The Toronto Maple Leafs hit the jackpot in the 2026 NHL Draft Lottery, winning the No. 1 pick with just an 8.5% chance. The San Jose Sharks surprised many by jumping from the ninth spot to snag the second pick.
The excitement around the draft grows as teams start thinking about their strategies. The event is set for June 26-27 in Buffalo, N.Y. Here’s a rundown of some mock predictions from NHL reporters about the first 16 picks.
Toronto Maple Leafs: Gavin McKenna, LW, Penn State (NCAA)
McKenna could be a game-changer for the Leafs. After a tough season, the team needs a boost, and drafting him could keep star Auston Matthews happy while thrilling fans. Experts believe McKenna could instantly improve the team’s performance.San Jose Sharks: Ivar Stenberg, LW, Frölunda (SHL)
With the Sharks moving up, they might want to keep their focus on the best player available. Stenberg’s talent is hard to overlook, especially as they explore potential trades.Vancouver Canucks: Caleb Malhotra, C, Brantford (OHL)
This pick likely comes down to Malhotra or Chase Reid. Malhotra has been on fire lately, drawing comparisons to greats like Jonathan Toews for his strong two-way game and scoring ability.Chicago Blackhawks: Carson Carels, LHD, Prince George (WHL)
Chicago may need to consider defense this year. Carels is a physical player with a strong shot, perfect for their needs.New York Rangers: Chase Reid, RHD, Sault Ste. Marie (OHL)
Reid is a top defenseman prospect and could be exactly what the Rangers need to bolster their backline.Calgary Flames: Keaton Verhoeff, RHD, North Dakota (NCAA)
Verhoeff was once a top contender for the No. 2 pick but still has potential as a solid, big defenseman. The rebuilding Flames could benefit from his size and skill.Seattle Kraken: Daxon Rudolph, RHD, Prince Albert (WHL)
The Kraken are in desperate need of elite talent. Rudolph, with his impressive skills, ranks among the best.Winnipeg Jets: Alberts Smits, LHD, Munich (DEL)
Smits has added experience from professional leagues and could become a top-pairing defenseman in the future.Florida Panthers: Ethan Belchetz, LW, Windsor (OHL)
Belchetz’s powerful playing style fits the Panthers well, especially as they look for strong offensive contributors.Nashville Predators: Tynan Lawrence, C, Boston University (NCAA)
Lawrence fits the Predators’ mold—hardworking and skilled. He has the potential to be a future top-six center.St. Louis Blues: Viggo Björck, C, Djurgården (SHL)
The Blues could use Björck’s quickness and intelligence. His ability to play effectively on both ends of the ice makes him a valuable addition.New Jersey Devils: Wyatt Cullen, LW, U.S. NTDP (USHL)
Cullen, the son of ex-NHL player Matt Cullen, has proven his offensive skills and is a great pick-up for New Jersey.New York Islanders: Ryan Lin, RHD, Vancouver (WHL)
Lin’s strong performance in the WHL makes him an appealing choice for the Islanders, adding depth to their defense.Columbus Blue Jackets: Oscar Hemming, LW, Boston College (NCAA)
Hemming has the potential to be a key player, especially with his size and offensive talent.St. Louis Blues: Malte Gustafsson, LHD, HV71 (SHL)
Gustafsson is another solid option for St. Louis, offering size and physicality.Washington Capitals: Oliver Suvanto, C, Tappara (Liiga)
Selecting Suvanto could finally fill the Capitals’ center gap with a player who can shift roles effectively.
Overall, the excitement of the draft is palpable. Teams will look to these young talents to shape their future. As fan engagement continues to grow, social media buzz around these picks highlights the mixture of hope and anxiety that defines every draft day.
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Toronto Maple Leafs, Florida Panthers, New Jersey Devils, New York Islanders, New York Rangers, Washington Capitals, Columbus Blue Jackets, Chicago Blackhawks, St. Louis Blues, Nashville Predators, Winnipeg Jets, Calgary Flames, San Jose Sharks, Vancouver Canucks, Seattle Kraken, NHL
