2026 NHL Draft – Top 5 Snipers

Teams are always looking for the complete package in prospects when using their top draft picks, but these players have one thing in common: their elite shots. Here are the top five snipers eligible for the 2026 NHL Draft.

5. Marcus Nordmark, LW, Djurgårdens IF (U20 Nationell)

Due to some defensive concerns, Marcus Nordmark is perceived as somewhat of a risky draft selection. But his skill level is quite high. He has a real chance to produce in the NHL, especially with his shot.

Nordmark recorded 14 goals and 24 assists in 25 games for Djurgårdens IF in Sweden’s top junior league. He played well internationally, adding 19 goals and 18 assists in 25 games. Back in August, he had the highest goal and point totals at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup.

Among other offensive tools, Nordmark has some juice on his shot. He could be a good snag in the mid-first round of this year’s class.

4. Adam Novotný, LW, Peterborough Petes (OHL)

Adam Novotný is one of the more complete players in the class. He plays with a ton of energy, blending skill with a physical presence. Most notably, his shot stands out.

For the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) Peterborough Petes, Novotný recorded 34 goals and 31 assists in 58 games this season. He had three assists at the U20 World Junior Championship in the winter for Czechia and won a silver medal.

Novotný, on top of his motor, has a cannon. He has the upside to be potent off the rush (with his shot) and inside the offensive zone (with his physicality).

3. Ivar Stenberg, LW, Frölunda HC (SHL)

Ivar Stenberg hardly needs an introduction. With 11 goals and 22 assists in 43 games, he put up the highest point total by a draft-year prospect in the Swedish Hockey League (SHL) since Daniel and Henrik Sedin entered the global spotlight. The 18-year-old winger is a top player in the class, and he has been viewed that way for a while.

Stenberg has plenty of high-end traits, and his shot is one of them—it’s both accurate and powerful. He may be more of an assist-getter in the NHL, but opponents should be wary of his goal-scoring potential, too.

2. Niklas Aaram-Olsen, LW, Örebro HK (U20 Nationell)

Niklas Aaram-Olsen has good engagement and skates well, but above all else, his release is excellent. He’s projected to go in the second round at the moment, but with his shot, he might be a steal.

Aaram-Olsen scored 20 goals and had as many assists in 29 games in Sweden’s U20 Nationell, which is solid production. Internationally, his heroic performance at the U20 World Championship Division I led to a promotion for Norway. He recorded a tournament-best six goals and added four assists in five games. He scored another four goals in five games at the U18 World Championship.

Aaram-Olsen doesn’t boast high goal totals for no reason. As mentioned, his release is early-first-round caliber. He might be worth a top 32 pick off that alone.

1. Mathis Preston, RW, Vancouver Giants (WHL)

After being viewed as a borderline top-five prospect for the 2026 class entering the season, Mathis Preston has seen his stock fall somewhat dramatically—he’s consistently ranked in the mid-20s to early-30s range. However, the skill level here is something special. The shot, in particular, is perhaps the best this year has to offer.

Preston’s production this season doesn’t really speak to his goal-scoring ability. He recorded 18 goals and 26 assists in 46 games in the Western Hockey League (WHL) and added two goals and four assists at the U18 World Championship for Canada.

But Preston’s release is game-breaking. If anyone defines the term “sniper,” it’s No. 96. He’s incredibly dangerous in open ice, and with his skating ability, it’s hard to keep him in check.

Stenberg is essentially guaranteed to be selected with a top-four pick in the 2026 NHL Draft, but aside from him, this list consists of prospects being mocked in the late teens, the 20s, and the 30s. It’ll be interesting to see where they go and what they become.