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Grading and analyzing every team’s performance at the 2026 NHL Draft
The New York Times • • general
Key Points:
- The Toronto Maple Leafs earned the top draft grade of A+ after selecting high-upside winger Gavin McKenna and adding several strong prospects on Day 2, potentially improving their farm system significantly.
- The San Jose Sharks received an A grade, capitalizing on their high draft capital by selecting top talents like winger Ivar Stenberg and defenseman Keaton Verhoeff, projecting multiple NHL players from this class.
- Calgary Flames and Vancouver Canucks both earned A- grades for adding premium defenseman Carson Carels and skilled center Caleb Malhotra, respectively, with several other promising prospects bolstering their depth.
- Teams like the Seattle Kraken (B+), Los Angeles Kings (B), and Buffalo Sabres (B-) also had notable drafts, selecting players with strong NHL potential, particularly on defense and forward positions.
- Several teams, including St. Louis Blues, New York Rangers, and Nashville Predators, received mid-tier C+ to C grades, reflecting solid but less impactful draft classes focused on depth and potential rather than immediate impact.
