Welcome back to my rankings for the 2026 NHL Draft.
It’s been a few months since my January rankings were released and a new number one took over in Ivar Stenberg. While he continues to dominate and make history in the SHL, Gavin McKenna has been on an absolute tear offensively since the World Junior Championship, tearing up the NCAA offensively.
Stenberg has been pushing McKenna and surpassed him for the better part of the draft season, but is McKenna finally showing what he’s capable of in the NCAA like he did in the Western Hockey League? It very much feels like it as he is now second in collegiate scoring and the points aren’t just going to stop there for him. It’s going to be an interesting battle down the stretch. Are teams going to value the play making and skill of McKenna more? Or the maturity and ability to adapt, play and produce at a pro level that Stenberg has been doing all season long?
While the battle for first continues, there are battles that are unfolding as there continues to be a lot of movement. New players have jumped into first-round territory and even into a lottery pick slot as Caleb Malhotra, Alberts Smits, Oscar Hemming, Liam Ruck and Wyatt Cullen all have moved up significantly to improve their draft stock and move up draft boards. Even the top defender battle is becoming interesting as Smits, Chase Reid and Carson Carels are challenging Keaton Verhoeff for that spot.
Some of these questions might be answered as we get ready for playoffs at the junior and college level as well as the World U18 Championship. Here are my top-96 rankings for March.
First Round
1. Gavin McKenna, LW, Penn State (NCAA)
McKenna has been on a mission since the WJC and is back in the top spot. He has 30 points in his last 16 games, the second-best points per game of 1.50, has seven multi-point games including a record setting eight-point game against Ohio State. His off-puck play and awareness without it has improved and that’s what many had hoped to see as he progressed this season. With his on-ice play, he’s more assertive, is handling the competition better and is more dominant dictating the pace now than he ever has before. The elite playmaking vision, handling and ability to push the middle has been exceptional and he continues to produce and move up the leader boards. Then there’s the off-ice issues where he was facing a serious aggravated assault charge after a confrontation outside a bar, which have been dropped but still faces misdemeanours charges. With the story out, could it resonate with teams?
2. Ivar Stenberg, LW/RW, Frölunda HC (SHL)
Stenberg continues to show why he should be in talks for first overall as he continues to standout against men. He’s a play generator and his pro-ready game and drive continues to impress everyone. His confidence and compete in pursuit of the puck, offensive vision, puck control and protection and ability to push the danger areas so easily is outstanding. Everything he does is at an NHL level. His vision, processing and instincts allows him to excel in any situation, always thinking one or two steps ahead of the opposition. He’s extremely deceptive with his movements and can shake defenders off with quick pivots when he has the puck. He continues to produce as he’s third all-time in points among draft-eligible skaters in the SHL, behind only Henrik and Daniel Sedin and has a Champions Hockey League title to his name.
3. Caleb Malhotra, C, Brantford Bulldogs (OHL)
Malhotra continues to torch the Ontario Hockey League and elevate his game any chance he can get. As a rookie, he has found himself 12th overall in OHL scoring with 77 points in 60 games. The way he has elevated his game continues to impress many. He has great high-end skill, compete-level, sound and a responsible two-way play as a centre. He’s an elite level playmaker that has great attention to detail on both sides of the puck, deceptiveness and hands to bait players effortlessly. His head is always up scanning the ice for passing options and has the ability to always find his teammates. He has great positional awareness, has lightning quick speed and strong edges and is always finding the open spaces to sneak in past defenders undetected for quality chances on net and quickly strike on the rush.
4. Chase Reid, RD, Soo Greyhounds (OHL)
Reid continues to produce at a strong pace as he’s ninth overall among OHL defensemen with 47 points and second in goals with 18. While he did deal with an upper body injury, his play this season and at the WJC shows that he can be a big-time impact player offensively. Reid shows great confidence advancing out of his own zone and leading an attack and jumping up into the rush or cycle. He’s a smooth skater for his 6-foot-2 size and he constantly wants to be the one leading a play and creating opportunities for his team. While he can be a great defensive presence, there have been some inconsistencies to his game as of late and trying to do too much instead of just having a steady mindset. However, his offensive mindset and mobility is the best at the moment.
5. Keaton Verhoeff, RD, Univ. of North Dakota (NCAA)
The University of North Dakota defender still manages to show that he can adapt to a more competitive level as he has six goals and 20 points in 32 games as a freshman. Verhoeff’s strengths lie in his transitional play and puck moving abilities as he’s confident with his offensive abilities. He’s constantly walking the line, cycling in the offensive zone and picks his spots well to join the attack. He shows great compete without the puck, being quick on retrievals and using his body and size to cut down angles well and pressure attackers. He’s composed defensively, showing great positioning and special awareness, but some aspects in his game are raw, especially when it comes to dealing with pressure and can turn the puck over.
6. Tynan Lawrence, C, Boston University (NCAA)
Despite the lack of production with his transition to the NCAA, I’m still high on Tynan Lawrence. He’s still an intelligent and competitive centre as his work ethic and dominance on the ice shows with his smarts and skillset. He’s constantly generating and creating for himself and line mates, winning battles and getting shots off for quality looks. He’s just as responsible and impactful defensively, breaking up plays and quickly transitioning the other way. He can do it all, as he’s strong positionally, anticipates plays and takes advantage of opponent’s mistakes. He’s keeping up with the pace against better competition and is only going to get better when the points start rolling in.
7. Alberts Smits, LD, Jukurit (Liiga)
Alberts Smits is a major riser and it’s clear to see why. At 6-foot-3, 205-pounds, Smits is already playing big minutes with Jukurit in the Liiga and continues to elevate his play each game. He shows great confidence and poise on the breakout as he displays a strong first pass. He’s extremely mobile and does a great job to use a combination of his speed, puck skills and vision with the puck. He has a sound defensive game as well, although the awareness can lack sometimes. He’s strong in one-on-one coverage, displaying a great reach to break up plays and keep things to the outside. He really held his own during the Olympics playing against NHL players which could help his stock.
8. Daxon Rudolph, RD, Prince Albert Raiders (WHL)
Sitting third among WHL defenders in goals (26) and points (68) Daxon Rudolph remains as productive and composed on the backend as anyone. He’s a smooth skater on the breakout and makes great reads in the offensive zone to setup plays or get a great point shot off. He defends rushes extremely well, showing great patience, great strong gap control and can break up plays with timely stick checks. In one-on-one situations, he’s assertive with his coverage and positioning, not giving up the middle of the ice easily and is quick to retrieve pucks leading to a quick breakout.
9. Carson Carels, LD, Prince George Cougars (WHL)
Carson Carels plays a very competitive and well-rounded game as he does everything so well. He’s physical, playing an in-your-face style and shows composure when defending rushes, stepping up on attackers to disrupt plays or play the body upon entry. He’s strong with his one-on-one coverages, standing up to players and being aggressive to knock them off the puck. He’s effective on the breakouts with the ability to transport the puck smoothly and make strong heads up plays in the offensive zone with his playmaking or puck placement on net for a shot or second opportunity. He had his moments at the World Junior Championship and was a standout performer at the WHL Top Prospects Game.
10. Oscar Hemming, F, Boston College (NCAA)
After a complicated first half of his draft year, Oscar Hemming hasn’t missed a beat with his game. In fact, he’s playing like he hasn’t missed any time and he continues to make a statement in the NCAA. Hemming plays a heavy, but skilled game that revolves around his compete, physical play and skill. He’s quick and an agile skater for his size (6-foot-4, 198 pounds) that can power through anyone and is difficult to contain. He has great hands in the small spaces on the ice and attacks the dangerous areas with ease. He’s quickly becoming a possible top-10 pick.
Related: 2026 NHL Draft: Orth’s Top 32 February Rankings
11. Viggo Björck, C/W, Djurgårdens IF (SHL)
Viggo Björck’s showing at the WJC definitely proved that he’s worth being a top-10 or lottery selection. He’s an offensive catalyst as he can constantly dictate and push the pace of play with his speed and high-end skillset. He’s small in stature at 5-foot-10, but that doesn’t seem to affect him at all as his skating, vision, slick puck control and playmaking makes him a force to be reckoned with. He’s constantly deceptive, dominates the middle of the ice, has the quick foot speed to get around defenders, great vision and displays the willingness to engage when hunting down or battling for pucks.
12. Adam Novotný, LW/RW, Peterborough Petes (OHL)
Adam Novotný has quickly turned a rather slow start around. The Peterborough Petes don’t have any major offensive threats, but Novotný has been just that as he’s first in goals with 32 and second on the team with 62 points in 53 games. His play on both sides of the puck is evident as he has the smarts, skill and battler’s mindset to boot with his physicality and gets rewarded seemingly every time. He’s engaging and doesn’t shy away from the tough areas. He’s constantly cutting through defenders and handles pressure very well when in possession. His defensive game has also stood out, showing great anticipation, pressure and details without the puck.
13. Ethan Belchetz, LW, Windsor Spitfires (OHL)
The first overall pick in the 2024 Ontario Hockey League draft, Ethan Belchetz continues to be an absolute force with his blend of size and power with the offensive generation and production teams want in a power forward. He’s dominant in puck battles, utilizing his size to his advantage, as the combination of that and his puck protection skills makes him extremely tough to knock the puck off of him. He dominates down low, pushes his way to the middle and in front of the net with ease and has quick hands to make moves in tight. His production has dropped off a bit, but he’s still productive with 34 goals and 59 points in 57 games in a strong offensive junior league.
Related: Ethan Belchetz Might Be a Top-3 Prospect in Stacked 2026 NHL Draft
14. Ryan Lin, RD, Vancouver Giants (WHL)
Ryan Lin’s decision-making and smarts is what makes him a top player in this draft. His awareness to attack and confidence in transition to lead an attack is impressive. He picks his spots wisely to attack and possesses great control handling the puck through the neutral zone and in the offensive zone. He wants to be involved in the play as much as possible, attacking defenders, creating chances and setting up his teammates with his playmaking. Defensively, he plays a well-rounded game. He’s rarely out of position and does a good job to take time and space away from attackers.
15. Liam Ruck, RW, Medicine Hat Tigers (WHL)
Liam Ruck made my preseason rankings and although he fell out of my first round, he’s right back in it and has improved his stock tremendously as he has taken the WHL by storm. He has quickly vaulted himself to the top of the leaderboard in the WHL with 94 points and has been constant offensive presence and driver for the Tigers. He sees the ice very well and knows how to make himself open to finish off plays or set them up. He’s aggressive on the attack, intense on the forecheck and constantly making himself available in the middle of the ice. He’s tenacious and a player that will be a thorn in your side as he’s always engaging in battles.
16. Marcus Nordmark, RW, Djurgårdens IF (SHL)
After standing out at the U20 level with 38 points in 25 games, Nordmark saw some time in the SHL and is already showing good results. He always wants to be involved and displays that on a consistent basis with puck possession game and high-end skillset and makes sure to capitalize on them every time. The goal scoring abilities, passing and compete level in battles really made him a valuable player for both club and international play. He’s got great vision with the puck, is driven and will do whatever it takes to win.
17. Malte Gustafsson, LD, HV71 (SHL)
Malte Gustafsson continues to elevate his play at the pro level. He continues to display a very reliable and effective two-way game, showing both his offensive tendencies with his puck-moving style and strong breakout passing. His defensive game is just as effective as it can prove to be a handful for attackers, keeping them to the outside and taking any time and space away. He’s extremely agile and smart with the puck, making the safe plays on breakouts and shows great control and skills in the offensive zone. He’s tenacious with his physical play and extremely tough to go up against as he displays great composure and awareness.
18. Nikita Klepov, RW, Saginaw Spirit (OHL)
The OHL’s leading point leader with 87 points in 61 games, Nikita Klepov continues to have a strong and productive rookie campaign. The intensity and determination that Klepov plays with is always noticeable. He displays endless energy and skill, constantly pushing the pace of play and putting defenders on their heels. He can cut through defenders with ease, shows quick movement and executes plays with his timing and strong puck skills in tight spaces. Defensively, he needs work and there are times where he’s not as engaging and lets the play come to him, but he can turn on the jets and step in to regain possession instantly.
19. Elton Hermansson, RW/LW, MoDo Hockey (HockeyAllsvenskan)
Hermansson continues to be a consistent goal scorer and shot generator. He’s constantly finding the shooting lanes, opening things up and walking in for a quick wrist shot. He has a powerful one-timer and can also display his playmaking abilities, spotting seams and passing lanes to connect with his teammates. He attacks intently using the combination of speed and puck-control in high-traffic areas to always get the inside track on defenders. He’s putting up strong offensive numbers in the HockeyAllsvenskan with 21 points in 38 games.
Related: 2026 NHL Draft: Forbes’ Top 64 February Rankings
20. Xavier Villeneuve, LD, Blainville-Boisbriand Armada (QMJHL)
He’s undersized at 5-foot-11, 157 pounds, but Xavier Villeneuve is about as dynamic and skilled offensively as any other defender in this draft. He has the awareness to jump into the attack and capitalize on his opportunities and his ability to evade pressure easily while still maintaining possession of the puck continues to impress me. The comparisons to the play of Lane Hutson with his movement, deceptiveness and puck skills is eerily similar. His production has dipped and isn’t at his rookie season production.
21. Ilia Morozov, F, Miami Univ. (Ohio) (NCAA)
Ilia Morozov’s play and journey is very reminiscent of Vaclav Nestrasil last year– starting off as an unknown and then quickly getting a lot of attention. He’s been producing steadily with 20 points in 36 games, but it’s his impact in all three zones and both sides of the puck that continues to yield great results. He has great speed and a smooth stride in transition and is reliable on zone exits and entries every time showing great poise and control. He’s extremely competitive and strong in winning puck battles and on retrievals and protects the puck flawlessly in the offensive zone.
22. Oliver Suvanto, RW, Tappara (Liiga)
The attention to detail and defensive awareness that Oliver Suvanto shows in his game is impressive. He may not be the fastest or the most highly skilled player on the ice, but his work ethic and ability to be a highly responsible two-way centre, that can impact the game in all three zones is his trademark. The way he processes and thinks the game really makes him dangerous as he’s always putting himself in a good spot to intercept pucks and make a play. He shows great habits with the puck and is always making the smart and effective play in the offensive zone.
23. Juho Piiparinen, RD, Tappara (Liiga)
When you talk about defenders being extremely tough to go up against, Juho Piiparinen fits that description to a tee. No matter who he’s going up against, he’ll shut you down as his defensive reads and positioning is his greatest strength. He shows great gap control and keeps defenders to the outside on the rush. He’s quick to take time and space away effectively and does a great job of not letting attackers get by him. He times his checks perfectly, can cut down shooting lanes very well and his puck-moving abilities are underrated.
24. Alexander Command, C, Örebro HK U20 (Nationell)
Alexander Command continues to standout and dominate the U20 Nationell with 44 points in 30 games. He has great power in his stride as he’s a smooth skater with great edges and balance to keep defenders on their heels. He may not be flashy overall, but he’s effective and still possesses great skill when he has the puck. His playmaking, shot and attention to detail on the ice really stands out. He provides great support for teammates, can work give-and-go plays and open up seams very well to connect well with his line mates. He’s got a great shot, works hard and is always pushing the middle of the ice for those opportunities.
25. J.P. Hurlbert, RW, Kamloops Blazers (WHL)
J.P. Hurlbert continues to light up the WHL, as he’s fourth in the league in points with 92 in 62 games cementing himself as a first rounder. His offensive skillset, shot selection and ability to do damage in the open ice is undeniable. When he’s in control and the puck is on his stick, he’s as skilled as they come. However, I do want more from him with his off-puck play, as there are times where he wavers from being involved in the play. However, that could change as he continues to develop, but the offense is something you can’t ignore.
26. Maddox Dagenais, C, Québec Remparts (QMJHL)
Going back and forth between my first round and early second, Maddox Dagenais’ play as of late is making him a first-rounder. He has 16 points in his last 11 games and his powerful, two-way game is taking off. He’s absolutely relentless with his puck pursuits and is extremely dangerous when he’s in the open ice. He has a lethal shot with great power and accuracy doing a lot of damage from far out. He’s physical and can push his way to the middle effectively while also getting the inside track along the boards to win puck battles. His energy and presence will make him an effective middle-six player.
27. Wyatt Cullen, C, USA U18 (NTDP)
The son of former NHLer Matt Cullen, I feel that Wyatt stands out the most on the NTDP roster whether he produces offensively or not as he can impact the game in a variety of ways. He attacks intently and with pace when he has the puck and within the offensive zone, he has great timing to break up plays and quickly transition the other way and he’s a great skater with speed and agility to constantly attack the middle. He can handle pressure well and will constantly battle for positioning and possession on the ice.
28. Markus Ruck, F, Medicine Hat Tigers (WHL)
Liam’s twin brother Markus is neck and neck with him in WHL scoring as he too has 94 points. He’s not much of a finisher like his brother, but his playmaking and passing vision is exceptional as he has 75 assists this season. He has great chemistry with his brother, but the way that Markus sees the ice is what makes him dangerous and elusive. He can find the open ice easily and his speed allows him to push the pace of the play in the offensive zone. He attacks head on and can find seams easily even in tight spaces.
29. Mathis Preston, RW, Vancouver Giants (WHL)
I’m having trouble to get a read on Mathis Preston, as he seems to have cooled off and hasn’t been as dynamic as he has been. When he’s at his best, he’s an absolute speed demon on the ice as he displays great foot speed, agility and deceptive movement. He’s tough to contain as he can get out of trouble and cut to the middle easily. However, when he isn’t going, that’s when the lulls come as he struggles to produce and create opportunities, as he’s more of a finisher than a creator.
30. Niklas Aaram-Olsen, LW, Örebro HK U20 (Nationell)
Niklas Aaram-Olsen continues to be a consistent producer at U20 level as he has 20 goals and 40 points in 29 games this season, including 12 points in his last 10 games. Aaram-Olsen plays with a lot of strength and power to his game. He’s constantly powering through defenders, attacking the middle of the ice off the rush and showing great anticipation to pounce on turnovers and strike quickly in transition. He has a lethal shot and powerful one-timer, making him a goal-scoring threat from far out or even in tight, possessing the skill and control to get there.
Related: Top 3 Finnish Skaters on the NHL Central Scouting 2026 Draft Board
31. Tomas Chrenko, C, HK Nitra (Slovakia)
After standing out at the WJC for Slovakia, Tomas Chrenko continues to hold his own and improve his play no matter what level he’s at, be it his own age group or in the Slovak men’s league as he has 27 points in 40 games. Chrenko knows how to expose the open ice very well and attack with conviction. He’s a very dynamic and skilled player, but also is a competitor and plays with a great amount of pace to his game. He’s responsible without the puck, providing decent coverage and when on the attack, he can open things up easily with his playmaking or walk-in for a prime scoring opportunity.
32. Ryan Roobroeck, C, Niagara IceDogs (OHL)
There’s always a desire to want to see more from Ryan Roobroeck and see him elevate his game to another level, as he really hasn’t shown to be that controlling presence in his draft season as he did before. While the offensive production has improved with 58 points in 49 games. The concerns have to do with his inability to take control and dominate in games like he previously did. When he’s at his best, he can be a big difference maker as a shooting threat. The combination of his size, hands and goal scoring abilities really shines, but the lack of consistency and engagement continues to be a problem as it differs from game to game.
Second Round
33. Jaxon Cover, LW, London Knights (OHL)
34. Ben MacBeath, LD, Calgary Hitmen (WHL)
35. Brooks Rogowski, C, Oshawa Generals (OHL)
36. Pierce Mbuyi, LW, Owen Sound Attack (OHL)
37. Tommy Bleyl, RD, Moncton Wildcats (QMJHL)
38. Jack Hextall, C, Youngstown Phantoms (USHL)
39. Lavr Gashilov, C, Avto Yekaterinburg (MHL)
40. Jonas Lagerberg Hoen, RW, Leksands IF U20 (Nationell)
41. Ryder Cali, C, North Bay Battalion (OHL)
42. Alessandro Di Iorio, C, Sarnia Sting (OHL)
43. Adam Valentini, C, Univ. of Michigan (NCAA)
44. Yegor Shilov, C, Victoriaville Tigres (QMJHL)
45. Vladimír Dravecký, LD, Brantford Bulldogs (OHL)
46. Filip Novak, F, HC Sparta Praha U20 (Czechia U20)
47. Adam Nemec, F, Sudbury Wolves (OHL)
48. William Håkansson, LD, Luleå HF U20 (Nationell)
49. Victor Plante, LW, USA U18 (NTDP)
50. Casey Mutryn, F, USA U18 (NTDP)
51. Ryan Brown, LW, London Knights (OHL)
52. Thomas Vandenberg, C, Ottawa 67’s (OHL)
53. Gleb Pugachyov, RW, Chaika Nizhny Novgorod (WHL)
54. Oscar Holmertz, C, Linköping HC U20 (Nationell)
55. Simas Ignatavicius, C, Geneve (NL)
56. Luke Schairer, RD, USA U18 (NTDP)
57. Beckham Edwards, C, Sarnia Sting (OHL)
58. Lars Steiner, RW, Rouyn-Noranda Huskies (QMHJL)
59. Vilho Vanhatalo, LW/RW, Tappara U20 (SM-sarja)
60. Viktor Fyodorov, C, Chaika Nizhny Novgorod (MHL)
61. Cole Zurawski, RW, Owen Sound Attack (OHL)
62. Axel Elofsson, RD, Örebro HK U20 (Nationell)
63. Alexei Vlasov, LW, Victoriaville Tigres (QMJHL)
64. Ethan MacKenzie, LD, Edmonton Oil Kings (WHL)
Third Round
65. Brek Liske, RD, Everett Silvertips (WHL)
66. Oscar Olsson, LW/RW, Örebro HK U20 (Nationell)
67. Brady Knowling, G, USA U18 (NTDP)
Related: 2026 NHL Draft: Sorting Out the Goalie Class
68. Giorgos Pantelas, RD, Brandon Wheat Kings (WHL)
69. Chase Harrington, LW, Spokane Chiefs (OHL)
70. Alexander Bilecki, LD, Kitchener Rangers (OHL)
71. Nils Bartholdsson, RW, Rögle BK U20 (Nationell)
72. Jean-Christoph Lemieux, C, Sudbury Wolves (OHL)
73. Tomas Galvas, LD, Liberec (Czechia)
74. Nikita Shcherbakov, LD, Tolpar Ufa (MHL)
75. Samu Alalauri, RD, Pelicans U20 (SM- sarja)
76. Vertti Svensk, LD, Saipa (Liiga)
77. Michal Orsulak, G, Prince Albert Raiders (WHL)
78. Yegor Barabanov, C, Saginaw Spirit (OHL)
79. Cooper Williams, F, Saskatoon Blades (WHL)
80. Ludvig Andersson, C/RW, Örebro HK U20 (Nationell)
81. Braidy Wassilyn, C, London Knights (OHL)
82. Jakub Vanecek, LD, Tri-City Americans (WHL)
83. Landon Hafele, C, Green Bay Gamblers (USHL)
84. Max Isaksson, C, Växjö Lakers HC U20 (Nationell)
85. Aiden O’Donnell, LW, Oshawa Generals (OHL)
86. Landon Amrhein, LW, Calgary Hitmen (WHL)
87. Blake Zielinski, F, USA U18 (NTDP)
88. Timofei Runtso, RD, Victoria Royals (WHL)
89. Theodor Knights, LD, MoDo Hockey U20 (Nationell)
90. Olivers Murnieks, C, Saint John Sea Dogs (QMJHL)
91. Layne Gallacher, C, Guelph Storm (OHL)
92. Colin Fitzgerald, C, Peterborough Petes (OHL)
93. Simon Katolicky, LW/RW, Tappara U20 (SM- sarja)
94. Samuel Eriksson, LD, Färjestad BK U20 (Nationell
95. Matias Vanhanen, LW, Everett Silvertips (WHL)
96. Axel Brøngel-Larsson, LD, Frölunda HC U20 (Nationell)
