 15 if a team really believes in his talent – and they should.

20. Utah Mammoth: Xavier Villeneuve, LHD (Blainville-Boisbriand Armada, QMJHL)

Villeneuve has been highly productive throughout his three years with the Armada, and he was outstanding at the U-18 World Championship last spring. He loves touching and distributing the puck, and he’s an absolute monster on the power play. Villeneuve is just 5-foot-11, and while that’s not an ideal size, he makes up for it with what he does with the puck. I could see him going higher than this, but we know teams prioritize size on the back end so it feels like he’s bound to fall. If so, that’s Utah’s gain – they already have enough big blueliners to warrant taking someone with Villeneuve’s talent level.

21. Boston Bruins: Nikita Klepov, LW (Saginaw Spirit, OHL)

The Bruins have drafted some solid centers over the past few years, so it’s time to snag one of the OHL’s most dangerous forwards. Klepov was recently one of the top performers at the OHL Top Prospects Game, where he showed just how lethal he could be in scoring lanes. He’s in his first year of OHL competition, but he’s tracking for around 40 goals and 50 assists. Klepov is equally skilled as a shooter and a playmaker, and I love how often he finds open scoring lanes. He’d be the perfect winger alongside James Hagens.

22. New York Islanders: Ilia Morozov, C (Miami University, NCAA)

It’s kind of crazy how good Morozov has been. His production is nothing too remarkable, but given he’s the youngest player in the NCAA, he has handled 20 minutes a night as well as anyone could have expected. Morozov has a big 6-foot-3 frame, he loves to attack on the forecheck, and he’s absolutely relentless. I could see him becoming a really effective No. 2/3 center behind Cal Ritchie for the Islanders.

23. Pittsburgh Penguins: Wyatt Cullen, LW (USNTDP)

This just feels like a Wes Clark pick – someone who doesn’t receive a ton of fanfare but has all the tools to become an effective NHLer. Cullen was USA’s top player at the CHL USA Prospects Challenge back in the fall, and he was the top forward in the recent USA Hockey All-American Prospects Game, too. His ability to get to the net and capitalize on loose pucks is second to none. The son of former NHLer Matt Cullen is an excellent skater who can beat you in a foot race in so many different ways. Mix in the hockey sense and a quick, deceptive release, and I see a good middle-six forward down the line.

24. Buffalo Sabres: Juho Piiparinen, RHD (Tappara, Liiga)

Piiparinen is a smart defender who doesn’t make many mistakes with the puck. He’s good when he keeps things simple, but he can also rush the puck up the ice and lower the boom when needed. He’s been playing decent hockey against men, and his international play has been solid, too. The Sabres could use another quality right-handed defender in the system, and given how reliable he is in his own zone, Piiparinen could be an attractive option for them.

25. Montreal Canadiens: Mathis Preston, RW (Vancouver Giants, WHL)

Preston’s stock has fallen a bit in recent weeks, but let’s hope the move to the Giants will help spice up his game. I have loved him at the various showcase events he has played in, but his WHL production has left a bit to be desired. Still, there’s so much natural skill here, and he’s an excellent skater.

26. New York Rangers (via Dallas Stars): Alessandro Di Iorio, C (Sarnia Sting, OHL)

Di Iorio has been great in all my viewings this year. Even when he’s not putting pucks in the net, he’s driving the play, making responsible decisions with the puck, and seems to make everyone around him better. Di Iorio does an excellent job of carrying the puck through the middle of the ice, showcasing his high-end playmaking and his quick release. Di Iorio missed some time early this season, but between the Hlinka Gretzky, the CHL USA Prospects Challenge and the recent OHL Top Prospects Game, I like how Di Iorio rises to the occasion when eyes are on him.

27. Vancouver Canucks (via Minnesota Wild): William Håkansson, LHD (Lulea, SHL)

There’s nothing flashy about Håkansson’s game, but the Swedes clearly liked him in more of a defensive role at the recent World Juniors. He didn’t play a ton down the stretch, but he was relied on for his long reach and physical attributes on the penalty kill. He’s a raw prospect who plays more of a chip-out-of-danger puck game, although he does a solid job of disrupting plays and blocking scoring lanes. Teams love big defenders, and at 6-foot-4, he’s one of the more mobile ones available.

28. Detroit Red Wings: Niklas Aaram-Olsen, LW (Orebro, SHL)

The Red Wings have a thing for prospects playing in Sweden. NAO is one of the best around this year, with the potential of becoming a legitimate game-changer for Norway internationally down the line. He loves to shoot the puck, and while he’s not massive, he plays with a ton of power. Aaram-Olsen has struggled to produce against men, but he rarely gets ice time. Against his own age group, though, he has been downright unstoppable. He’s a big reason why Norway will play in the World Juniors next year.

29. Calgary Flames (via Vegas Golden Knights): Adam Goljer, RHD (Trencin, Slovakia)

I’m a big Goljer fan. I like the idea of him being a potential second or third-pair defender down the line. I’ve seen him play some excellent hockey at the U-20 level this season, and he was one of my favorites with the U-18 team a year ago. I know offense isn’t the name of his game (although he shows some solid proficiency with the puck), but defensively, he gets the job done very effectively. The Flames have some good young defenders in the system, but I like Goljer’s calmness – and being 6-foot-3 doesn’t hurt.

30. Carolina Hurricanes: Tomas Chrenko, C (Nitra, Slovakia)

There might not be a more effective forward on the power play in this draft class than Chrenko. He was dynamite at the World Juniors, and was one of the best players at the 2025 U-18 World Championship, too. I want him to be better at 5-on-5, given that’s where the majority of the game is played. But on the man advantage, Chrenko is a legit game-changer in a way very few in this draft class are. Carolina likes players with high upside, and I feel like this would be a good fit.

31. Seattle Kraken (via Tampa Bay Lightning): Simas Ignatavicius, RW (Geneve Servette, NL)

The more I watch Ignatavicius, the more I like him. He’s a 6-foot-3 forward having a solid season in the top league in Switzerland and has been downright dominant internationally with Lithuania. Ignatavicius is so versatile, finding so many different ways to impact the play both with and without the puck. He’s good defensively, has a great shot release, has obvious muscle and is incredibly skilled, too. Ignatavicius would be perfect alongside someone like Berkly Catton.

32. New York Islanders (via Colorado Avalanche): Nikita Shcherbakov, LHD (Tolpar Ufa, MHL)

With Matthew Schaefer ripping up the NHL, and Jesse Pulkkinen and Kashawn Aitcheson developing smoothly, the Isles have a solid D corps brewing. But I still love the idea of them drafting Shcherbakov, a defender who continues to rise up draft boards. The 6-foot-5 defender started the year in the KHL but has primarily played in the second-tier Russian league since the end of September. He’s strong, but he moves well – which is important for a guy his size.