BEST DEFENSIVE PROSPECTS IN 2026 NHL DRAFT

In the last blog, I wrote about the best forward prospects after Gavin McKenna in the 2026 NHL Draft. In this blog, I will be focusing in on the Best Defenseman available in 2026. The 2026 draft pool is shaping up to be deep and dynamic, with several standout blueliners drawing early comparisons to elite NHL talent.

Related: Best Forward Prospects after Gavin McKenna in 2026

KEATON VERHOEFF- U Of North Dakota (NCAA)

Keaton Verhoeff is widely regarded as the top defensive prospect in the 2026 NHL Draft class, and for good reason. The 6’4, 212 lbs, right-shot defenseman is a shutdown defender with emerging offensive upside. Verhoeff scored 45 points in 63 WHL games with the Victoria Royals in the 2024-25 campaign and will be playing for the University of North Dakota this season; he was also a key contributor for Canada at the U18 Worlds, logged heavy minutes. Verhoeff has a powerful stride with excellent edgework, closes gaps quickly. He has elite positioning and anticipation, excels in 1-on-1 situations. Keaton uses size effectively, delivering punishing hits and has strong net-front presence. Posseses crisp breakout passes, has improved on offensive reads and zone entries. Scouts have described him as an archetypal NHL-style defenseman, Verhoeff has a blend of size and skating that makes him intriguing. He has the work ethic and two-way potential to make him a stud. He shows great composure leading an attack, picks his spots to join in on the attack and has a positionally sound defensive game defending rushes very well. He’s got a powerful shot from the point, is a fluid skater and is a fierce competitor. Keaton Verhoeff is a true No. 1 NHL defenseman potential; some scouts liken him to a right-handed Victor Hedman. Some scouts call him the best right-handed D prospect they’ve ever seen, even likening him to Cale Makar. After dominating in junior, he’s now set to develop further in one of college hockey’s top programs. Keaton Verhoeff is the consensus #2 pick in the draft after Gavin McKenna, he has all the tools to be the next great defenseman in the league.

DAXON RUDOLPH- Prince Albert Raiders (WHL)

Daxon Rudolph is a dynamic right-shot defenseman who’s been turning heads since being selected first overall in the 2023 WHL Prospects Draft by the Prince Albert Raiders. His blend of offensive flair and physical edge makes him one of the most exciting blueliners in the 2026 class. The 6’1, 194 lbs, right-shot defenseman is a mobile, two-way defender with strong puck moving skills. Former standout with Northern Alberta Xtreme U15 Prep, Rudolph was CSSHL U15 Prep’s Top Defenseman, scoring 17 goals in 30 games. With an impressive 41-point rookie season, Daxon Rudolph is as calm and composed on the backend as anyone. He’s a great skater on the breakout and makes himself known in the offensive zone to setup plays from the blueline. He defends rushes very well, showing strong gap control and can break up plays with timely stick checks, quickly recovering the puck and regaining possession. He already has gold medals at the U17 Challenge and World U18 Championship. Daxon has a heavy wrist shot from the point, can walk the blue line and create off the rush due to his elite puck skills. He’s able to
Feather passes through tight seams, has quarterback potential on PP. Despite known for his offense, he is not shy about being physical; willing to engage physically, delivers open-ice hits and clears the crease. Rudolph’s game is already drawing comparisons to past WHL stars like Kaiden Guhle and Josh Morrissey, and some believe he could one day see his number raised in Prince Albert’s rafters. He’s a human highlight reel—whether launching point shots, threading passes, or delivering punishing hits. Currently ranked #6 overall by Elite Prospects and projects as a top-four NHL defenseman with power play upside. Daxon Rudolph is definitely a top 10 in the 2026 NHL Draft and depending on the teams drafting and their needs, could go as high as 5, but that is unlikely.

XAVIER VILLENEUVE- Blainville-Boisbriand Armada (QMJHL)

Xavier Villeneuve is one of the most electrifying offensive defensemen in the 2026 draft class. Villeneuve’s game is built on confidence and flair. He’s the kind of player who can change the tempo of a game with one shift, and while he may not fit every team’s mold, those who value mobility and offensive upside will be watching closely. Listed at just 5’10, 150 lbs, Villeneuve is a shifty and elusive, opens lanes with deceptive movement. Playing for the Blainville-Boisbriand Armada, he put up 62 points in 61 games as a rookie defender in the QMJHL and was named QMJHL’s Defenseman of the Year. He’s a dynamic offensive defender as he has the awareness to jump into the attack and capitalize on his opportunities. He can evade defenders easily and while he can be risky and he gets you out of your seat, his play is very reminiscent of Lane Hutson with his movement, deceptiveness and puck skills. Villeneuve will have his work cut out for him this year, and frankly, the odds aren’t in his favor after the 2025 NHL Draft saw no defenders taken below six-foot. From a pure skill perspective, Villeneuve has everything going for him, he has all the skills and offensive instincts you would aant in a high-end offensive defenseman. Xavier is projected to be a top 4 offensive defenseman with PP quarterback potential if he continues to develop physically, but his sub 6 foot frame does limit his potential; this is the ultimate high-risk, high-reward pick to get fans out of their seats.

RYAN LIN- Vancouver Giants (WHL)

Ryan Lin is a cerebral, well-rounded right-shot defenseman who’s quietly climbed into first-round territory for the 2026 NHL Draft. Playing for the Vancouver Giants in the WHL, Lin blends mobility, maturity, and defensive poise in a way that’s rare for his age. Drafted 6th overall in the 2023 WHL Prospect Draft by his hometown Vancouver Giants, he has developed into one of their most reliable defenseman on both sides of the puck. Listed at just 5’11 and 172 lbs, the Right-Handed defenseman was part of the new breed of young, skilled, puck-moving defensemen, had 53 points as a rookie in Vancouver. He has elite defensive IQ; elite anticipation and positioning, rarely is caught out of position. Lin is a great skater, agile and efficient, uses edgework to escape pressure with the puck and to close gaps defensively. On puck retrivals, he is quck to react under pressure and makes smart decisions; he makes crisp outlet passes to initiate transition with confidence. His composure is excellent for a defender his age, he is calm under high pressure situations and excels in playoffs. He does everything at a high level, does the small things extremely well, and just plays the game with a rare quality for a D his age, steering play with his quiet efficiency, feel for the game, puck-moving, elite hockey IQ, great stick and reads defensively, and good skating. He’s comfortable in any situation and excels on both special teams. He’s adjustable. Lin’s game is built on subtlety and precision. He’s not flashy, but he’s the kind of defender who makes life easier for his teammates and harder for opponents. Think Bowen Byram’s poise with a touch of Jaccob Slavin’s quiet dominance. Ryan Lin has the potential to be a top 4 NHL defenseman with PK and transitional upside, and while he is unlikely to be a top 10 pick, he a safe bet to be a top 15 pick.

CHASE REID- Soo Greyhounds (OHL)

Chase Reid is a poised, right-shot defenseman who’s steadily climbed into top-15 territory for the 2026 NHL Draft. Playing for the Soo Greyhounds in the OHL, Reid blends size, skating, and defensive maturity in a way that’s earned him praise from scouts across North America. Reid shows great confidence advancing out of his own zone. He’s a smooth skater for his 6-foot-2 size and has a strong, well-rounded mindset with his game. He plays everything smart and can even add the physical element when he needs to. He’s got poise beyond his years. He escapes pressure well. He’s got a great shot. He’s deadly in transition. He’s got impressive offensive
sense and good vision. His play on the D side took strides as the year progressed after it was an adjustment in the OHL at first. His two-way reliability has drawn comparisons to Ryan McDonagh, who also isn’t the flashiest defenseman, but has made a career being reliable defensively and playing that shutdown type role. Reid may not be the flashiest name in the class, but his steadiness and hockey sense make him a coach’s dream. He’s the kind of player who could quietly anchor a second pairing for a decade. He’s projected as a Top-4 NHL defenseman with PK value and transitional upside, and should be a top 20 pick.

CARSON CARELS- PRINCE GEORGE COUGARS (WHL)

Carson Carels is a left-shot defenseman from Manitoba who’s steadily emerged as one of the most intriguing blueliners in the 2026 NHL Draft class. Playing for the Prince George Cougars in the WHL, he’s earned praise for his skating, puck control, and cerebral approach to the game. Carels was the WHL Cup’s MVP, putting up a point per game, after scoring 3 points in 7 games with the Cougars. In Carels first full season with Prince George, he tallied 35 points in 60 games, demonstration great all around skills. The 6-foot-1 defender is an excellent skater who uses it to break out and create his own opportunities. Carels doesn’t play with much flash, and prefers to keep things simple with the puck. Most of his breakouts are smart, and he does a good job of limiting his mistakes. Carels is an all-around defenseman with an offensive title. He’s got a good head on his shoulders and his eyes are always up. He’s got a big, hard slapshot that makes him a threat to score. He sees the play well. He’s a strong skater who can push pucks down ice. Carels doesn’t play with flash, but his game is built on precision and poise. Scouts love his ability to simplify the game while still driving play forward. Carson Carels projects an All-round defenseman with offensive instincts and transitional poise; he has the potential to be a top 4 defenseman with PP and PK ability. Carels should be a late first-round pick, baring injury or any slip in performance.