2026 NHL Draft Class Shines with High-End Playmakers and Defenders

TITLE: 2026 NHL Draft Class Shines with High-End Playmakers and Defenders

The 2026 NHL Draft class is shaping up as one of the most dynamic in recent years, with a mix of elite playmakers, power forwards, and two-way defenders already showing flashes of NHL-ready potential. NHL Central Scouting has released its final rankings, identifying Gavin McKenna as the top North American skater and Ivar Stenberg as the top international prospect.

McKenna, a 5-foot-11, 170-pound left wing from Penn State, led all draft-eligible players with 51 points in 35 games during the 2025-26 season. His 15 goals and 36 assists included five on the power play. NHL Central Scouting compared him to Patrick Kane of the Detroit Red Wings, noting his ability to "dictate what happens in the game" and his "hockey IQ and ability to play at a high level."

Second-ranked Keaton Verhoeff, a 6-foot-3, 208-pound defenseman from North Dakota, tallied 20 points in 35 games and added 42 blocked shots. He was likened to John Carlson of the Anaheim Ducks. Central Scouting praised his "full package of size, skills, and attributes" and his ability to adapt to the NCAA game.

Carson Carels, the third-ranked skater, dominated the WHL with 73 points in 58 games. The 6-foot-1, 202-pound defenseman from Prince George was compared to Boston’s Charlie McAvoy. His blend of offensive production, physicality, and defensive soundness makes him a potential top-pairing defenseman.

Chase Reid of Sault Ste. Marie (OHL) and Caleb Malhotra of Brantford (OHL) round out the top five. Reid, a smooth-skating defenseman, tallied 48 points in 45 games and was compared to Jake Sanderson of the Ottawa Senators. Malhotra, a 6-foot-1 center, led all draft-eligible players with 84 points in 67 games and was compared to Nico Hischier of the New Jersey Devils.

Goalie Brady Knowling, the top North American netminder, posted a 12-10-1 record with a 3.72 GAA and .880 save percentage in 27 games for the USA U-18 team. His style was compared to Vancouver’s Thatcher Demko, with Central Scouting highlighting his "very good pro presence" and "excellent positional play."

Internationally, Ivar Stenberg of Frolunda (Sweden) impressed with 33 points in 43 games and was compared to Tim Stutzle of the Ottawa Senators. His first-step quickness and hockey sense make him a dangerous offensive threat.

With the 2026 NHL Draft just weeks away, teams will look to land one of these high-impact prospects. The draft is set for June 20-22 in Montreal, where the next wave of NHL talent will be officially introduced.