2026 NHL Draft Rankings: Pre-World Juniors top 50

It’s easy to put a lot of focus on the World Junior Championship from a scouting perspective. But in reality, it’s just a hockey tournament. That’s it. Teenagers battling it out for a week and a half for glory.

In the grand scheme of things, it’s just a small sample size of a bigger picture. This tournament won’t make or break a player’s future. Nathan MacKinnon didn’t become a bust because he had just one assist in six games back in 2023. The only real difference is that the whole hockey world is paying attention.

Of the top 10 listed below, six will take part in the 2026 World Juniors in Minnesota. That includes the top three, all of whom should play significant roles for their respective countries. This event shouldn’t determine who the top prospect is, but it’ll help give scouts further info as to how they shine under the intense spotlight.

This isn’t a massive update from the list we put out a month ago. Instead, it’s an updated look at the top 50 heading into the prestigious junior tournament. So, let’s check it out:

1. Gavin McKenna, LW (Penn State University, NCAA)

McKenna is still the best prospect in this draft – for now. The competition is fierce, but nobody has McKenna’s natural skill. Even though he’s not blowing the doors off the NCAA, he’s still playing at more than a point per game on a team that isn’t overly deep up front. McKenna is an elite-level puck-mover who can absolutely dominate any shift. My biggest concern is still his play away from the puck, but he makes up for it by beating most opponents in 1-on-1 situations. He’s a guy you can build around.

2. Keaton Verhoeff, RHD (University of North Dakota, NCAA)

Teams love huge, mobile defenders. They like when there’s a bit of rawness to his game – and given Verhoeff was a goalie until he was about 11 years old, you can still see it in his positioning at times. But after dominating his age group in the WHL, thriving at the U-18s, and now his 25-30-point pace in the NCAA, it’s clear that Verhoeff, in my opinion, is the best defenseman in this draft class. I like that he decided to challenge himself against older, tougher competition in the NCAA, and after some early teething issues, he’s thriving.

3. Ivar Stenberg, LW (Frolunda, SHL)

Stenberg is about to cause issues for goalies at the World Juniors. He has been playing against men this year, where he’s tracking for about 50 points. If he hits the half-century mark, he’ll be the only draft-eligible SHLer in league history to accomplish that feat. Usually, a good season at this age is 15-20 points, but he smashed that weeks ago. If any forward beyond McKenna goes first overall, it’ll be Stenberg.

4. Tynan Lawrence, C (Muskegon Lumberjacks, USHL)

An injury forced Lawrence to start the USHL campaign on the sidelines. Since then, though, he’s been averaging more than a goal per game while dominating puck possession with Muskegon. I loved him at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup, and I’m glad to see him playing at a 50-goal, 80-point pace in his second USHL campaign. As the draft’s undisputed top center, it’s not out of the question. Teams love his competitiveness, energy and scoring touch. Could Lawrence go first overall? Some think it’s possible.

5. Ethan Belchetz, LW (Windsor Spitfires, OHL)

Both Belchetz and Roobroeck below are big forwards – but they use their size differently. You won’t find many better power forwards standing at 6-foot-5 and nearly 230 pounds. Belchetz loves to create havoc anytime he can. He can overwhelm opponents quite easily, both with his shoulder and his shot. From talking to OHLers, Belchetz is the one they’d hate to go up against the most. That means something – and I fully expect him to become a valuable NHLer.

6. Chase Reid, RHD (Soo Greyhounds, OHL)

Reid had 40 points in 39 games last year and is tracking for about that same pace again with the Greyhounds. He is playing some of his best hockey recently, though – having Brady Martin to pass to definitely helps. At 6-foot-2, the mobile defender has a big frame, and he plays with a ton of power. I love his skating, and I really believe he can rise up the ranks for a team chasing an all-around offensive defender. We’ll see what type of role USA Hockey gives Reid in Minnesota after cutting him from the U-18 team just a few months ago.

7. Carson Carels, LHD (Prince George Cougars, WHL)

Carels had 35 points in his WHL rookie campaign last year, but he’s tracking for 70 this year. It helps that he’s a mobile, 6-foot-2 defender who wants to make an impact at both ends of the ice. Most of his breakouts are smart, and he does a good job of limiting his mistakes. If you need someone who can thrive defensively, Carels is your guy. Add in the heightened proficiency with the pucks and there’s a reason why scouts are so excited about him right now.

8. Alberts Šmits, LHD (Jukurit, Liiga)

When you see a big, 6-foot-3 defender, it’s easy to assume they’re a defense-focused, shutdown guy. Šmits is good in his own zone, for sure. And he can definitely hit guys. But his puck play is incredible, allowing him to skyrocket up draft boards. He’s averaging a little below half a point per game with Jukurit, something very few U-19 defenders have ever come close to in Liiga history. Look for Šmits to play a big role with Latvia at the World Juniors – he’s already playing north of 20 minutes a night against men.

9. Ryan Lin, RHD (Vancouver Giants, WHL)

Lin has fallen a bit in my rankings, mostly because I’ve just liked a few other defenders a bit more. His 5-foot-11 frame isn’t ideal, but he makes up for it with his high-end hockey sense and playmaking. He could hit 80 points this year on a Vancouver Giants team that can be shaky game-to-game. Lin is steady, confident with the puck, and one of the smartest defenders in this draft class. He’ll get passed over for a bigger defender, but the team that takes him will still be thrilled.

10. Caleb Malhotra, C (Brantford Bulldogs, OHL)

In a draft with very few high-end centers, Malhotra is finding a way to stand out. He’s a tremendous playmaker who gives it his all at both ends of the ice. That’s understandable, given his father, Manny, was known for his two-way play. Always bet high on hockey bloodlines, and it never hurts when you’re able to produce as much as Malhotra does. I loved him at the CHL USA Prospects Challenge, and it’s nice seeing him become a leader on a jam-packed Bulldogs team.

11. Mathis Preston, RW (Spokane Chiefs, WHL)

I really liked Preston’s play at the CHL USA Prospects Challenge. He’s a speedy, skilled forward who has had to do a lot of heavy lifting in Spokane but was able to flourish a bit in Alberta. He does a good job of getting to the middle of the ice to re-direct chances and take space away. I’ve liked him more in the showcase events (Hlinka, CHL USA), which shows that he can rise to the occasion when needed. I could see a team banking on his high-end skill and quick wrister a bit higher than this.

12. Xavier Villeneuve, LHD (Blainville-Boisbriand Armada, QMJHL)

Will NHL teams draft with a tape measure, or will they bet high on skill? Standing at 5-foot-10, Villeneuve is one of the smallest defenders in this draft class. But skill-wise, he’s near the top. Villeneuve is tracking for 80 points with the Armada this year after putting up 62 last year. Add in great numbers at the U-18 World Championship, and it’s hard to argue that he isn’t one of the most skilled defenders this season. He started off November a bit quietly, but he still takes a ton of shots and rarely has a bad night.

13. Elton Hermansson, RW (MoDo, Sweden U-20)

Hermansson has been incredible with the Swedish U-18 team this year, scoring at a rate of a goal per game while averaging just under two points. He has also put up great numbers in the second-tier Swedish pro league, with the potential to become the first 30-point U-18 player in league history. Hermansson absolutely loves to shoot, but scouts dock him points for some below-average playmaking when he’s not on the man advantage. Still, I really like his offensive potential and hope he keeps it up.

14. Daxon Rudolph, RHD (Prince Albert Raiders, WHL)

Rudolph is a 6-foot-2, 203-pound defender who can make your life miserable. He has great two-way awareness and has looked more engaged with the puck early on this year than he did during most of the 2024-25 season. Rudolph does a good job of getting the puck down the ice while also being involved on the attack. I also think he’s a better skater than some people give him credit for. He can go 1-on-1 with the best of them, both with and without the puck. Look for him to finish with 50 points this year.

15. Adam Novotný, LW (Peterborough Petes, OHL)

Novotný is tracking north of 40 goals and 80 points right now. The Peterborough Petes don’t have a ton of high-end weapons, but Novotný has consistently found ways to get high-volume opportunities on net. Novotný is clearly comfortable playing in North America, and I’d expect him to get better with more confidence. He has a great shot, skates well and I love his two-way commitment. After playing a depth role for Czechia last year, look for Novotný to be leaned upon more at the World Juniors.

16. Oliver Suvanto, C (Tappara, Liiga)

Teams love their big, 6-foot-3 centers. Suvanto had a great showing at the Hlinka Gretkzy Cup and has done decently well against men in the top Finnish league. He’s not lighting the world on fire by any means, but he’s difficult to play against and consistently gets 2-3 shots on net a night. Suvanto has nothing to prove against kids his own age, so I like the challenge of playing against older competition.

17. J.P. Hurlbert, RW (Kamloops Blazers, WHL)

Hurlbert had 35 points in his first 20 games this year, putting him on track for 120 points over the full season. He has slowed down ever so slightly recently, but he’s still the best player in the WHL, if not the CHL. Hurlbert is so skilled, so smart, and moves well, and the result is some of the highest-impact offense you’ll find. I wish we had seen him do more at the CHL USA Prospects Challenge, but I still think he’s a slam-dunk first-rounder right now.

18. Malte Gustafsson, LHD (HV71, Sweden U-20)

Gustafsson plays a smart two-way game and has shown flashes of offensive brilliance. He’s huge at 6-foot-4 and does an excellent job of getting in the way of just about everyone. He likes to hit, and while that does get him in trouble at times, I like how he defends. He has played well against U-20 competition, but I hope we’ll see him a bit more in the SHL before the season ends. NHL teams typically covet players with Gustafsson’s skillset.

19. Marcus Nordmark, LW (Djurgardens, Sweden U-20)

Nordmark has also been fantastic internationally, highlighted by his seven-goal, 12-point run at the Hlinka. He’s producing well in the Swedish U-20 league, having registered at least a point in all but one game this year. In fact, he has only been left off the scoresheet twice in 25 games across various events. If that’s not consistency, I don’t know what is. I think his physical game is improving, but he needs to add more speed and urgency if he’s going to excel beyond his age group.

20. Juho Piiparinen, RHD (Tappara, Liiga)

The 6-foot-1 defender isn’t flashy by any means, but he does such a great job at handling quality competition in his own zone. Piiparinen is smart, defensively responsible and can shut you down without getting himself into trouble. He was one of Finland’s standouts at the U-18s last year and has thrust himself into the first-round conversation quickly this season thanks to his responsible play around the net. Some scouts think he’ll go in the top 10 this year – I don’t, but I still like him.

21. Jack Hextall, C (Youngstown Phantoms, USHL)

Hextall had a great start to the year with USA at the Hlinka and has hovered around the point-per-game mark with Youngstown. I love him as a playmaker, but I feel like he’s getting better with his shot selection as well. Hextall isn’t big, but he makes up for it with great hockey sense, speed, and superb puckhandling. I expect him to continue being one of the most productive draft eligibles in the USHL, and maybe he’ll pass the point-per-game mark sooner rather than later.

22. Nikita Klepov, LW (Saginaw Spirit, OHL)

Klepov is tracking for close to 50 goals and 100 points, which puts him near the top in the CHL. Klepov is a skilled winger who consistently makes moves in open ice while always buzzing around. I think his play without the puck is still a work in progress, but his development has been impressive this season. Klepov didn’t make USA’s World Junior roster this year, but he projects to be a top-six threat next winter.

23. Tomas Chrenko, C (HK Nitra, Slovakia)

Chrenko had an absolutely bonkers showing at the U-18s back in April and has remained productive in the top Slovak league. The Slovaks didn’t have nearly enough scoring help when he wasn’t on the ice, and he definitely deserved some more all-star team love. He’s a high-shot generator who decimated the Slovak U-20 league last year. Keep a close eye on Chrenko at the World Juniors this year – I think he could be Slovakia’s best player.

24. Viggo Björck, C (Djurgardens, SHL)

Björck might be falling behind a few other Swedish forwards, but he’s still playing around 10-12 minutes a night against men, which can’t be understated. He was great at the recent U-20 tournament in Slovakia, putting up five points in the first two games alone. Björck is a strong skater who can exploit open ice, but his lack of physical play will hurt him ahead of the draft. From a skill perspective, though, Björck is one of the most intriguing prospects coming out of Europe.

25. Giorgos Pantelas, RHD (Brandon Wheat Kings, WHL)

I have quickly become very impressed with the Wheat Kings star. He had 10 points a year ago but is on pace for more than 50 while averaging 25-plus minutes as a WHL sophomore. He has a solid 6-foot-2, 214-pound frame, skates well and is defensively rigid. I like Pantelas’ shot, but it still needs refinement to make sure he’s getting it where it needs to be. I have him higher than most others, but I think Pantelas does enough to make scouts excited to take him late in the first round.

26. Niklas Aaram-Olsen, LW (Orebro, SHL)

NAO has always impressed me in my international viewings, and he has put a beating on Swedish U-20 league keepers, as well. The next step is watching him evolve his game against men. He has played a handful of games with Orebro’s SHL team but has been limited to about two shifts a game, max. So it’s hard to see what he’s truly capable of, but I like his shot, hockey sense and skating. You won’t find many shooters around this part of the draft as good as Aaram-Olsen.

27. Ryan Roobroeck, C (Niagara IceDogs, OHL)

I’ve tried to be a Roobroeck believer, but I’m just struggling with it now. When everything is as it should be, Roobroeck can be a top-10 prospect. He has a great shot, a big 6-foot-4 frame, and plays a solid two-way game. But the work ethic, man… it just isn’t there consistently enough. He’s still tracking for 70 points this year, but he had 87 a year ago – and he was completely invisible during the CHL USA Prospects Challenge. When he’s on his game, he can dominate. We just don’t see that enough out of Roobroeck anymore.

28. Yegor Shilov, C (Victoriaville Tigres, QMJHL)

The Boston University commit is on pace for 80 points this season, which is incredible given he put up 28 in 39 USHL games this year. It’s been a bit of a rough few weeks for the Tigres, but Shilov is still quite engaged most nights. He’s good with the puck, skates well and does a great job of finding teammates through traffic. My biggest complaint is it feels like he takes too many shifts off, just floating around hoping for something to happen.

29. William Håkansson, LHD (Luleå HF, SHL)

Håkansson is already playing against men and doesn’t look out of place with his physicality. The 6-foot-4 blueliner will do whatever it takes to keep you from getting close to the net, even if it ultimately penalizes him in the process. Håkansson moves well and is a decent playmaker, so I don’t think he’ll turn into one of those big players who can’t do anything other than crush people.

30. Beckham Edwards, C (Sarnia Sting, OHL)

Edwards has been around this area for me all year long, and it feels like the right fit. Edwards is a buzzsaw, chasing after opponents to steal pucks and generate chances every time I watch him. It always feels like he saves his best hockey for the third period, with his energetic nature allowing him to outlast opponents on the attack. He’s quick, smart and works his tail off every single shift. His numbers might not be anything special, but he works hard enough to make himself relevant.

31. Alessandro Di Iorio, C (Sarnia Sting, OHL)

After missing a month and a half due to injury, Di Iorio has made up for it with some excellent hockey. He’s producing well early and could still break past the 65-point threshold before the season is over. A good showing at the CHL USA Prospects Challenge didn’t hurt, either. ADI is strong, but he can beat you with quick hands if he needs to. I also like that he can sneak into scoring lanes without much detection – he’s deceptive that way. We’ll see if he can keep the hot start alive in Sarnia after the team’s recent coaching change.

32. Ilya Morozov, C (Miami University, NCAA)

Morozov is hoping to become a rare draft pick out of Miami University. He’s second in team scoring, but it’s his game away from the puck that scouts love. He’s a 200-foot player who can play a ton of minutes and will never back down from a challenge. Morozov is a good passer, is strong defensively and will send you on your rear end with his 6-foot-3 frame. Teams view him as a useful bottom-six forward in the NHL, and that should help him get selected in the first round.

33. Oscar Hemming, LW (Sherwood Park Crusaders, BCHL)

The first half of the season is almost complete, but Hemming hasn’t played a single league game anywhere. He started the year with an impressive run with Finland at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup, and he committed to the OHL’s Kitchener Rangers. But an ugly dispute between Hemming and his previous Finnish club, Kiekko-Espoo, has left Hemming without a spot to play. He signed with the BCHL’s Sherwood Park Crusaders, but Kitchener GM Mike McKenzie has said the IIHF has threatened to prevent Hemming from representing Finland internationally if he plays for them (Hemming is a key part of Finland’s U-18 program). It’s a shame, because his big frame, strong shot, and solid skating mechanics could have thrust him into the top 20.

34. Adam Goljer, RHD (Trencin, Slovakia)

It hasn’t been easy being a Slovak defender internationally this year. But Goljer has stayed calm, cool and collected every time I’ve watched him. He has rarely not been one of my favorite Slovak players when I’ve seen him, both in U-18 and U-20 competition. Goljer is a smart defender who likes to get physical, and he’s no slouch as a playmaker, either. He doesn’t have much to show for against men, numbers-wise, but has played as much as 24 minutes in the top Slovak league this year. I think a trip to North America next season would do him wonders.

35. Lars Steiner, C (Rouyn-Noranda Huskies, QMJHL)

Steiner missed more than a month due to injury but has still managed to register a point per game with the Huskies. There’s hope he’ll find another gear in the coming games and skyrocket his draft stock. He’s on the smaller side of the spectrum, but he plays with a ton of power and pace. He doesn’t lose many 1-on-1 situations, either. I have high hopes for Steiner, who should be on Switzerland’s top line at the World Juniors.

36. Casey Mutryn, C (USNTDP)

Mutryn continues to impress me. I like his physicality and work ethic and think that could allow him to be a decent third-liner. He’s smart, battles hard and has the ability to find chemistry with just about everyone. Although I don’t think his ceiling is that high, I feel confident Mutryn will be an NHLer, likely as a third or fourth liner who can grind it out and win most of his battles.

37. Nikita Shcherbakov, LHD (Tolpar Ufa, MHL)

NHL teams like big defenders, and Shcherbakov meets the criteria. The 6-foot-5 defender started the year in the KHL but has primarily played in the second-tier Russian league since the end of September. He has missed plenty of time due to injury, though, which doesn’t help. He’s strong, but he moves well – which is important for a guy his size. Shcherbakov is very intriguing, and I’m glad he’s looking comfortable in the MHL.

38. Jaxon Cover, LW (London Knights, OHL)

Nobody can seem to agree on Cover’s potential draft spot – but most agree that he’s one of the draft’s most intriguing forwards. Cover only started playing ice hockey at 13 years old, so he’s one of the rawest prospects you’ll ever find. Despite that, he plays with so much pure skill and does a ton despite not playing many key minutes for London. He’s tracking for close to 60 points, too, which is crazy, despite the fact that we’ve seen him play below 10 minutes some nights. Teams are going to bet high on Cover just like the Chicago Blackhawks did with Mason West last year.

39. Adam Valentini, C (University of Michigan, NCAA)

Valentini is so energetic, allowing himself to chase all game long without losing much pace. He can be a bit of a pain in the ass around the net because you can almost never keep up with his footwork. I like how his game has progressed in college, although he needs to add more muscle to intrigue NHL scouts. With the puck, though, Valentini brings so much to the table. Producing at just less than a point per game as a 17-year-old in the NCAA isn’t too shabby.

40. Vladimír Dravecký, RHD (Brantford Bulldogs, OHL)

I’ve caught Dravecký’s game in person a few times and love his puckhandling. He’s a hard worker who skates well and can move the puck, although his questionable decision-making under pressure will knock him down a few pegs on draft day. I think he needs some general refinement across the board, but his raw game is already quite impressive. A team looking to bet high on upside might bite.

41. Maddox Dagenais, C (Quebec Ramparts, QMJHL)

I was a big Pierre Dagenais fan back in the day, but his son doesn’t play much like him. There’s a lot more natural skill here, with good footwork and a hard work ethic to boot. Dagenais was the top pick in the 2024 QMJHL Draft, and while he likely won’t translate that over into a high NHL selection, there’s something to build around here. I feel like Dagenais will be one of those forwards who’ll transition into more of a bottom-six threat in the AHL and parlay that into a successful career without bringing much offense to the table.

42. Braidy Wassilyn, RW (London Knights, OHL)

Wassilyn is a gifted offensive threat, with his puck control being among the best in his age group. He might not be huge, but he’s tenacious, showing a willingness to take on just about anyone. Wassilyn loves to drive to the net, and while his all-around game can be a bit iffy, he’s best when the pressure is on and you need to generate something, anything, late in a game. A trade to London has opened up new opportunities for the Boston University commit, and we’ll see if he can capitalize.

43. Victor Plante, C (USNTDP)

I love Plante’s energy. He’s always moving and trying to make plays happen, and it’s why he’s involved in so many vital goals for the USNTDP. He doesn’t lose many 1-on-1 plays, and while he can still struggle physically along the boards, it feels like he’s playing with a bit more intensity recently. He’s not big, and his shot isn’t high-end, so he won’t go too high in the draft. But as a player, I like him in a similar way that I liked his brother, Max, who is quickly becoming one of Detroit’s most improved prospects.

43. Pierce Mbuyi, LW (Owen Sound Attack, OHL)

Mbuyi has grown a bit over the past year, eliminating the “he’s way too small” conversation. He still hasn’t bulked up by any means, but he plays an aggressive game and isn’t afraid to battle much bigger competition. The Penn State commit loves creating chances on the breakaway, and he rarely loses a 1-on-1 battle in the offensive zone. I’d like to see some improved game-to-game consistency, and I feel like he can shoot more. But the talent is definitely there.

45. Mikey Berchild, LW (USNTDP)

Berchild is small but mighty. Most USNTDP players I’ve talked to consider Berchild to have the best shot on the team. I’ve had some so-so viewings over the past few years, but I still see the potential. The University of Denver commit is skilled, battles hard along the boards and wins most individual battles. But at 5-foot-9, it’ll be hard to get himself higher on draft boards. If he can spend the season bulking up, he might be able to outplay the size concerns. I want to see him keep getting pucks on net because when he’s on his game, he can be so lethal.

46. Luke Schairer, RHD (USNTDP)

Schairer is the USNTDP’s top defensive prospect, and it’s easy to understand why. He’s big at 6-foot-3, skates well and plays with a boatload of confidence without trying to out-skill himself. I feel like his two-way game is still a work in progress, and his consistency can be an issue. I feel like his real bread and butter is his defensive game, and his size is attractive to NHL teams. I’m not as high on Schairer as others, but a lot of his game translates well to the next level.

47. Brooks Rogowski, C (Oshawa Generals, OHL)

An injury has kept Rogowski out of action since early November, but that won’t change my thoughts on him. At 6-foot-7 and 231 pounds, it’s really, really, really difficult to miss Rogowski out there. He’s simply massive and he does a lot to remind you that every time he hits the ice. The Generals forward hits hard, but he doesn’t play an overwhelmingly physical game. Instead, he lets his hands and solid mobility do the talking. I’d like to see more intensity, though – if you’ve got that type of size, use it.

48. Blake Zielinski, RW (Des Moines Buccaneers/USHL)

Zielinski was USA’s best player throughout the Hlinka Gretzky Cup and recently made a huge splash at the World Junior A Challenge. He sees the ice so well, and he has the quick hands to make passes look so easy. I’ve consistently liked his play every time I’ve watched him – it feels like he has been everywhere on the attack while making his linemates more dangerous thanks to his high-end playmaking. I want to see him take over more games in the USHL, but I feel like he has a good future as a support middle-six forward.

49. Simas Ignatavicius, C (Geneve-Servette, NL)

The more I watch Ignatavicius, the more I like him. He’s a 6-foot-3 forward having a solid season in the top league in Switzerland and has been downright dominant internationally with Lithuania. He’s so versatile, finding so many different ways to impact the play both with and without the puck. He’s good defensively, has a great shot release, has obvious muscle and is incredibly skilled, too. Lithuania has had two players ever drafted to the NHL – Dainius Zubrus and Darius Kasparaitis. Both represented Russia and Lithuania internationally, which is rare.

50. Brady Knowling, G (USNTDP)

The first goaltender to appear on my list, Knowling has been a blast to watch this year. Between his outstanding Hlinka Gretzky performance and his 42-save effort in the CHL USA Prospects Challenge, Knowling has been lights out whenever the spotlight has been on him. His numbers with the USNTDP are nothing to get excited about, but he almost gives his team a chance to win every single night. You can’t complain about his 6-foot-5 frame, either. Lots of scouts have different picks for top goaltender, but I like Knowling the most right now, personally.

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