2026 NHL Draft: Orth’s Top 96 Final Rankings

With the 2026 NHL Entry Draft less than a month away (June 26), the biggest tournaments across the hockey world are winding down, with the Kitchener Rangers (OHL) winning the Memorial Cup, and the World Championship finished, and the Stanley Cup Final just around the corner. With that being said, most of the prospects for the 2026 Draft have seen their seasons wrap up, and the attention for them now fully turns to hearing their names being called in Buffalo, New York.

There aren’t many massive shake-ups, ranking-wise, among the prospects in this year’s class, but a handful have seen their draft value improve with their play at the Memorial Cup or even at the World Championship as they have represented their countries. With that being said, here are my top-96 final rankings ahead of the 2026 NHL Draft.

First Round

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

After sitting at the top of my first two rankings, Ivar Stenberg takes the spot in my final one. He has not disappointed whatsoever this season, whether with Frölunda or at the international level for Sweden. His two-way game is great, and he has the offensive skill to be a game-breaker. At the World Championship with Sweden, Stenberg was rock solid against NHL talent and put his entire game on display (eight points in eight games), while also playing close to 20 minutes a night in the top six for his home country.

2. Gavin McKenna, LW, Penn State (NCAA)

While not playing for Canada at the World Championship, Gavin McKenna’s second half of his freshman season at Penn State was exactly what he needed to have on the ice to fully reassure the hockey world that he is one of the top two prospects in the 2026 Draft. His playmaking and all-around offensive game were on display all season long for the Nittany Lions, and he has the highest ceiling of any player in this year’s class. But what still seperates him and Stenberg, for me personally, is Stenberg’s two-way game compared to McKenna’s.

3. Chase Reid, RD, Soo Greyhounds (OHL)

Chase Reid did nothing but see his draft value rise throughout his draft-year season and takes the spot for the top defenseman in my rankings. Outside of an injury that kept him out of action for a month-plus, he put his full game on display for the Soo Greyhounds. He has developed his offensive game to match his strong defensive game and is a two-way threat from the backend of the ice. His ability to run a power play and be rock solid in his end of the ice makes him a prospect that very well could end up going second overall if the San Jose Sharks decide to draft a defenseman.

4. Caleb Malhotra, C Brantford Bulldogs (OHL)

A strong playoff for the Brantford Bulldogs, where he put up 26 points in 15 games, Caleb Malhotra solidified himself as the top center in the 2026 class. The motor and energy he plays with stand out immediately, and his offensive game, including his overall playmaking, makes him a threat with the puck at any time. Add in the defensive responsibility he plays with from his center position, and Malhotra is everything that an NHL organization is looking for from their center.

5. Keaton Verhoeff, RD, University of North Dakota (NCAA)

A minute eater for North Dakota in his first collegiate season, Keaton Verhoeff did have some adjustment to the college game, but finished very strong. His offensive game is led by a strong shot that he uses from anywhere on the ice, and he put up really solid numbers for a freshman defenseman (six goals, 14 assists, 20 points). He has the confidence to lead rushes and then, on the defensive side of the puck, to throw his weight around and be a responsible defenseman.

6. Carson Carels, LD, Prince George Cougars (WHL)

Proving to be a jack of all trades this season, Carson Carels has the game to be whatever his team needs him to be. He can take over a game offensively, whether with his playmaking or shooting, or lead a rush in transition. He has the defensive game to shut down opposing teams’ top-line players and can play in any situation. After a strong offensive season in which he more than doubled his points from last season (73 points), Carels has all the tools to be a top-four defenseman at the NHL level.

7. Viggo Björck, Djurgårdens IF (SHL)

Like Stenberg, Viggo Björck got to put his game on display plenty this season, and also played for Sweden at the World Championship. He played quite a bit for the Swedes in the tournament, putting up a strong stat line of one goal, five assists, and six total points. He continues to put the doubters to rest regarding his size (5-foot-10), and has the vision, IQ, and overall skill to be a difference-maker on the ice.

8. Alberts Šmits, LD, EHC München (DEL)

The last of the big prospects to play at the World Championship, Alberts Šmits, remained a top performer for Latvia throughout the tournament. He played north of 20 minutes a game and put up four assists in eight games played for his home country. The young Latvian plays with great confidence from the backend of the ice and has the all-around game to be a top-four defenseman in the NHL. His offensive numbers may not jump off the page, but his defensive game is strong, with a good mix of stick play and physicality. He very well could be one of the most NHL-ready prospects in this year’s class.

9. Daxon Rudolph, RD, Prince Albert Raiders (WHL)

After a strong regular season, Daxon Rudolph continued his play in the WHL Playoffs, where he led the Prince Albert Raiders with 27 points (nine goals, 18 assists) and proved even further why he is one of the best defensemen in the 2026 Draft. He plays with great calmness at both ends of the ice, whether it is with the puck on his stick or defensively, where he takes time and space away from opponents. He has a solid mix of goal-scoring and playmaking abilities that make him a threat in any situation on the ice.

10. Tynan Lawrence, C, Boston University (NCAA)

A prospect many will likely be keeping their eyes on at the 2026 NHL Draft Combine this week, Tynan Lawrence finished his first season at Boston University on a high note and then rolled that into a strong showing for Canada at the U18 World Junior Championship (WJC). He tied for second on the team in points with six and put his speed and work ethic on display. He has the shooting ability to be a high-output scorer, but can also be a playmaking machine with his passing and vision. He will certainly be a prospect to keep an eye on in June.

11. Ethan Belchetz, LW, Windsor Spitfires (OHL)

Had it not been for a shoulder injury that cut his season short, Ethan Belchetz could find himself higher in these rankings. He has the size to be a power forward in the offensive zone, while also having the shooting ability to keep opponents on their toes. His willingness to go to the dirty areas of the ice makes him a pest for opponents at the front of the net and along the boards in puck battles. He throws his weight around and uses his size to his advantage whenever he can at either end of the ice, and if put in the right environment, can be a player who develops into a top-six power forward.

12. Ryan Lin, RD, Vancouver Giants (WHL)

An all-around solid two-way defenseman, Ryan Lin has all the makings to be a dual-threat player from the backend of the ice. His game is driven by his vision and IQ on the ice, as he makes the right decisions at both ends of the ice. He finds himself in the right spot defensively to take away passing lanes and space, and then has the offensive game to be a difference-maker. He has developed this aspect of his game since last season, finishing with 14 goals (five last season) and 57 points. He is another prospect who had a strong showing with Canada at the U18 WJC.

13. Elton Hermansson, W, MoDo (Hockey Allsvenskan)

After a strong season with MoDo in his draft-year season, Elton Hermansson finished off his play with a great showing at the U18 WJC with Sweden, leading the way with 12 points. He has a great transition game, and offensively, he is dangerous with the puck on his stick, thanks in large part to his lethally accurate shot. While there are question marks about his intensity at times, Hermansson has the overall skill set to be a solid top-six forward on either wing.

14. Oliver Suvanto, C, Tappara (Liiga)

Known for his big frame (6-foot-3), Oliver Suvanto loves to play physically at both ends of the ice. He throws his weight around defensively to let his opponents know he is on the ice, and then, offensively, to protect the puck and get to the middle of the zone to create high-danger scoring chances. He has the hands to make in-tight moves with the puck and makes an impact on the ice, even if his game is not 100% offensively. The biggest knock on his game is his skating, but if he can refine it, he has all the makings of an NHL power forward.

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

A solid first season in the OHL after being a 2024 CHL Import Draft pick of the Peterborough Petes, Adam Novotný did have a quiet playoff showing, putting up only one point in six games. But his game goes beyond the numbers, as he is constantly all over the ice, looking to make an impact at both ends of the ice away from the puck. He has a great motor and is relentless on the forecheck and in his own end of the ice defensively. Having the willingness to do the dirty work mixed in with a great shot and skating ability, Novotný has the capability of being a difference-maker even if it does not show on the scoresheet.

16. Oscar Hemming, LW, Boston College (NCAA)

Production-wise, Oscar Hemming may not have lit the world on fire in the 19 games he played this season at Boston College, but he put the skills that have made him one of the top prospects out of the NCAA in this year’s class. He is a natural pest against his opponents, with the work ethic and motor he plays with, constantly in their space and throwing his weight around whenever he can. While not possessing one singular top-notch offensive skill, Hemming has a mid and long-range shot that can be dangerous with the puck on his stick. A full season at Boston College next season could very well help him take his game to another level.

17. Xavier Villeneuve, LD, Blainville-Boisbriand Armada (QMJHL)

On the smaller side for a defenseman (5-foot-11, 157 pounds), Xavier Villeneuve may not play with the most physicality, but he has the offensive skill with the puck on his stick to make opponents be on their toes. He has shiftiness in his skating to make quick moves, and he is also creative with his puck-handling. He drives play from the point offensively and can put up plenty of points (38 this season) while remaining a responsible and reliable player defensively.

Potential top 10 2026 draft pick Xavier Villeneuve is an electric defenseman with so much offensive talent it’s scary.

He is the next joystick D-man capable of making plays like Lane Hutson and Quinn Hughes offensively pic.twitter.com/M3PQhGrY79

— The Prospect Don (@TheProspectDon) October 6, 2025

18. Nikita Klepov, RW, Saginaw Spirit (OHL)

The Emms Family Award winner (OHL Rookie of the Year), Nikita Klepov, had a great first season in the OHL, putting up a league-high 97 points (37 goals, 60 assists) for the Saginaw Spirit. While his offensive game is led by his great vision, high-end shot, and playmaking, his off-puck game is strong as well. He loves to pressure opponents and battle for the puck, and showed that he is more than capable of being a responsible, two-way winger this season. The patience he plays with is evident at both ends of the ice. The future Michigan State Spartan has all of the tools to be a top-six winger at the NHL level.

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

A bit of a quiet showing at the U18 WJC with Sweden compared to some of the other prospects in this year’s class (four points), Marcus Nordmark still has all of the tools to be a high-end offensive threat. He loves to be around the puck, whether it is setting teammates up with his great passing ability or making slick plays to get around opponents. Nordmark is constantly found around or with the puck offensively. The biggest question mark is whether he can stay fully engaged, as he tends to fight this periodically.

20. JP Hurlbert, LW, Kamloops Blazers (WHL)

Armed with an NHL-level shot (42 goals, fourth in the WHL), JP Hurlbert also proved that he can be a playmaking threat this season with the Kamloops Blazers. He showed off the IQ and vision it takes to be a high-end distributor with the puck on his stick. If it were not for the fact that his off-puck game is lacking, Hurlbert could very well be a top-15 prospect in the 2026 Draft. Nonetheless, he can be a consistent goal-scorer at the next level.

21. Malte Gustafsson, LD, HV71 (SHL)

More of a prototypical defensive defenseman, Malte Gustafsson may not bring a ton to the offensive side of the puck (three points in the SHL), but he did stand out for Sweden at the U18 WJC with five points (four assists). He has the ability to be a solid puck mover with smart, smooth decision-making. But his defensive game is where he shines. Standing 6-foot-4, he uses his reach and size to his advantage to keep opponents at bay, while having solid skating for his size as well. He currently projects to be more of a shutdown defenseman at the next level.

22. Juho Piiparinen, RD, Tappara (SHL)

Juho Piiparinen is cut from the same mold as Gustafsson when it comes to being a defensive defenseman, being one of the class’s most fundamentally sound defenders. Positionally, Piiparinen is great, putting himself in spots to shut down opponents with great reads on the play in front of him and keeping the puck out of high-danger areas. He is more of a puck-moving defenseman offensively, and may not end up being a huge point producer in his career, but is surely a shutdown type of defenseman.

23. Wyatt Cullen, LW, USNTDP (USHL)

After a strong finish to his season with the United States National Team Developmental Program (USNTDP), Wyatt Cullen rolled that into the U18 WJC, where he put up a team-high nine points for the United States. He is another player who can do it all for his team, whether it is on the forecheck, backcheck, battling, or offensive output. He plays with great speed at both ends of the ice and has the awareness and goal-scoring abilities to be a threat in the offensive zone. One of the prospects in this year’s class who has seen their draft value rise throughout the season, Cullen has the potential to become a strong two-way player at the NHL level.

What a beautiful goal from Wyatt Cullen, and some great work from Jamie Glance. 6-1 USA in the first period. #U18MensWorlds pic.twitter.com/y0m6oHniJO

— Steven Ellis (@SEllisHockey) April 27, 2026

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

Armed with a dangerous shot that he can get off on the outside or inside of the offensive zone, Mathis Preston put this skill on display this season. Even with battling an injury earlier on in the season, he tallied 18 total goals between his time with the Spokane Chiefs and then the Vancouver Giants after being traded to Vancouver. When fully healthy, Preston has the speed, skating ability, and stick-handling to be a difference-maker both in the offensive zone and in transition. Defensively, his speed and IQ are on display in his solid play in his zone.

25. Ilia Morozov, C, Miami University (OH) (NCAA)

A two-way game spearheaded by his motor helped Ilia Morozov stand out in his freshman season at Miami University (OH). He plays with great energy at both ends and loves to get involved in board battles, and the forecheck. His offensive numbers certainly were solid for one of the youngest players in the NCAA, putting up 20 points in 36 games, and he has the potential to become an even bigger threat in the offensive zone next season. He is great in transition with the puck and when set up in the offensive zone, he has the capability of being a strong distributor.

26. Maddox Dagenais, C, Québec Remparts (QMJHL)

A great player away from the puck, Maddox Dagenais plays a very simplistic, yet effective game when he is on the ice. A tireless worker on both sides of the puck, he is constantly looking to make a play, whether its on the forecheck or puck battles. When he gets the puck on his stick, he has the skating ability to work himself into position to make a play at the net. He can light the lamp, scoring 33 times between the regular season and playoffs, but does get a little to “puck happy” and likes to hang out to it a bit too long from time to time. Overall, he has the tools NHL organizations love to have from their prospects.

27. William Håkansson, LD, Luleå HF (SHL)

Standing at 6-foot-4 and 207 pounds, William Håkansson loves to throw his body around when he gets the chance too. He is another prospect who is more of a defensive player than he is offensive, and he can play the role of a shutdown defenseman well. His gap control and angles which he takes to shut opponents out the outside of the zone are great, and when he decides to throw a hit, he makes it count. He has shown flashes of having some offensive upside, but his current game points in the direction of being more of a shutdown player.

28. Egor Shilov, C, Victoriaville Tigres (QMJHL)

Known more for his offensive game than his defensive one, Egor Shilov had a strong first season in the QMJHL with the Victoriaville Tigres. He has a good mix of goal-scoring and playmaking abilities in his toolbox to be a threat at all times when he has the puck. Where his game really shines is in transiton, where he is able to maneuver through opponents with strong skating and stickhandling and can lead rushes to set his team up in the offensive zone. Already one of the top Russian-born prospects in the 2026 Draft, if Shilov can improve upon his defensive game, he could become an even bigger difference-maker on the ice.

29. Liam Ruck, RW, Medicine Hat Tigers (WHL)

A massive breakout season with the Medicine Hat Tigers alongside his brother Markus, Liam Ruck has the tools to be a top playmaker. He has the vision and IQ to make great decisions with the puck on his stick and to find his teammates. His anticipation and scanning of the play in front of him help him to get to the net and make a play. Ruck loves going to the dirty areas of the offensive zone to make a play and thrives out in front of the net to score his goals. His defensive game is much like his play offensively, as he uses that same IQ and vision of the ice to position himself to cut down passing lanes.

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

A strong skater with great speed, Niklas Aaram-Olsen stood out for Norway at the U18 WJC with his overall play. All seaosn long with Örebro HK U20, he showed off his great shot and decision-making with the puck. His shot from mid-range is great and he is also more than willing to lower a shoulder and take on contact to work to the net for a shot from a high-danger area. His defensive game is strong enough to make him a solid two-way player.

31. Jaxon Cover, RW, London Knights (OHL)

Jaxon Cover has a ton of upside and potential in his game. One of the more raw prospects in this year’s draft, he has already shown the ability to be a difference-maker for the London Knights. He has the natural goal-scoring touch to be a threat to shoot the puck at any time, but also sees the ice well enough to know when to find a teammate for an even better option. He loves going to the dirty areas of the ice to make a play at either end of the ice. With the untapped potential (he has only played a handful of years of ice hockey), an NHL organization could look to take him toward the end of the first-round and look to turn the raw talent into something special.

32. Ryan Roobroeck, LW, Niagara IceDogs (OHL)

While his play could be hit or miss, when Ryan Roobroeck is on, he is a true game-changer. Having great size (6-foot-4, 216 pounds), he has the body to be a power forward style of player and has a shot that is absolutely lethal. His size also helps him be a strong presence in front of the net, while having solid skating for his size and having smooth hands. The biggest key to taking the next step in his game is to become more consistent.

Second Round

33. Alexander Command, C, Örebro HK U20 (Nationell)

34. Tomas Chrenko, C, HK Nitra (Slovakia)

35. Pierce Mbuyi, LW, Owen Sound Attack (OHL)

36. Victor Plante, LW, USNTDP (USHL)

37. Adam Valentini, C, University of Michigan (NCAA)

38. Jack Hextall, C, Youngstown Phantoms (USHL)

39. Casey Mutryn, RW, USNTDP (USHL)

40. Markus Ruck, C, Medicine Hat Tigers (WHL)

41. Tommy Bleyl, RD, Moncton Wildcats (QMJHL)

42. Nikita Shcherbakov, LD, Tolpar Ufa (MHL)

43. Adam Goljer, RD, HK Dukla Trencin (Slovakia U20)

44. Simas Ignatavicius, Genève-Servette HC (NL)

45. Ben MacBeath, LD, Calgary Hitmen (WHL)

46. Beckham Edwards, C, Sarnia Sting (OHL)

47. Adam Nemec, LW, Sudbury Wolves (OHL)

48. Vladimir Dravecky, LD, Brantford Bulldogs (OHL)

49. Alessandro Di Iorio, C, Sarnia Sting (OHL)

50. Giorgos Pantelas, RD, Brandon Wheat Kings (WHL)

51. Filip Novak, LW, HC Sparta Praha (Czechia)

52. Oscar Holmertz, C, Linköping HC U20 (Nationell)

53. Lavr Gashilov, C, Avto Yekaterinburg (MHL)

54. Ryder Cali, C, North Bay Battalion (OHL)

55. Lars Steiner, RW, Rouyn-Noranda Huskies (QMJHL)

56. Brooks Rogowski, C, Oshawa Generals (OHL)

57. Matias Vanhanen, LW, Everett Silvertips (WHL)

58. Vertti Svensk, LD, SaiPa (Liiga)

59. Axel Elofsson, RD, Örebro HK U20 (Nationell)

60. Luke Schairer, RD, USNTDP (USHL)

61. Thomas Vandenberg, C, Ottawa 67s (OHL)

62. Viktor Fyodorov, C, Chaika Nizhny Novgorod (MHL)

63. Gleb Pugachyov, RW, Chaika Nizhny Novgorod (MHL)

64. Cole Zurawski, RW, Owen Sound Attack (OHL)

Third Round

65. Vilho Vanhatalo, RW, Tappara U20 (U20 SM-sarja)

66. Mikey Berchild, LW, USNTDP (USHL)

67. Alexei Vlasov, LW, Victoriaville Tigres (QMJHL)

68. Chase Harrington, LW, Spokane Chiefs (WHL)

69. Brek Liske, RD, Everett Silvertips (WHL)

70. Landon Amrhein, LW, Calgary Hitmen (WHL)

71. Tobias Trejbal, G, Youngstown Phantoms (USHL)

72. Samu Alalauri, RD, Pelicans U20 (U20 SM-sarja)

73. Egor Barabanov, C, Saginaw Spirit (OHL)

74. Casper Juustovaara, C, Luleå HF (SHL)

75. Alan Shaikhlislamov, RW, Tolpar Ufa (MHL)

76. Jonas Lagerberg-Hoen, Leksands IF U20 (Nationell)

77. Jean-Cristoph Lemieux, LW, Sudbury Wolves (OHL)

78. Nils Bartholdsson, LW, Rogle BK U20 (Nationell)

79. Braidy Wassilyn, LW, London Knights (OHL)

80. Olivers Mūrnieks, C, Saint Johns Sea Dogs (QMJHL)

81. Brady Knowling, G, USNTDP (USHL)

82. Landon Hafele, C, Green Bay Gamblers (USHL)

83. Ethan MacKenzie, LD, Edmonton Oil Kings (WHL)

84. Alexander Bilecki, LD, Kitchener Rangers (OHL)

85. Landon Nycz, LD, University of Massachusetts (NCAA)

86. Ludvig Andersson, RW, Örebro HK U20 (Nationell)

87. Blake Zielinski, C Des Moines Buccaneers (USHL)

88. Colin Fitzgerald, C, Soo Greyhounds (OHL)

89. Ryan Brown, LW, London Knights (OHL)

90. Michal Orsulak, G, Prince Albert Cougars (WHL)

91. Cooper Williams, C, Saskatoon Blades (WHL)

92. Jakub Vaněček, LD, Tri-City Americans (WHL)

93. Noel Pakarinen, LW, Kiekko-Espoo U20 (U20 SM-sarja)

94. Simon Katolicky, LW, Tappara U20 (U20 SM-sarja)

95. Rudolfs Berzkalns, C, Muskegon Lumberjacks (USHL)

96. Dmitri Borichev, G, Loko-76 Yaroslavl (MHL)