All three analysts agree that Stenberg is the most NHL-ready player in the draft, noting his two-way ability, which is especially important late in an NHL season and into playoffs.
“If you look at what he's able to do and what he's been able to do in the Swedish Hockey League, this is an individual that is strong, he's got a heck of a shot, and he's got hockey sense, and that's really important at this level for a young player where there’s a lot of raw talent in the top 10, but who's got that hockey IQ to play at the next level,” Janda said.
“Simply because he's played and succeeded at the pro level already, especially in Sweden, you need to be good defensively,” Ferraro said. “So to me, he understands a harder schedule, he understands what it's like going into a corner against a 35-year-old because it is really, really different.”
The group also slotted Malhotra as the top centre in the draft, and while he put up points this past season with the OHL’s Brantford Bulldogs, he showed that he can handle pressure through the playoffs.
“What I like about Caleb's game, especially, is that he is a battler on both ends of the ice. It's not that he's just getting points; he's giving opponents very little time, and he's closing real quick. He's really excellent with his reads, and that also translates to good offence,” Janda said.
Setaghian talked about the edge McKenna has held in the projected draft order due to his offensive upside, and he will be relied upon at even strength and on the power play. She mentioned his work ethic before the draft and NHL Combine as top tier.
“Because Penn State got eliminated early this year, and he trained really hard to be successful in the NHL Combine. He stood out in a few categories, ranking at the top for pull-ups and leg power. A lot of people frequently compare him to Patrick Kane, and he's kind of the guy that's going to dictate the tempo of the game.”
As Reid is in a highly coveted position as a right-shot defenceman, Setaghian says he has the presence to calm things down on the ice for his teammates.
“He eats a lot of minutes, isn't afraid to produce, is a smooth skater, and can lead a rush on his own,” Setaghian said. “He's super confident. At the combine when they interviewed him, he compared himself to Zach Werenski, who is that quarterback-style defender, and he would most likely lead a power play.”
Ferraro says that while lefty defenceman Carels’ is a complete player, what stands out most about him is that he seems wiser than his years, which was unmistakable at the NHL Combine.
“He was just sure of himself, which is really, really hard to do at that age, and especially in those meetings – it's a lot,” Ferraro said.
“Obviously, you get to his game, and he has everything going for him. He's a good skater, he's able to close quickly, his offence obviously picked up this year a lot more than what it has been in the past, but the thing to me watching that separates him is his puck retrievals to exit out of his own end, it looks like a guy that can jump in and make plays in the NHL type of deal.”
In discussing righty defenceman Verhoeff, who just finished his freshman year at the University of North Dakota, he said that while it was a big jump going from the WHL to NCAA hockey, Ferraro thought Verhoeff handled it well. After struggling this season, Verhoeff had his nose to the grindstone at the NHL Combine.
“People who were around the combine saw how determined he was to show that he shouldn't have fallen as he has in the rankings. He's big, he's physical, he can make some plays, his skating has got to get better, for sure, but he also knows that, and he can figure that out and add more to his game,” Ferraro said.
24th Picks
Janda and Setaghian figured a couple of players could go at 24th, whereas Ferraro went with winger Elton Hermansson from Sweden.
Both Janda and Setaghian like Penticton, B.C.’s Mathis Preston at 24 for his play at the U18’s and his local connection playing for the Vancouver Giants. Preston is also childhood best friends with the Ruck twins, and if the Canucks were to somehow get the Ruck twins, our analysts figure this would be a good play.
Janda also looked at Liam Ruck at 24, and Setaghian said Maddox Dagenais would be a great selection in the first round for Vancouver.
“With Liam Ruck, you have an individual who is a very good offensive talent. If you can work on his skating a little bit over the next year or two, that will make him even more dangerous. I love both of those players, of Liam Ruck and Mathis Preston, with local connections at number 24,” Janda said.
“Maddox Dagenais, out of the QMJHL, is a big centerman, super physical, and he makes it really hard for opponents to play against him, but I'm going to go with Mathis Preston. I really like him because he's super fast and he has a really wide array of offensive skills that I think the Canucks would benefit from,” Setaghian said.
Who Could Outperform Their Draft Position
Janda says of his top 10 picks, he could see defencemen Reid or Carels ultimately outperforming their draft position as they both have everything of a complete defenceman in their toolkits.
“Carels is reliable, he's an excellent skater. He can transport the puck, and he can play a mean game too. Depending on the way this draft goes, because I think after the second pick it's wide open, he could go third, or he could go where I have him, around five or six as well, but he could certainly be a player that outperforms his draft position, especially if he's taken fourth or fifth.”
Sleeper Pick
Setaghian’s sleeper pick is Russian winger Nikita Klepov, who has been ranked from just outside the top 10 to 30th who has a lot of offensive potential, with some work to do on the defensive end and his play off the puck.
“One of the things that was impressive about him is his transition from the European League to North America, because he only joined North American Hockey at U15, and it usually takes about a couple of years for European players to transition, and he was instantly successful," Setaghian said.
Draft Day Stories
There are many great stories for the 2026 NHL Draft, but a favourite on the panel is a potential brother tandem in the making. Swedish centre Viggo Björck, brother of Canucks’ 2025 fifth-round pick Wilson Björck, has the skill of a top 10 pick.
“Viggo Björk’s play is excellent,” Setaghian said. “I know his size is something in question with a lot of scouts, but he plays a big game. He plays bigger than he is, so he wouldn't be my sleeper pick, but I would love to see him at third [overall]."
“He's certainly not going to make it to 24th pick, but I think Viggo Björck and his brother Wilson provide a storyline there, thinking if the Vancouver Canucks are able to add maybe another first-round draft pick over the next few days. He’s is a really skilled player, but at the same time brings that tenacity and intensity that you need at the NHL level,” Janda added.
The first round of the draft goes at 4:00 p.m. PT on Friday. You can attend the Rogers Arena watch party for free, but you will need to get tickets, which are available HERE. Fans will have access to select $5 foodand beverage items, live music, photos with Fin, and more!
Day two of the draft begins at 8:00 a.m. PT. You can watch day two of the draft on Sportsnet, and be sure to follow along on our socials for all the latest news and updates.
