2026 NHL Draft: Which prospects are in the running for first overall?
If you follow this draft class closely, you know Gavin McKenna’s downfall has been greatly exaggerated. He’s still the top prospect for 2026, and it’s going to take quite the push from the rest of the crop to change that.
Sure, the former Medicine Hat Tiger isn’t dominating the NCAA by any means. But most scouts will tell you the overall talent pool has never been stronger than it is right now. The arrival of former CHLers has boosted the depth to the point where scoring has never been more difficult – even for the game’s top young stars.
McKenna’s blend of puck dominance and elite skill will keep McKenna at the top for now. But outside of the upcoming World Juniors, his season is essentially on hold, with Penn State off for well over a month. So it’ll be a while until the hockey world can see if he’s capable of retaining the crown.
With the growing discourse over the top spot ahead of the 2026 NHL Draft, here’s a look at the five names with a realistic chance at going first overall next June:
Gavin McKenna, LW (Penn State University, NCAA)
Ask most scouts and they’ll tell you McKenna is still the No. 1 prospect. He’s on pace for about 40 points this year, which would be good for fifth among U-19 NCAA players since 2009-2010. It’s still far behind the likes of Jack Eichel (71), Adam Fantilli (65), Macklin Celebrini (64), and Zeev Buium (50), but still solid, nonetheless – especially on a team that doesn’t have a super deep offensive contingent to work with. It’s very difficult for a 17-year-old to produce in college, and McKenna rarely takes a night off from the scoresheet. I just wish he’d play with a bit more intensity – his effort level has been an issue for a few years now.
Keaton Verhoeff, RHD (University of North Dakota, NCAA)
Verhoeff’s unique blend of size, mobility and offensive awareness will take him far in the NHL. Teams love players with his type of skillset and 6-foot-4 frame. His ice time has fluctuated a bit and his offense has quieted down, but he’s still playing a ton of quality hockey against much older competition. I appreciate that he jumped to the NCAA to push himself, and I think it’ll have positive long-term effects. Big defenders often need to get a bit more creative to avoid being typecast, and Verhoeff definitely looks the part of an all-situations defender. While others might have different defenseman challenging for the top spot, I still believe highly in Verhoeff.
Ivar Stenberg, LW (Frolunda, SHL)
I truly love everything about Stenberg’s game, from the way he exploits open space to how he can beat just about anyone in 1-on-1 situations. Stenberg is tracking for 49 points this season in the SHL, which would mark the best output by a draft-eligible player in league history. Stenberg could add a bit more muscle and play a bit more physical – the size disadvantage compared to the 6-foot-4 Verhoeff is the deciding factor for me right now. But I fully expect a strong World Junior showing to boost Stenberg’s stock further.
Chase Reid, RHD (Soo Greyhounds, OHL)
This is the most interesting one. Heading into the CHL USA Prospects Challenge, some around the scouting community suggested he could be the first defender taken off the board. And while some scouts preferred Xavier Villeneuve, Reid was one of the top standouts. He had many high-end looks in the first game in particular, with his second-period goal giving the CHL a much-needed boost. His play-reads were top-notch, and few players can make the quick, smart plays that he can. I like how he joins in as a fourth forward without sacrificing his defensive responsibilities. It’s a strong defense crop this year and Reid will need to work hard to maintain his status near the top of the draft board. But don’t be surprised if he goes as high as No. 2 this year – or even pushes for the top spot.
Ethan Belchetz, LW (Windsor Spitfires, OHL)
You won’t find many better power forwards standing at 6-foot-5 and nearly 230 pounds than Belchetz. The Spitfires’ star 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. Belchetz doesn’t have the high-end offensive instincts to overcome someone like McKenna or Stenberg. But teams love bulky forwards – and Belchetz is as good as they come.
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