2026 NHL Mock Draft: Canadian teams busy in post Trade Deadline edition
Mock drafts aren’t easy – there are so many moving parts.
Take, for example, the Ottawa Senators getting their first-round pick back on Thursday as part of the Evgenii Dadonov saga. They’re going to pick 32nd, so it’s not a huge change. But for Sens fans, they’ll take it. Since the last time we did a mock draft, the Buffalo Sabres have become one of the best teams in the NHL after years of being involved heavily in the lottery. We’ve seen plenty of movement in the top 10, and we even have a new No. 1 prospect.
Speaking of the NHL Draft lottery, keep your eyes peeled here every morning as we update the odds to land the No. 1 pick every day. Now, with the NHL Trade Deadline in the rearview mirror, it’s time to get you up to date with our second mock draft of 2026:
1. Vancouver Canucks: Gavin McKenna, LW (Penn State University, NCAA)
Just be happy you’re not the GM who has to decide between McKenna and Ivar Stenberg. Each player has a legit argument to go first, and the players’ nationalities shouldn’t play a role in this. For Vancouver, they need something to get the fanbase excited. McKenna is the most exciting player in this draft class, bar none. He’s skilled, he thinks the game at a true difference-making level, and he’s been on an absolute tear in college since returning from the World Juniors. There’s still the “He’s not big” crowd, and he can lack a bit of intensity away from the puck. But give him a reliable two-way center to work with and he’ll be a star.
2. Calgary Flames: Ivar Stenberg, LW (Frolunda, SHL)
The Flames would be ecstatic to land Stenberg, even though he has cooled off quite considerably in recent weeks. The fact that Stenberg has played consistently well against men, averaging 16-18 minutes a night, is impressive on its own. Stenberg generates high-quality plays as effectively and consistently as anyone in this draft class, while boasting some of the best vision and hockey sense of any forward. His World Junior performance definitely helped his draft stock, too. There’s still a very solid chance he goes first, but we’ll see if he finishes the year off strong. For what it’s worth, I hope Sweden takes him to the World Championship (he isn’t eligible for the U-18s).
3. Chicago Blackhawks: Carson Carels, LHD (Prince George Cougars, WHL)
This is where the draft gets really interesting. The Blackhawks have a handful of young blueliners of note in the system, but that’s going to happen when you continue to rack up draft picks like they have. With Artyom Levshunov and Sam Rinzel expected to play big roles for many years to come, I could see them targeting either a center in Caleb Malhotra or a defenseman in Carels. I went with Carels because he’s one of the most competitive blueliners in this class – he’s always looking to take space away. He plays north of 25 minutes every single night, can generate offense (with an excellent shot, to boot) while being defensively responsible. Carels could be a top-pairing defender in the long run.
4. New York Rangers: Chase Reid, RHD (Soo Greyhounds, RHD)
The Rangers should absolutely, no matter what, go best player available, and Reid could end up being that guy. He was excellent at the World Juniors, stood out at the OHL USA Prospects Challenge and plays with as much confidence as any defender you’ll find. He’s a great skater, has a solid 6-foot-2 frame and is always involved at both ends of the ice. 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.
5. St. Louis Blues: Keaton Verhoeff, RHD (North Dakota University, NCAA)
The Blues missed out on snagging Radim Mrtka from the Buffalo Sabres in the rumored Colton Parayko deal. So, how about drafting a different big right-handed defender in Verhoeff? Think: Aaron Ekblad meets Alex Pietrangelo. Verhoeff is a smart two-way defenseman who skates well for 6-foot-3 (but isn’t exceptional, by any means). He takes up a ton of space and is willing to hit you hard while also making many high-end passes in the offensive zone.
6. Winnipeg Jets: Caleb Malhotra, C (Brantford Bulldogs, OHL)
Malhotra’s name is starting to be mentioned more frequently as the top center in the draft class. He’s been outstanding as a rookie with Brantford and was a standout in both the CHL USA Prospects Challenge and the OHL Top Prospects Game. He’s an impressive two-way center who plays with a ton of skill without compromising his defensive responsibilities. He’s also exceptionally quick, both with his footwork and his deceptive hands. We’ll see if Malhotra has the ability to become a No. 1 center – at the very least, he’ll be a No. 2.
7. Boston Bruins (via Toronto Maple Leafs): Alberts Šmits, LHD (EHC München, DEL)
Toronto will get this pick back if it becomes a top-five selection, which, heading into the season, would have been absolutely insane to think about. For now, it’s still Boston’s property. They’ve got some promising forwards in the system, but adding Šmits – who was recently loaned from Finland to the top German league – would give them a massive boost on the blueline. Šmits was one of the best draft prospects at the World Juniors and recently looked great for Latvia at the Olympics. He’s a big, mobile defender who loves having the puck on his stick and boasts an incredible shot. Šmits should have no issue producing in the NHL, and, almost definitely, will be an NHLer in the next two seasons.
8. New Jersey Devils: Ethan Belchetz, LW (Windsor Spitfires, OHL)
Belchetz is out indefinitely with an injury, which, unfortunately, won’t help his draft stock. Still, there are a few players who want to cause as many headaches for opponents as Belchetz. There are plenty of obvious translatable traits, such as a hard shot release, a big 6-foot-5 frame, and a level of fearlessness that very few prospects possess. The biggest concern? He’s a below-average skater at best. You know the cliche – you can’t teach size. But you can definitely teach skating. If you’re the Devils, bet high here.
9. Nashville Predators: Daxon Rudolph, RHD (Prince Albert Raiders, WHL)
The Predators could go a few directions here. Belchetz makes sense as a chaos conductor with a great shot. Oscar Hemming wouldn’t be a bad choice, either. But Rudolph would give the Predators a serious two-way threat on the right side – someone playing some excellent hockey recently. The Prince Albert defender has put up strong numbers this season, playing at a 75-point pace. Rudolph has a big 6-foot-2, 203-pound frame, and he’s exceptionally smart with and without the puck, too. The Raiders are primed for a long playoff run, so he’ll be one to watch when the games start to matter.
10. Los Angeles Kings: Tynan Lawrence, C (Boston University, NCAA)
Lawrence’s stock has fallen quite significantly since heading to Boston University, but he has played some of his better hockey recently. He’s a speedy forward who pressures opponents into mistakes and backchecks hard, too. I love his confidence, too. It just feels like he was thrown to the wolves a bit too early this season after starting the year in the USHL (following an injury), and he’s paying the price. Don’t be surprised if he has a breakout 2026-27 college season and makes teams look silly. But right now, scouts aren’t as enthused as they once were.
11. Seattle Kraken: Viggo Björck, C (Djurgardens, SHL)
The Kraken have never been hesitant to take a chance on a small guy. Björck definitely isn’t big, but his impact sure can be at times. He was great at the World Juniors and is now consistently playing north of 20 minutes a night in the SHL. He’s exceptionally smart, skilled and is finally starting to figure out how to be more dangerous in one of the top European pro leagues. Björck has top-six potential – something the Kraken would certainly welcome.
12. Chicago Blackhawks (via Florida Panthers) Oscar Hemming, LW (Boston College, NCAA)
This is a top-10 protected pick, meaning the Blackhawks will receive the pick (as part of the Seth Jones trade) if the Panthers pick 11th or later. Hemming didn’t have a team for the first half of the year, and then came out flying with Boston College. But he has slowed down a bit as Boston College has struggled in recent weeks. At his best, the 6-foot-4 forward is an absolute menace who can beat you with size, speed and skill. Hemming would be a nice swing here after the Hawks took Mason West and Vaclav Nestrasil (not to mention Anton Frondell) in Round 1 last year.
13. Washington Capitals: Ryan Lin, RHD (Vancouver Giants, WHL)
An injury kept Lin out of the lineup for more than a month, but it hasn’t really hurt his draft stock. The crafty, creative defender loves having the puck on his stick, which is why he has managed consecutive 50-point campaigns with the Giants. He’s great at killing plays in transition, and he’s unbeatable at times in 1-on-1 situations. The question is, though: with Cole Hutson expected to be the team’s top blueliner moving forward, will Lin – another small defender at 5-foot-11 – be a no-go? Would they elect to go with the 6-foot-4 Malte Gustafsson instead? Personally, I’d bet high on Lin.
14. Philadelphia Flyers: Adam Novotný, LW (Peterborough Petes, OHL)
It was clear that once Novotný figured out the North American lifestyle, he would be fine. He recently surpassed the 30-goal mark as an OHL rookie with Peterborough and will easily finish 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. There’s heavy top-six potential here.
15. Columbus Blue Jackets: Liam Ruck, RW (Medicine Hat Tigers, WHL)
Whoever selects Ruck – Columbus or otherwise – needs to make sure they take Markus, as well. He continues to be one of the biggest risers in the draft thanks to his truly dominant offensive stylings in the WHL (alongside his twin). I love Liam’s work ethic, his defensive zone play and how mobile he is on the penalty kill. He’s an all-around player who might not be big but has all the tools to have a good NHL career. Ruck is the type of player you can pair with a shooter and make magic happen.
16. San Jose Sharks: Oliver Suvanto, C (Tappara, Liiga)
If Liam Ruck is still available here, take him. If not, and Suvanto is, absolutely take him. I know Sharks fans want a defender here, but if the draft played out exactly like this by this point, they’d be better off using this pick to select one of the bigger centers like Suvanto or Morozov and using the second pick on a blueliner. Suvanto has spent the season playing against men in Tappara, where he has shown himself to be sound and reliable defensively. 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.
17. San Jose Sharks (via Edmonton Oilers): Adam Goljer, RHD (Trencin, Slovakia)
A stretch? Some scouts don’t think so. The Sharks have some interesting prospects but could afford to add some extra size on the back end. Xavier Villeneuve would be an excellent addition, but he’s undersized (and not entirely different from what the team has in Luca Cagnoni). Goljer, meanwhile, is 6-foot-3 with an excellent shot and does many things quite well. He’s not flashy and won’t wow you in many areas. But he’s well-rounded, smart and already has plenty of experience playing against older competition. Malte Gustafsson is also a good fit here.
18. Calgary Flames (via Vegas Golden Knights): Ilia Morozov, C (Miami University, NCAA)
Morozov’s numbers have stabilized a bit. But playing 20 minutes a night on an underdog Miami team and putting up 20 points in 36 games? That’s absolutely nothing to sneeze at. Being 6-foot-3 and 205 pounds also helps. Morozov commands attention, and he’s an absolute pain-in-the-rear-end to try to contain. The Flames could use some extra center depth, and Morozov absolutely should be in the conversation here – many scouts liken him to a bigger Wyatt Johnston.
19. Utah Mammoth: Xavier Villeneuve, LHD (Blaineville-Boisbriand Armada, QMJHL)
Villeneuve has been highly productive throughout his three years with the Armada, and he was outstanding at the U-18 World Championship last spring. He loves touching and distributing the puck, and he’s an absolute monster on the power play. Villeneuve is just 5-foot-11, and while that’s not an ideal size, he makes up for it with what he does with the puck. I could see him going higher than this, but we know teams prioritize size on the back end, so it feels like he’s bound to fall. If so, that’s Utah’s gain – they already have enough big blueliners to warrant taking someone with Villeneuve’s talent level.
20. New York Islanders: Malte Gustafsson, LHD (HV71, SHL)
Gustafsson is a 6-foot-4 defender who has gotten into some decent SHL action this year. 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. He also has seen some power-play time in the SHL despite often playing a more minor role. A lack of flash and high-end offensive instinct likely won’t help his draft projection, but there’s still a ton to love about his game as a top-20 pick.
21. St. Louis Blues (via Detroit Red Wings): Marcus Nordmark, LW (Djurgardens, Sweden U-20)
Nordmark blends high-end skill and hockey sense to create havoc in the offensive zone. He routinely picks apart opponents in his own age group and has been truly dominant internationally. But scouts are worried that he’s a ghost defensively and that if he doesn’t dominate offensively, he won’t be good enough to crack the NHL. This is a true boom-bust pick – but one the Blues should consider given the number of high draft picks they have.
22. Boston Bruins: Nikita Klepov, LW (Saginaw Spirit, OHL)
The Bruins have drafted some solid centers over the past few years, so it’s time to snag one of the OHL’s most dangerous forwards. Klepov was one of the top performers at the OHL Top Prospects Game, where he showed just how lethal he could be in scoring lanes. He’s in his first year of OHL competition, but he’s tracking for around 40 goals and 95 points. Klepov is equally skilled as a shooter and a playmaker, and I love how often he finds open scoring lanes. He’d be the perfect winger alongside James Hagens.
23. Pittsburgh Penguins: J.P. Hurlbert, RW (Kamloops Blazers, WHL)
The Penguins, led by head scout Wes Clark, proved last year that they’ll aim high for upside. So how about one of the CHL’s most dominant players? Hurlbert is tracking for 100 points with Kamloops in his first year of major junior. Leaving the USA Hockey National Team Development Program likely ensured he’d be in the first-round conversation, allowing him to fully highlight his high-end skill. There have been concerns about his play away from the puck, though.
24. Montreal Canadiens: Niklas Aaram-Olsen, LW (Orebro, Sweden U-20)
The Canadiens could use a winger who plays with muscle, which is why NOA should absolutely be a target for them. He’s a pure goal-scorer, and he often can be found dominating his own age group. I love him on the power play, and I enjoy watching him lead Norway internationally. Against men, though. Aaram-Olsen has left a lot to be desired, and scouts have knocked him for having a lack of high-end tools outside of his shot. If he can play with more pace and learn to dominate play through the middle, he could be a good snag. I like the upside, even if some scouts aren’t as convinced.
25. Buffalo Sabres: Egor Shilov, C (Victoriaville Tigres, QMJHL)
When it comes to Shilov, some scouts wondered whether his production was legit or just amplified by playing against weaker D in the Q. But Shilov is a legit difference-maker most nights, and he’ll finish with around 90 points if he keeps plugging away like he is. Shilov is excellent with the puck, skates well and does a great job of finding teammates through traffic. My biggest complaint is that it feels like he takes too many shifts off, just floating around, hoping for something to happen. Fortunately, he makes enough plays happen to make up for it. This would be a great snag at this point in the draft, but I could also see them targeting size in Simas Ignatavicius, or even a defender in Nikita Shcherbakov.
26. Vancouver Canucks (via Minnesota Wild): Wyatt Cullen, C (USNTDP)
Cullen continues to rise up the ranks thanks to his strong play with the USA Hockey National Team Development Program. Injuries prevented the son of long-time NHLer Matt Cullen from starting the year on time, but he has been a point-per-game player ever since. The speedy, two-way center has saved his best hockey for major showcase events, which obviously gets scouts excited. Cullen isn’t a future No. 1 center, but he can be a reliable, smart two-way guy with the potential to be a No. 2/3.
27. New York Rangers (via Dallas Stars): Mathis Preston, RW (Vancouver Giants, WHL)
Once viewed as a potential top-10 pick, Preston left scouts wanting more in Spokane, and then he got injured shortly after joining Vancouver. Still, there’s a ton to like about his game, and he could end up being an excellent value pickup here. Preston does a good job of getting to the middle of the ice to redirect chances and take space away. I’ve liked him more in the showcase events (Hlinka, CHL USA Prospects Challenge), which shows he can rise to the occasion when needed. If Preston indeed joins Canada for the U-18s, look for him to be leaned on as a difference-maker – and hopefully boost his value.
28. Washington Capitals (via Anaheim Ducks): Tomas Chrenko, C (Nitra, Slovakia)
There might not be a more effective forward on the power play in this draft class than Chrenko. He was dynamite at the World Juniors and was one of the best players at the 2025 U-18 World Championship, too. I want him to be better at 5-on-5, given that’s where the majority of the game is played. But on the man advantage, Chrenko is a legit game-changer in a way very few in this draft class are. If he can be more dangerous at even strength, he’ll be a steal. I’d like this for the Caps.
29. Seattle Kraken (via Tampa Bay Lightning): Juho Piiparinen, RHD (Tappara, Liiga)
Piiparinen will likely be in high demand in this area. He’s a smart defender who doesn’t make many mistakes with the puck. He’s good when he keeps things simple, but he can also rush the puck up the ice and lower the boom when needed. Piiparinen has played decent hockey against men, and his international action has been solid, too. I wouldn’t be surprised to see a team pick him five to six spots higher. But if he’s still available, Piiparinen would be a good fit for the Kraken.
30. Carolina Hurricanes: Ryan Roobroeck, C (Niagara IceDogs, OHL)
The Hurricanes always bet big. Would they go high on one of the fastest-falling prospects in the game? Roobroeck has probably stabilized himself as a late first-round pick. But some less-than-stellar spotlight showings, mixed in with some questionable play away from the puck, has left scouts worried. Nobody will doubt his skill – he’s on pace for about 35 goals, despite Niagara’s continued struggles in the scoring department. He’s also huge at 6-foot-4 and 216 pounds, something teams typically like out of their centermen.
31. St. Louis Blues (via Colorado Avalanche): Alessandro Di Iorio, C (Sarnia Sting, OHL)
After taking a top-end defender and a highly skilled winger, the Blues could spring for a center with a competitive streak. Even when he’s not putting pucks in the net, Di Iorio is always driving the play, making responsible decisions with the puck, and seems to make everyone around him better. Di Iorio does an excellent job of carrying the puck through the middle of the ice, showcasing his high-end playmaking and his quick release.
32. Ottawa Senators: Simas Ignatavicius, RW (Geneve Servette, NL)
What a blessing for the Senators – they get their first-round pick back. Sure, it’s about 15 places lower than projected, but they’ll take it. The idea of landing Ignatavicius here should excite Sens fans (selecting any player should get them pumped, realistically). But the Lithuanian forward is having a solid season in Switzerland’s top league and has been downright dominant internationally. The 6-foot-3 winger is so versatile, finding so many different ways to impact the play both with and without the puck. Ignatavicius is good defensively, has a great shot release, has obvious muscle and is incredibly skilled, too.
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