This is Top 32 players in the 2026 Midseason Rankings
1. GAVIN MCKENNA, LW (Penn State University/NCAA)
Many still feel like Gavin McKenna is still the best prospect in the draft because nobody has his natural skill, even he’s not blowing doors off the NCAA, he’s still playing at more than a point per game on a team that isn’t overly deep up front. McKenna is an elite-level puck-mover who can absolutely dominate any shift. The biggest concern is still his play away from the puck, but he makes up for it by beating most opponents in 1-on-1 situations. He’s a guy you can build around. He’s coming off a dominant World Juniors (14 points, 2nd in the tournament) but some have criticized his play in the quarterfinals in against Czechia and his lack of impact 5 on 5. McKenna is still the number 1 ranked prospect but is not viewed as a generational talent anymore.
2. IVAR STENBERG, LW (Frolunda/SHL)
Ivar Stenberg has been playing against men this year, where he’s tracking for about 50 points. If he hits the half-century mark, he’ll be the only draft-eligible SHLer in league history to accomplish that feat. Usually, a good season at this age is 15-20 points, but he smashed that weeks ago; only one U‑19 player in SHL history has ever topped 40 points: Daniel Sedin (42). Stenberg elevated his play in the biggest games at the World Juniors for Sweden scoring 1 goal and 2 assists in Gold Medal Game against Czechia to clinch the gold for Sweden; he finished the tournament with 10 points in 7 games. If any forward beyond McKenna goes first overall, it’ll be Stenberg.
3. KEATON VERHOEFF, D (University of North Dakota/NCAA)
Teams love huge, mobile defenders. They like when there’s a bit of rawness to his game – and given Verhoeff was a goalie until he was about 11 years old, you can still see it in his positioning at times. But after dominating his age group in the WHL, thriving at the U-18s, and now his 25-30-point pace in the NCAA, it’s clear that Verhoeff is the best defenseman in this draft class. Teams will like that he decided to challenge himself against older, tougher competition in the NCAA, and after some early teething issues, he’s thriving. A 6’4″, right‑shot Canadian defenseman who has rapidly become one of the top prospects for the 2026 NHL Draft — ranked as high as 2 and has even put himself in the conversation to be the #1 pick in the draft.
4 .TYNAN LAWRENCE, C (Muskegon Lumberjacks/USHL)
An injury forced Lawrence to start the USHL campaign on the sidelines. Since then, though, he’s been averaging more than a goal per game while dominating puck possession with Muskegon. I loved him at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup, and I’m glad to see him playing at a 50-goal, 80-point pace in his second USHL campaign. Tynan Lawrence is one of the premier center prospects for the 2026 NHL Draft — a 17‑year‑old Canadian pivot who just made a major mid‑season jump from the USHL’s Muskegon Lumberjacks to Boston University, a move widely seen as a push toward challenging for first overall.
5. CHASE REID, D (Soo Greyhounds/OHL)
Reid had 40 points in 39 games last year and is tracking for about that same pace again with the Greyhounds. He is playing some of his best hockey recently, though – having Brady Martin to pass to definitely helps. At 6-foot-2, the mobile defender has a big frame, and he plays with a ton of power. After being cut from the US U18 team just months ago, Reid was a bright spot of the 2026 U20 WJC, putting up 4 points in 5 games, showing poise, – transition ability, and confidence against elite peers. Widely viewed as a top prospect for the 2026 NHL Draft, ranked as high as 3 and consistently inside the top 10 across major lists.
6. ETHAN BELCHETZ, LW (Windsor Spitfires/OHL)
You won’t find many better power forwards standing at 6-foot-5 and nearly 230 pounds. Belchetz loves to create havoc anytime he can. He can overwhelm opponents quite easily, both with his shoulder and his shot. From talking to OHLers, Belchetz is the one they’d hate to go up against the most. He blends rare size, scoring touch, and surprisingly soft hands, and he’s been described as a “wrecking ball” who can dominate shifts with both power and finesse.
The Windsor Spitfires power forward winger is ranked 4-7 across most outlets and is viewed as a possible top 5 pick, but it’s possible he falls due to positional needs of teams.
7. ALBERTS ŠMITHS, D (Jukurit, Liiga)
When you see a big, 6-foot-3 defender, it’s easy to assume they’re a defense-focused, shutdown guy. Šmits is good in his own zone, for sure. And he can definitely hit guys. But his puck play is incredible, allowing him to skyrocket up draft boards. He’s averaging a little below half a point per game with Jukurit, something very few U-19 defenders have ever come close to in Liiga history. Šmits played a big role with Latvia at the World Juniors, posting a point per game and is widely viewed as Latvia’s best defensive prospect in a generation. He’s a clear first‑rounder, with multiple outlets placing him in the top 10–12
8. VIGGO Björck, C (Djurgardens, SHL)
After a standout performance at the 2026 U20 WJC, Viggo Bjorck dominated Swedish juniors historically, scoring 3 goals and 9 points in 7 games. Heading into the World Juniors, Bjorck had fallen in the draft rankings because he was only was didn’t have much impact in the SHL and some questioned his ability to dominate the game due to his shorter stature at 5’10/172. The right‑shot Swedish forward who shattered the J20 Nationell scoring record with 74 points at age 16 and is now holding a full‑time SHL role with Djurgårdens IF at 17. He’s ranked between #7–22 by major outlets with his stock rising after a dominant WJC performance.
9. MATHIS PRESTON, RW (Spokane Chiefs/WHL)
Mathis Preston is a speedy, skilled forward who has had to do a lot of heavy lifting in Spokane but was able to flourish a bit in Alberta. He does a good job of getting to the middle of the ice to re-direct chances and take space away. Preston performed better in the showcase events (Hlinka, CHL USA), which shows that he can rise to the occasion when needed. Teams could bank on his high-end skill and quick wrister a bit higher than this. He’s producing at a strong clip (32 points in 36 games) and is ranked as high as #5 by major scouting outlets. Mathis Preston is a top‑10 caliber 2026 NHL Draft prospect, with some ranking him firmly inside the top 5.
10. XAVIER VILLENEUVE, D (Blainville-Boisbriand Armada, QMJHL)
Standing at 5-foot-10, Villeneuve is one of the smallest defenders in this draft class. But skill-wise, he’s near the top. Villeneuve is tracking for 80 points with the Armada this year after putting up 62 last year. Add in great numbers at the U-18 World Championship, and it’s hard to argue that he isn’t one of the most skilled defenders this season. He started off November a bit quietly, but he still takes a ton of shots and rarely has a bad night. The 5’11”, left‑shot, hyper‑mobile, Lane‑Hutson–style offensive blueliner for the Blainville‑Boisbriand Armada is ranked as high as 6 and as low as 15, but is a clear top 10 talent, while leading all QMJHL draft‑eligible defensemen in scoring.
11. RYAN LIN, D (Vancouver Giants/WHL)
Ryan Lin has fallen a bit in my rankings, mostly because I’ve just liked a few other defenders a bit more. His 5-foot-11 frame isn’t ideal, but he makes up for it with his high-end hockey sense and playmaking. He could hit 80 points this year on a Vancouver Giants team that can be shaky game-to-game. Lin is steady, confident with the puck, and one of the smartest defenders in this draft class. He’ll get passed over for a bigger defender, but the team that takes him will still be thrilled. He’s praised for elite transition play, early WHL production spikes, and a high‑IQ, modern puck‑moving style. The 5’11”, right‑shot, hyper‑mobile blueliner for the Vancouver Giants, ranked between #4–15 by major outlets and projected as a first‑round pick.
12. ADAM NOVOTNY, LW (Peterborough Petes/OHL)
Adam Novotný is tracking north of 40 goals and 80 points right now. The Peterborough Petes don’t have a ton of high-end weapons, but Novotný has consistently found ways to get high-volume opportunities on net. Novotný is clearly comfortable playing in North America, and I’d expect him to get better with more confidence. He has a great shot, skates well and I love his two-way commitment. After playing a depth role for Czechia last year, Novotný was leaned upon more at the 2026 U20 WJC. He’s ranked as high as #12–15 by major outlets and already a two‑time World Juniors medalist, making him a legit first round winger with top 10 upside.
13. DAXON RUDOLPH, D (Prince Albert Raiders/WHL)
Daxon Rudolph is a 6-foot-2, 203-pound defender who can make your life miserable. He has great two-way awareness and has looked more engaged with the puck early on this year than he did during most of the 2024-25 season. Rudolph does a good job of getting the puck down the ice while also being involved on the attack. I also think he’s a better skater than some people give him credit for. He can go 1-on-1 with the best of them, both with and without the puck. A 6’2″, right‑shot, play‑driving blueliner for the Prince Albert Raiders, ranked as high as 9 and as low as 13; he’s a top 10 caliber defenseman.
14. CARSON CARELS, D (Prince George Cougars/WHL)
Carson Carels had 35 points in his WHL rookie campaign last year, but he’s tracking for 70 this year. It helps that he’s a mobile, 6-foot-2 defender who wants to make an impact at both ends of the ice. Most of his breakouts are smart, and he does a good job of limiting his mistakes. Add in the heightened proficiency with the pucks and there’s a reason why scouts are so excited about him right now. He’s a mobile, competitive, two‑way defender with a strong WHL track record and a standout international résumé. He’s a top‑10 to top‑15 defenseman in the class, with some outlets pushing him firmly into the top 10.
15. ELTON HERMANSSON, RW (MoDo/Sweden U-20)
Elton Hermansson has been incredible with the Swedish U-18 team this year, scoring at a rate of a goal per game while averaging just under two points. He has also put up great numbers in the second-tier Swedish pro league, with the potential to become the first 30-point U-18 player in league history. Hermansson absolutely loves to shoot, but scouts dock him points for some below-average playmaking when he’s not on the man advantage. He’s ranked as high as 9
and as low as 28, but most agree that he is a legitimate 1st round winger.
16. OLIVER SUVANTO, C (Tappara, Liiga)
Teams love their big, 6-foot-3 centers, Oliver Suvanto had a great showing at the Hlinka Gretkzy Cup and has done decently well against men in the top Finnish league. He’s not lighting the world on fire by any means, but he’s difficult to play against and consistently gets 2-3 shots on net a night. He’s a 6’3″, 209‑lb left‑shot center with strong defensive habits, a heavy frame, and growing offensive touch. The Finnish center is ranked between 8–29 across major outlets and projecting as a physically mature, two‑way, pro‑style pivot; this makes him a legit mid first round center, with some pushing him into the top 10.
17. J.P. HURLBERT, RW (Kamloops Blazers, WHL)
J.P. Hurlbert had 35 points in his first 20 games this year, putting him on track for 120 points over the full season. He has slowed down ever so slightly recently, but he’s still the best player in the WHL, if not the CHL. Hurlbert is so skilled, so smart, and moves well, and the result is some of the highest-impact offense you’ll find. He’s a former NTDP scorer, a University of Michigan commit, and one of the most dangerous shooters in the WHL this season. Widely projected as a first-round pick and ranked between 12-36 across major scouting outlets, with some pushing him toward the top 15.
18. MALTE GUSTAFSSON, D (HV71, Sweden U-20)
Malte Gustafsson plays a smart two-way game and has shown flashes of offensive brilliance. He’s huge at 6-foot-4 and does an excellent job of getting in the way of just about everyone. He likes to hit, and while that does get him in trouble at times, that style of play impresses scouts. He’s a 6’4″, mobile, two‑way blueliner who has already logged 21+ minutes in SHL action, a major indicator of pro readiness. NHL teams typically covet players with Gustafsson’s skillset. He’s a 6’2″ right‑shot playmaker/sniper hybrid who dominated the 2025 Hlinka Gretzky Cup and is now producing heavily in Sweden’s J20 league. He’s a mid‑first‑round defenseman with some outlets pushing him toward the top 10–12.
19. MARCUS NORDMARK, LW (Djurgardens, Sweden U-20)
Marcus Nordmark has also been fantastic internationally, highlighted by his seven-goal, 12-point run at the Hlinka. He’s producing well in the Swedish U-20 league, having registered at least a point in all but one game this year. In fact, he has only been left off the scoresheet twice in 25 games across various events. If that’s not consistency, I don’t know what is.His physical game is improving, but he needs to add more speed and urgency if he’s going to excel beyond his age group. He’s been ranked as high as 6 and as low as 31 but most agree he is a legit top 15 candidate.
20. CALEB MALHOLTRA, C (Brantford Bulldogs, OHL)
In a draft with very few high-end centers, Malhotra is finding a way to stand out. He’s a tremendous playmaker who gives it his all at both ends of the ice. That’s understandable, given his father, Manny, was known for his two-way play. Always bet high on hockey bloodlines, and it never hurts when you’re able to produce as much as Malhotra does. Scouts him at the CHL USA Prospects Challenge, and it’s nice seeing him become a leader on a jam-packed Bulldogs team.
A fast‑rising 2026 NHL Draft center for the Brantford Bulldogs, ranked between 13–31 by major outlets and praised for his elite hockey IQ, two‑way maturity.
21. JUHO PIIPARINEN, D (Tappara, Liiga)
The 6-foot-1 defender isn’t flashy by any means, but he does such a great job at handling quality competition in his own zone. Piiparinen is smart, defensively responsible and can shut you down without getting himself into trouble. He was one of Finland’s standouts at the U-18s last year and has thrust himself into the first-round conversation quickly this season thanks to his responsible play around the net. Some scouts think he’ll go in the top 10 this year , but others
have him ranked must lower, around the early 20s.
22. JACK HEXTALL, C (Youngstown Phantoms/USHL)
Jack Hextall had a great start to the year with USA at the Hlinka and has hovered around the point-per-game mark with Youngstown. I love him as a playmaker, but I feel like he’s getting better with his shot selection as well. Hextall isn’t big, but he makes up for it with great hockey sense, speed, and superb puckhandling. He’s one of the most productive draft eligibles in the USHL, and producing at just under a point-per-game mark, with 31 points in 34 games. He’s a mid-first round center without some pushing for him to be a top 15 talent.
23. NIKITA KLEPOV, LW (Saginaw Spirit, OHL)
Nikita Klepov is tracking for close to 50 goals and 100 points, which puts him near the top in the CHL. Klepov is a skilled winger who consistently makes moves in open ice while always buzzing around. I think his play without the puck is still a work in progress, but his development has been impressive this season. Klepov didn’t make USA’s World Junior roster this year, but he projects to be a top-six threat next winter. He’s a mid‑first‑round talent with some outlets pushing him toward the top 20, thanks to elite pace, relentless motor, and top‑tier OHL production.
24. TOMAS CHRENKO, C (HK Nitra, Slovakia)
Tomas Chrenko had an absolutely bonkers showing at the U-18s back in April and has remained productive in the top Slovak league. The Slovaks didn’t have nearly enough scoring help when he wasn’t on the ice, and he definitely deserved some more all-star team love. He’s a high-shot generator who decimated the Slovak U-20 league last year. Chrenko was Slovakia’s best player at the 2026 U20 WJC, putting up a point per game and was named a top player in the
tournament. He’s a late first round pick, but due to the season he is having and the WJC he just had, he might get drafted earlier than expected.
25. GIORGOS PANTELAS, D (Brandon Wheat Kings/WHL)
Giorgios Pantelas might be the biggest riser of any player on this list; the Brandon Wheat Kings star had 10 points a year ago but is on pace for more than 50 while averaging 25-plus minutes as a WHL sophomore. He has a solid 6-foot-2, 214-pound frame, skates well and is defensively rigid. I like Pantelas’ shot, but it still needs refinement to make sure he’s getting it where it needs to be. He’s a wide‑variance defender — some outlets see a potential top‑pair shutdown piece, others a second‑rounder with tools but questions about offensive ceiling. He Ranks anywhere between 12-47, but it’s more likely that he will go somewhere in the late 20s.
26. NIKLAS AARAM-OLSEN, LW (OREBRO/SHL)
Niklas Aaram-Olsen has always impressed me in my international viewings, and he has put a beating on Swedish U-20 league keepers, as well. The next step is watching him evolve his game against men. He has played a handful of games with Orebro’s SHL team but has been limited to about two shifts a game, max. So it’s hard to see what he’s truly capable of, but I like his shot, hockey sense and skating. You won’t find many shooters around this part of the draft as good as Aaram-Olsen. He’s a heavy‑shot, power‑forward/sniper archetype, ranked between #20–44 across major outlets, and has already debuted in the SHL despite being only 17. NAO also happens to be one of the highest ranked Norwegian
prospects in modern draft history.
27. RYAN ROOBROECK, C (Niagara IceDogs/OHL)
When everything is as it should be, Roobroeck can be a top-10 prospect. He has a great shot, a big 6-foot-4 frame, and plays a solid two-way game. But the work ethic isn’t there consistently enough. He’s still tracking for 70 points this year, but he had 87 a year ago – and he was completely invisible during the CHL USA Prospects Challenge. When he’s on his game, he can dominate. Roonbrook is a highly polarizing prospect, with some scouts beliving he has top 10
potential, and others ranking him in the late 20s. He’s a top‑10 talent with wide variance — classic for big, toolsy power forwards. Some see a future top‑line finisher; others question pace and involvement.
28. YEGOR SHILOV, C (Victoriaville Tigres/QMJHL)
The Boston University commit is on pace for over 80 points this season, which is incredible given he put up 48 in 36 USHL games this year. It’s been a bit of a rough few weeks for the Tigres, but Shilov is still quite engaged most nights. He’s good with the puck, skates well and does a great job of finding teammates through traffic. My biggest complaint is it feels like he takes too many shifts off, just floating around hoping for something to happen. Yegor Shilov is a 2026 NHL Draft–eligible Russian center whose stock is rising fast thanks to elite creativity, high‑end puck skill, and a major production jump in North America. He’s ranked as high as #11 by Elite Prospects and sits #24 on the consolidated board. It is more likely that he will go more towards the end of the first round do to his tendency to take plays off.
29. William Håkansson, D (Luleå HF/SHL)
William Håkansson is already playing against men and doesn’t look out of place with his physicality. The 6-foot-4 blueliner will do whatever it takes to keep you from getting close to the net, even if it ultimately penalizes him in the process. Håkansson moves well and is a decent playmaker, so I don’t think he’ll turn into one of those big players who can’t do anything other than crush people. He’s the kind of prospect who rises late because teams trust the frame, the skating, and the SHL track record — even if the offense never pops. He’s widely projected as a first‑round pick, ranging anywhere from 18-39.
30. Beckham Edwards, C (Sarnia Sting/OHL)
Beckham Edwards is a buzzsaw, chasing after opponents to steal pucks and generate chances every time I watch him. It always feels like he saves his best hockey for the third period, with his energetic nature allowing him to outlast opponents on the attack. He’s quick, smart and works his tail off every single shift. His numbers might not be anything special, but he works hard enough to make himself relevant. He’s not a pure point‑per‑game driver yet, but he consistently produces in big moments — a trait that often signals future top‑six reliability. This makes him a perfect pick and the end of the first round, ranking between 20-35 range.
31. Alessandro Di Iorio, C (Sarnia Sting/OHL)
Captain of the Sarnia Sting for the 2025–26 season, missed a month and a half due to injury, but has made up for it with some excellent hockey. He’s producing well early and could still break past the 65-point threshold before the season is over. A good showing at the CHL USA Prospects Challenge didn’t hurt, either. ADI is strong, but he can beat you with quick hands if he needs to. I also like that he can sneak into scoring lanes without much detection – he’s deceptive that way. We’ll see if he can keep the hot start alive in Sarnia after the team’s recent coaching change.
32. Ilya Morozov, C (Miami University/NCAA)
Ilya Morozov is hoping to become a rare draft pick out of Miami University. He’s second in team scoring, but it’s his game away from the puck that scouts love. He’s a 200-foot player who can play a ton of minutes and will never back down from a challenge. Morozov is a good passer, is strong defensively and will send you on your rear end with his 6-foot-3 frame. Teams view him as a useful bottom-six forward in the NHL, and that should help him get selected in the first round.
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