2026 NHL Draft First Round: Key Picks and Player Evaluations
The first round of the 2026 National Hockey League draft is underway in Buffalo, and teams have begun shaping their futures with a mix of high-end offensive talent, steady defensemen, and intriguing international prospects. Here is a breakdown of each selection so far.
Toronto Takes Top-Ranked Gavin McKenna at No. 1
The Toronto Maple Leafs selected right wing Gavin McKenna from Penn State with the first overall pick. McKenna held the top spot in the CSB rankings throughout the year, bringing a combination of creativity and physicality to the ice. His well-rounded game made him the consensus choice at the top of the draft.
San Jose Adds Dynamic Winger Ivar Stenberg
At No. 2, the San Jose Sharks chose left wing Ivar Stenberg from Frolunda in Sweden. Stenberg is viewed as a dynamic potential linemate for star Macklin Celebrini, giving the Sharks an exciting young duo to build around for years to come.
Vancouver Selects Center Caleb Malhotra
The Vancouver Canucks picked center Caleb Malhotra from the Brantford Bulldogs at No. 3. Malhotra comes from hockey royalty, as his father, Manny Malhotra, will serve as the coach of the young scoring star’s new OHL team.
Buffalo Moves Up for Defenseman Daxon Rudolph
After trading up in the draft, the Buffalo Sabres selected defenseman Daxon Rudolph from Prince Albert at No. 4. The 6-foot-3 defender, nicknamed “The Thumper,” is expected to continue his development at the collegiate level.
NY Rangers Go Overseas for Alberts Smits
The New York Rangers used the fifth overall pick on defenseman Alberts Smits from Munich in the DEL. Smits made history as the youngest Olympian on Team Latvia and performed slightly better than scouts anticipated heading into draft night.
Calgary Picks Carson Carels
At No. 6, the Calgary Flames selected defenseman Carson Carels from the Prince George Cougars. Carels posted an impressive 73 points along with 66 penalty minutes last season. He will head to the University of North Dakota next year before turning professional.
Seattle Chooses Chase Reid
The Seattle Kraken took defenseman Chase Reid from the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds with the seventh pick. Reid brought pinpoint skating ability to the Soo for several seasons and also spent time with the U.S. National Team Development Program before being drafted.
Winnipeg Drafts Swedish Center Viggo Bjorck
The Winnipeg Jets selected center Viggo Bjorck from Djurgarden in the Swedish Elite League at No. 8. Despite standing just 1.70 meters tall, Bjorck plays a larger game and joins a Jets organization in need of a psychological boost.
Nashville Takes Wyatt Cullen at No. 10
The Nashville Predators chose left wing Wyatt Cullen from the U.S. National Development Program with the 10th pick. Cullen comes from a storied hockey family, as his father Matt won three Stanley Cups. The 6-foot-3 forward also experienced a notable growth spurt over the past year, adding to his intrigue as a prospect.
St. Louis Select Lawrence
At No. 11, the St. Louis Blues drafted center Tynan Lawrence from Boston University. The New Brunswick native previously won a USHL championship with Muskegon before transferring to the University of Minnesota.
New Jersey Goes International with Alexander Command
The New Jersey Devils selected center Alexander Command from Orebro in the Swedish Elite League at No. 12. Command was the first choice for new Devils general manager Sunny Mehta, who has brought a data-driven approach to the organization.
NY Islanders Pick Malte Gustafsson
With the 13th overall pick, the NY Islanders took defenseman Malte Gustafsson from HV-71 in the SEL. Gustafsson is expected to serve as a nice complement to last year’s first overall pick and Calder Trophy winner, Matthew Schaefer.
Columbus Drafts Oscar Hemming
The Columbus Blue Jackets selected left wing Oscar Hemming from Boston College at No. 14. The 6-foot-4 forward had OHL aspirations with Kitchener but ultimately found a good home with the Eagles program at Boston College.
Anaheim Ducks Close Out the Picks with Nikita Klepov
At No. 15, the Anaheim Ducks selected right wing Nikita Klepov from the Saginaw Spirit in the OHL. The Russian forward, who had previously been linked to both Mason McTavish comparisons and the Blues organization, posted an impressive 60 assists and 97 points last season.
The first round continues with more selections to come. Stay tuned for full coverage as all 32 franchises make their picks throughout the evening.
