McKenna, Martone, Stenberg among top NHL rookies to watch this season

Gavin McKenna, selected by the Toronto Maple Leafs with the No. 1 pick in the 2026 NHL Draft, leads a group of talented rookies hoping to make an impact when the 2026-27 season begins Sept. 29.

The Maple Leafs failed to qualify for the Stanley Cup Playoffs last season for the first time since 2016. They're hopeful McKenna can play a part in a turnaround this season.

McKenna is the rare prospect capable of reshaping Toronto's long-term offensive ceiling. The 18-year-old had 51 points (15 goals, 36 assists) in 35 NCAA games as an 18-year-old freshman at Penn State University and had 14 points (four goals, seven assists) in seven games for bronze medal-winning Canada at the 2026 IIHF World Junior Championship.

In his first preseason game, a 4-1 loss to the Montreal Canadiens at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto on Sept. 19, McKenna proved effective with three shots on goal in 20:39 of ice time. He skated most of the game at 5-on-5 at left wing with center John Tavares and right wing William Nylander.

"I felt pretty good. I thought I created a bit but also had a couple turnovers, which I think kind of just happens with nerves," McKenna said. "But like I said, I think it was a good start and a lot to build on.”

Additional strength will help his NHL adjustment, but he has the makeup of a potential elite, offensive driver.

"It was good to get a feel for what a game-day routine feels like," McKenna (5-foot-11, 170 pounds) said. "It was obviously a lot of fun, and a lot of excitement in the room with me stepping out on the ice with those guys for warmups was pretty special."

Here are 10 other rookies to keep an eye on this season (listed alphabetically):

Viggo Bjorck, F, Winnipeg Jets

How acquired: Selected with No. 8 pick in 2026 NHL Draft



Bjorck had 15 points (six goals, nine assists) in 42 games with Djurgarden of the Swedish Hockey League and elevated his play internationally with nine points (three goals, six assists) in seven games to help Sweden win the gold medal at the 2026 World Juniors. His play at the 2026 IIHF World Championship was particularly impressive as, at 18, he centered Sweden's top line. H had six points (one goal, five assists) in eight games and displayed defensive awareness and playmaking ability. Bjorck (5-9, 177) isn't physically imposing, but processes the game quickly and contributes in many situations. If he earns a top-nine forward role and receives power-play opportunities, he could become one of the League's most impactful rookies.

Victor Eklund, F, New York Islanders

How acquired: Selected with No. 16 pick in 2025 NHL Draft 

Eklund's production with Djurgarden, where he had 24 points (six goals, 18 assists) in 43 SHL games last season, provides confidence he can have NHL success if given the opportunity. He plays with pace, tenacity and two-way detail. He already showed a smooth adjustment to play in the North America with 10 points (three goals, seven assists) in nine games with Bridgeport of the American Hockey League and an assist in his NHL debut April 14. He may not walk into the League as a pure scorer, but he has the kind of motor and competitiveness that quickly can earn trust. Eklund (5-11, 161), who turns 20 on Oct. 3, feels like an Islanders-type player; relentless, responsible, and skilled enough to grow into offense.

Jacob Fowler, G, Montreal Canadiens

How acquired: Selected with No. 69 pick in 2023 NHL Draft

Fowler (6-1, 223) already demonstrated that his winning collegiate pedigree can translate professionally. The winner of the Mike Richter Award as the top NCAA goalie at Boston College in 2025, Fowler went 19-7-1 with a .916 save percentage in 27 games for Laval of the AHL, and 9-6-2 with a 2.43 goals-against average and .908 save percentage in 17 starts for the Canadiens in 2025-26. His calm positioning and ability to manage difficult moments offer legitimate starter potential in the NHL. The 21-year-old has accelerated his development without appearing overwhelmed by hockey's most demanding market.

Anton Frondell, F, Chicago Blackhawks

How acquired: Selected with No. 3 pick in 2025 NHL Draft

Frondell (6-1, 198) is physically mature, shot-heavy, and potentially a top-six scorer who may start the season at center with Connor Bedard out recovering from offseason shoulder surgery while his skating continues to develop. Chicago has the need for a player with his skill set, and likely the ice time, which is huge. Frondell's release and ability to find quiet ice should translate, especially if the 19-year-old gets power-play looks with Bedard when he returns. Frondell had nine points (three goals, six assists) in 12 NHL games after finishing his season with Djurgarden of the SHL.

James Hagens, F, Boston Bruins

How acquired: Selected with No. 7 pick in 2025 NHL Draft

Hagens (5-11, 177) is a high-pace center with elite processing, edgework, two-way detail and legitimate top-six upside. The Bruins need young skill at center, so the opportunity is there. He may not be the biggest player, but he thinks the game quickly and can create offense through pace and deception. He'll become Boston's next important center if he shows he can handle the physical grind right away. Hagens, who turns 20 on Nov. 3, played with Providence of the AHL after his sophomore season at Boston College ended. He had four points (one goal, three assists) in six games, and then made his NHL debut April 12, getting into two regular-season games and three games during the Stanley Cup Playoffs.

Konsta Helenius, F, Buffalo Sabres

How acquired: Selected with No. 14 pick in 2024 NHL Draft

Helenius (5-11, 194) had 63 points (21 goals, 42 assists) in 63 games with Rochester of the AHL last season, then gave the Sabres a jolt during Stanley Cup Playoffs when he scored in Game 5 and Game 6 against the Canadiens in the Eastern Conference Second Round. He might be poised for a top-nine role down the middle in Buffalo after showing flashes in the NHL and Stanley Cup Playoffs last season. Helenius capped his season by scoring the golden goal in overtime to help Finland win the gold medal at the 2026 World Championship. He's more of a polished, intelligent center than a pure highlight-reel player. If Buffalo gives him power-play time or strong linemates, he can put up numbers. The 20-year-old is the kind of player coaches trust, which means his ice time could grow faster than people expect.

Cole Hutson, D, Washington Capitals

How acquired: Selected with No. 43 pick in 2024 NHL Draft

Hutson (5-11, 175), the younger brother of Montreal Canadiens defenseman Lane Hutson, should become the top defenseman among this season's rookie class. The 20-year-old has elite edgework, transition play and offensive creativity from the blue line. He's got real power-play quarterback upside and, as with most young defensemen, the defensive details will decide how big the minutes get. Offensively he can change games. Hutson had 80 points (24 goals, 56 assists) in 74 games during two seasons at Boston University, then had 10 points (three goals, seven assists), including six power-play points, in 14 NHL games last season.

Porter Martone, F, Philadelphia Flyers

How acquired: Selected with No. 6 pick in 2025 NHL Draft

Martone is probably the rookie most likely to excel in this season's class. He brings size (6-3, 214), touch, and a pro-style offensive game. The 20-year-old already has NHL and Stanley Cup Playoff experience, and should enter the season as less of an unknown than most rookies. He led Michigan State University with 25 goals and 50 points in 35 games as a freshman last season. He then had 10 points (four goals, six assists) in nine NHL regular-season games, and five points (two goals, three assists) in 10 Stanley Cup Playoff games.

Ilya Protas, F, Washington Capitals

How acquired: Selected with No. 75 pick in 2024 NHL Draft

Protas (6-6, 225) made an impact late last season while playing center on an enormous line with Aliaksei Protas (6-6, 250) and Tom Wilson (6-4, 225). He gives Washington size, reach, and matchup versatility. His Calder Trophy ceiling may depend on whether he gets scoring-line minutes, but he feels like a player who could help an NHL team even when he is not scoring. The 20-year-old won AHL Rookie of the Year after he had 66 points (29 goals, 37 assists) in 69 games for Hershey. Protas is less about flash and more about matchup problems. He's big, hard to play against, and could become a playoff-style rookie.

Ivar Stenberg, F, San Jose Sharks

How acquired: Selected with No. 2 pick in 2026 NHL Draft

Stenberg (5-11, 185) could be a top Calder candidate because of the potential to play on a line with San Jose's young core, including Macklin Celebrini, Will Smith and Michael Misa. Stenberg is smart and brings a high motor with excellent playmaking instincts. San Jose is building something dangerous, and if Stenberg lands in a scoring role, his production could jump quickly. He had 33 points (11 goals, 22 assists) in 43 games with Frolunda of the SHL last season, the fifth-highest total by a player 18 or younger in Sweden's top league, and he had 10 points (four goals, six assists) in seven games during Sweden's gold-medal run at the 2026 World Juniors. The left wing turns 19 on Sept. 30, the day before the Sharks play their season opener at home against the Florida Panthers on Oct. 1.