Jason Bukala’s 2026 NHL Mock Draft
The Toronto Maple Leafs hold the No. 1 overall pick for the 2026 NHL Draft in Buffalo, where Sportsnet analysts project winger Gavin McKenna as the first selection. The event begins Friday at 7 p.m. ET on Sportsnet and Sportsnet+, with rounds two through seven following on Saturday.
A Sportsnet analyst reports that the lead-up to this draft has seen an unusual volume of transactions and rumors. These include star players requesting trades and pending free agents choosing the open market over re-signing with current clubs.
Who are the top projected picks for the 2026 NHL Draft?
According to the Sportsnet mock draft, the Toronto Maple Leafs are expected to select Gavin McKenna to fill the vacancy left by Mitch Marner’s departure to Vegas. McKenna is described as a game-changing talent from Penn State with high offensive upside.
The San Jose Sharks are projected to take winger Ivar Stenberg at No. 2. This projection follows the Sharks’ trade of William Eklund to the Ottawa Senators earlier this week.
At No. 3, the Vancouver Canucks are expected to select centre Caleb Malhotra. Malhotra’s father, Manny, was recently named the head coach of the Canucks.
The Buffalo Sabres are projected to take centre Viggo Bjorck at No. 4. Bjorck is noted for his pace and skill despite a listed size of five-foot-nine and 180 pounds.
How are recent trades impacting draft strategies?
Recent roster moves have shifted projected needs for several franchises. The Calgary Flames acquired right-shot defenceman Simon Nemec from the New Jersey Devils, which analysts suggest may lead Calgary to select left-shot defender Carson Carels at No. 6.
Similarly, the New Jersey Devils’ trade of Nemec and rumors surrounding Dougie Hamilton’s future may lead the team to select right-shot defender Ryan Lin at No. 12 to serve as a power play quarterback.
The San Jose Sharks have focused heavily on their blue line, with projections suggesting they could add defender Alberts Smits at No. 9 and defender Tommy Bleyl at No. 27.
What are the projected selections for the rest of the first round?
The New York Rangers are projected to take defender Chase Reid at No. 5 and defender William Hakansson at No. 26. The Seattle Kraken may select defender Keaton Verhoeff at No. 7, while the Winnipeg Jets are expected to take defender Daxon Rudolph at No. 8.
Other projected top-15 picks include:
- No. 10: Nashville Predators — Wyatt Cullen (Winger)
- No. 11: St. Louis Blues — Malte Gustafsson (Defenceman)
- No. 13: New York Islanders — Tynan Lawrence (Centre)
- No. 14: Columbus Blue Jackets — Ethan Belchetz (Winger)
Later in the round, the Los Angeles Kings may select JP Hurlbert at No. 17, and the Washington Capitals are projected to take Alexander Command at No. 18. The Utah Mammoth are expected to select Nikita Klepov at No. 19.
The St. Louis Blues hold a significant advantage in the first round with four total picks. In addition to Malte Gustafsson and the Ruck twins, they are projected to take right-shot defenceman Juho Piiparinen at No. 29.
Remaining projected picks:
- No. 20: Buffalo Sabres — Elton Hermansson (Winger)
- No. 21: Philadelphia Flyers — Adam Novotny (Winger)
- No. 22: Pittsburgh Penguins — Ilya Morozov (Centre)
- No. 23: Boston Bruins — Maddox Dagenais (Centre/Wing)
- No. 24: Vancouver Canucks — Oscar Hemming (Winger)
- No. 25: Ottawa Senators — Mathis Preston (Winger)
- No. 28: Montreal Canadiens — Simas Ignatavicius (Centre)
- No. 30: Calgary Flames — Oliver Suvanto (Centre)
- No. 31: Carolina Hurricanes — Adam Valentini (Centre/Winger)
- No. 32: Ottawa Senators — Maksim Sokolovski (Defenceman)
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the 2026 NHL Draft taking place?
The draft is being held in Buffalo.
Which team holds the first overall pick?
The Toronto Maple Leafs hold the No. 1 pick.
How many first-round picks do the St. Louis Blues have?
The St. Louis Blues hold four picks in the first round.
Which projected pick do you think will have the biggest impact on their team?