NHL Draft Guide 2026: Prospect rankings, mock drafts and more
The New York Times • • sports
Key Points:
- The Toronto Maple Leafs hold the first overall pick in the 2026 NHL Draft, scheduled for June 26-27, with Gavin McKenna widely regarded as the consensus top pick.
- The Athletic’s team of prospect analysts, including Corey Pronman and Scott Wheeler, will provide extensive rankings, scouting reports, and mock drafts to offer detailed insights into the top draft-eligible players and their potential NHL impact.
- Key prospects highlighted include Gavin McKenna, Chase Reid, Ivar Stenberg, and several others who have compelling scouting profiles and narratives, such as overcoming challenges or rapid development.
- Additional content includes evaluations from NHL scouts and executives, comparisons between the 2025 and 2026 draft classes, and discussions on intriguing overage players and those narrowly missing final rankings.
- Various mock drafts and debates from Pronman, Wheeler, and others will preview potential selections, while player surveys reveal prospects’ views on the most talented and underrated peers in the 2026 draft class.
