2026 NHL Draft Watch: McKenna Still Reigns, Rising Stars Emerge
The countdown to the 2026 NHL Draft is officially on! As junior hockey seasons kick off, archyde.com is bringing you an exclusive first look at the top prospects vying for a spot in the NHL. While one name continues to dominate the conversation, a new wave of talent is emerging, promising a thrilling draft year. This isn’t just about predicting picks; it’s about identifying the future stars who will electrify the ice.
Gavin McKenna: The Undisputed King
For at least three years, Gavin McKenna has been the consensus number one prospect for the 2026 NHL Draft, and that hasn’t changed. The Yukon native, who recently opted for a unique path to the NHL by joining Penn State’s NCAA program after racking up an astounding 129 points in his last season with the Medicine Hat Tigers, remains the player to watch. His decision to delay his entry into the professional ranks by a year, due to a late birthday, is a testament to his commitment to development. Many are drawing parallels to Connor Bedard, the Western Hockey League’s previous shining star, and expect McKenna to have a similar impact, even from the university ranks. He’ll be a key player to watch at the upcoming World Championship in Minnesota this December.
Beyond McKenna: The Top Contenders
While McKenna holds the top spot, the race for the remaining high picks is heating up. Defender Keaton Verhoeff, also choosing the NCAA route with the North Dakota Fighting Hawks, isn’t conceding anything. He even boldly stated his belief he could challenge McKenna for the top overall pick. While that may be a stretch, Verhoeff is widely projected to be the first defenseman selected, possessing the potential to become a top-pairing NHL blueliner.
From across the Atlantic, Swedish forward Ivar Stenberg is making a strong case for being the first European selected. Missing the 2025 draft by just two weeks, Stenberg used that time to shine, helping Sweden secure a bronze medal at the World Under-18 Championship with an impressive 8 goals in 7 games. His vision and skating ability make him a dynamic offensive threat.
North American Powerhouses Emerge
The Canadian Hockey League is also producing exciting prospects. Ethan Belchetz, a 6’5”, 227-pound power forward with the Windsor Spitfires, is poised to become the first CHL player off the board. His size and net-front presence make him a difficult matchup, and he’s expected to significantly increase his point production this season. Alongside him, Ryan Roobroeck of the Niagara Ice Dogs, another imposing forward, is drawing comparisons to NHL veteran Rick Nash with his combination of size and scoring touch. Both players showcased their skills on the international stage, contributing to Canada’s success at the World Under-18 Championship.
Defensive Depth and Rising Stars
Ryan Lin, a skilled defenseman from the Vancouver Giants, is another name to watch, having already proven his playmaking ability with over 50 points last season. Further down the list, Viggo Bjorck (Djugardens-SHL) demonstrates that size isn’t everything, showcasing intelligence and a knack for scoring. Keep an eye on Mathis Preston (Spokane-WHL) and Tynan Lawrence (Muskegon-USHL) – players with the potential to climb these rankings with strong performances this season. Lawrence, in particular, is a player teams will be eager to court, having been a target for the Saguenéens of Chicoutimi.
LHJMQ Prospects to Watch
The Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (LHJMQ) is also contributing to the 2026 draft class. Prospects like Egor Shilov (Tigres), Xavier Villeneuve (Armada), Oliver Murnieks (Sea Dogs), Lars Steiner (Huskies), Maddox Dagenais (Ramparts), and Benjamin Cossette-Ayotte (Foreurs) are all players scouts will be closely monitoring throughout the season.
The 2026 NHL Draft is shaping up to be a fascinating event, filled with exceptional talent. As the junior hockey season unfolds, archyde.com will continue to provide in-depth coverage and analysis, keeping you ahead of the curve on the next generation of NHL stars. Stay tuned for regular updates, scouting reports, and exclusive insights as we track these promising players on their journey to the NHL.
