NHL Mock Draft 2026: Gavin McKenna is still No. 1, but intrigue starts early
The New York Times • • sports
Key Points:
- The 2026 NHL Draft first-round projection predicts the Toronto Maple Leafs will select Gavin McKenna, a left winger from Penn State, as the No. 1 pick due to his 100-point potential.
- San Jose Sharks are expected to choose between Ivar Stenberg and Chase Reid, with Stenberg currently favored at No. 2, while Vancouver Canucks may select Chase Reid at No. 3 over Caleb Malhotra.
- Buffalo Sabres are projected to pick center Caleb Malhotra at No. 4, and the New York Rangers may take defenseman Alberts Šmits at No. 5 amid some uncertainty.
- Several teams, including Calgary Flames, Seattle Kraken, and Winnipeg Jets, are expected to focus on top defense prospects like Carson Carels, Daxon Rudolph, and Keaton Verhoeff in the middle of the first round.
- The St. Louis Blues have multiple first-round picks and are linked to several forwards and defensemen, while other teams like the New Jersey Devils, New York Islanders, and Columbus Blue Jackets are projected to add skilled forwards in the later first round.
