2026 NHL Mock Draft: June top 32
We’re only a few weeks away from the 2026 NHL Draft in Buffalo, and the rumor mill is in full force.
Over the next 20+ days, you’re going to hear a boatload of rumblings about what a team may or may not do. For the most part, what you’re hearing is bogus. Info will leak, people will talk, and a lot of the time, it will be smoke and mirrors, such as San Jose taking Anton Frondell at No. 2 last year. It’s fun for everyone to think about, but don’t read too much into the draft rumblings you hear over the next few weeks.
There is one piece that could shake up mock drafts, though: Vancouver’s hiring of Manny Malhotra as coach. While Caleb Malhotra still makes a ton of sense at No. 3, you have to wonder if they’d want to put that type of pressure on their newest top prospect. The Canucks are reportedly very high on him, and rightfully so. I just wonder if that connection makes a little less sense now than it did, say, a week ago.
Either way, it’s going to be fascinating at the top of the draft. Gavin McKenna is still the projected first overall pick, even after Ivar Stenberg’s outstanding World Championship. The draft, as always, will start with the second pick, and San Jose seems destined to take a defenseman. After that, all hell will break loose, as usual.
1. Toronto Maple Leafs: Gavin McKenna, LW (Penn State University, NCAA)
I get the reasons to pass on McKenna – is his B game good enough? But his A game is something no team will want to pass up. He has some of the best hands from a prospect we’ve seen in years and processes the game at such a high level. He’ll be perfect in a top-line role for years to come. I’m not worried about him being a smaller forward, either – his build is very similar to that of both Patrick Kane and Nikita Kucherov when they first broke into the league. McKenna can handle the pressure, too – he’s been in the spotlight for half a decade.
2. San Jose Sharks: Chase Reid, RHD (Soo Greyhounds, OHL)
If I were San Jose, I’d take Stenberg, personally. I get the reasons for passing on him, because the Sharks absolutely need a defender. And that’s what I still think they’ll do, even if I personally prefer Stenberg. Reid’s name has been mentioned by a few scouts as a legitimate No. 1 pick thanks to his outstanding puck skills and competitive nature. You can argue that the OHL isn’t as strong as it once was because the older competition jumped to the NCAA early. But with all the translatable skills – primarily, decision-making under pressure, outstanding mobility and high-end vision – he is definitely the closest to becoming a No. 1 defenseman out of anyone. If the Sharks don’t see themselves in the Landon DuPont hunt next year (they shouldn’t), this is their chance to address their blueline.
3. Vancouver Canucks: Caleb Malhotra, C (Brantford Bulldogs, OHL)
I don’t like the idea of the team putting the pressure on the coach’s son. But scouts have said the same thing over and over again: the Canucks need a stout two-way center to kick off the rebuild. If they see him as the best player available, they’ll do this. Malhotra’s steady, smart play has helped him emerge as the No. 1 center for this draft. It’s not a great group down the middle, but Malhotra looks like a future top-six threat. He was a huge part of Brantford’s success this year, which included 13 goals and 26 points in just 15 playoff games. Malhotra battles hard at both ends, giving opponents little time to make quick, heads-up decisions with the puck. Will he have the natural play-driving ability to excel offensively in the NHL? We’ll see.
4. Chicago Blackhawks: Ivar Stenberg, LW (Frolunda, SHL)
The Blackhawks would absolutely love this. Stenberg is strong with the puck, has a fantastic shot and might have the second-best hockey sense of anyone in the draft behind McKenna’s. Stenberg’s production fell as the season wore on, but he still had one of the best seasons by a U-19 player in recent SHL history. Stenberg’s ceiling might not be as high as McKenna’s from an offensive production standpoint. But if you’re looking for someone who excels in more facets of the game, Stenberg is the best choice.
5. New York Rangers: Carson Carels, LHD (Prince George Cougars, WHL)
Carels was not only one of the best young defenders in the WHL, but he was one of the best defenders in the entire CHL, period. He’s built like a tank and is an absolute powerhouse with the puck. Carels’ defensive awareness, two-way skill, strong physique, and high-end hockey sense make him truly special. I think we’re talking about a No. 2-3 defenseman in the NHL, and I wouldn’t be surprised if he’s the first or second blueliner taken this year. Lots of scouts see him as a legit candidate to be the first defender off the board, for what it’s worth.
6. Calgary Flames: Keaton Verhoeff, RHD (University of North Dakota, NCAA)
Verhoeff jumped from the WHL to the NCAA this year, and he was productive while playing anywhere in the 16-20 minute range on one of the top teams in the country. He takes up a ton of space at 6-foot-4 and is willing to hit you hard while also making many high-end passes in the offensive zone. Scouts wish he’d add a bit more speed to be a true top-pairing defender, though, but there’s time for him to figure that out. His slow end of the season has dropped his stock, but that could result in found money for the Flames if Verhoeff smooths things out. I still like the upside here.
7. Seattle Kraken: Viggo Björck, C (Djurgardens, SHL)
The Kraken have never taken a defender in the first round, even though they should. I think Daxon Rudolph or Alberts Šmits would be the best options here. So, if they elect to go the center route, why not grab one with tremendous upside? Björck played first-line minutes to close the SHL season out, which is incredible given he was 17 for most of the year. He impressed at the World Juniors and was one of my favorite players at the World Championship. He might be small, but he’s not afraid of physical play and is a wizard with the puck.
8. Winnipeg Jets: Alberts Šmits, LHD (EHC München, DEL)
If Šmits is available, the Jets should absolutely target him. Šmits was a big part of Latvia’s World Junior and Olympic teams this season. The 6-foot-3 blueliner moves well for his size and makes so much happen with the puck. It’s always nice seeing an 18-year-old who plays with a ton of confidence on the power play. He also has plenty of pro experience under his belt, highlighted by a strong first half with Jukurit in the Finnish Liiga before joining München to finish the DEL campaign. You don’t find someone in Euro pro leagues who plays between 18-20 minutes as a draft-eligible defender often – but Šmits impressed.
9. Florida Panthers: Wyatt Cullen, LW (USNTDP)
Most expect Florida to be back in playoff contention next year, so landing a pick this high is a total freebie. Cullen is one of the smarter wingers in this draft class. Some scouts think there’s legit potential for Cullen to go in the top five. He was USA’s top player throughout the U-18 World Championship thanks to his high-end hockey sense ability to get the whole American attack moving. His puck-handling – both as a shooter and a passer – is remarkable. Cullen is a high-end skater who seemingly found another gear once he got up to speed this season. Cullen is a constant scoring threat because he’s always scanning lanes for passes, but he has the quick footwork and lateral mobility to blow by most opponents and put himself into dangerous areas.
10. Nashville Predators: Tynan Lawrence, C (Boston University, NCAA)
A disappointing college tenure, mixed in with a lackluster U-18s, definitely didn’t help Lawrence’s stock. He was once viewed as a legitimate candidate to go first overall – like, four months ago. The good news? He really found his game near the end of the NCAA season and should play a leading role with BU next year. He’s an aggressive forward who boasts high-end hockey IQ. There’s still a lot to love about his game, but he’ll need to have a huge season in college to really win back scouts. For now, he’s a high-risk, high-reward pick – but one the Preds should absolutely consider at this point.
11. St. Louis Blues: Daxon Rudolph, RHD (Prince Albert Raiders, WHL)
Rudolph could go as high as fifth this year. I think it’s a toss-up as to whether Rudolph or Smits goes first among the pair, in particular. Rudolph has a booming shot, makes great breakout passes and can knock guys down. Rudolph’s two-way game is intriguing, as is his ability to get himself out of trouble consistently with and without the puck. I think there’s still work to be done to make him more aggressive in the D zone – he’s a bit too passive for some scouts’ liking. But with the puck, Rudolph should become a top-four threat who can play on one of the power-play units.
12. New Jersey Devils: Ethan Belchetz, LW (Windsor Spitfires, OHL)
The Devils could use a massive power forward who can handle the physical game while pummeling shots on net. I call Belchetz the Chaos Conductor because he uses his 6-foot-5 frame to push his way into scoring lanes, and few defenders know how to handle that. I’m not sure he’s quick enough to be as big of a difference-maker as I’d hope, but I still see top-six potential here. Plus, I don’t think Belchetz will have a hard time winning fans over with his play style.
13. New York Islanders: Oscar Hemming, LW (Boston College, NCAA)
After missing the first half of the season due to a contract dispute with his Finnish club, Hemming came out swinging with Boston College. He had a pair of assists in just his second game and even had a nice four-point run during a three-game stretch. But after finishing with just two points in his final 11 games, it was a difficult end for a guy many scouts still really like. At his best, the 6-foot-4 forward is an absolute menace who can beat you with size, speed, and skill. The raw potential is there, but he was forced to play some heavy catch-up to make up for lost time. I think a full year of college will do him wonders, and I still see some top-six potential.
14. Columbus Blue Jackets: Malte Gustafsson, LHD (HV71, Sweden U-20)
Teams took notice of Gustafsson’s hot U-18s, and it’s hard to believe he’ll fall out the top 15 on draft day now. Gustafsson is a 6-foot-4 defender who played well in the SHL, despite having little to show for it on the scoresheet. His skating is good for his size, allowing him to play a very mobile game. Gustafsson rarely struggles to get the puck out of his zone. A lack of flash and high-end offensive instinct likely won’t help his stock to the average fan, but you still need guys who can kill plays, and that’s exactly what he does – quite effectively, I might add.
15. St. Louis Blues (via Detroit Red Wings): Ryan Lin, RHD (Vancouver Giants, WHL)
Of note: the Blues are one of the few teams with a chance to land the Ruck twins. Will they? Maybe Liam goes off the board here, we’ll see. But I really like Lin, who is coming off a solid showing at the U-18s. While Lin is small, he’s definitely one of the most skilled defenders in this class. His decision-making is near the top, and he has the skating to burn guys. You put those together and it’s easy to understand why Lin has the puck so often. I think he still has a few things to work on, but I believe in Lin’s game enough to think the team that takes him will have a fan favorite on its hands.
16. Washington Capitals: Alexander Command, C (Orebro, Sweden U-20)
The Capitals have no shortage of wingers in the system, so it feels like Command would be a nice pickup here. Command isn’t flashy, but he has all the makings of a reliable, all-situations center in the NHL. His floor is very high – he fits an archetype that succeeds quite frequently. He’s a smart, solid two-way center who makes everyone around him better. He doesn’t seem to have many off shifts, and that’s because he’s effective away from the puck, too. Command can contribute offensively but also will win faceoffs, block shots and make moves with intent. I’ve liked him internationally, and he has played quite well against his own age group. I think he can be a truly fantastic No. 2 center.
17. Los Angeles Kings: Nikita Klepov, RW (Saginaw Spirit, OHL)
Klepov is a stout shooter and wasn’t far off from reaching the 40-goal barrier this season. It was a bit surprising to see how hot he started, given he only put up 31 points in the USHL the year prior. But once he showed how consistent he could be, scouts became believers. The Michigan State University commit plays with a ton of finesse, but he’s physically strong, too. He’s just an OK skater, but that’ll improve with time.
18. Washington Capitals (via Anaheim Ducks): Xavier Villeneuve, LHD (Blainville-Boisbriand Armada, QMJHL)
I’m a Villeneuve fan – I think the Caps are, too. Villeneuve was one of the best defensemen at the 2025 U-18 World Championship, helping Canada win gold. He had 62 points last season in the Q and would have surpassed that this year if he hadn’t missed about 25 games due to injury. Villeneuve can drive the play from the point and is as good as anyone in this draft class on the man advantage. His confidence is remarkable, too. The Caps could use extra defensive depth, and this feels like a nice bet-high choice.
19. Utah Mammoth: Elton Hermansson, RW (MoDo, Allsvenskan)
The Mammoth could use another winger who can score goals in the system. Hermansson loves generating offense – the 12 points at the U-18s are a perfect example of that. He put up solid numbers in the second-tier Swedish league this year, which isn’t easy to do. From an offensive standpoint, there’s a lot to love, especially on the power play. His game away from the puck is just “OK” at best. It feels like he isn’t as impactful as he needs to be when he’s not piling shots on net. I want to see more urgency when attacking opponents to regain possession, though.
20. San Jose Sharks: Adam Goljer, RHD (Dukla Trencin, Slovakia)
The Sharks might as well double down on a defender here – sure, Reid’s a fantastic pick. But they still need more depth, regardless. I’ve been a Goljer fan for a few years now, and it feels like his U-18 World Championship performance has helped his stock. He’s raw, but that’s fine because there’s some solid upside. At 6-foot-3, he has size. He also plays with a ton of confidence, allowing him to consistently attack and defend strongly against older competition in the top Slovak league. Playing close to 20 minutes a night against men is no small feat for a 17-year-old, no matter the league.
21. Philadelphia Flyers: Oliver Suvanto, C (Tappara, Liiga)
The Flyers love drafting big dudes, and the 6-foot-3 Suvanto would be a good fit. Suvanto spent most of the season playing against men in Tappara, where he has shown he can play a reliable two-way game. I wish we saw him put up better numbers against junior-aged players, though. Still, I really like his play away from the puck, and I thought he looked solid at the World Juniors in a variety of roles. I think we’re talking about a big, middle-six guy here, but I want him to find another gear offensively.
22. Pittsburgh Penguins: Adam Novotny, LW (Peterborough Petes, OHL)
Novotný would be a stellar pick here. He’s a rugged forward with an excellent shot – something we saw plenty of times with Peterborough. Novotný surpassed the 30-goal mark as an OHL rookie with Peterborough and easily finished as the Petes’ No. 1 scorer. Novotný loves to get the puck on net by any means necessary, and he’s a strong skater, too. I like his two-way work – he’s a full-time team player. I see a solid middle-six scoring threat here.
23. Boston Bruins: Mathis Preston, RW (Vancouver Giants, WHL)
Preston’s strong showing at the U-18s helped boost his stock in a big way. He finished with six points in five games while being one of the team’s top all-around offensive threats. He was a puck-possession machine, and he consistently got the puck into high-danger areas. Preston is an undeniably talented player who could become a top-six threat down the line. Preston has a remarkable shot and often wastes no time firing in the back of the net from the slot. His shot looks NHL-ready right now.
24. Vancouver Canucks (via Minnesota Wild): Ilia Morozov, C (Miami University, NCAA)
Morozov was the youngest player in college hockey, but you couldn’t tell with how often Miami relied on him this year. At 6-foot-3 and more than 200 pounds, he’s a big center who commands respect. He put up solid numbers on a team that didn’t have a ton of big-time firepower to work with. I also like his confidence and the way he’s always looking to make a pass, even through traffic. Morozov doesn’t have as much offensive upside as some others around this point. But his game away from the puck, mixed in with his overall power, intrigues me.
25. Buffalo Sabres: Jack Hextall, C (Youngstown Phantoms, USHL)
Taking a center here would make any potential offseason trades a bit easier to swallow. And for what it’s worth – scouts love Hextall. Hextall won’t be a play-driver in the NHL, but he’ll be a reliable support player instead. He was no stranger to dominant performances in the USHL this year, showcasing a dynamic skill set with an endless motor. That’s what I love about his game – he can play a variety of roles while being effective. He has a good shot, but he’s even better as a set-up guy. On the power play, he doesn’t waste much time blasting shots past goalies. I also think he got better physically as the season wore on.
26. Seattle Kraken (via Tampa Bay Lightning): William Håkansson, LHD (Almtuna IS, Allsvenskan)
Håkansson would be a solid pick here, especially with few other quality options around this point. Is he flashy? Absolutely not. Can he kill plays? You bet, and that’s what matters. He uses his big 6-foot-4, 207-pound frame to flatten opponents while being a pain in the rear end defensively. Håkansson is quite mobile for his frame, too. I have little concern about his D-zone play or his ability to be a decent penalty killer. I wouldn’t personally take him this high, but it fills a need for the Kraken.
27. New York Rangers (via Dallas Stars): J.P. Hurlbert, LW (Kamloops Blazers, WHL)
No CHL rookie was as lethal as Hurlbert this year. He recorded 42 goals and 97 points with Kamloops. He’s an exceptionally skilled forward who, at one point, was so far ahead in the WHL scoring race that nobody was in the same area code. The University of Michigan commit has a great one-touch shot that he routinely unleashes on the power play. He’s also an exceptionally smart puck-mover who has very little difficulty getting it where it needs to be against players his own age. My two pre-season concerns – his play away from the puck and his lack of high-end speed – remain issues. Still, the Rangers have a good opportunity to bet high on talent here.
28. Montreal Canadiens: Tommy Bleyl, RHD (Moncton Wildcats, WHL)
Bleyl a highly skilled two-way defender who came out of nowhere to register 81 points as a QMJHL rookie. He’s exceptionally crafty, skates very well and doesn’t let bigger competition bother him. Bleyl plays a calm, collected game defensively while consistently getting himself into scoring lanes in the other zone. Right now, he needs to get stronger – he gets pushed around too often, especially in front of the net. But his mobility and raw hockey sense are definitely there.
29. St. Louis Blues (via Colorado Avalanche): Brooks Rogowski, C (Oshawa Generals, OHL)
If the Blues keep this pick, I could see them taking a chance on Rogowski – one of the biggest forwards in the draft. I thought he was great at the U-18s in a fourth-line role – I feel like he was enough of a pain in the rear end doing that. At 6-foot-7, he’s obviously got size. But I also appreciated how well he hustled at both ends, chasing pucks and breaking up plays. He’s a smart forward who uses his big frame to win battles, but he also has a good shot and isn’t afraid to launch it from anywhere in an attempt to surprise the goaltender. Rogowski won’t be a big-time offensive threat. But as a supporting player, he has a ton of tools to make himself useful, potentially as a middle-six forward.
30. Calgary Flames (via Vegas Golden Knights): Liam Ruck, RW (Medicine Hat Tigers, WHL)
I think the Flames would be absolutely floored if they could get Ruck here – mostly because they’d be in a perfect spot to snag Markus with their early second-rounder. He led all draft eligibles out of the WHL with 45 goals, showing some incredible chemistry with his twin brother. Ruck is extremely dangerous around the net with a variety of quality shot choices at his disposal. The Flames have reportedly shown heavy interest in the Rucks, and I think fans will come to like them.
31. Carolina Hurricanes: Gleb Pugachyov, RW (Chaika Nizhny Novgorod, MHL)
The Hurricanes love to scout in Europe, and Pugachyov is definitely someone who could earn some love around here. Pugachyov is a big, 6-foot-3 forward who played well against men even in limited action. He can physically dominate his own age group, and he has done so this year without getting himself into too much trouble. Pugachyov plays a solid two-way game and won’t stop moving, even if he doesn’t have high-end top speed yet. If Pugachyov can find another level to his offensive game, he’ll be a huge get.
32. Ottawa Senators: Maddox Dagenais, C (Quebec Remparts, QMJHL)
The Sens didn’t originally expect to get their pick back, so I like the idea of them swinging on upside. A lot of Dagenais’ power-forward tendencies come from his bigger frame. But he’s far more than that. He’s a decent skater who battles so hard to win every individual puck battle. Dagenais also loves to keep the puck on his stick. Thanks to his pure muscle, Dagenais is a possession machine, rarely giving the puck up on the rush. Dagenais has a good shot release but tends to choose less-than-ideal locations to fire it off. He would be the second center taken by the Flames this year (he played the wing at the U-18s), but one worth targeting for a middle-six spot.
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