2026 NHL Draft Rankings: October Edition

Here is an October Edition of the 2026 NHL Draft Rankings; this is the first ranking of the season.

1. Gavin McKenna (LW), 6’0/165, Penn State (NCAA)

No surprise, but first on the ranking is Gavin McKenna of Penn State. While it’s too early to forecast what this draft class looks like, we do know that McKenna has franchise-changing ability. He did everything he could at Medicine Hat, including a trip to the Memorial Cup with the Tigers last season. In two plus seasons, McKenna compiled 79 goals and 244 points in just 133 games played. He’s also checked all the boxes internationally. As such, in order to take his game to a new level, McKenna committed to Penn State and the NCAA. Where he played was never going to have an impact on his draft status. McKenna will go wire-to-wire as the top-rated prospect for this draft. Offensively, he’s as gifted as anyone we’ve seen in this spot in the past 10 years, Jack Hughes and Connor Bedard included. He’s light on his skates, knows where everyone on the ice is at all times and he executes plays like no one else in this class. Even if his production wavers, the hype train is already well in-motion.

2. Ivar Stenberg (LW), 6’0/180, Frolunda (SHL)

Ivar Stenberg is a top Swedish forward and projected top-three pick in the 2026 NHL Draft. He currently plays for Frölunda HC in the SHL and is widely praised for his elite playmaking, hockey IQ, and offensive versatility. It’s not just his late birthday that has allowed him to play with older players against older competition. Stenberg’s talent has actually allowed him to play up in the lineup while playing a year ahead. No doubt he will be compared to his older brother Otto who was selected 25th overall by St. Louis in 2023, but they are different players. Point production comes easier to Ivar, who is a dual threat to score or make elite offensive plays. He shows no fear in going to the hard areas and is a responsible defensive player.

3. Keaton Verhoeff (D), 6’4/212, North Dakota (NCAA)

Keaton Verhoeff is a top Canadian right-shot defenseman for the University of North Dakota and a projected top-3 pick in the 2026 NHL Draft. He’s known for his size, offensive instincts, and leadership qualities. He is expected to go shortly after McKenna in June. He doesn’t possess McKenna’s track record and plays a different position, so it will be fascinating to track Verhoeff’s progress as a draft eligible defenceman in college. The debate will be heavy as to whether he was better off getting more games in the CHL, or utilizing a lighter NCAA schedule to become stronger. Only time will tell. He has checked all the boxes on the way up the developmental ladder from Canada’s Youth Olympic team through gold medals at the U17s and U18 worlds. Most recently, he was Canada’s captain in a bronze medal-winning performance at the Hlinka-Gretzky.

4. Ethan Belchetz (LW), 6’5/227, Windsor Spitfires (OHL)

Ethan Belchetz is a towering Canadian left winger for the Windsor Spitfires in the OHL and a projected top-5 pick in the 2026 NHL Draft. He’s known for his rare combination of size, skill, and netfront dominance. His size always allowed him to dominate youth hockey, and now he is doing the same in the OHL. Last year, Belchetz put up four goals in his third ever OHL game, but tailed off to score just 13 more in the next 53 contests. He roams the ice like he owns it. His hands and feet work well together to create additional space to execute plays. He’s got a big league shot that is effective from distance. I like the fact that he plays in a Windsor lineup with other over-sized players like Chicago prospect AJ Spellacy, and Kings prospect Liam Greentree. Belchetz is a different player, with more offensive upside than both, but he can definitely get some guidance from them on how to navigate his draft season.

5. Ryan Roonbroeck (C), 6’4/216, Niagara IceDog (OHL)

Ryan Roobroeck is a dominant Canadian forward for the Niagara IceDogs in the OHL and a projected top-5 pick in the 2026 NHL Draft. He’s known for his size, scoring touch, and two-way impact. Has already set a high bar for himself, having put up 41 goals and 86 points in his draft minus-one season in the OHL. That production is made all the more impressive considering there’s been a lot of noise in the organization since the day he was drafted. With Frank Evola now running the ship, things will settle down this season. Evola brought in head coach Krys Barch who was a solid OHL producer with size and someone Roobroeck can take mentorship from. Another great late birthday player in this draft, Roobroeck’s final ranking will come down to how he progresses in non point-producing situations.

6. Tynan Lawrence (C), 6’0/185, Muskegon Lumberjacks (USHL)

Tynan Lawrence is a top Canadian center prospect for the 2026 NHL Draft, currently captaining the Muskegon Lumberjacks in the USHL. He’s widely projected as a top-10 pick thanks to his elite skating, leadership, and playoff pedigree. It’s been quite a run for the New Brunswick native. He was just shy of point-per-game numbers with USHL Muskegon in 2024-25, then put up 18 playoff points en route to a Clark Cup victory. He was one of Canada’s better players at the Hlinka and was ready to start his draft season before suffering an injury. He is expected back before the end of the month, and will no doubt try to make up for lost time. Lawrence is a buzz-saw player with skill. He will be ready to show the world his solid two-way game. The Lumberjacks developed Sacha Boisvert and Matvei Gridin, both of whom went in the first round of the 2024 NHL Draft.

7. Viggo Bjorck (RW), 5’10/172, Djurgardens (SHL)

Viggo Björck is a top Swedish forward prospect for the 2026 NHL Draft, currently playing for Djurgårdens IF in the SHL. He’s known for his cerebral playmaking, elite puck skills, and record-setting junior production. Bjorck has put up four points over his first 10 SHL games, while averaging just over 12 minutes of ice. The fact he’s playing in the SHL is impressive, considering he got into just one Allsvenskan game last year en route to his club being promoted back to the top division. While the Allsvenskan club was developing both Anton Frondell and Viktor Eklund, who became the third and 16th overall picks last season, Bjorck was tearing up the J20 loop with 74 points as a double underaged player. He is a playmaker first who has great awareness and the skill to make difficult plays on a consistent basis. This player has had eyes on him for years as Sweden’s next big thing. Bjorck comes from good bloodlines as his father, Jesper, was a right-shot defenceman who toiled in the Swedish pro ranks for well over a decade.

8. Daxon Rudolph (D), 6’2/203, Prince Albert Raiders (WHL)

Daxon Rudolph is a premier right-shot defenseman for the Prince Albert Raiders in the WHL and a projected top-10 pick in the 2026 NHL Draft. He combines elite transition play, power-play poise, and defensive maturity. An intriguing player who fits the two-way bill perfectly. He looks to be following a similar path to former Raiders defenceman Kaiden Guhle, who was also a first overall bantam pick. They are similar in size, stature and the way they play. Rudolph has the added bonus of being right-handed. He has the ability to impact the game in a number of ways. He can produce offence and sift shots through from the point. Rudolph can defend both in motion and at the net front. He is a little less intense and his physical play is not at the same level Guhle’s was, but there’s definitely profile similarities.

9. Mathis Preston (RW), 5’11/176, Spokane Chiefs (WHL)

Mathis Preston is a top Canadian forward prospect for the 2026 NHL Draft, currently starring for the Spokane Chiefs in the WHL. He’s widely regarded as one of the most dynamic offensive players in his class. Feels like we’ve seen this movie before, when scouts were chasing Spokane’s Berkly Catton around prior to the 2024 NHL draft. Right off the hop, you notice Preston plays the game with a ton of swagger. During play, he possesses a deceptive second gear that allows him to burn defenders to the outside. When engaged one-on-one, he’s also an effective player working through the triangle. And when it comes to finish, he displays more deception with a quick release that he will use from anywhere in the offensive zone. His shot has some pace, but ultimately it’s the quickness of the release and his ability to manipulate the blade to freeze goalies.

10. Juho Piiparinen (D), 6’2/203, Tappara (Liiga)

Juho Piiparinen is a top Finnish right-shot defenseman eligible for the 2026 NHL Draft, currently playing for Tappara in Finland’s Liiga. He’s known for his size, poise, and emerging two-way impact. Piiparinen has emerged from what’s a down year in the Finnish class of prospects. He was relied on heavily at the Hlinka-Gretzky, where he came out a plus-4 on a Finnish team that battled hard, but just wasn’t quite good enough. This followed a U-18 performance where he was named one of the country’s top players in April. Piiparinen’s strength is his defensive game, where he can match-up against anyone in his age group. He leans on opponents, has a good, active stick and is strong enough to outmuscle opponents. He can log big minutes and not lose his effectiveness. He’s played the last eight games in Liiga, and has not looked out of place, averaging around 13 minutes per game.

11. Carson Carels (D), 6’2/194, Prince George Cougars (WHL)

Carson Carels is a top Canadian defense prospect for the 2026 NHL Draft, currently playing for the Prince George Cougars in the WHL. He’s known for his smart puck movement, strong skating, and two-way reliability. There’s plenty to like about the way Carels goes about his business. Getting into seven games at the end of the 2023-24 season helped propel him to a 35-point rookie season last year, on a good Prince George Cougars team. He’s off to a good start again this season and should produce top level, first-pairing offence. He works well on the power play finding lanes to the net for quick-release shots, but when he has time, he can hit it quite hard. He accelerates well with the puck on his stick and has enough puck skills to evade defenders on or supporting the rush. He will play big minutes and is a more than adequate defender.

12. Ryan Lin (D), 5’11/176, Vancouver Giants (WHL)

Like many smaller defencemen, the foundational piece to Lin’s game is his great skating ability. He gets off the mark quickly and moves effortlessly around the ice with a smooth stride and excellent edge work. Lin can process the game as quickly as his feet get him around the ice. Lin did have just under point-per-game numbers in Vancouver last season, and has started this season above that pace. A smart defender, Lin will use his feet to get into the best defensive position. The interesting question surrounding Lin is what will he be at the next level?

13. Adam Novotny (LW), 6’1/198, Peterborough Petes (OHL)

Adam Novotný is a top Czech forward prospect for the 2026 NHL Draft, currently playing for the Peterborough Petes in the OHL. Known for his scoring touch and two-way game, he’s widely considered one of the best European-born players in his class. He fits the prototypical Czechia-trained player mould in that he is solid on his skates, gives an honest effort in all three zones and is skilled enough to play in all situations. Novotny brings added physicality to the table and, moving to the OHL this season, he will have a chance to show off how his game translates easily to North America. He has always produced offence internationally and that is notable. It took a few games to figure out his new team and league, but more recently Novotny has found his stride. He projects in a middle-six spot at the NHL level.

14. Chase Reid (D), 6’2/185, Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds (OHL)

Reid started the 2024-25 season in the NAHL, but by early December, he had outgrown that league and moved to Sault Ste. Marie. It wasn’t long before scouts took notice of his great skating ability and offensive instincts. As a late birthday, Reid was able to play in an elevated spot in the Greyhounds lineup last season, drawing scouts’ eyes in preparation for the 2026 draft. Reid is an effortless skater who’s happy to lead or join the rush. He passes the puck like a pro with heaviness and precision. At times, he will be overconfident in trying to force plays, but it’s better to have to scale someone back than have to motivate them to do more. Right shot defencemen who have size and skate
well are tough to find and are super expensive on the free agent market.

15. Elton Hermansson (RW), 6’1/181, MODO (Allsvenskan)

Elton Hermansson is a top Swedish forward prospect for the 2026 NHL Draft, currently playing for MoDo Hockey in HockeyAllsvenskan. He’s known for his dual-threat scoring ability, offensive creativity, and international pedigree. A player who’s always in motion, Hermansson is constantly looking for ways to get the puck to the net. He is unfazed trying to score from distance, but has shown good skill bringing his offensive game to the interior. On the power play, he can play off the wall, but will dart to the net front to track loose pucks. He produced 11 points at the Hlinka-Gretzky, and oftentimes the confidence gained by successful play in that event can lead to a good start to the regular season. A return home to MODO should make it easier to bounce between the J20 and Allsvenskan loops. Currently, he has the same point totals as a pro in fewer games than he had in the junior ranks. It is of note that he left Orebro.

16. Tomas Chrenko (C), 5’11/170, HK Nitra (Slovakia)

Tomas Chrenko has excellent puck distribution and offensive zone reads, agile skating and deceptive edge work, and strong hockey IQ and positional awareness. Comes by his skill honestly. His dad, also named Tomas, is a legend in HK Nitra circles where he played over 500 games and has been the GM for over a decade. The younger Tomas is a determined player who plays with a confidence to make difficult plays seem easy. He is an effective open-ice player, but his game is not limited to just that area. A cerebral, playmaking center with a balanced two-way game—often compared to European pivots like Michal Handzus.

17. Xavier Villeneuve (D), 5’11/177, Blainville-Boisbriand Armanda (QMJHL)

He is the type of electric player who brings people to the edge of their seats. Villeneuve is growing physically, which at this point is the one area of caution in his profile. He does make mistakes and can over play the puck at times, but that will improve with experience and maturity. At his best, he’s a dynamic player, and a point producer who has the confidence and skill to make plays all over the ice. He’ll likely be the first player off the board from the
QMJHL and as such, has already been named to Team CHL for the November CHL/USA Prospects Challenge. I see some Samuel Girard in this player.

18. Marcus Nordmark (LW), 6’1/184, Djurgardens (Sweden J20)

Led all players at the 2025 Hlinka-Gretzky Cup with 12 points. Although a small sample size, his seven goals and five helpers are indicative of an effective two-threat offensive player. He definitely has an offensive mindset and is effective on entries. He is not a burner, although his skating is fine. Nordmark chooses to use his smarts and deception and also slows the game down to create offence. He should get into some SHL games this season, and it will be interesting to track his success at that level. Pedigree always plays a role, as his father Robert played over 200 NHL games. Nordmark’s CHL rights are owned by the London Knights, making North America a possibility post-draft.

19. Alberts Smits (D), 6’3/205, Jukurit (Liiga)

Latvian-born and Finnish-trained, Smits is a sizeable defenceman who is one of two potential first round picks from Latvia. He quietly got into nine Liiga games last year and was used quite heavily considering his age. He’s played almost all of his games in Liiga once again this year, where he is playing roughly 20 minutes a night. He’s a good defender who manages the net front with some authority. He has the length coveted by NHL teams and he’s extremely agile for his size. He may not produce top-notch offence, but he will move pucks, be a part of the rush and take enough shots to give his forwards secondary and tertiary chances at the net. His stick skills are good enough for him to play the off-side.

20. Oscar Hemming (LW), 6’4/194, Kitchener Rangers (OHL)

Oscar Hemming was hoping to take the momentum built off a strong Hlinka-Gretzky performance by playing for Finnish coach Jussi Ahokas in Kitchener, but there has been trouble getting his release from his former Finnish team and as a result, Hemming has been in limbo to start the season. His brother Emil was a first round pick of the Dallas Stars in 2024. There is some talk of Oscar taking his game to the unsanctioned BCHL, but the Rangers continue to work on getting him into their lineup. Like a few others in this draft class, he has size, skating ability and hands that are rarely seen in a player his size.

21. Beckham Edwards (LW), 6’1/181, Sarnia Sting (OHL)

Beckham Edwards was highly sought-after coming out of the minor hockey ranks after a 60-goal, 97-point season played in Detroit. He finished second amongst all OHL rookies with 25 goals last year. He showed a little differently at the Hlinka-Gretzky where he wasn’t leaned on as heavily to produce, but played more of a two-way game. That showing was definitely helpful for a player most scouts feel confident will score at the next level. A hard and accurate shot has always been part of the repertoire, but not his only elite element. He thinks the game well, competes on the defensive side and is a useful player on both special teams.

22. Malte Gustafsson (D), 6’4/198, HV71 (Sweden J20)

Malte Gustafsson has a rare combination of size and mobility for a young defenseman, has smart puck movement and breakout execution and strong cap control; his leadership presence is key on Sweden’s junior national team. There’s plenty of room to add muscle and strength on this tall, rangy defenceman. There are times in the game where he could show more urgency and that would lead to more puck battle wins, so you hope that is an area of focus to improve on this season. At his best, he works calmly and effectively, using a good stick to defend, but also corraling pucks and making good decisions as to where to move them next. He strikes me as someone who might be more effective playing with and against pros as opposed to dominating the lower ranks.

23. J.P. Hurlbert (LW), 5’11/176, Kamloops Blazers (WHL)

With player movement at an all-time high, Hurlbert decided to leave the USNTDP in favour of the Kamloops Blazers. He led the U17 version of the USNTDP in points last year, but the allure of playing on a team that has produced the likes of Logan Stankoven and Fraser Minten in recent years, made the decision to go to the WHL more attractive. Hurlbert made a high-impact transition from the USNTDP to the WHL, scoring 20 points in his first eight games
with Kamloops; he now has 11 goals and 28 points in 15 games. He currently sits atop the WHL point race. What will be interesting is whether or not Hurlbert is named to the CHL Prospects team that will face his old team in the CHL/USA Prospects Challenge in Alberta next month.

24 Lars Steiner (RW), 5’10/176, Rouyn-Noranda Huskies (QMJHL)

Steiner made a splash in the QMJHL last season with the Rouyn-Noranda Huskies, putting up 23 goals and 60 points, and has continued his consistency onto the 25-26 season, where he is scoring at over a point per game. It’s noticeable how quickly this player gets around. He will surprise defenders by taking good routes and getting under sticks to create havoc in neutral ice and on the forecheck. Swiss players are typically well-versed in the defensive intricacies of the game. He looks smaller than he’s listed and has a slight frame, but he is dynamic enough and engaged enough to not be a forgotten player in a game where size is seemingly back in vogue.

25. Nikita Klepov (LW), 6’0/180, Saginaw Spirit (OHL)

It’s hard for some scouts to trust the early season numbers Klepov has produced in the OHL (7G-7A in eight games), based on the fact he had just 31 points last year in the USHL. In Saginaw, he has been given plenty of opportunity now that Michael Misa is gone. His wide-skating base allows him to protect pucks well, but doesn’t limit him from making tight turns with the puck on his stick. He looks similar to Nail Yakupov with his elite handles, lightning quick
hands and quick release. Yakupov was an NHL bust, but he was electric at the junior level. Unlike Yakupov, Klepov is a dual American and Russian citizen — in fact he won gold with the US at the Hlinka-Gretzky. Nikita Klepov is a dynamic forward eligible for the 2026 NHL Draft, currently playing for the Saginaw Spirit in the OHL. His blend of offensive creativity and physical edge has made him one of the most intriguing risers in his draft class.

26 Niklas Aaram-Olsen (LW), 6’1/183, Orebro (Sweden U20)

Aaram-Olsen left Norway to pursue higher level hockey in Sweden’s Orebro system, where he opened eyes with 41 points in 42 games at the U20 level last season. As a top player in Norway, he’s been able to produce at a high level in high leverage international tournaments and that can be challenging when he’s consistently matched up against the toughest defenders other countries have to offer. He has been called up to the SHL on a couple of occasions, but hasn’t played enough to see how his game works at that level. He lacks the required strength and ‘oomph’ to out-battle opponents along the wall. There’s some offence to his game and he has decent handles, but this looks more like a player who will need time to realize his potential.

27 Jack Hextall (C), 6’0/185, Youngstown Phantoms (USHL)

The Americans never send their USNTDP to play in the Hlinka-Gretzky and as a result, their team is usually made up of USHL and high-school players. So right off the hop, Hextall didn’t get the benefit of the hype-train typically associated with players in the program. This year was different, as the US select team as it is called, ended up winning. Hextall played a big role in the surprising gold medal-winning effort, having led his team with seven points in the tournament. His production was at his best in the gold medal game where he was in on three of his team’s five goals. Hextall will forecheck and play responsibly in his own end. He gets around the ice well and projects to provide second tier offence.

28. Caleb Malhotra (C), 6’2/182, Brantford Bulldogs (OHL)

The son of NHL legend Manny, Caleb spent his draft minus-one year in the BCHL and with Chilliwack he put up 26 points in 44 games. Once the NCAA ruling on major junior eligibility passed it allowed Malhotra to move back to Ontario, where he played his minor hockey. Originally drafted by Kingston, Malhotra’s rights were traded to Brantford in September of 2024. He has already been bestowed with OHL Player of the Week honours and with his size, skill and pedigree, he earns a spot on this list. Malhotra has high-end hockey IQ and vision, agile puck control and one-on-one creativity, plus Strong leadership qualities and maturity. Caleb is also effective in transition and offensive zone setups.

29 Alessandro Di Iorio (C), 6’1/190, Sarnia Sting (OHL)

A cerebral, playmaking center with a responsible 200-foot game—often compared to players like Bo Horvat or Ryan O’Reilly in terms of maturity and versatility. He’s yet to play this season due to an injury suffered in early September, but Di Iorio is living off the currency created by a solid rookie season in which he gathered 38 points in 58 games with Sarnia. He’s also played a part internationally, participating in all the events, but not necessarily in top-of-the-lineup roles. Getting back healthy will be key to making a determination as to what he projects to be. Right now, it looks more middle six than top six.

30 Pierce Mbuyi (LW), 5’10/160, Owen Sound Attack (OHL)

The seventh overall pick in the 2024 OHL Priority Draft has helped his team to a hot start thanks to a point-per-game pace; he has 9 goals and 24 points through 18 games. Mbuyi is an all-around player who uses his intelligence to stay ahead of the game. He competes well, and shoots the puck with authority. The reigning OHL Rookie of the Year has already committed to Penn State for next season. This decision was made to eliminate the recruitment process from his mind during this, his draft season.

31 William Hakansson (D), 6’4/207, Lulea (SHL)

Hakansson is averaging roughly 14 minutes a night, which is quite impressive for a teenaged defenceman in Sweden’s top league. He may seem a little too vanilla for a first round projection, and that may be how it plays out. Because he doesn’t jump out in any one area of the game, he will get the benefit of the doubt from scouts who get multiple viewings. He has a solid defensive foundation and uses his size to out-position opponents. His length is definitely an asset. He’s quick enough to get back on pucks and passes it with authority once he gets there. However, there are times when he looks a little too cavalier, but there’s enough in his game to know he can do it. With that in mind, there’s a lot of room in the NHL for simple defencemen. Hakansson Plays a simple game with little risk. Complementary rearguards are like left-handed relievers in baseball — they always have jobs.

32 Jaxon Cover (LW), 6’2/185, London Knights (OHL)

A native of the Cayman Islands, Cover has made his mark in the roller hockey world, but has only been playing ice hockey for five years. He recently captured an OHL Rookie of the Week honour after having played just three games for the Knights last season. Known for his size, skating ability, and developing offensive instincts. While it might be too early for Cover to be included on this list, he will draw the intrigue of scouts everywhere, and he will benefit greatly from the London developmental model. His story and his inexperience have created a lot of buzz for this still-raw talent. Cover is having a solid start to the season with 12 points in 14 games.