The 2025-26 hockey season is in full swing, and while teams battle for playoff positioning, scouts and general managers have one eye firmly fixed on the future. The 2026 NHL Entry Draft is shaping up to be a landmark event, headlined by a prospect who has been generating “generational” buzz since his early teenage years: Gavin McKenna.
Unlike previous years, the landscape of the draft has shifted dramatically with the NCAA’s recent rule changes, allowing major junior stars to crossover into college hockey. This has added a new layer of intrigue to the scouting process as top-tier talent is now spread across the NCAA, SHL, and CHL more evenly than ever before.
When and Where is the 2026 NHL Draft?
The NHL has officially confirmed the dates for the event, though the location remains the subject of intense speculation.
- Dates: June 26–27, 2026
- Location: TBA (Rumors persist regarding Montreal or a western Canadian hub, but an official host city has not yet been finalized as of December 31, 2025).
While the venue is yet to be locked in, the prize at the finish line is clear. This class is deep, heavy on high-end skill, and features a projected number-one pick who could alter the trajectory of a franchise for a decade.
Top 5 Projected Prospects to Watch
The race for the first overall pick is tighter than initially expected, thanks to historic production from Europe, but the consensus still points to a certain phenom from the Yukon. Below is a look at the projected top 5 picks for the 2026 NHL Draft.
#1. Gavin McKenna (LW)
Team: Penn State (NCAA) | Height: 5’11”
The Projection: McKenna is the crown jewel of this class. After dominating the WHL as a 16-year-old, he made the jump to the NCAA this season. His vision, edge-work, and playmaking ability have drawn comparisons to Patrick Kane and Elias Pettersson. He is a dynamic offensive engine who processes the game faster than anyone else on the ice.
#2. Ivar Stenberg (LW/RW)
Team: Frölunda HC (SHL) | Height: 5’11”
The Projection: If anyone can challenge McKenna, it’s Stenberg. He is producing at a historic rate in the SHL (Sweden’s top pro league), outpacing draft-year numbers of Swedish legends like the Sedins. He is a dual-threat winger with a lethal shot and a motor that never quits.
#3. Keaton Verhoeff (RHD)
Team: North Dakota (NCAA) | Height: 6’4″
The Projection: Right-handed defensemen with size and mobility are the NHL’s rarest commodity. Verhoeff fits the bill perfectly. He is a towering presence on the blue line who skates exceptionally well for his size and can quarterback a power play. He projects as a franchise #1 defenseman.
#4. Tynan Lawrence (C)
Team: Muskegon Lumberjacks (USHL) | Height: 6’1″
The Projection: The top center on the board, Lawrence plays a heavy, pro-style game. He combines speed with power and is relentless on the puck. NHL GMs looking for a two-way force down the middle will be clamoring to trade up for him.
#5. Ethan Belchetz (LW)
Team: Windsor Spitfires (OHL) | Height: 6’5″
The Projection: You can’t teach size. Belchetz is a massive power forward who dominates the physical game in the OHL. Unlike many big men at this age, he has soft hands and can finish around the net. He is the ultimate “unicorn” prospect for teams wanting to add heaviness to their lineup.
Why the 2026 Class Matters
The 2026 NHL Entry Draft represents a pivot point for the league. With the integration of NIL deals in the NCAA and the changing development paths for elite juniors, we are seeing prospects who are more physically mature and “pro-ready” than in years past.
While Gavin McKenna grabs the headlines, the depth of this draft—particularly on the blue line with players like Verhoeff and Chase Reid—ensures that teams picking in the top 10 will walk away with cornerstone pieces. As we move closer to June 2026, expect the debates between McKenna’s pure skill and Stenberg’s professional production to heat up significantly.