Latest 2026 NHL Mock Draft Expert Predictions for 1st-Round Prospects

Key Points:

• The 2026 NHL Draft begins Friday evening with the first round, concluding Sunday, but uncertainty remains around several early picks beyond the expected No. 1 selection of Penn State's Gavin McKenna by the Toronto Maple Leafs.
• The San Jose Sharks' No. 2 pick is still undecided, with recent mocks favoring Swedish defenseman Ivar Stenberg, though some experts suggest Chase Reid is also a strong candidate, reflecting the team's interest in multiple defensemen.
• The Sharks' choice at No. 2 is expected to influence subsequent selections significantly, highlighting the draft's fluidity in the top picks.
• Rising prospect winger Wyatt Cullen has gained attention after improving his draft stock considerably, moving up 12 spots in recent mocks and now projected around No. 10 to the Nashville Predators due to his physical growth and strong performance with the USNTDP.
• Aside from player selections, the draft narrative includes the impact of the Michael Kesselring trade between the Sharks and Buffalo Sabres, which shuffled late first-round picks.