2026 NHL Draft Rankings – Final Consensus Picks – The Hockey Writers – NHL Entry Draft

Welcome to The Hockey Writers’ Final 2026 Draft Rankings, a combination of the rankings from our top prospects writers. This year’s list is a compilation of Peter Baracchini’s Top 128 Final Rankings, Andrew Forbes’ Top 128 Final Rankings, Dayton Reimer’s Top 96 Final Rankings, and Jordan Orth’s Top 96 Final Rankings. This list is an average of the top 32 prospects from each ranking and is organized by their average draft position.

In total, 41 names were included across the four lists. While each writer had their preferences, there were very few differences among the top 10 picks. Of those, Keaton Verhoeff caused the widest split in opinion, ranging from fifth to eighth. But there were more divergences over the next 22 selections. In his first ranking, Jordan Orth came out the most optimistic, ranking 15 of the top 32 players higher than the other writers, while Dayton Reimer came out the most negative, placing 13 of the top 32 prospects lower than anyone else. Alexander Command was the most divisive; while Peter Baracchini placed him 13th, Jordan pushed him just outside his first round. Ironically, Marcus Nordmark had Peter and Jordan swap places.

Thank you all for reading our draft rankings coverage for the 2026 NHL Draft this year. It means so much to us, and your support and readership are what make this work possible. Now, take a look at The Hockey Writers’ combined Top-32 ranking for the 2026 Draft class.

Gavin McKenna, LW, Penn State (NCAA) 

Baracchini: There isn’t any doubt that McKenna is the most skilled player in this draft and he has continued to improve throughout the season. He tested well during the Draft Combine and despite an average first half, he was dominant in the second half and finished with 51 points in 35 games. He’s a wizard with the puck showing great deception, patience and creativity. His off-puck play and awareness without it has improved and that’s what many had hoped to see as the number one prospect. With his on-ice play, he’s more assertive, is handling the competition better and is more dominant dictating the pace now than ever before. The elite playmaking vision, handling and ability to push the middle has been exceptional and he was extremely productive down the stretch.

Ivar Stenberg, LW, Frölunda (SHL)

Reimer: While most see McKenna as the top choice, Ivar Stenberg is still my top prospect for the 2026 Draft. He’s highly engaged, has great vision, works hard to get the puck, and then finds excellent lanes to set up teammates. Despite being one of the youngest players at the World Championship, he’s also been one of the most productive, putting up seven points in six games for Sweden while playing on the first line with Lucas Raymond and fellow draft-eligible forward Viggo Bjorck. He’s arguably the most well-rounded player available, and while his potential may not be as high as McKenna’s, it’s a smaller gap than you might think.

Chase Reid, RD, Soo Greyhounds (OHL)

Forbes: The top defensive prospect in this draft, Reid brings a lot to the table on the offensive side of the puck and in his own end. He drives possession and the pace of play and transitions the game well in the neutral zone. An injury did affect him this season; however, when he was healthy he showed commitment on both sides of the puck. He doesn’t sacrifice his offensive game, but prides himself on being the first defender back and leading the charge in his own end as well.

Caleb Malhotra, C Brantford Bulldogs (OHL)

Orth: A strong playoff for the Brantford Bulldogs, where he put up 26 points in 15 games, Caleb Malhotra solidified himself as the top center in the 2026 class. The motor and energy he plays with stand out immediately, and his offensive game, including his overall playmaking, makes him a threat with the puck at any time. Add in the defensive responsibility he plays with from his center position, and Malhotra is everything that an NHL organization is looking for from their center.

Carson Carels, LD, Prince George Cougars (WHL)

Forbes: The epitome of a hard-working defender, Carels farming background has translated into his game. He’s strong, physical and a tough defender to play against. He gets right in the face of his opponents and uses his stick to break up the play. But the benefits of Carels doesn’t stop there. He’s a transitional player who sees the play and makes the passes to move the puck up the ice quick. He adds some offence in his game walking the line well and keeping the play alive. While he’s not the top defender in this draft, he will be a top-pairing player for whichever team drafts him.

Viggo Björck, C/W, Djurgårdens IF (SHL)

Reimer: Just as McKenna is almost guaranteed to go first overall, so is Viggo Björck going much lower than fifth overall. NHL teams just can’t seem to get over the height issue, and with Björck standing 5-foot-9 at the NHL Combine, a lot of people will see that as too small. Yet there’s nothing small about his game. On a World Championship team loaded with NHL talent, Björck finished fourth among Swedes with five points in six games, just behind Stenberg and defenceman Oliver Ekman-Larsson. He also had 20 points in nine U20 playoff games and was a point-per-game player in the Swedish Hockey League (SHL). A brilliant puck mover, excellent skater, and fierce competitor, he’ll be fine whenever he gets to the NHL.

Keaton Verhoeff, RD, University of North Dakota (NCAA)

Orth: A minute eater for North Dakota in his first collegiate season, Keaton Verhoeff did have some adjustment to the college game, but finished very strong. His offensive game is led by a strong shot that he uses from anywhere on the ice, and he put up really solid numbers for a freshman defenseman (six goals, 14 assists, 20 points). He has the confidence to lead rushes and then, on the defensive side of the puck, to throw his weight around and be a responsible defenseman.

Alberts Šmits, LD, EHC München (DEL)

Forbes: Here’s a big defender that isn’t afraid to engage. He climbed the ranks throughout the season and has landed inside the top-10 as another strong defensive candidate. He’s one of the few prospects in this draft who also represented their country in the Olympics and stood up to the test against stronger competition. While his defensive game is sound, there are areas of the transition game that Šmits can work on to get to the next level. That said, he’s a fiery player who displays that drive in his game. For what he brings on the defensive side of the puck, his offensive numbers can be overlooked while he makes the transition.

Daxon Rudolph, RD, Prince Albert Raiders (WHL) 

Baracchini: With all the talk with Reid, Carels, Verhoeff and Smits, don’t forget about Daxon Rudolph. He had a massive playoff with 27 points in 19 games. He’s a smooth skater on the breakout and makes great reads in the offensive zone to set up plays or get a great point shot off. He defends rushes well, shows 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. 

Tynan Lawrence, C, Boston University (NCAA)

Orth: A prospect many will likely be keeping their eyes on at the 2026 NHL Draft Combine this week, Tynan Lawrence finished his first season at Boston University on a high note and then rolled that into a strong showing for Canada at the U18 World Junior Championship (WJC). He tied for second on the team in points with six and put his speed and work ethic on display. He has the shooting ability to be a high-output scorer, but can also be a playmaking machine with his passing and vision. He will certainly be a prospect to keep an eye on in June.

Ethan Belchetz, LW, Windsor Spitfires (OHL)

Forbes: I may be alone in this take, but I see Belchetz going in the first round and inside the top-10 this draft. He’s big. He’s powerful and strong. He has the build and the mentality of an eventual pure power forward and it’s a role that is tough to come by at times in the NHL. Getting your hands on a player that gets involved physically and that can add offence the way Belchetz can is so important. With his dominance behind the goal line, he should be able to win some big puck battles and help retrieve pucks while being a strong net-front presence at regular strength and on the power play. His skills will take some developing, but he will have a big impact when he gets to that next level.

Ryan Lin, RD, Vancouver Giants (WHL)

Reimer: Ryan Lin is possibly the best skater of his draft class. He has an effortless stride, excellent four-way mobility, high-end speed, and impossibly quick directional changes. He also processes the game faster than most, making him a fantastic quarterback on offence. Despite playing on a weaker Vancouver Giants team, he finished 11th in the WHL among defencemen with 57 points in 53 games, earning him a spot on Team Canada at the U18s, where he tied Lawrence with six points in five games. It’s easy to see Quinn Hughes’ influence on his game, which should make teams very excited about what’s to come.

Wyatt Cullen, C, USA U18 (NTDP) 

Baracchini: The son of former NHLer Matt Cullen, Wyatt stood 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. He can handle pressure well and will constantly battle for positioning and possession on the ice. He was extremely noticeable at the U18 Championship leading the Americans in points with nine points in five games, which explains his quick rise in the rankings. 

Malte Gustafsson, LD, HV71 (SHL)

Reimer: Malte Gustafsson was one of the biggest risers to finish the season, wowing scouts with his combination of size and skating at the U18s. The 6-foot-4 defender led Sweden’s defence at the tournament with five points in six games, showcasing his high-end mobility and surprising ability to catch teammates across the rink with incredible breakout passes. Like Reid, he uses quick pivots and subtle shifts to draw in attackers, creating room for his teammates to get a shot or two off, although his offensive upside isn’t as high. Gustafsson’s intelligence, vision, and two-way game were a big reason why his team kept him in Sweden’s top league for longer than any other U18 defender, which is a great sign.

Elton Hermansson, W, MoDo (Hockey Allsvenskan)

Orth: After a strong season with MoDo in his draft-year season, Elton Hermansson finished off his play with a great showing at the U18 WJC with Sweden, leading the way with 12 points. He has a great transition game, and offensively, he is dangerous with the puck on his stick, thanks in large part to his lethally accurate shot. While there are question marks about his intensity at times, Hermansson has the overall skill set to be a solid top-six forward on either wing.

Adam Novotný, LW/RW, Peterborough Petes (OHL) 

Baracchini: Adam Novotný was the Petes’ major offensive producer this season, leading the team in goals (34) and points (65). 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, getting 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 also stands out, showing great anticipation, pressure and details without the puck. 

Nikita Klepov, LW, Saginaw Spirit (OHL)

Reimer: When Nikita Klepov has the puck, there are few in the OHL better than him. He’s not just a creative puck handler with a snappy shot that can beat most goalies, but is also one of the most aggressive players in the offensive zone, refusing to give up until the puck is on his stick. The one big concern is his play away from the puck, as he almost looks disengaged if he’s not actively creating offence. Still, he led the OHL with 97 points and was just two shy of hitting 40 goals, and the upside might outweigh the risk he brings.

Oliver Suvanto, C, Tappara (Liiga)

Orth: Known for his big frame (6-foot-3), Oliver Suvanto loves to play physically at both ends of the ice. He throws his weight around defensively to let his opponents know he is on the ice, and then, offensively, to protect the puck and get to the middle of the zone to create high-danger scoring chances. He has the hands to make in-tight moves with the puck and makes an impact on the ice, even if his game is not 100% offensively. The biggest knock on his game is his skating, but if he can refine it, he has all the makings of an NHL power forward.

Oscar Hemming, LW, Boston College (NCAA)

Reimer: Like Lawrence, Oscar Hemming didn’t have the smoothest transition to the NCAA, finishing with just one goal and eight points in 19 games, but for a player who wasn’t playing from August to December because of a legal dispute with his former Finnish club, he bounced back incredibly well. He’s shown an aggressive, all-around game, using his size and strength to create opportunities for his teammates. He’s still very raw, but with the longest wingspan at the combine, he has some very intriguing tools.

Xavier Villeneuve, LD, Blainville-Boisbriand Armada (QMJHL)

Orth: On the smaller side for a defenseman (5-foot-11, 157 pounds), Xavier Villeneuve may not play with the most physicality, but he has the offensive skill with the puck on his stick to make opponents be on their toes. He has shiftiness in his skating to make quick moves, and he is also creative with his puck-handling. He drives play from the point offensively and can put up plenty of points (38 this season) while remaining a responsible and reliable player defensively.

Alexander Command, C, Örebro HK U20 (Nationell) 

Baracchini: I’ve been a big fan Alexander Command and his play at the U18s made me even more of one as he cracked my top-15.  He may not be flashy overall, but he’s aggressive, effective and still possesses great skill when he has the puck. His playmaking, shot and offensive vision on the ice really stands out as he’s constantly finding the open spaces and pushes hard to the middle. He provides great support for teammates, can work give-and-go plays and open up seams very well to connect with his line mates. He’s got a great shot, works hard and is always getting quality opportunities on net. 

JP Hurlbert, LW, Kamloops Blazers (WHL)

Orth: Armed with an NHL-level shot (42 goals, fourth in the WHL), JP Hurlbert also proved that he can be a playmaking threat this season with the Kamloops Blazers. He showed off the IQ and vision it takes to be a high-end distributor with the puck on his stick. If it were not for the fact that his off-puck game is lacking, Hurlbert could very well be a top-15 prospect in the 2026 Draft. Nonetheless, he can be a consistent goal-scorer at the next level.

Mathis Preston, RW, Vancouver Giants (WHL) 

Reimer: Mark Schieg’s Steal of the 2026 Draft was once considered a lock for the top 10, but Mathis Preston has since fallen out of favour due to some inconsistencies in his game. However, there are few better than him when it comes to pure skill with the puck. On a Giants’ squad that lacked offence, he still put up over a point per game in his 10 games there and was one of Canada’s best forwards at the U18s in April. He blends creativity with explosive speed, and while he’s still developing, his upside is through the roof.

Juho Piiparinen, RD, Tappara (Liiga)

Baracchini: When you talk about defenders being extremely tough to go up against, Juho Piiparinen fits that description perfectly. No matter who he’s going up against, he’ll be in your face and shut you down as his defensive reads and positioning is his greatest strength. He shows great gap control and shows great awareness and positioning to defend rushes. 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.

Ilia Morozov, C, Miami University (Ohio) (NCAA)

Reimer: Ilia Morozov has one of the best defensive minds among forwards in his class. He cuts off passing lanes with quick, calculated movements and uses his 6-foot-3 frame to push opponents to the outside of the play and aggressively pressures shooters into making mistakes. Yet he still finished his freshman season with 20 points in 36 games, showing a solid offensive skill set, especially when he’s in front of the net. He needs to improve his confidence with the puck and his top speed, but he already has a highly refined two-way game with a strong stride and excellent work ethic. And somehow, he won’t turn 18 until August.

Liam Ruck, RW, Medicine Hat Tigers (WHL) 

Baracchini: To say that Liam Ruck dominated the WHL is an understatement. He rapidly rose to the top of the leaderboards, finishing second in points with 104 and goals with 45 as he was one of the offensive drivers 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. 

Maddox Dagenais, C, Québec Remparts (QMJHL) 

Baracchini: Dagenais’ play in the second half has really pushed him into first-round territory with his physical play and goal- scoring abilities. He finished with 30 goals and was a point-per-game player with 62 in 62. He’s relentless with his puck pursuits and is extremely dangerous when he’s in the open ice. He has a lethal shot, 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. He’s competitive and is always finding himself in the danger areas. 

Marcus Nordmark, LW, Djurgårdens IF U20 (Nationell)

Orth: A bit of a quiet showing at the U18 WJC with Sweden compared to some of the other prospects in this year’s class (four points), Marcus Nordmark still has all of the tools to be a high-end offensive threat. He loves to be around the puck, whether it is setting teammates up with his great passing ability or making slick plays to get around opponents. Nordmark is constantly found around or with the puck offensively. The biggest question mark is whether he can stay fully engaged, as he tends to fight this periodically.

William Håkansson, LD, Luleå HF U20 (Nationell)

Reimer: William Håkansson is another reliable defensive defenceman with high-end mobility, but what sets him apart is his ability to respond to changes in the play faster than anyone else. He makes quick, confident decisions when facing an opponent, and his feet work almost as quickly, allowing him to follow the most elusive skaters step-for-step. If he can’t, his long reach is sure to clean up the rest, and at 6-foot-4, not many players can get around him cleanly. He’s strong, too, and while he doesn’t play an overly physical game, he has an edge and isn’t afraid of throwing a big hit from time to time. He plays a pro-style game that gives him a very high floor, and some additional puck skills would take him to the next level.

Jaxon Cover, RW, London Knights (OHL)

Orth: Jaxon Cover has a ton of upside and potential in his game. One of the more raw prospects in this year’s draft, he has already shown the ability to be a difference-maker for the London Knights. He has the natural goal-scoring touch to be a threat to shoot the puck at any time, but also sees the ice well enough to know when to find a teammate for an even better option. He loves going to the dirty areas of the ice to make a play at either end of the ice. With the untapped potential (he has only played a handful of years of ice hockey), an NHL organization could look to take him toward the end of the first round and look to turn the raw talent into something special.

Tommy Bleyl, RD, Moncton Wildcats (QMJHL)

Baracchini: Tommy Bleyl was in the early part of my second round in my last rankings. That changed completely as he continued to be a consistent puck-mover and offensive producer (81 points in 63 games) and generator, making himself a first-rounder. He’s offensively driven, a speedster on the backend and has the agility and edgework to evade pressure and walk the offensive blueline easily to get into open spaces. He’s a great and accurate passer, showing great deceptiveness and creativity with the puck, while also showing an aggressive mindset defensively to break up plays. He was dominant in the postseason for the Wildcats, missing out on back-to-back championships with 28 points in 21 games. 

Niklas Aaram-Olsen, LW, Örebro HK U20 (Nationell)

Orth: A strong skater with great speed, Niklas Aaram-Olsen stood out for Norway at the U18 WJC with his overall play. All season long with Örebro HK U20, he showcased his strong shot and puck-handling. His shot from mid-range is great, and he is also more than willing to lower a shoulder and take on contact to work to the net for a shot from a high-danger area. His defensive game is strong enough to make him a solid two-way player.

Other first-round candidates: Adam Valentini, Jack Hextall, Egor Shilov, Markus Ruck, Simas Ignatavicius, Ben MacBeath, Brooks Rogowski, Ryan Roobroeck, Gleb Pugachyov