Grading Each Team’s 2026 Draft Class

The 2026 NHL Entry Draft has come and passed, with plenty of excitement between some surprise selections and various trades among teams. Each NHL organization added plenty of talent and are all hopeful that their selections can become players who make an impact at the NHL level. How did each team fare at this year’s draft?

Anaheim Ducks

2026 picks: Nikita Klepov, Marcus Nordmark, Jayden Kurtz, Mathis Preston, Rian Chudzinski, Eric Frossard, Gleb Peshkov, Noah Kosick, James Reiber

The Anaheim Ducks were a team many kept an eye on over the weekend, largely to see how the Mason McTavish situation unfolded. The end result was McTavish being sent to the St. Louis Blues for two first-round picks. Those picks turned into Nikita Klepov (#15 overall) and Marcus Nordmark (#28 overall after another trade with the Vegas Golden Knights). Overall, the Ducks added solid talent and got a bit of a steal with Mathis Preston in the second round, but a lot hinges on whether Nordmark can become a full-fledged threat at the NHL level.

Grade: B+

Boston Bruins

2026 picks: Yuri Ivanov, Nils Bartholdsson, Matvei Kotkov, Oscar Olsson, Jacob Vandeven, Roberto Henriquez, Cullen McCrate

The Boston Bruins were on the opposite side of the coin of the Ducks, having acquired a player in exchange for a first-round pick, adding JJ Peterka from the Utah Mammoth for the 23rd overall pick. The Bruins took an interesting route this year, using all but two of their seven picks on European prospects that were ranked lower than their draft position for the most part. The selection of goaltender Yuri Ivanov was surprising. If one or even two of the players picked by the Bruins can pan out to be solid North American players, this year’s class will be average.

Grade: C

Buffalo Sabres

2026 picks: Daxon Rudolph, Ilia Morozov, Olivers Murnieks, Doman Szongoth, Dylan Dumont

After getting the fourth overall pick from the Chicago Blackhawks for Bowen Byram, the Buffalo Sabres surprised many with the selection of defenseman Daxon Rudolph over the likes of Chase Reid and Keaton Verheoff. But people should not put their nose up to the selection, as Rudolph brings plenty of offensive game to the backend of the ice for the Sabres’ system. The selection of Ilia Morozov at #20 may not end up being a flashy selection, but he also brings plenty of nastiness and two-way game into the system and should develop into a mid-six forward down the line.

Grade: A

Calgary Flames

2026 picks: Carson Carels, Jack Hextall, Chase Harrington, Tobias Trejbal, Alan Shaikhlislamov, Joe Iginla, Egor Barabanov, Simon Katolicky, Bode Laylin

The future of the defensive core the Calgary Flames are building continues to look great after they selected Carson Carels at number six this year. With their next three selections, they added players with plenty of upside, including goaltender Tobias Trejbal, a netminder who could easily develop into an everyday starter at the NHL level. The Flames got great value from each of their picks and added a nostalgic element to this year’s class by selecting Joe Iginla in the third round.

Grade: A

Carolina Hurricanes

2026 picks: William Håkansson, Wiggo Sorenson, Zachary Lansard, Mikey Berchild, Ryder Fetterolf, Zachary Jovanovski

The Stanley Cup Champions traded out of the first round, and still had a solid class this year. Getting defenseman William Håkansson at pick #51 is really strong value, and the addition of not one, but two netminders, including 2026 Canadian Hockey League Goaltender of the Year, Ryder Fetterolf, to their system just adds further depth to the position. Overall, the Hurricanes did a solid job with what picks they had this year, but were unable to add prospects who will likely make a massive impact at the NHL level.

Grade: B

Chicago Blackhawks

2026 picks: Xavier Villeneuve, Ryan Roobroeck, Samu Alalauri, Alexander Ivanov, William Sorbrand

After the surprise addition of the aforementioned Bowen Byram from the Sabres for the fourth overall pick, the Chicago Blackhawks did not make their first pick until the beginning of the second round. With an already strong system, the Blackhawks added three prospects who have a good chance of making an impact at the NHL level (Xavier Villeneuve, Ryan Roobroeck, and Samu Alalauri), albeit in different capacities. If Roobroeck can find consistency in his game, he could easily become another high-end offensive producer, and Villeneuve has the potential to be a top-four defenseman despite his size.

Grade: B+

Colorado Avalanche

2026 picks: Egor Shilov, Beckett Hamilton, Tobias Tvrznik, Axel Elofsson, Cole Tuminaro, Theodore Lechner, Shawn Carrier, Ondrej Ruml, Alexandre Raymond

Without a first-round pick, the Colorado Avalanche were still able to select a prospect with the potential to be a mid-to-bottom-six forward in Egor Shilov at pick #43 in the second round. Outside of that, they selected prospects who will likely be depth players within the organization, which is needed for an organization that is bare when it comes to its pipeline. The addition of goaltenders Tobias Tvrznik and Alexandre Raymond helps solidify the Avalanche’s depth at the position, along with 2024 second-round pick Ilya Nabokov.

Grade: C+

Columbus Blue Jackets

2026 picks: Oscar Hemming, Alessandro Di Iorio, Evan Jardine, Parker Snell, Anttoni Uronen, Jonas Woo, Filip Novak

The Columbus Blue Jackets made the pick that many expected them to in the first round when picking Oscar Hemming at pick #14, and added prospects with plenty of upside in Alessandro Di Iorio and Jonas Woo. If Di Iorio can find his game and develop to another level, and if Woo’s game can translate to the next level, this class could end up being a strong one for the Blue Jackets. Getting Filip Novak (#22-ranked European skater by NHL Central Scouting) in the seventh round is great value, and this year’s draft was solid for the Blue Jackets

Grade: B+

Dallas Stars

2026 picks: Jakub Vanecek, Ryan Brown, Anton Emil Wilde Larson, Jasper Kuhta, Mikhail Cherepanov

The Dallas Stars got great value with their second-round selection of Jakub Vanecek, but beyond that, they more or less added depth to their pipeline. Jasper Kuhta (seventh round, 197th) has a chance to become a bottom-six player if he can develop his game, and Ryan Brown (fifth round, 155th) is a prospect that I viewed as an underrated one from the Ontario Hockey League (OHL). The Stars may not have added top-end talent, but adding depth to a system that is a bit bare in that department helps.

Grade: C+

Detroit Red Wings

2026 picks: JP Hurlbert, Victor Plante, Michal Orsulak, Adam Levac, Beckham Edwards, Luka Arkko, Myles Brosman

The Detroit Red Wings moved back into the first round when they sent goaltender Sebastian Cossa to the Utah Mammoth for pick #23, and went with a player with a ton of offensive upside in JP Hurlbert. Hurlbert is a bit different from what general manager (GM) Steve Yzerman has gone for prospect-wise (200-foot game), but he has the potential to be a lethal goal-scorer in the NHL. The additions of Victor Plante and Beckham Edwards give the Red Wings two forward prospects with plenty of upside, and goaltender Michal Orsulak helps fill an empty spot at the position in the system while being one of the draft class’s top netminders.

Grade: B+

Edmonton Oilers

2026 picks: Rudolfs Berzkalns, Malcom Gastrin, Andrew Robinson, Caden Harvey, Ryan Cameron

With only five picks in this year’s draft, the Edmonton Oilers were unable to add any prospect who will end up being a game-breaker or top-six player in the NHL, but added depth to their system and hope that at least one of the 2026 draftees can make an impact at some point in the league.

Grade: C

Florida Panthers

2026 picks: Simas Ignatavicius, Ryder Cali, Jonas Kemps, Vilho Vanhatalo, Cole Zurawski, Louis-Antoine Denault

Even without their first-round pick (sent to the Ottawa Senators for Brady Tkachuk), the Florida Panthers had a solid draft. Adding a fringe first-round talent in Simas Ignatavicius, who has a great two-way game, along with Ryder Cali in the second round, gives the Panthers some much-needed talent in their system. The hope is that Ignatavicius can eventually become a middle-six forward, while Cali and maybe Cole Zurawski can develop into bottom-six players.

Grade: B

Los Angeles Kings

2026 picks: Elton Hermansson, Liam Lefebvre, Adam Goljer, Blake Zielinski, Yegor Rybkin, Thomas Vandenberg, Vertti Svensk, Giorgos Pantelas, Alex Kostov, Tobias Krestan, Lucas Ambrosio

The Los Angeles Kings seemed to get strong value with each pick they made in the 2026 Draft. From the selection of Elton Hermansson at #19, all the way to Alex Kostov in the sixth round, the Kings added prospects who can both end up making an impact in the NHL and as depth prospects. How many will pan out in the long run is the biggest question after a strong draft from GM Ken Holland and his staff.

Grade: A+

Minnesota Wild

2026 picks: Adam Andersson, Kayden Lamire, Filip Ruzicka

The Minnesota Wild had only three picks this year, but added a prospect in Adam Andersson who could turn into a bottom-line player at the NHL level. Goaltender Filip Ruzicka has the size to be an NHL goaltender, so watching his development will be something worth keeping an eye on. With the limited selections, Bill Guerin did a solid job with what he had at his disposal.

Grade: B-

Montreal Canadiens

2026 picks: Gleb Pugachyov, Timofei Runtso, Cooper Cleaves, Brayden Klimpke, Parker Trottier, Wesley Royston, Jean-Samuel Daigneault, Tyler Deakos

Physicality was the name of the game for the Montreal Canadiens at this year’s draft. They added prospects in the first few rounds who love that aspect of the game, and Gleb Pugachyov has the offensive game to become a bottom-six player at the NHL level. Their later-round selections have some upside, but the first three rounds are where the Canadiens did well, it seems.

Grade: B

Nashville Predators

2026 picks: Wyatt Cullen, Tommy Bleyl, Dmitri Borichev, Jakub Floris, Justin Graf, Philip Hemmyr, Benjamin Cossette Ayotte, Charlie Puglisi

The Nashville Predators added two of the biggest risers in this year’s draft class with their selections of Wyatt Cullen (#10 overall) and Tommy Bleyl (#31 overall). Both are big swings by the Predators, and if they pan out, they will be two major pieces for the next decade for the organization. Adding one of the top goaltenders in Dmitri Borichev (third round) was strong value at the 70th pick.

Grade: A

New Jersey Devils

2026 picks: Alexander Command, Matias Vanhanen, Nikita Shcherbakov, Lavr Gashilov, Daniil Rusakovich, Luke Wilfley, Quinn McKenzie

The New Jersey Devils had a strong draft, with their first four selections all having a solid chance to develop into NHL players. Each brings different aspects to the ice, and there is a strong chance that the organization could see at least two of this year’s draft class become full-time NHL players down the line.

Grade: A

New York Islanders

2026 picks: Malte Gustafsson, Lincoln Kuehne, Vladimir Dravecky, Artyom Matyuk, Robert Cowan

With only five picks in this year’s draft after having a great 2025 class, the New York Islanders added another three defensemen to their system. With Malte Gustafsson, they are getting a player who can become a solid NHL defenseman, and getting Vladimir Dravecky in the fifth round was great value. Nothing flashy from the Islanders this year, but still a solid class to say the least.

Grade: B+

New York Rangers

2026 picks: Alberts Šmits, Ben MacBeath, Danai Shaiikov, Charlie Morrison, Tomas Chrenko, Spencer Bowes, Andre Mondoux, Darian Anderson, Ivan Patrikhayev

The New York Rangers added a defenseman who should very easily be NHL-ready within the next season with their selection of Alberts Šmits at number four overall, and then continued to stock up on the backend of the ice. They added great value with two defensemen, Ben MacBeath and Charlie Morrison, and then center Tomas Chrenko. Goaltender Danai Shaiikov was a bit of a surprise selection in the third round, but he has the potential to play in the NHL.

Grade: B+

Ottawa Senators

2026 picks: Jonas Lagerberg Hoen, Jaxon Cover, Adam Nemec, Oscar Holmertz, Louis Felix Bourque, Elliot Lennon, Harris Pangretitsch, Alexander Grunin

The Ottawa Senators made one of the biggest surprise picks of the first round when they took Jonas Lagerberg Hoen with the 25th pick, and then followed that up with Jaxon Cover at #32. Hoen has solid upside and potential, but given what was on the board, it is a questionable pick, and Cover could end up becoming a great player, albeit very raw. The Senators did get good value with Oscar Holmertz in the third round, but overall, their draft was a bit surprising, especially at the top. If Hoen and Cover pan out, management will look great.

Grade: C

Philadelphia Flyers

2026 picks: Maksim Sokolovskii, Brek Liske, Martin Psohlavec, Marek Sklenicka, Kent Sauer, Max Vaatikainen

The Philadelphia Flyers made a surprise pick in the first round with defenseman Maskism Sokolovskii, but he is exactly what the organization likes: big, physical, and nasty. He will not bring a ton offensively to the Flyers, and the rest of their selections did not necessarily move the needle.

Grade: C

Pittsburgh Penguins

2026 picks: Liam Ruck, Markus Ruck, Tomas Galvas, Pierce Mbuyi, Parker Von Richter, Matevi Nikonovich

The addition of the Ruck twins gives the Pittsburgh Penguins some added excitement to their system. If the two can develop and become top-six forwards, this draft will be a major success for GM Kyle Dubas and the rest of the organization. Tomas Galvas and Pierce Mbuyi are both players who could spend time in the NHL at some point as well. Overall, a solid draft by Dubas and the Penguins again after a strong one last year.

Grade: B+

San Jose Sharks

2026 picks: Ivar Stenberg, Keaton Verhoeff, Ryan Lin, Brady Knowling, Jake Gustafson, Alexander Karmanov

Another great draft from San Jose Sharks GM Mike Grier and his staff. Not only did they get a player in Ivar Stenberg who was right in the mix to be taken number one overall, but the Sharks added two top-end defensemen (Keaton Verhoeff and Ryan Lin) to a system that needed exactly that. Being able to do that in just the first round sets the organization up for great success in the near future. Goaltender Brady Knowling has some upside and gives the Sharks even more depth.

Grade: A+

Seattle Kraken

2026 picks: Chase Reid, Casey Mutryn, Viktor Fedorov, Finn Kearns, Luken Huff, Ola Palme, Rylan Singh, William Tomko

The first two selections for the Seattle Kraken, Chase Reid (seventh overall) and Casey Mutryn (second round, 38th overall), make this a strong class for the organization. They finally get a top-tier defenseman prospect in Reid, and with Mutryn, have a player who loves to do everything on the ice.

Grade: B+

St. Louis Blues

2026 picks: Tynan Lawrence, Maddox Dagenais, Luke Schairer, Landon Nycz, Vladimir Prokurin, Nicholas Bogas, Carter Stevens, Lars Steiner

A busy weekend at the 2026 Draft for the St. Louis Blues included adding two centers (Tynan Lawrence and Maddox Dagenais) who should be full-time NHL players in the future, as well as bringing in a few defensemen who could do the same. With the number of picks that the Blues had, they did well getting solid value more times than they did not.

Grade: A-

Tampa Bay Lightning

2026 picks: Oleg Kulebyakin, Tomas Kralovic, Morgan Anderberg, Cooper Soller, Stepan Shurygin, Max Vilen

Nothing flashy from the Tampa Lightning at the 2026 Draft. They had the surprise selection of Oleg Kulebyakin in the second round, but aside from that, the selections are likely to be depth players in the organization. Goaltender Stepan Shurygin could be a late-bloomer for the Lightning and is a prospect to keep an eye on.

Grade: C

Toronto Maple Leafs

2026 picks: Gavin McKenna, Alexander Bilecki, Ethan MacKenzie, Zach Olsen, Mans Gudmundsson, Juuso Ainasto, Patriks Plumins, Cooper Williams, Yaroslav Fedoseyev, Brody Pepoy

Anytime an organization can get a franchise-changing player like Gavin McKenna, they will have a high draft grade. But the Toronto Maple Leafs had a great draft the rest of the weekend, too. Adding Alexander Bilecki, Ethan MacKenzie, and Mans Gudmundsson to their future defense are all great picks. A really strong draft for new GM John Chayka.

Grade: A+

Utah Mammoth

2026 picks: Ethan Belchetz, Adam Valentini, Carl Axelsson, Theodor Knights, Florent Houle, Artem Prima

Another organization with strong value with their selections, the Utah Mammoth had a solid weekend in Buffalo. The addition of Ethan Belchetz, who has all of the skills and tools to become a top-six power forward in the NHL, gives the Mammoth an even stronger forward group in their pipeline. Adam Valentini is a dark horse to be an underrated prospect if he can continue to develop and bulk up while at the University of Michigan, and is an intriguing player to keep an eye on as a Mammoth fan.

Grade: A-

Vancouver Canucks

2026 picks: Caleb Malhotra, Adam Novotný, Brooks Rogowski, Niklas Aaram-Olsen, Dmitri Ivchenko, Yaroslav Bryzgalov, Connor Davis, Lucian Bernat, Samuel Eriksson

Adding top-end talent with Caleb Malhotra and Adam Novotný in the first round, with Novotný falling to them at #24, was a strong start to the weekend for the Vancouver Canucks. Getting Brooks Rogowski and Niklas Aaram-Olsen in the second round were great value picks and help stock up the Canucks’ system, and give them possibly four prospects from the 2026 Draft that could make an impact at the NHL level.

Grade: A+

Vegas Golden Knights

2026 picks: Juho Piiparinen, Benjamin Wilmott, Sean Burick, Jonah Silvertson, Will McLaughlin, Matthew Minchak, Noel Pakarinen

The Vegas Golden Knights did not add anything flashy to their organization, but the addition of defenseman Juho Piiparinen in the first round gives them a shutdown defenseman in their system, while the rest of their selections were spent on players who may not bring a ton of offense but are solid prospects nonetheless.

Grade: C+

Washington Capitals

2026 picks: Oliver Suvanto, Tyus Sparks, Brian McFadden, Logan Stuart

With only four picks, the Washington Capitals added Oliver Suvanto in the first round to bring some help at the center position, and he has the grit and overall game that fit the Capitals. He may have been a bit of a reach at #18, given he does not bring a ton offensively, but was still a solid selection. The other three selections for the organization are likely to be organizational depth players.

Grade: C

Winnipeg Jets

2026 picks: Viggo Bjorck, Samuel Hrenak, Zach Wooten, Alexander Taillefer, Landon Hafele, Aloft Tunoa Ta’Amu, John Parsons

The Winnipeg Jets got a great prospect with their first-round pick (eighth overall) in Viggo Bjorck. He has the potential to be a true game-changer at the NHL level and gives the Jets a true number one prospect in their system. Selecting goaltender Samuel Hrenak in the third round is great value, and he could end up making his way to the NHL down the line as well. A solid draft for the Jets this year after a tough 2025-26 season.

Grade: B+