2026 NHL Draft Projections: Top 10 Picks Analyzed by Scouts
Scouts and execs project 2026 NHL Draft's top 10: Who goes after Gavin McKenna?
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As the 2026 NHL Draft approaches, scouts and executives project Gavin McKenna from Penn State as the top pick for the Toronto Maple Leafs. Chase Reid, Caleb Malhotra, and Ivar Stenberg are also expected to be among the top selections, reflecting team needs and player potential.
- 01Gavin McKenna is projected as the first overall pick by the Toronto Maple Leafs, though opinions on his ranking vary among scouts.
- 02Chase Reid is unanimously expected to be selected second by the San Jose Sharks, recognized for his defensive capabilities.
- 03Caleb Malhotra is anticipated to go third to the Vancouver Canucks, highlighting the need for a top center in their rebuilding phase.
- 04The Chicago Blackhawks are projected to select Ivar Stenberg at fourth, despite some debate over his ranking.
- 05The Florida Panthers are closely considering Malte Gustafsson at ninth, following his impressive performance at the U18 World Championships.
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As the 2026 NHL Draft nears, insights from six NHL scouts and executives reveal projected top-10 picks. Gavin McKenna from Penn State is widely expected to be the first overall selection by the Toronto Maple Leafs, although some evaluators question his status as the best player. Chase Reid, viewed as the top defenseman, is projected second to the San Jose Sharks. The Vancouver Canucks are likely to select center Caleb Malhotra third, while the Chicago Blackhawks are expected to take winger Ivar Stenberg fourth. The New York Rangers are projected to choose defenseman Keaton Verhoeff at fifth, followed by the Calgary Flames selecting Carson Carels. The Seattle Kraken and Winnipeg Jets are also anticipated to continue the trend of defensemen with Alberts Smits and Daxon Rudolph, respectively. The Florida Panthers may go for Malte Gustafsson at ninth, and the Nashville Predators are expected to round out the top ten with center Tynan Lawrence, adding speed to their lineup.
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The draft selections will significantly influence the future rosters of the NHL teams involved, particularly in their rebuilding efforts.
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