The landscape of the 2026 NHL Draft is beginning to take shape, with Gavin McKenna at the forefront as the consensus first overall pick. His recent commitment to play NCAA hockey for Penn State, moving on from the WHL's Medicine Hat Tigers, has surprised many in the hockey community. While adjustments to the collegiate level can challenge prospects, McKenna's exceptional skill set and high hockey IQ suggest he is well-prepared to make this transition.

Next in line, Keaton Verhoeff's impressive physical presence stands out among scouts. Standing at 6'4" and weighing 217 pounds at just 17 years old, Verhoeff not only showcases formidable size but also possesses elite skating ability. As he transitions from the WHL's Victoria Royals to the University of North Dakota this fall, his proficiency as both a shutdown defenseman and an emerging offensive player will be closely observed during this pivotal draft season.

Another player to watch is Ivar Stenberg, who made significant strides last season while playing primarily for Frolunda’s junior team. His promotion to the senior team during the playoffs proved beneficial, as he accumulated six points over 12 games and displayed his skills on the international stage at the U18 World Championships. Stenberg's blend of speed, skill, and game intelligence make him an intriguing prospect, and his performance this season could see him rise in the rankings.

Ryan Roobroeck is another name that is expected to gain attention this season, thanks to his combination of size and scoring prowess. At 6'4" and 190 pounds, Roobroeck's second season in the OHL saw him tally 87 points in 64 games, marking a substantial improvement from his rookie totals. While his skating needs refinement, his offensive instincts and ability to score from within close quarters highlight his potential. With a head start on his peers for the upcoming draft, Roobroeck's development will be an aspect to monitor.

Ethan Belchetz is making a name for himself as well, leveraging his considerable size at 6'5" and 225 pounds to create havoc on the ice. Despite having 38 points in 56 games during his rookie year, Belchetz's draft status was solidified by being a first overall pick in the OHL draft. His natural goal-scoring ability pairs well with his physical play, making him an exciting player to watch as he takes on an increased role with the Windsor Spitfires this coming season.

Viggo Bjorck has established himself as a dynamic scorer, currently holding the single-season scoring record in Sweden’s U20 league with 74 points in 42 games at just 16 years old. His smaller stature at 5'9" may raise concerns among scouts, as historical biases against shorter players persist. Nonetheless, Bjorck's advanced level of skill, gifted hands, and uncanny ability to navigate opposing defenses make him a player to keep an eye on in the upcoming draft.

Mathis Preston's first full season in the WHL produced 45 points over 54 games, but his capacity to create offensive opportunities goes beyond the statistics. His stickhandling, quickness at high speeds, and playoff performance—where he posted 16 points in 20 games—highlight his offensive development. While he may not possess the same size as some of his peers, his creativity and sharp instincts will be significant as he enters a potentially expanded role following the departure of fellow prospect Andrew Cristall.

Tynan Lawrence's impressive statistic from their first USHL season, netting just under a point per game with 54 points in 56 games, showcases the potential of this young prospect. As a Clark Cup MVP and a Boston University commit, Lawrence brings a blend of offensive skill and tenacity to the table. His ability to maintain possession and make timely plays indicates a high hockey sense that will certainly be advantageous as he continues to develop.

Ryan Lin, an agile defenseman standing at 5'11", excelled in his rookie WHL season with the Vancouver Giants. Lin's scoring total of 53 points in 60 games ranks him ninth in U17 defensemen history in the WHL. While he did not stand out as much at the U18 World Championships, his puck skills and skating agility are essential traits for modern defensemen. Observers will be keen to see if he can elevate his performance and scoring ability in upcoming seasons.

Chase Reid, the only American in this analysis, began his OHL career with the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds and finished with 40 points in 39 games, earning a spot on the 1st OHL All-Rookie Team. Committing to Michigan State, Reid's capacity to handle critical minutes and facilitate play, as evidenced by his league-leading 33 assists among rookies, will be an important aspect of his game as he progresses. His growth in the coming season will be closely monitored to assess his trajectory as a future draft pick.