BEST FORWARD PROSPECTS AFTER GAVIN McKENNA IN 2026

After Gavin McKenna—who’s widely projected as the top pick in the 2026 NHL Draft—the next tier of elite prospects is shaping up to be a fascinating mix of size, skill, and international flair.
Here is a look at the best forward prospects, who could go after Gavin McKenna.

Related: WHY GAVIN McKENNA IS ALREADY THE CONSENSUS NO.1 PICK IN 2026

RYAN ROONBROECK (LW/C)- 6’4/210- Niagara (OHL)

Ryan Roonbroeck (6’4, 210)- a left wing with Niagara of the Ontario Hockey League, led his team with 87 points (41 goals, 46 assists) and had 12 power-play goals in 64 regular-season games. He’s a big bodied scorer with strong offensive instincts, loves operating around the crease, using his frame to shield defenders and capitalize on rebounds. Roonbroeck is a crafty puck handler with excellent offensive instincts, and is able to find open areas and make smart reads. The combination of size, hands and goal-scoring abilities really shines when he has the puck. The power and accuracy he has along with the puck skills and control, makes him tough to contain. He can score from anywhere, in tight or from far and has the vision to always find the open ice to be a threat. The 6-foot-4 forward has an incredible shot, but he also knows how to play specific roles, too. He loves spending a lot of time around the net, and his two-way game has come a long way the past few years. Roobroeck blends size, scoring, and cerebral play, making him a potential top-six NHL center with power-forward leanings. His trajectory could mirror Marner’s in terms of development, but his physical tools suggest a ceiling closer to Getzlaf or Horvat if everything clicks.

IVAN STENBERG (LW)- 5’10/179- Frolunda (Sweden J-20)

Ivar Stenberg (5’10, 179)- Left Winger had 53 points (26 goals, 27 assists) in 27 regular-season games with Frolunda’s junior-20 club team. Dominated the U18 World Championships with 8 goals in 7 games, leading Sweden to a silver medal. Stenberg is expected to join Boston University next season, following a growing trend of elite European prospects choosing NCAA development. If he mirrors the path of Macklin Celebrini, he could be NHL-ready right after his draft year. Stenberg reads the game at a high level, anticipating plays and exploiting defensive gaps with surgical precision. Stenberg has elite skating, puck control, and creativity, making him a constant threat. His ability to shift tempo and direction while maintaining possession stands out, and he’s shown strong playmaking. His quick pivots and subtle fakes make him a nightmare for defenders—he’s constantly shaking coverage and creating space. Comparable to Lucas Raymond, in terms of Elite hockey sense and offensive instincts. Stenberg is widely projected as a top-three pick in 2026, with some analysts suggesting he could challenge for second overall behind Gavin McKenna. His game is polished, and his upside is enormous—especially if he continues to thrive against older competition.

ETHAN BELCHETZ (LW)- 6’5/226- Windsor (OHL)

Ethan Belchetz (6’5, 226)- Belchetz had 38 points (17 goals, 21 assists) in 56 games with Windsor of the OHL, is a towering Powerforward with physical edge. Belchetz is a true power forward, he uses his massive frame to win puck battles, dominate net-front play, and intimidate opponents. Surprisingly agile for his build, with good movement in the offensive zone and the ability to find soft ice. Nearly impossible to knock off the puck—his combination of reach and strength makes him a nightmare for defenders. – While he’s a capable scorer, his passing and offensive reads aren’t quite at the elite level yet. Like many big-bodied teens, his coordination is still catching up to his frame. Continued development will be key. Belchetz projects as a top-10 pick with potential to become a middle-six power winger who can play on the PP and crash the net. If his skating and hockey sense continue to evolve, he could push into the top 5. Belchetz likely won’t be the type to lead a team in scoring, but he could become a cornerstone power forward who shifts momentum with physical play and timely goals. If his skating and decision-making continue to progress, a player like Tom Wilson represents a strong stylistic ceiling—with the edge to play in high-leverage situations and on the power play.

COLIN FITZGERALD (C)- 6’2/195- Peterborough (OHL)

Colin Fitzgerald (6’2, 195)- Fitzgerald had 28 points (12 goals, 16 assists) in 48 games with Peterborough of the OHL, he’s a smart competive center with faceoff prowess. The 6-foot-2 power forward had a more muted season offensively, but he was still a game-changer for the Petes more often than not. The team missed out on the playoffs, but Fitzgerald plays a game suited for big moments – he hits, he battles and he can definitely shoot. Described as a “character kid,” he’s known for his work ethic and ability to elevate his game in big moments—even on a struggling Petes team. He plays a power-forward style, battling hard along the boards and delivering hits that shift momentum. While his scoring numbers weren’t flashy last season, he’s got a heavy shot and good instincts around the net. Fitzgerald projects as a middle-six center with upside to play in all situations—PK, PP, and late-game defensive zone draws, similar to New York Islanders Center Bo Horvat. His blend of size, compete level, and hockey IQ makes him a safe bet for teams looking to build culture and depth.

VIGGO BJORCK (RW)- 5’9/171- Djurgarden (Sweden J-20)

Viggo Bjorck (5’9, 171)- Right Winger had 74 points (27 goals, 47 assists) as a 16 year old in 42 regular-season games with Djurgardens junior-20 team. Teammate and one of the Islanders 1st round picks, Victor Eklund stated “he’s a right-handed Macklin Celebrini, he just can see the game better than everyone. Just crazy. He came up to practice with us, and all the guys were like, ‘Jesus, this guy can play.” Bjorck is quick, agile, and relentless—he pushes the pace and plays through contact despite his size. Led Sweden in scoring at the Five Nations tournament with 7 points in 4 games, tying for the tournament lead. Comparable to Trevor Zegras, a small but dynamic forward, known for his flar, vision, and puck wizardry. He’s currently ranked #5 overall in early draft boards, but some analysts believe he could challenge Ivar Stenberg or even Gavin McKenna if his physical development continues. Björck projects as a top-six offensive driver, especially if paired with a complementary winger. His ceiling is a first line center with dazzling puck control and elite playmaking.

BRAIDY WASSILYN (C/W)- 5’11/194- NIAGARA (OHL)

Braidy Wassilyn (5’11, 194)- Wassilyn is a pass-first forward with exceptional vision, often threading pucks through tight seams and selling shot fakes to open up passing lanes. He’s known for behind-the-back feeds, cross-body passes, and manipulating defenders with subtle puck movements. – His stickhandling is advanced for his age, allowing him to operate in traffic and make plays under pressure. Over a third of his points came on the man advantage, where he thrives on the right flank with cross-ice setups and patient reads. He’s also drawn comparisons to Pavel Bure for his flair and offensive instincts—despite being born five years after Bure retired, however, I don’t think he is the goal scorer that Bure was; a better comparison is Mat Barzal, a dynamic playmaking center, who can shift to the wing and dazzle with his creativing and skating ability. Like Barzal, Wassilyn will have to improve on his shooting abilities, so he becomes less predictable when he has the puck, and he will also need to improve on his defensive zone play. Wassilyn projects as a middle-six playmaking forward with powerplay upside. If he sharpens his shooting and adds pace, he could become a legitimate top-six threat.