2026 NHL Draft 1st-round tracker, analysis

Welcome to the first round of the 2026 Upper Deck NHL Draft. A total of 32 young men will have their hockey futures determined on Friday. NHL.com Draft guru Adam Kimelman is in Buffalo to provide the news, analysis and insight for all 32 picks in NHL.com's first-round draft tracker:

1. Toronto Maple Leafs -- Gavin McKenna, LW, Penn State (NCAA)

NHL Central Scouting: No. 1 (North American skaters)

McKenna (5-foot-11, 170 pounds) was one of the first players to take advantage of the rule change that granted Canadian Hockey League players NCAA eligibility. The 18-year-old tied for fifth among college players with 51 points (15 goals, 36 assists) and was second with 1.46 points per game in 35 games this season as the sixth-youngest player in men's college hockey. His best qualities are his elite hockey IQ and playmaking vision which enable him to consistently process the game a step ahead, manipulating defenders with changes of pace, drawing pressure and opening passing lanes that few players his age even recognize.

NHL.com analysis: The new-look Maple Leafs front office begins its tenure by selecting the most talented player in this year's draft. McKenna's vision and hockey IQ are considered elite, and he has the ability to raise the level of whoever is on the ice with him. He shuffled through 11 linemates this season at Penn State, and despite that was tied for fifth in NCAA scoring. Now imagine what he could do making tape-to-tape passes to Auston Matthews and William Nylander for an entire NHL season. Ivar Stenberg had to be considered here, but the ceiling on McKenna's playmaking ability separate him from this year's draft class.

2. San Jose Sharks -- Ivar Stenberg, LW, Frolunda (SWE)

NHL Central Scouting: No. 1 (International skaters)

A playmaker/scorer hybrid capable of driving play through the neutral zone, creating offense off the rush, and finishing chances himself, Stenberg (5-foot-11, 190 pounds) produced at a historic rate for a draft-eligible player in the Swedish Hockey League, the top professional men's league in Sweden. He had 33 points (11 goals, 22 assists) in 43 games, the most points in a season by an 18-year-old SHL player since Daniel Sedin (42) and Henrik Sedin (34) in 1998-99. What separates Stenberg is his motor and defensive reliability. He projects as a high-impact franchise-level wing whose complete, mature game is built for long-term NHL success.

NHL.com analysis: Stenberg is the perfect replacement for William Eklund on the Sharks' top line, and could be in the opening-night lineup next season.. He's a play-driving wing who can draw in defenders and find open teammates, or finish with a hard, accurate shot. He already has pro experience from playing in the SHL and was outstanding at the World Championship, getting voted one of Sweden's three best players. Stenberg and Macklin Celebrini on the same line could be a driving force for the Sharks returning to the Stanley Cup Playoffs this season.

3. Vancouver Canucks -- Caleb Malhotra, C, Brantford (OHL)

NHL Central Scouting: No. 6 (North American skaters)

Malhotra (6-foot-2, 185 pounds) is one of junior hockey's most complete and trusted centers, having rapidly become a cornerstone piece playing key minutes in all situations. He has elite hockey sense and speed, and his ability to manage pace, arrive in space ahead of defenders and elevate linemates are qualities that separate him from others at his position. The 18-year-old is a committed two-way forward who was second among Ontario Hockey League rookies with 84 points (29 goals, 55 assists) in 67 games, and led Brantford during the playoffs with 26 points (13 goals, 13 assists) in 15 games. He'll play at Boston University next season. Malhotra's father is Vancouver Canucks coach Manny Malhotra.

NHL.com analysis: The first step in the Canucks rebuilding effort is a future top-line center in Malhotra. He began the season on Brantford's top line while some of their older players were at NHL training camps. The thought was he would slide down the lineup when those players came back, but it never happened; Malhotra earned his spot in the top six and on the top power play, and then was a dominant presence in the OHL playoffs. That Caleb's father, Manny Malhotra, is the Canucks coach likely didn't enter into the Vancouver decision; big, smart, skilled centers are what teams build championships around, and that's the profile for Malhotra.

4. Buffalo Sabres -- Daxon Rudolph, D, Prince Albert (WHL)

NHL Central Scouting: No. 5 (North American skaters)

Rudolph (6-foot-2, 205 pounds), who may have the highest ceiling of any player at his position in this draft class, was third among Western Hockey League defensemen with 78 points (28 goals, 50 assists), and first with 35 power-play points (13 goals, 22 assists) in 68 regular-season games. The right-handed shot brings a strong two-way foundation, mobility and ability to handle difficult minutes against top competition. He defends with confidence and physicality and moves the puck with purpose rather than forcing plays. He still has room to grow and develop into a dependable NHL defender who thrives in playoff-style hockey.

NHL.com analysis: The Sabres use the pick acquired for defenseman Bowen Byram to take another offensive-minded defenseman in Rudolph. Where he stands out is the offensive skill he brings along with a physical style that saw him total 75 penalty minutes. He was instrumental in Prince Albert reaching the WHL finals, both offensively and defensively. He'll play at Denver University next season, but a defensive corps of Rasmus Dahlin, Owen Power, Mattias Samuelsson, top prospect Radim Mrtka and Rudolph in the next season or two gives the Sabres a fantastic foundation to build around.

5. New York Rangers -- Alberts Smits, D, Munchen (GER)

NHL Central Scouting: No. 2 (International skaters)

Smits (6-foot-3, 209 pounds) exhibited poise and physical maturity beyond his years playing against men in Finland's Liiga and with Munchen in Germany's top division. He combines strong skating with reliable two-way play, defending well through gaps while making smart, efficient puck decisions. The 18-year-old left-handed shot was the youngest player at the 2026 Winter Olympics, where he had two assists in four games for Team Latvia while averaging 18:44 of ice time. He had five points (one goal, four assists) in five games at the 2026 IIHF World Junior Championship, leading Latvia in time on ice per game (23:40), and he had four assists and averaged 21:47 of ice time for his country at the 2026 IIHF World Championship. Smits had 13 points (six goals, seven assists) in 38 games with Jukurit in Liiga before he was loaned to Munchen on Feb. 25. He had one assist in five regular-season DEL games and six points (two goals, four assists) in 11 playoff games.

NHL.com analysis: The Rangers go for arguably the most NHL-ready player in this year's draft class. Smits has the size, maturity and experience playing with and against older, more developed players in Finland and Germany, as well as at the Olympics, where he was the youngest player in the tournament. Smits has lived on his own since he left Latvia at age 13 to live in Finland, so there's no need to worry about him adjusting to living on his own. He's big and strong, can handle pro-level players, and his offensive game is developing. It wouldn't be a surprise to see him on the ice with the Rangers, and earning significant ice time, when next season starts.

6. Calgary Flames -- Carson Carels, D, Prince George (WHL)

NHL Central Scouting: No. 3 (North American skaters)

Carels stands out as a top defender because of his blend of size (6-foot-2, 194 pounds), mobility, and decision making under pressure. He logged heavy minutes in all situations, moved the puck efficiently, and showed strong positional awareness that translates well to the pro game. Carels, who will attend the University of North Dakota in 2026-27, was tied for fourth among Western Hockey League defensemen with 73 points (20 goals, 53 assists) and was second with 32 power-play points (five goals, 27 assists) in 58 regular-season games. He had one assist in five games for bronze medal-winning Canada at the 2026 IIHF World Junior Championship.

NHL.com analysis: Carels combines high-end offensive skill with farm strength. The Flames have spent big on young forwards at the draft the past few years, with Samuel Honzek and Matvei Gridin already in the NHL, and Cole Reschny and Cullen Potter developing in college. Carels will be at North Dakota next season with Reschny, so they'll be able to build some chemistry. But it might not be long before you see Carels on the left side of a pair with Zayne Parekh.

7. Seattle Kraken -- Chase Reid, D, Sault Ste. Marie (OHL)

NHL Central Scouting: No. 2 (North American skaters)

Reid (6-foot-2, 190 pounds) is considered one of the top defensemen of this class because of his strong skating base, competitiveness and growing confidence in all three zones. He consistently handled tough matchups, defended with pace and edge, and transitioned the puck cleanly under pressure. His blend of hockey sense and upward offensive progression give him top-pair potential that NHL teams value early in the first round. Reid ranked 12th among OHL defensemen with 48 points (18 goals, 30 assists) and 20 power-play points (eight goals, 12 assists) in 45 regular-season games. He also had four points (two goals, two assists) in five games for the United States at the 2026 IIHF World Junior Championship.

NHL.com analysis: The Kraken needed a franchise defenseman to build around, and it's easy to see Reid fitting that bill. He's an elite skater who can produce at 5-on-5 and as a power play quarterback. His best play this season was at the World Juniors where he stepped into a major role after Cole Hutson was injured and contributed in a big way at both ends of the ice. He'll play at Michigan State this season where he'll have a chance to skate in the Frozen Four and work with one of the preeminent strength coaches in Will Morlock. Reid could be a player who steps into an NHL lineup as soon as his college season ends.

8. Winnipeg Jets -- Viggo Bjorck, C, Djurgarden (SWE)

NHL Central Scouting: No. 4 (International skaters)

Bjorck (5-9, 180) had 15 points (six goals, nine assists) and 46 shots on goal in 42 games in the Swedish Hockey League, the country's top professional men’s league. He also had 20 hits and 15 blocked shots while averaging 15:27 of ice time. The 18-year-old helped Sweden win the gold medal at the 2026 IIHF World Junior Championship and capped his season as the center on Sweden's top line at the 2026 IIHF World Championship. He had six points (one goal, five assists) in eight games and was voted as one of the team's three best players at the tournament. His brother, Colorado College forward Wilson Bjorck, was selected by the Vancouver Canucks in the fifth round (No. 143) of the 2025 NHL Draft.

NHL.com analysis: What Bjorck lacks in size he makes up for in a relentless, dog-on-a-bone approach. He has no backup in his game, and was fearless going against players his own age at the World Juniors, or against older, more physically developed competition at the World Championship. The Jets need to get younger, quicker and feistier, and Bjorck checks all those boxes. He could be Winnipeg's second-line center as soon as 2027-28.

9. San Jose Sharks -- Keaton Verhoeff, D, North Dakota (NCAA)

NHL Central Scouting: No. 4 (North American skaters)

Verhoeff (6-4, 215) offers a pro-style frame, is a strong skater and discovered early success against older competition as a 17-year-old, the fourth-youngest player in NCAA hockey. He plays with composure, closes gaps effectively, and can move the puck with confidence, projecting as a reliable two-way option. The right-handed shot had 20 points (six goals, 14 assists) and was third on his team with 43 blocked shots in 36 games as a freshman at North Dakota. He had four assists in five games for Canada at the 2026 IIHF World Junior Championship, and was the captain for Canada at the 2006 IIHF Under-18 World Championship.

NHL.com analysis: The Sharks needed a top-line forward and a high-end defenseman, and went 2-for-2 with Stenberg first and Verhoeff here. Verhoeff had an outstanding freshman NCAA season, handling all the physical play he was faced with as the youngest defenseman in college hockey. He was outstanding at the World Juniors, and then was the captain for Canada at the World Under-18 championship. He'll likely play one more season at North Dakota, but with 2024 first-round pick Sam Dickinson (6-3, 200) and Verhoeff, the Sharks are building a big, strong, skilled defense group.

10. Nashville Predators -- Wyatt Cullen, LW, USA U-18 (NTDP-USHL)

NHL Central Scouting: No. 13 (North American skaters)

Despite missing time early in the season because of injury, Cullen (6-1, 183) finished as one of the more productive forwards for the USA Hockey National Team Development Program Under-18 team, with 45 points (16 goals, 29 assists) in 40 games. The 17-year-old has elite skating, offensive creativity and attacks the middle of the ice with a purpose. He projects as a middle-six forward with upside to play higher in a lineup if his strength and defensive consistency continue to grow. He's the son of three-time Stanley Cup champion Matt Cullen and will play at the University of Minnesota next season.

NHL.com analysis: The Predators have done well building up their center group at the draft the past two years with Brady Martin (2025, No. 5), Yegor Surin (2024, No. 22) and Teddy Stiga (2024, No. 55). Now they find a talented wing to support them. Cullen had a massive growth spurt the past two seasons, which led to some injuries. But he's past that phase, and projects to be a game-changing scorer who also can play center. He'll be able to get stronger next season at Minnesota, but might not need much time before he's ready to step into the Nashville lineup.

11. St. Louis Blues -- Tynan Lawrence, C, Boston University (NCAA)

NHL Central Scouting: No. 7 (North American skaters)

As one of the most complete and competitive forwards available in the draft, Lawrence (6-foot, 183 pounds) is a player whose game is defined as much by pace and intelligence as by production. The 17-year-old began the season with 17 points (10 goals, seven assists) in 13 games as captain of Muskegon of the United States Hockey League. He made the move to NCAA hockey Jan. 8, and had seven points (two goals, five assists) and 35 shots on goal in 18 games. His combination of skating, intelligence and competitive edge make him special, and his game already resembles what NHL teams look for in high-leverage moments.

NHL.com analysis: With the first of four first-round picks, the Blues fill a need at center with Lawrence. He got solid experience playing half a season of NCAA hockey, and he'll be even better when he plays an entire season at BU next season. He's a dynamic presence with a 200-foot game, who knows how to use his speed to back up defenders. The Blues could have a franchise-altering weekend in Buffalo, and Lawrence is a nice first step in that process.

12. New Jersey Devils -- Alexander Command, C, Orebro Jr. (SWE-JR)

NHL Central Scouting: No. 11 (International skaters)

Command (6-1, 187) is one of Sweden's most complete prospects, and his profile has been rising quickly among NHL scouts because of his competitiveness and all-around ability. He had 44 points (17 goals, 27 assists) in 30 games in Sweden's junior league, finishing among the league's top scorers as a 17-year-old and earning trust to play every situation. He combines sharp hockey sense and playmaking vision with a relentless motor, the willingness to engage physically and consistent defensive detail. He processes situations quickly and appears comfortable in handling pressure situations. He projects as a middle-six NHL center who could be trusted when the games tighten and details matter.

NHL.com analysis: The Devils pull a bit of a surprise with Command, but the Sweden-born center is solidly-built and plays with an edge. He got into a handful of games in the Swedish Hockey League this season, and likely will have a larger role with Orebro next season. Jack Hughes, Nico Hischier and Command as the Devils center depth chart is a foundation for a bright future.

13. New York Islanders -- Malte Gustafsson, D, HV71 (SWE)

NHL Central Scouting: No. 7 (International skaters)

Gustafsson (6-foot-4, 203 pounds) is an exceptional skater for his size, most recognized for his poise under duress and ability to make a good first pass. He can quarterback a power play and knows how to use his long reach to disrupt an opposing rush. The 18-year-old had three assists, 16 hits and 14 blocked shots while averaging 11:02 of ice time in 27 games in the Swedish Hockey League, Sweden's top professional men's league. Gustafsson had five points (one goal, four assists), a plus-7 rating and led all skaters in average ice time (24:13) in six games for gold medal-winning Sweden at the 2026 IIHF Under-18 World Championship.

14. Columbus Blue Jackets -- Oscar Hemming, LW, Boston College (NCAA)

NHL Central Scouting: No. 11 (North American skaters)

Hemming (6-foot-4, 204 pounds) showed a pro-ready game with a combination of size, skating and compete level as the youngest player in NCAA men's hockey. Hemming plays a heavy north/south game but moves well and can pressure defenders on the forecheck, protect pucks along the boards and drive the net at the collegiate level. After joining Boston College on Dec. 26 after playing in his native Finland, Hemming adapted well and earned increased ice time and a top-six role, and had eight points (one goal, seven assists) in 19 games. The 17-year-old has an upside as a power forward whose offensive game will continue to grow with added consistency.

15. Anaheim Ducks -- Nikita Klepov, RW, Saginaw (OHL)

NHL Central Scouting: No. 8 (North American skaters)

Klepov (6-foot, 180 pounds) led the Ontario Hockey League with 97 points (37 goals, 60 assists) in 67 games and won the Hap Emms Award as OHL rookie of the year. He was the first rookie to lead the league in scoring since Patrick Kane with London in 2006-07. Born in Deerfield Beach, Florida, he was the first United States-born player to lead the league since Jason Robertson with Niagara in 2018-19. Klepov, who turns 18 on June 27, will play at Michigan State University next season.