Welcome to The Win Column’s second 2026 Mock Draft. The first two playoff rounds are over, and the Toronto Maple Leafs have the first overall pick this year. Our writers have teamed up to select for each team in the first round. Here is how they see the first round going.
1. Toronto Maple Leafs – Gavin McKenna
Lexi: With Craig Berube being fired, it looks like the Leafs are going to let common sense prevail and draft the consensus #1 pick in this year’s draft. After dominating the WHL a season ago, Gavin McKenna went to college, and playing exclusively against competition older than him, he more than held his own. He’s NHL-ready, which the Leafs need more of if they’re trying to convince Auston Matthews to stick around.
2. San Jose Sharks – Chase Reid
Cody – I definitely feel like the Sharks should go down the defensive route with the second overall pick. Here, I have them selecting defenceman Chase Reid out of the OHL. The Sharks are already loaded with a lot of young star power on forward. They have the likes of Macklin Celebrini, Will Smith, William Eklund, and more. For defenceman, I feel like Reid does fill a hole on their blueline of having a young right-handed defenceman. They already have Sam Dickinson and Luca Cagnoni on the left side. Reid will be the perfect fit for their defensive core.
3. Vancouver Canucks – Caleb Malhotra
Jashan – It is no secret that the Canucks have had their eyes on Malhotra. Throughout his playoffs in the OHL, they were constantly at his games, scouting him in person. Drafting Malhotra also aligns with their philosophy that they have been preaching, to build from the middle. While Ivar Stenberg may be the best player available at this pick, Vancouver has emphasized getting that true 1C for the future.
4. Chicago Blackhawks – Carson Carels
Lexi: The Blackhawks could use some more defence to help out Spencer Knight. Instead of going after someone like Ivar Stenberg when they already have forwards such as Connor Bedard, Frank Nazar, and Anton Frondell, they will likely draft for need should they keep this pick. Carson Carels was solid for the Prince George Cougars this past season, and with the right veteran defence partner, can make an immediate impact.
5. New York Rangers – Ivar Stenberg
James R: Stenberg takes a surprising tumble down the draft order and the New York Rangers pounce on an NHL-ready forward who plays a 200-foot game and immediately upgrades the roster. This is a no-brainer pick for the Rangers, who would be thrilled to land Stenberg at 5th overall.
6. Calgary Flames – Viggo Bjorck
James J: The 6th overall selection is not a bad place to be sitting in this year’s draft. Keaton Verheoff is certainly an intriguing option, and the Flames would have seen him a ton this year playing alongside Cole Reschny and Cade Littler. Alberts Smits would also be a consideration here, but I’m going with Viggo Bjorck as the pick. Viggo is the wild card in this draft, given his smaller stature. But if you watch him play, his size is not a deterrent. – including games where he’s played against current NHL players. Bjorck processes the game well, has great skill, and has a great work ethic. Based on the last few drafts, I don’t think Craig Conroy and his scouting staff will stray away from size, given the elite skill that Bjorck possesses.
7. Seattle Kraken – Keaton Verhoeff
Greg: The Kraken have a lot of youth in the system, with notable prospects at every position. They do however lack a true star on the team. Verhoeff brings cornerstone upside and could help unlock the plethora of young forwards in their system. The shine is dimmed, but Verhoeff played against tougher competition than many of the other top defenders in this draft.
8. Winnipeg Jets – Tynan Lawrence
Gurpal: The Winnipeg Jets had a pretty disappointing season, and while the team looks to get back into the playoff picture, adding a top-10 pick in the system wouldn’t be a bad idea. I have the Jets selecting Tynan Lawrence, another centre prospect who carries great potential. Despite not having an amazing season in the NCAA, Lawrence plays an admirable game and has the potential to become a perennial second-line centre at the NHL level. For the Jets, adding more youth to the system will only benefit them more.
9. Florida Panthers – Alberts Smits
Joshua: Albert Smits and the Panthers seem like a perfect match, and I bet they’d be ecstatic if he fell to them at ninth. It’s no secret the Panthers desperately need a youth injection on their blueline, and Smits is arguably the most NHL-ready option in the entire 2026 draft. He’d fit the Panthers’ win-now timeline perfectly, and give them a cheap blueline option right away. While he isn’t an elite offensive producer, the 6’3″ Smits offers a solid combination of defence and offence.
10. Nashville Predators – Ethan Belchetz
Joshua: At 10th overall, Ethan Belchetz’s combination of size and skill is worth the gamble despite his red flags. The Predators used their top picks in both 2025 and 2024 on centres, so a winger or defenceman seems like an obvious fit here. Belchetz would be a nice complement to the Predator’s top centre prospects, Brady Martin and Yegor Surin, and as a left shot, he brings something different to the pipeline compared to their other wing prospects.
11. St. Louis Blues – Daxon Rudolph
Drew: Rudolph doesn’t exactly feel like a Blues pick. However, Daxon Rudolph has been lighting up the WHL in the second half and playoffs, causing him to rise to a projected top 10 pick. So, if he makes it to 11th overall, the Blues should be pretty happy about the option. Rudolph brings his value through his offensive skills and defensive potential. He has an incredible set of passing talents and brings a quick, accurate wrist shot that helped him score 28 goals this year. Adding on underrated manipulation with the puck and good, effective skating make him a promising option in the offensive zone.
Defensively, Rudolph brings strong ability with his stick checking and knows how to drive the opponent to the outside. However, he needs to add a more consistent effort and smooth out his decision making. Across the last few years the Blues have added Philip Broberg, Adam Jiricek, and Theo Lindstein to the future of their back-end. Drafting Rudolph would round out their potential top-four for years to come. Whether Rudolph pans out as a top-pair defender or just a top-four option, the Blues should be getting a valuable player here.
12. New Jersey Devils – Adam Novotny
Sean: New New Jersey Devils general manager Sunny Mehta will be looking to make an impact early. After a disappointing season marked by more regression and steps back in their rebuild, it is clear the Devils need to focus on rebuilding their prospect pool to find players to compliment Jack Hughes and Nico Hischier. One of the best ways for them to accomplish this is finding a shooter. A scoring winger who knows how to put the puck in the net, and doesn’t need to be in possession of the puck to make an impact.
Adam Novotny could be their guy in this draft. Novotny is touted as a player with a strong shot, high-end strength and drive, and solid two-way instincts. He led his Peterborough Petes in goals and points this season, with 34 and 65 respectively. Novotny may be a couple of years out, but his high floor almost guarantees he will be an impact player in the top-six and it gives the organization time to build up a bit more before introducing the next generation of prospects.
13. New York Islanders – JP Hurlbert
Tyler: The Isles have been in constant need of dynamic offensive talent, and that’s exactly what Hurlbert brings. With high-end shooting, offensive instincts, smooth skating and puck skills, he can command a play.
His sheer lack of physicality, and offensive habits often put him in high risk (but also high reward) situations. If he can refine his habits, and add muscle mass so he can’t get bullied as easily he could be a soft-skill middle-six scorer with possible top 6, power play upside.
14. Columbus Blue Jackets – Oliver Suvanto
Cody: At fourteenth overall, I have the Columbus Blue Jackets selecting the young Finnish forward, Oliver Suvanto. Suvanto is a big centreman who stands at 6’3″ and 209lbs. I think that he is the kind of player the Blue Jackets need at centre. They have the likes of Adam Fantilli and Charlie Coyle at centre (with an interesting contract), but after that, not much is there. Boone Jenner is set to be a UFA, and Sean Monahan is coming off a down (and injured) season.
Suvanto will be the Blue Jackets’ centreman of the future. His big frame will help on the forecheck, power play, and in hopeful playoff hockey. The Jackets do have Cayden Lindstrom as a future option, but until he finds his game at the NCAA level, I cannot trust that he will make a big difference.
15. St. Louis Blues (via Detroit Red Wings) – Elton Hermansson
Drew: With three first-round picks, the Blues should look to add a player at each position. At 15th overall, I have the Blues drafting their winger in Elton Hermansson. Hermansson is a very intriguing prospect in this draft. He has great natural talent on the offensive side of the puck, and off that alone, some might see him as a top-10 value. Fantastic skating that has speed and dynamism, dual-threat capabilities thanks to his creativity and accurate shot, and beautiful moves with the puck on his stick, it’s hard not to love what Hermansson offers in the offensive end.
The worries come from shaky off-puck efforts and unimpressive defensive play. However, you’re not drafting Hermansson to be a hard forechecker or two-way forward, you draft him because of his incredible offensive potential. Hermansson might pan out to only be a complementary middle-six winger, or the skill all comes together and the Blues have a steal at 15th overall.
16. Washington Capitals – Oscar Hemming
Mackenzie: With Alexander Ovechkin nearing retirement, the Capitals may consider selecting 6’4″ winger Oscar Hemming with their first of two picks in the 2026 draft. While he may not be a complete replacement for Ovechkin, Hemming is a big-bodied power forward who appears physically ready for the NHL. He also possesses strong hands, suggesting he has the potential to make offensive contributions.
17. Los Angeles Kings – Liam Ruck
Khalid: The Kings have lost in the first round of the playoffs five times in a row, and have struggled without gamebreaking offensive talent on their roster. Liam Ruck is the prospect that they need, and what luck he falls to them at 17th overall.
The Medicine Hat Tigers forward had 45 goals and 104 points this season, helping a McKenna-less team find their way to the Eastern Conference Finals. While Ruck does need to work on his defensive engagement, if there’s a team that can help round him out, it’s the Kings.
18. Washington Capitals – Ryan Lin
Mackenzie: After selecting a forward with the 16th pick, the Capitals should look to strengthen their blueline depth by drafting defenceman Ryan Lin. The right-handed defenceman would fit in with the organizational needs and comes with an offensive skill set mixed with speed. Lin could provide the Capitals with some options alongside defensive prospect Cole Hutson. Lin could be a steal for Washington if they snag him at 18th.
19. Utah Mammoth – Nikita Klepov
Sean: The Utah Mammoth, using their massive stockpile of draft picks in recent seasons, have already built one of the top up-and-coming teams in the league. And they still have a strong prospect pool developing. If they decide to retain this pick, they will have a plethora of intriguing prospects to choose from. The allure of a couple of the available defenders will be tempting, but it is hard to pass on Nikita Klepov.
Klepov is an intelligent, play driving forward who will fit in well with what the Mammoth are building around Logan Cooley and Dylan Guenther. He has the poise to make plays at the right time without rushing, and the vision to see what is to come. He has shown these skills by leading the OHL in scoring this season. As a rookie. Not surprisingly, he took home Rookie of the Year honours in the process.
The Mammoth will be ecstatic with this selection as he develops to join the NHL in the coming years.
20. San Jose Sharks (Via Edmonton Oilers) – Alexander Command
Cody: For their second pick in the 2026 NHL Draft, I have the Sharks selecting Swedish centreman Alexander Command. I think he is a potential good fit for the Sharks at centre. Outside of Celebrini and potentially Misa, they do not have any solid centre prospects. I think Command would serve as a good secondary playmaking centreman behind Celebrini. The Sharks already have Swedish connections at forward with Eklund and Wennberg, so why not add another?
21. Philadelphia Flyers – Malte Gustafsson
Joshua: The Flyers have selected a forward in the first round with four of their last five picks in the first round dating back to 2023, so a defenceman seems like a lock here. Malte Gustafsson offers the grit and rugged style the Flyers brass seems to love with their prospects. As one of the top defenders available after the big names, Gustafsson would be a very good pickup for the Flyers this late in the round.
22. Pittsburgh Penguins – Wyatt Cullen
Gurpal: Son of former Pittsburgh Penguin Matt Cullen, Wyatt Cullen would be a great pick at 22nd overall. With some mock drafts even having him in the top-10, Cullen would be the type of player the Penguins need to add to their youth movement. Described as one of the most skilled players in this draft class, Cullen carries a high-end skating ability as well as strong offensive skills, highlighted by his playmaking and deception.
23. Boston Bruins – Xavier Villeneuve
Greg: A divisive prospect, Villeneuve should not be discounted because of his size. On a bigger team like the Bruins he will be insulated and his skill set will be appreciated. The Bruins might get more out Charlie McAvoy if he dos not need to quarterback the top power play. This is a job Mason Lohrei has fallen short of, and a job no prospect in the system looks poised to threaten, either.
24. Vancouver Canucks (via Minnesota Wild) – Mathis Preston
Jashan: The first-round pick Vancouver got in the Quinn Hughes trade is a spot for them to take a risk on a high-upside player. Mathis Preston was a top 10 talent in my eyes in September, but fell on the draft boards of many due to a lack of production in Spokane. He still has that wicked shot and high hockey IQ, especially in the offensive zone, that he could end up being a steal of this draft. He’s also a BC kid, having grown up in the Okanagan, a 4-hour drive away from Vancouver.
25. Seattle Kraken (Via Tampa Bay Lightning) – Jaxon Cover
Greg: Again, with a good volume of prospects the Kraken can afford to take a swing. Cover is a late riser in this class, and following the London Knights slower development process. Expect a huge post draft season from Cover, who already lead Knights in goals this season.
26. New York Rangers (via Dallas Stars) – Tommy Bleyl
Greg: Having landed a top offensive player earlier in the draft, the Rangers pick more of a project/high upside defenceman here. Bleyl dominated in the Q offensively, with 81 points in 63 games as well as 25 in 19 playoff games. A right shot, he will develop in Moncton next year before moving to college in 27/28. He could be available in the second round but his potential as a puck moving D makes him an intriguing project player.
27. Buffalo Sabres – Samu Alalauri
Tyler: It’s obvious Buffalo has some of the best recent European scouting in the league, which is why it’s possible they go with a player like Alalauri here.
The Finn projects as a stable two-way option that influences plays at both ends of the ice, with smooth skating, offensive hockey IQ, and a touch of physicality in his defensive game. With improvements to his defensive consistency and offensive aggressiveness, he can be an even more efficient defender at the NHL level. The defender projects as a safe third pairing with possible top-4 upside.
28. Calgary Flames (Via Vegas Golden Knights) – William Hakansson
James J: After taking Bjork at 6th overall and watching the draft board fall, I decided to go with William Hakansson here. Hakansson gives the Flames a new look at their prospect pool. He’s a 6’4, 207 lbs physical LD who skates well and competes hard. He has the tools to be a good defensive defenceman in the NHL if things pan out. This isn’t the most flashy pick, but he could be someone you could potentially pair with one of their dynamic right-shot defenceman in the future. The Flames don’t have a lot of good LD prospects, so the Flames take Hakansson here, knowing teams salivate at this type of player. They will look to take some upside swings with names like Tomas Chrenko, Markus Ruck, Jack Hextall, and Adam Valentini, hopefully still available at picks 35 and 36.
29. Montreal Canadiens – Maddox Dagenais
Joshua: The Canadiens have one of the top young groups in the entire NHL, but they’re still lacking their 2C of the future. They could also benefit from some more size in their forward group. Enter Montreal-born centre, Maddox Dagenais. Standing at 6’4″, Dagenais is the picture-perfect fit for the Canadiens and checks all their boxes.
30. Carolina Hurricanes – Marcus Nordmark
Joshua: Nordmark just seems like a Hurricanes draft pick. A highly skilled but flawed player who will likely fall in the draft due to attitude and consistency issues. Nordmark is one of the most talented players available in the draft, but his plethora of outside issues will likely drop him down in rankings. Much like the Hurricanes Ivan Ryabkin pick last year, they can take a gamble on a player like Nordmark and hope his skill outshines his other issues down the road.
31. St. Louis Blues (via Colorado Avalanche) – Jack Hextall
Drew: Rounding off the Blues’ busy first round, I have them taking Jack Hextall at 31st overall. Hextall is the type of player that a coach falls in love with. An almost never-ending motor paired with high hockey IQ makes him a safe bet to bring some value at the NHL level. Even away from the motor and IQ, Hextall has offensive tools that raise his potential. He has accuracy and speed in his wrist shot while also having good playmaking abilities. The completeness of his talents makes him a very versatile player and he is trusted in all situations. Considering all of that, the Blues should be happy with the value they could get in Hextall with almost the last pick in the first round.
32. Ottawa Senators – Ryan Roobroeck
Khalid: While it is likely the Senators go off the board with this pick, let’s have some hope that they make the smart pick and take Ryan Roobroeck. Taken second overall in the OHL in 2023, the forward put up 58 points this season for Niagara. While his point production has not jumped off the page this year, the fundamentals have been there. A big bodied forward with NHL-ready size, the centreman has all the potential to be an NHLer in time.
The challenge for him has been putting it all together shift after shift. When he’s dialed in, he’s excellent, but he does have a tendency to float. His underlying metrics and the potential is all there, and Ottawa feels they can get him to be the middle-six centreman that they need with the last pick of the first round.
Let the draft begin
We’ll soon see how the first round of the 2026 NHL Draft pans out, but there are many reasons for teams to make sure-bet picks, reaches, or outright swing for the stars.
