Mock 2026 NHL Draft: 1st-round predictions after trade frenzy

Key Points:

• The 2026 NHL Draft's top three projected picks are Penn State left wing Gavin McKenna (Toronto Maple Leafs), Frolunda left wing Ivar Stenberg (San Jose Sharks), and Brantford center Caleb Malhotra (Vancouver Canucks), with Buffalo Sabres holding the No. 4 pick after trading Bowen Byram.
• The draft order was determined by the NHL Draft Lottery for the 16 non-playoff teams, with the Maple Leafs winning the No. 1 pick and the Sharks securing No. 2 and No. 9 picks; playoff teams were slotted based on regular-season standings and playoff results.
• Key prospects for early picks include defensemen Chase Reid (Buffalo Sabres), Ivar Stenberg (San Jose Sharks), and Keaton Verhoeff (Seattle Kraken), as well as forwards Caleb Malhotra (Vancouver Canucks) and Viggo Bjorck (Winnipeg Jets), each noted for their skill, maturity, and potential NHL readiness.
• Several teams, including the St. Louis Blues and San Jose Sharks, have multiple first-round picks and are expected to focus on both offensive and defensive prospects to strengthen their rosters.
• The draft features a mix of North American and European players, with many prospects having demonstrated strong performances in leagues such as the SHL, NCAA, OHL, and international tournaments, highlighting the global talent pool available in 2026.