While Gavin McKenna is the undisputed headliner of the 2026 NHL Draft class, there are many intriguing sleeper picks who could rise through the ranks and deliver outstanding value for where they are drafted.
Related: BEST FORWARD PROSPECTS AFTER GAVIN McKENNA IN 2026
Ryan Lin (D)- Vancouver (WHL)
Listed at just 5’11” and 176lbs, Lin is an undersized but dynamic puck-mover with elite offensive instincts. He’s an elite puck-moving instincts and offensive vision. Led Canada’s blueline at the 2025 Hlinka Gretzky Cup with 6 points in 5 games. He is poised under pressure, gaps up early in transition, and engages physically despite modest size. Lin was named to the WHL All-Rookie Team after a 53-point season. His average footspeed may limit ceiling at the NHL level, undersized for a defenseman, which could affect matchups against heavier forecheckers. Could be a Quinn Hughes-style riser, think of a cerebral puck distributor who thrives in transition and power play setups, but will need to prove he can handle NHL pace and physicality. Lin could be a steal for systems that prioritize mobility and offensive zone activation from the back end.
Colin Fitzgerald (C)- Peterborough (OHL)
At 6’2″ and 207lbs, Fitzgerald has a big Power-forward frame with a gritty, north-south style. He is strong in the faceoff circle and reliable in all three zones and plays a mature game—battles hard, finishes checks, and shows clutch instincts. Despite playing on a struggling Petes squad, he posted 7 points in his first 13 OHL games, finishing the season with 28 points in 48 games. Fitzgerald’s offensive ceiling is still a question—more playmaking flashes needed; Not a flashy scorer, so may be overlooked in early rankings. Scouts see Brady Martin-like upside, a middle-six NHL center who can anchor a penalty kill, win key draws, and chip in timely goals. He’s the kind of “character kid” scouts love for playoff-style hockey. Fitzgerald could thrive in systems that value physicality, defensive structure, and leadership potential.
Elton Hermansson (RW)- MoDo Hockey U20 (Sweden)
Hermansson is a dual scoring threat, with a strong shot and creative pucks skills. He attacks with intent and flair—can beat defenders one-on-one and create off the rush, and is a dangerous shooter off the flank, especially with curl-and-drag wristers or one-timers. Showed scoring touch at Hlinka Gretzky, tallying 5 goals in 4 games. Smooth skater with good size and instincts. He’s not a complete two-way winger-defensive game still maturing and needs to refine decision-making under pressure and off the puck. Think William Nylander-lite with a bit more edge. Hermansson thrives when the puck is on his stick and has the tools to become a top-six winger if he rounds out his game. He’s one of those prospects who could surge up draft boards with a strong season in Sweden’s J20 Nationell or a standout showing at the World Juniors.
Joe Iginla (F)- Edmonton Oil Kings (WHL)
The son of Hall of Famer Jarome Iginla, is only 5’10” and 165lbs; although he is undersized, but has High hockey IQ and strong compete level—plays with purpose and poise; he has an excellent shot mechanics, especially off the rush and in tight spaces. Versatile forward with experience at center and wing, is responsible defensively. He’s already made waves with the Oil Kings and has shown clutch scoring ability in WHL play He has strong pedigree and leadership traits, often praised for maturity beyond his years. He is undersized for a power forward mold, so he will need to add strength and he can disappear in slower-paced games. Think Cole Perfetti with a dash of Brendan Gallagher grit. Joe isn’t just riding his father’s legacy—he’s showing flashes of elite scoring instincts and a relentless motor that could make him a fan favorite. If he continues to develop physically and assert himself in big moments, he could be a steal for teams looking for character, versatility, and upside.
Caleb Malholtra (F)- Brantford Bulldogs (OHL)
Caleb Malholtra may not on many top-20 lists yet, but has a well-rounded game and could surge with more ice time. Son of longtime NHLer Manny Malhotra, known for elite faceoff skills and defensive reliability; he has a fascinating blend of pedigree, versatility, and hockey IQ. An exceptionally smart playmaker with a sixth sense for timing and space, and can toggle between scoring and checking roles-rare tactical flexibility. Malhotra has strong puck protection and vision; opens up passing lanes with subtle reads. Caleb has an Active stick and two-way awareness; wins loose puck battles and positions well defensively. On the downside, he is not the fastest skater- relies more on anticipation than burst; needs to add muscle to handle top-six matchups at the top level. Think Boone Jenner meets Anton Lundell—a cerebral, system-ready center who may not dazzle with highlight-reel plays but quietly drives possession and elevates teammates. Caleb’s hybrid path—CHL experience with an NCAA commitment—gives him a unique developmental runway. He’s the kind of player who could surge in draft rankings with a strong OHL season and World Junior exposure.
Alex Elofsson (D)- Orebro HK U20 (Sweden)
One of Sweden’s most intriguing right-shot defensemen, Elofsson is a mobile, right-shot defenseman with good puck skills. Elite puck skills and offensive instints-quarterbacks the power play with confidence and is a smooth skater with excellent edgework and lateral mobility. Posseses High hockey IQ in transition; excels at zone exits and controlled entries. Already producing near point-per-game pace in Sweden’s top junior league. Because he is Undersized for a defenseman at 5’10” and 163lbs, he may struggle against heavy forechecks; Defensive zone play still maturing; positioning and physicality need refinement. Think Axel Sandin Pellikka— a dynamic, puck-moving defenseman who thrives in open ice and offensive setups. Some scouts even joke he “can’t defend,” but that’s part of the Karlsson comparison. Elofsson is one of those prospects who could surge with a strong showing at the World Juniors or in international play. If he adds strength and rounds out his defensive game, he could become a top-four NHL blueliner in a system that values mobility and offensive activation.
Viktor Fyodorov (C)- Chaika Nizhny Novgorod (MHL)
Fyodorov is a Russian center with slick hands and tremendous speed- can slice through defenses with ease. Fyodorov has creative offensive instincts and deceptive shooting angle, shows strong puck control in tight spaces and transition play. He shows Shows leadership and confidence beyond his years; often captains junior squads. He is undersized for a center, and will need to bulk up if he is to play center, and defensively he is still working on his defensive zone awareness- relies more on anticipation that structure. Fyodorov plays like Kirill Kaprizov meets Sergei Fedorov, a dynamic, high-skill forward with flair and edge. Fyodorov’s name carries weight, and he’s starting to live up to it with standout performances in Russia’s MHL. He’s already trending on Russian prospect boards and could surge with a strong showing at international tournaments. If you’re mapping out speculative fits or draft overlays, he’s a prime candidate for teams seeking speed, creativity, and upside down the middle. He might have to eventually shift to he wing to maximize his potential in the NHL
Braidy Wassilyn (RW)- Boston University (NCAA)
Braidy Wassilyn is one of the most electrifying prospects in the 2026 Draft. He is a deceptive playmaker with elite puck control and vision, challenges defenders with speed and creativity—thrives in transition. He has strong shot mechanics and spatial awareness in the offensive zone, and is versatile across all three forward positions. Defensive zone engagement is improving but still a work in progress and consistency and intensity can vary. Think Trevor Zegras meets Nick Suzuki—a cerebral, high-skill forward who can dazzle with the puck and orchestrate offense from anywhere on the ice. He’s already earned praise for his leadership and clutch performances, including tying the franchise record for most single-game points.
Viljo Kahkonen (F)- HIFK U20 (Finland)
Kahkonen is an agile skater with excellent edgework and excelleration, he is a smart system-ready winger with strong puck support and off-puck movement. He plays a mature two-way game-often deployed on both the man advantage and penalty kill. Slightly undersized, at 5’10” and 170 lbs, will need to add strength to handle NHL pace and physicality; shot release and scoring consistency also needs improvement. Think Jesper Bratt meets Artturi Lehkonen—a cerebral, high-effort winger who thrives in structured systems and can contribute in all situations. He’s not flashy, but he’s efficient and reliable. Kahkonen is a smart, two-way forward with strong puck protection and vision. Finland’s system tends to polish these types well. Kähkönen’s development in Finland’s U20 system positions him well for a breakout season, especially if he earns minutes in Liiga or shines in international play. If you’re mapping out speculative fits, he’s a strong candidate for teams that value tactical discipline and high-IQ wingers.
Niklas Aaram-Olsen (LW)- Orebro HK U20 (Sweden)
Niklas Aaram-Olsen plays a mature game with good size and positional awareness; he’s not flashy, but effective. The Norwegian born winger has power-forward traits; drives the net, protects the puck well, and finishes through contact. Aaram-Olsen had a strong start in Sweden’s J20 league—27 points in 29 games as a U17 player; excelled at WJC Division 1A with 3 goals in 2 games, despite being one of the youngest players. He needs to improve agility and lateral quickness to match NHL pace; Defensive zone play and off-puck awareness still developing. Think Michael Brandsegg-Nygård with more raw scoring upside, or a young Josh Anderson—a north-south winger who thrives in high-traffic areas and can be a momentum-shifter. Niklas is quietly building a case as the best Norwegian forward prospect of his generation. If he continues to dominate in Sweden’s J20 and earns a World Junior spot, he could climb into the top 20 conversation.
Callum Croskery (D)- Soo Greyhounds (OHL)
Croskery is a mobile left-shot defenseman with breakout potential; scouts love his poise under pressure. A Calm, calculated puck mover with excellent breakout timing; Good first pass and transition instincts; doesn’t force plays under pressure. On Defense, he has strong gap control and defensive reads—rarely caught out of position. Leadership traits emerging early—captained U16 Oakville Rangers before joining Soo. Offensive upside is modest—more of a stabilizer than a play driver; Needs to add physicality and strength to handle top-six NHL forwards. Think Ryan McDonagh with a touch of Jonas Brodin—a reliable, system-ready defenseman who may not light up the scoresheet but quietly drives possession and shuts down rushes. Croskery signed with the Soo Greyhounds in 2025 and is already earning top-four minutes. If he continues to develop his physical game and shows well in international play, he could be a high-floor pick for NHL teams seeking defensive stability and maturity.
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