Updated 2026 NHL Mock Draft After the Conference Finals

With the Stanley Cup Final underway, two more teams are out of contention and therefore know their draft spots. (For now. Someone, somewhere, is inevitably going to trade their selection, and we all know it.) With a nod to how uncertain the end of the first round of the draft can be, a few things have changed, and a few things have not.

Our updated mock draft also includes a couple of adjustments at the top of the round due to a recent head coach hire. You can probably guess what it is, but you should definitely click through to find out. 

And then let us know whether you think that pick would be the correct call for the team in question.

Draft Order as of June 2nd, per the NHL, post-conference finals.

1. Toronto Maple Leafs: Gavin McKenna, LW, Penn State (NCAA)

Richard T Gagnon/Getty Images

First overall, huh? Welcome to the Toronto Maple Leafs, Gavin McKenna.

While certain teams could galaxy-brain a first-overall selection, signs do not currently point to the Leafs being among them. McKenna is obviously an easy pick at first overall, no matter who is selecting, and is especially easy to make when you consider it gives the Leafs the opportunity to bring in a good Canadian boy (even if he did leave his CHL team for college hockey).

We spoke earlier in the season about concerns regarding McKenna's play away from the puck. He did a lot to assuage those concerns in the back half of the season, though he does need to continue that part of his development, or he'll get eaten alive by less-than-friendly commentary from Toronto's perpetual Greek chorus (this is not specifically referring to the media, but, frankly, everyone. People have strong opinions on the Leafs).

Phenomenal processing skills, puckhandling that's a dream come to life, incredible offensive instincts and vision—it would be the easiest thing in the world to sing Gavin McKenna's praises all day long. Our last mock mentioned that any issues with engagement levels or pace off the puck can be fixed with the right motivation; there is arguably no better motivation than becoming the next franchise player for the Toronto Maple Leafs.

2. San Jose Sharks: Chase Reid, D, Sault Ste Marie Greyhounds (OHL)

Michael Miller/ISI Photos via Getty Images

Our recent scouting report of defenseman Chase Reid noted that he is, by our considerations, the best defenseman in this draft.

It feels likely the San Jose Sharks will agree and move accordingly. Particularly given they've had ample opportunity to build up their forward corps over the last few drafts. If they look to the blue line this year, given the rest of the pool they've assembled, our gut feeling says it's Reid.

Take a moment and imagine it: Reid on the ice with Macklin Celebrini and Will Smith and whatever other members of the Sharks' stable of talented young prospects happen to be around. It's a nice vision, right?

He's incredibly offensively gifted, agile, and intelligent. He dictates the flow of the game any time he's on the ice. There's not much to add that everyone in the prospect space hasn't already said a million times over. He's going to be extremely good, and the Sharks are going to be fun.

Like many others, Reid is headed to Michigan State University in the fall. We have no idea what kind of Etsy witch Adam Nightingale hired to build the kind of program he's got going on over there.

3. Vancouver Canucks: Caleb Malhotra, C, Brantford Bulldogs (OHL)

Michael Miller/ISI Photos/ISI Photos via Getty Images

With the announcement of Manny Malhotra as the next head coach of the Vancouver Canucks, you have to think that basically cements Brantford Bulldogs center—and his son—Caleb Malhotra as their pick at third overall. It's difficult to imagine passing up that kind of narrative synchronicity. 

Luckily for the Canucks, while selecting Malhotra would come with significant opportunity cost (see: our scouting report on Ivar Stenberg), it's also difficult to call it a bad pick. Malhotra's work ethic, vision, and cerebral approach to the game alone cement him as the top center in this draft. Add to that his superb attention to detail—not only relative to others his age, but in general—and you have a player who has a much higher and more firm floor than many others in his draft class. 

A concern is that the Canucks may try to rush him into the NHL too soon, both for narrative reasons and because they don't want to finish next season at the bottom of the league again. Malhotra is a player who will need a little more time to fine-tune certain aspects of his game, and Boston University, under Jay Pandolfo, will be a great place for him to do that this upcoming season.

4. Chicago Blackhawks: Ivar Stenberg, LW/RW, Frolunda HC (SHL)

Jari Pestelacci/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images

Imagine being the Chicago Blackhawks, getting to your pick at fourth overall, and realizing a first-overall talent is still available. It's possible general manager Kyle Davidson would break the sound barrier with the speed he uses to get to the podium. If the Blackhawks don't trade the pick for a roster player, that is, which seems to be a possibility, per Pierre LeBrun.

Let's say no NHL team offers a good enough young player to make Davidson blink and move that fourth overall selection. Why is it such a big deal that the Blackhawks would hypothetically get Ivar Stenberg at fourth? 

Stenberg, a winger with Frolunda HC of the SHL, could probably jump into the NHL as soon as next season. And not only into the NHL, but on Connor Bedard's wing. Immediate upgrade for the team's anticipated next captain. And given that the Blackhawks are probably tired of their rebuild stretching out, any move toward contending in the near future, rather than the far one, is going to appeal.

Stenberg is more development-questions-proof than most other players available this year, and he really brings it all to the table. A motor that doesn't quit, elite hockey sense—the way he processes the game is sublime—incredible stick work, and elite skating that underpins all of those other skills are just the main puzzle pieces we're talking about here. He'll more than likely make an impact on the scoresheet fairly early on. That's difficult to turn down.

5. New York Rangers: Carson Carels, D, Prince George Cougars (WHL)

Steve Dunsmoor/Getty Images

As noted, if Caleb Malhotra is available here, there's a non-zero chance he's the New York Rangers' guy. If he isn't, well—it seems likely they'll pivot and look for a defenseman.

And with his performance at the World Juniors, as well as how he looked across his regular season, it wouldn't be a surprise to see their gaze turn in the direction of Prince George Cougars defender Carson Carels.

While he's not the top defenseman available, his runway to the NHL feels shorter than others because of the way several elements of his game easily translate to the pros. That feels like something that the Rangers would appreciate.

Carels' skating is a standout aspect of his game, with agility, edgework, and nice explosiveness. We described him once as "pairing meanness with efficiency", and that's a strong compliment.

His physicality and menacing presence are used to turn defense into offense, and his offensive instincts make him an effective attacker and distributor.

It won't surprise you in the slightest that he eats heavily during critical situations. He easily projects as a top-pair defenseman.

6. Calgary Flames: Keaton Verhoeff, D, University of North Dakota (NCAA)

David Buono/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

Now we're getting into more reasonable territory to select defenseman Keaton Verhoeff.

A little high for our rankings, but more reasonable. Particularly because, with the prospect pool the Flames have been building, they can afford to give him more time to develop and to work his way out of some bad habits he's gotten into. One of the most important things for him to work on? Poor decision-making in the moment. 

On our last draft board, we noted that "if he's given more time to refine his engagement levels and to learn to pre-read plays on a consistent basis (which should improve his decision-making in turn), we'll get the ceiling of his potential; if he's rushed into the NHL too quickly, we're far more likely to see the bust version."

The Flames are a good environment for him for this reason; with the defensemen ahead of him in their pool, he's less likely to be rushed than he would be with other teams.

It would be good for him to play another season of college hockey and to work with a good skating coach in the process.

7. Seattle Kraken: Viggo Bjorck, C/RW, Djurgardens IF (SHL)

Nick Wosika/Getty Images

We've been toying with a few scenarios for Swedish forward Viggo Bjorck in our mock drafts so far, and we're no closer to actually pinning down where he'll be selected.

This time, we're testing out the Seattle Kraken because he belongs inside the top 10. He spent the season successfully centering a top line in Sweden's top men's hockey league at age 17. That alone says a lot about both his skill level and how trustworthy coaches consider him.

Something that is really eye-catching when first watching him, and that, over time, has become clear is an inherent part of his game, is Bjorck's nonstop motor. The guy just doesn't stop.

There were questions early in the season—NHL Central Scouting initially gave him a B rating—but they were answered quickly. His puck skills are top-notch, and though we have wavered about exactly how highly we want to rank his hockey IQ, there's no question it's good.

He's an excellent playmaker, though it would be great if he could add another layer of creativity and deception to his offensive game. He's going to be a play-driving addition to some NHL team's lineup sooner rather than later; don't listen to anyone who tells you to worry about his size.

8. Winnipeg Jets: Alberts Smits, D, Jukurit (Liiga)

RvS.Media/Monika Majer/Getty Images

Previously, we said defenseman Alberts Smits felt made in a lab for a few select teams, and assigned him to the St. Louis Blues.

This time, we're handing him off to one of the other teams on that short list: the Winnipeg Jets.

At the end of the day, Smits brings size, skating, and a defense-first mindset. He's like catnip for teams that chase the kind of identity that the Jets do.

Throughout the season, Smits has played in a wide variety of environments and at various levels, including both the World Juniors and the Olympics. It's a benefit that succeeding in this kind of situation requires adaptability, but it also makes it harder for scouts to gauge consistency in certain areas of his game.

For Smits, that area of concern is decision-making at those top game speeds. And that's really our only concern for him.

He's an incredible skater, has phenomenal hockey sense (which is probably why he's been so adaptable), and has great physicality and pace to his game.

9. Florida Panthers: Tynan Lawrence, C, Boston University (NCAA)

Richard T Gagnon/Getty Images

Last time, we threw defenseman Daxon Rudolph at the Panthers. Now we explore who they might look for if they choose to select a forward. (The actual most likely scenario is that they deal this pick for a piece to help them get back into the playoffs. But we carry on.)

Tynan Lawrence is going to be a good, steady NHL player for probably a long time. Picking him at eighth overall here would be leaving significant value on the table.

Both of these things can be true, and he is definitely a pick that it is easy to imagine the Panthers making. Their mindset would likely be that missing the playoffs this year was a fluke, and they can afford to give him the longer runway he needs.

He made the jump from the USHL to the Boston University Terriers midseason, so we don't really know what kind of college hockey player he is yet, but he held his own.

Lawrence is clearly very smart, with high processing speeds, but he hasn't quite managed to translate that into imposing his will on the flow of play. He's definitely a skilled skater and as tenacious as they come.

10. Nashville Predators: Daxon Rudolph, D, Prince Albert Raiders (WHL)

If the Nashville Predators want to select a defenseman with their first-round pick this year, it would be difficult to picture them picking a smaller or less physical guy.

Daxon Rudolph pairs size and intentional physicality with an active stick and good decision-making. He's an intelligent player with good vision, and he's valuable at both ends of the rink. There's not a ton of risk in this pick, but there's not a ton of excitement, either.

Rudolph is a quieter player than many of the flashier, more dynamic defenders in this draft class, but don't mistake quiet for a lack of skill.

His stickwork is excellent, and though he's tall and solid, he's a good skater, able to put on quick bursts of speed and easily move in any direction. He's also got a very nice element of patience to his game.

There are very few glaring areas to critique directly in his game, except to say he could stand to be a little less patient at times and bring more intensity to his play. And for someone of his size, a bit more physicality is typically expected. But these aren't huge quibbles.

11. St. Louis Blues: Ethan Belchetz, LW, Windsor Spitfires (OHL)

Michael Miller/ISI Photos/ISI Photos via Getty Images

It's hard to project where players will be selected when they miss significant time due to injury; not because it should affect their draft standing, but because you can never be quite certain how much weight teams will give that factor.

It's sometimes easy to overlook an injured player for whom you have fewer viewings than for a player you've gotten to see almost nightly. But Windsor Spitfires winger Ethan Belchetz is worth taking the chance, and since the St. Louis Blues have three picks in this first round (though realistically, there's a chance that they trade one), we're going for it. 

Belchetz projects as a power-forward type, bringing massive size and strong puck-handling ability. He's skilled at creating in transition, thanks to his excellent offensive instincts and vision, and his ability to create net front is even stronger. The main quibble with Belchetz's game is consistency, and it's so hard to push back against that when you miss significant time and can't prove yourself capable of being consistent. With a high floor and higher ceiling, it's easy to decide he's worth the risk.

12. New Jersey Devils: Oscar Hemming, F, Boston College (NCAA)

Richard T Gagnon/Getty Images

No Viggo Bjorck this mock draft; he's already off the board.

Instead, we look to a Finnish forward: Oscar Hemming, who took the leap to NCAA hockey midseason and joined Boston College. Hemming's immediate standout qualities include excellent awareness and doggedness on the forecheck that he pairs with wonderfully intentional physicality. If a player's absolute floor looks to be "useful and efficient third liner who is strong defensively", we're going to take notice.

He's a mobile skater, though adding a separating factor in terms of acceleration from his edges would be preferable, and he already has an NHL frame. It's easy to fall into wondering how his skating and detail game would look across a full NHL season—this year, he really just jumped right into the middle of an established situation and played catch-up (really well, to be clear). He makes opponents' lives tougher on every shift as it is, and he's very good at finding teammates; he would be a solid low-risk choice for the Devils here.

13. New York Islanders: Adam Novotny, LW/RW, Peterborough Petes (OHL)

John E. Sokolowski/Getty Images

The key aspect of winger Adam Novotny's game that prompted this New York Islanders connection was how well-rounded he is, particularly compared to other potential first-rounders.

Novotny is efficient and engaged in every situation, able to create in multiple ways rather than being a one-trick pony, and is an absolute beast on the forecheck. If you were to ask which prospect was most likely to make opponents cry out of sheer frustration, Novotny would be the answer. He impacts the game every single time he steps onto the ice.

For this reason, combined with his offensive skill and the fact that we consistently see his strengths, he really projects as a power forward. Before his game rounded out, it was thought perhaps he'd end up more of a sniper; it was so nice to see that develop further this season.

With Matthew Schaefer being a massive success for the Islanders, they're no doubt looking for players they can throw into the league sooner rather than later. Novotny will not need as much of a runway as many of his peers. He's extremely easy to project to the pro game. 

14. Columbus Blue Jackets: Ryan Lin, D, Vancouver Giants (WHL)

Steve Dunsmoor/Getty Images

Obviously, we've done the Ryan-Lin-to-CBJ pick several times, but it happens organically each go-around. Lin was also one of the best defensemen at the recent U18 World Championships, so there is some recency bias at play. His outstanding performance was a bright light in a not-so-bright tournament for Canada.

Lin's main traits that keep pulling us to the Blue Jackets connection are his intelligence and his already mature, detailed game. Combine that with some simply fantastic skating—especially his edges and his agility, hello evasiveness—and you've got the foundation for a really solid player. It's still just a foundation, though, because he's got wrinkles in his game that need ironing out.

Missed opportunities or bad habits creeping into later shifts immediately spring to mind. Engagement and brains are never in question—he's excellent at feasting on opponents' mistakes and turning them into opportunities—only whether he can add necessary muscle and refine that decision-making.

Another member of the CHL-to-NCAA pipeline, which appears to be the new development path for top players, Lin is headed to the University of Denver in the fall.

15. St. Louis Blues (via DET): Oliver Suvanto, C, Tappara (Liiga)

Michael Miller/ISI Photos/ISI Photos via Getty Images

Even people who gravitate toward the flashy, offensive-gifted player archetype have come to appreciate Oliver Suvanto's game this season. There's just something about a two-way center who actually embodies what that means, and doesn't just get the label slapped on him because he's a center with lower production numbers.

And while waiting till later in the round to select him would make the most sense, it's extremely easy to believe that the St. Louis Blues, with their multiple picks, would go for the big, sturdy center who brings a positive presence to both ends of the ice.

Suvanto impressed more in his U20 regular-season play than he did at the U18 World Championships this year—expecting to see more offensive ability shining in a tournament against his peers doesn't feel unreasonable. Still, there is a maturity to his game supported by his high-end intelligence.

Chief among what we need to see moving forward is improvement in his skating (specifically edgework), as well as more assurance that both sides of his game will translate to the professional level, but he's still a first-rounder for sure.

16. Washington Capitals: Nikita Klepov, LW, Saginaw Spirit (OHL)

John E. Sokolowski/Getty Images

Looking at pure skill alone, Nikita Klepov of the Saginaw Spirit of the OHL is among the top players available in this year's class.

This is roughly the range he should be picked; where he will be picked remains in question, but the Washington Capitals feel like a pretty solid landing spot. His 97 points in 67 regular-season games—yes, he was the OHL's top scorer this year—along with 5 points in 4 playoff games come from incredible puck skills and a motor that does not stop.

Klepov is relentless in chasing down plays, and high-end processing and vision will propel his game forward into one more suited for the professional game. He's a fascinating one, flashing both power forward potential and more dynamic creative potential. 

Skating mechanics are a legitimate concern, but he's headed to play college hockey in the fall. A steadier-paced season that allows him to develop his skating (he needs more of a separating factor) and his offensive consistency is exactly what he needs. Klepov is part of that ever-impressive group, either playing for Michigan State University or committed to it.

17. Los Angeles Kings: Elton Hermansson, RW/LW, MoDo Hockey (Hockey Allsvenskan)

While 17th feels a little high for Hermansson on the whole, we've mentioned before that tiers are a better way to gauge this year's first-rounders than strict specific picks. There's definitely an argument for a team picking Hermansson here if they're convinced he's their guy, and convinced that he is going to live up to the potential we see when he's at his best.

With that said, just about every player available in the first round of this year's draft is a project in some way. If you're confident in your development staff and in the potential you see in the player, why not take the chance?

So, who is Hermansson at his best? A highly skilled playmaker who can create in a variety of situations. Driving this creation is excellent vision and facets of his skating that are very good, specifically his edgework and the top speeds he can reach (the posture needs work).

Between that vision and his high-end stick work, we've seen real promise in his playmaking; the question is whether it can translate to the NHL level. He definitely makes unforced errors at times, but questionable decision-making is a concern for several players in this draft, not just him alone.

18. Washington Capitals (via ANA): Malte Gustafsson, D, HV71 (SHL)

Scott Taetsch/Getty Images

Swedish defender Malte Gustafsson continues to rise in our esteem with more viewings, and we don't seem to be the only ones who feel that way. With two picks in this first round (and so close together, in this iteration!), the Washington Capitals can more easily choose to go with a higher-risk choice for the second selection. He's worth it, and he brings an intelligence that shines on the defensive side of the game—something exciting, because typically when we talk about intelligent defensemen, we're referring to those offense-first playmaking types.

Gustafsson is an excellent skater, with edgework that allows him to keep up with opponents and cut them off. His awareness and intelligence are such that, while he is currently more defense-focused, he has the confidence that, over time, he can develop the offensive side of his game as well to become a true two-way defenseman.

He most recently played significant minutes for Sweden at the U18 World Championships, where his team took home the gold. He could go anywhere from 10th overall to the last group of the first round, but the earlier side feels more likely.

19. Utah Mammoth: Ilia Morozov, F, Miami University (NCAA)

Michael Miller/ISI Photos/ISI Photos via Getty Images

As they're a newer team, we're still trying to pin down what exactly the Utah Mammoth's draft strategy is. With that said, you can't really go wrong with a younger, intelligent, highly engaged center whose skill set projects well to the next level. Miami University forward Ilia Morozov was a significant part of the team, going from a three-win record the previous season to 18 wins, and finished the regular season with 20 points in 36 games, including 8 goals. If Miami's power play improves next season, expect to see that total jump even more than it might otherwise.

Morozov brings high-level anticipation, especially defensively, and a level of engagement across all areas of the ice that is a breath of fresh air after watching some players in this class act like t-ball players picking daisies in the outfield when they don't have the puck.

Quick reaction times, intelligent problem-solving under pressure, and disrupting opponents' passing lanes are standout elements of his game that we noticed recurring. His top-end speed isn't the highest, but it's good enough to project the rest of his skill set to the NHL level.

Moving forward, it would be good to see him lean more into using his hockey sense to add a layer of creativity and selection to his playmaking.

20. San Jose Sharks (via EDM): Egor Shilov, C, Victoriaville Tigres (QMJHL)

Leah Hennel/Getty Images

First-round-level prospects in this year's draft are more accurately divided into tiers than strictly numbered picks, and Victoriaville Tigres center Egor Shilov is one who could be selected anywhere, either in the second half of round one or the first third of round two. In this mock, because the San Jose Sharks have multiple picks, it was easy to buy that they'd take the chance on him here. Shilov is another player who has chosen the CHL-to-NCAA path, moving from the QMJHL to Boston University in the fall.

The Sharks are building an impressive well of prospects, and Shilov would be no exception. Terrific hockey sense underpins his entire game: processing and selecting plays, carrying the puck, and decision-making in tense moments. His stickwork is also high-end.

A chief issue with whether or not his game will translate to the NHL is the same as with many other players: his pace. There's not enough urgency in his game right now to feel confident that all the disparate positive elements will combine into a consistently involved player. The pressure cooker of college hockey, playing against older and larger opponents, should help address this.

21. Philadelphia Flyers: Alexander Command, C, Orebro HK (SHL)

David Kirouac/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

Swedish center Alexander Command brings a work ethic and consistency that fit perfectly with the Flyers' ethos. He's really strong one-on-one, and he's got an excellent hockey IQ. He's one who is difficult to pin down a "most realistic draft spot" for, but in terms of team fit, this one definitely works. Particularly after how the end of the regular season and postseason played out for the Flyers.

High-end vision, efficient physicality, and the ability to create in less-than-ideal circumstances are just a few of the things that Command brings to the table. He's almost constantly engaged, and most of the time his decision-making is good. There's also a very nice maturity to his game that I think comes from that work ethic and intelligence. His pace needs some work, and his skating definitely needs help (specifically his speed), but those are issues that can be addressed in development.

And hey, Porter Martone's chief issue last year was floating around the outside rather than being constantly engaged; that wasn't an issue for him in the playoffs. Wrinkles get ironed out with time.

22. Pittsburgh Penguins: Wyatt Cullen, LW, USNTDP

Michael Miller/ISI Photos/ISI Photos via Getty Images

Wyatt Cullen is a player you will see higher on our next draft board than he's being selected in this mock; his rankings range from mid-first round to early second. The ones that lean toward the latter are, in our view, putting too much weight on his slow start. It's important to remember that the slow start only happened because he tore his hip flexor clean off the bone and didn't get into an actual game until the end of October this season.

Thankfully, Cullen spent the rest of the season showcasing exactly why he belongs in the first round. 

Cullen is a player we've sent to the Penguins in a previous mock draft, and there are myriad reasons why he makes sense for this team. On pure skill alone, he's one of the best available this season. Cullen's vision and hockey sense are high-end, and he's got a motor to match. He's just as likely to showcase creative playmaking as he is to get involved in a puck battle.

More explosiveness in his skating will be key moving forward, as it can help ensure success at the pro level, and he needs to add muscle after a significant growth spurt over the last year.

23. Boston Bruins: JP Hurlbert, C, Kamloops Blazers (WHL)

Steve Dunsmoor/Getty Images

Kamloops Blazers center JP Hurlbert is one of the players we've been tossing around to different teams in our mock drafts all season, trying to find what feels like the right fit. In the process, we concluded that, along with the Flyers and the Penguins (his last two mock landing spots), another natural landing spot is the Boston Bruins. He would elevate the Bruins' prospect pool upon joining, without question. Right now, James Hagens is the undisputed top dog in that fight, and Hurlbert would land right behind him.

Hurlbert's vision and offensive instincts are unquestionably high-end; he finished the WHL regular season with 97 points in 68 games and added 3 more points in 4 playoff games. Play away from the puck was a concern, but like several others for whom that was a potential issue this year, the back half of the season looked much better.

A main concern for Hurlbert these days is whether his offensive game can translate to higher levels of play. Physicality and poise under pressure would improve; the NCAA environment could be a good place to push those elements of his game this fall.

24. Vancouver Canucks (via MIN): Marcus Nordmark, RW, Djurgardens IF U20 (U20 Nationell)

Bruce Bennett/Getty Images

When you have more than one pick in the first round, there's a little more freedom to think outside the box, especially when that second pick is a later one. Swedish winger Marcus Nordmark is one that we have earmarked as an early second-round player, but who we can easily see being selected in the first. That in-between tier, if you will, of players who could go anywhere from about pick 24 to pick 40. Especially if the Canucks are picking. Nordmark's maturity and composure feel like attributes that a team in freefall—to put it kindly—might value in a draft pick.

Thankfully for the Canucks, that's not all he brings to the table.

Nordmark's vision and intelligence are the key attributes that drive the rest of his game. He utilizes them, along with a high-end set of tools, for both goal-scoring and playmaking, though his creation tends to happen more to the outside (not the best-case scenario, but better than not creating at all). He's a player who will need a longer runway, and for that reason, the Canucks may not be the best fit development-wise, but it's easy to picture them selecting him nonetheless. Once those skills coalesce into a well-rounded player (and the chances are better than not that they will), there's real value there.

25. Seattle Kraken (via TBL): Xavier Villeneuve, D, Blainville-Boisbriand Armada (QMJHL)

Minas Panagiotakis/Getty Images

Xavier Villeneuve has been left out of some previous mock drafts because of what happened in the 2025 first round and concerns that we may have a repeat this year—another draft where no defensemen under six feet tall are selected. And he is definitely under six feet tall, coming in at 5'11" and 157 pounds. 

But he's also inside the top 10 in our rankings. And over the last few years, it's been easy to infer that certain teams and their scouting staffs value skill, even if it's raw, over just about anything else. Villeneuve has it to spare.

He missed a good chunk of time this season, playing only 37 games, and finished at just over a point-per-game pace with 38 points. Size doesn't matter when it comes to Villeneuve, who makes an impact each and every time he steps onto the ice.

He's agile, dynamic, and brilliant, with fantastic puck skills and the ability to suffocate opponents in the neutral zone. More consistency in his own end is a must moving forward, but that's not a deficit in his game so much as it is him being offense-focused and not having developed the other side of things quite as much yet. It'll happen.

26. New York Rangers (via DAL): Mathis Preston, RW, Vancouver Giants (WHL)

Steve Dunsmoor/Getty Images

Vancouver Giants winger Mathis Preston may have been limited to just 10 games with his new team after the WHL trade deadline due to injury, but he came out swinging at this year's U18 World Championships.

Preston was a bright light on a less-than-impressive Canadian team, netting 6 points in 5 games, and his presence was felt in ways that didn't show up on the scoresheet. It was nice to see the player we'd been missing for a good chunk of the season, even if the end result of a semifinal exit was less than desirable for Canada.

Preston is an extremely smart player and a good problem-solver, and he doesn't cave under pressure. There's a solid chance he'd manage quite nicely in the pressure cooker that has been the New York Rangers over the last several seasons. His skating and stick work are high-end as well.

If we see more offensive consistency from him next season (the kind that's hard to find when you miss significant time with injury), it'll be easier to project him as a steady NHL presence down the line.

27. Buffalo Sabres: Jack Hextall, C, Youngstown Phantoms (USHL)

Michael Miller/ISI Photos/ISI Photos via Getty Images

It feels like every other prospect we write about in this year's NHL Draft is headed to Michigan State in the fall. What is in the water over there? Center Jack Hextall spent this season with the Youngstown Phantoms of the USHL, finishing the regular season at nearly a point per game (58 in 59), and like many others, he'll be joining Michigan State to play NCAA hockey when the season starts back up.

From what we've seen of the Buffalo Sabres this season, it is not difficult to picture Hextall fitting into their identity. He's versatile, useful on either the wing or at center, and trusted both with and without the puck. We've seen tantalizing moments where he's shown deception and creativity in his already good playmaking; moving forward, it would be good to see him make that a regular part of his play.

He's a legitimate threat on the power play and will likely get an opportunity to show that off at Michigan State. Like many others in this year's first round, he could stand to add muscle.

Thankfully, college hockey is a great place for that.

28. Montreal Canadiens: Maddox Dagenais, C, Quebec Remparts (QMJHL)

Dale Preston/Getty Images

Same player as our last mock, but a slightly higher spot. Quebec Remparts center Maddox Dagenais could (and probably should) be selected even higher than this spot at 28th, but if he doesn't, it's just as plausible that the Montreal Canadiens select him here as it is that they do so at 29th (his spot in our last mock draft).

Dagenais proved that his hockey sense is the real deal over the second half of the season, switching into a higher-intensity mode and showcasing both a more power-forward nature and flashes of high-end processing ability.

Right now, Dagenais is a project. The best way to describe him to you is an artist's palette full of skills that you feel confident will project to the NHL, but right now they're just blobs of paint. The painting hasn't been created yet. Those skills (or blobs of paint) include a motor that doesn't quit, solid playmaking with flashes of creativity and deception, vision with a knack for finding teammates, extremely effective reverse hits, and a whole lot more.

He was definitely one of Canada's best players at the recent U18 World Championships; with time and patience, which the Canadiens can give him (see: lasting until the conference finals this year), we'll see that at the pro level as well.

29. St. Louis Blues (via COL): Casey Mutryn, RW, US National U18 Team (USNTDP)

Michael Miller/ISI Photos/ISI Photos via Getty Images

Hello, Casey Mutryn. We haven't seen you in our mock draft in a moment.

The end of the first round means just about anything could happen. Teams frequently trade these picks for a couple in the second round. But if that doesn't happen with this third and final St. Louis Blues pick, USNTDP right winger Casey Mutryn is another puzzle piece that might fit.

He's a powerful presence, clearly enjoying throwing his weight around and fighting to get the puck back from opponents, and he pairs it with effective vision and creativity.

Mutryn, a Boston College commit, finished this NTDP season with 46 points in 62 games, including 18 goals. While it feels unlikely that he becomes a prolific scorer at the NHL level, he'll certainly make his impact known both defensively and in the way that he can find creative outlets to teammates.

He's tenacious as they come; he doesn't give up on going after opponents to retrieve pucks, and he doesn't give up and choose the simplest play possible, choosing instead to look to the middle for opportunities that may work out better. He's got a really solid floor.

30. Calgary Flames (via VGK): Liam Ruck, RW, Medicine Hat Tigers (WHL)

Jonathan Kozub/Getty Images

Important preface to this pick: Liam Ruck should be off the board by this point. He'll likely end up higher in our next mock draft, reflecting a scenario in which he's selected where he should be ranked. But sniffing around perception-wise, and knowing how the first round of the NHL Draft often goes, there's every chance he is still sitting around waiting to hear his name be called. 

If that happens, it would be a huge benefit for the Calgary Flames.

Ruck finished the WHL regular season with 104 points, including 45 goals (he lost the scoring title to his twin brother Markus, who had 108 points and is ranked as an early second-rounder for us). His hockey sense and vision are high enough that they may leave you questioning whether he's mildly clairvoyant at times; he spots seams for passes or opportunities to jump on defensive miscues in a way that many of his peers would kill for.

The main real concern with Ruck is that his skating lacks a real separating factor. Adding another layer of explosiveness and agility will be the deciding factor between whether he's a top-line winger or more of a middle-six type. He's going to be effective at the NHL level regardless.

31. Carolina Hurricanes: Nikita Shcherbakov, D, Tolpar Ufa (MHL)

Scott Taetsch/Getty Images

Defenseman Nikita Shcherbakov is another player we haven't seen on our mock draft in a while.

He's also another player that fits the Carolina Hurricanes mold of recent years. Shcherbakov split time between the KHL, the VHL and the MHL this season, with the majority of his games—35—coming in the VHL, the second-tier Russian professional league. He's 6'3"and brings a strong detail game to the table along with high-end skating ability, including mobility and quickness that are vital to today's game.

In terms of play style, standout elements have been his puck retrieving and edgework. Earlier in the season, we noted that we were waiting to see whether flashes of manipulation would bear out over the season; watching his puck management, it was still more flashes than consistent occurrences, but his distribution and ability to carry the puck were definitely satisfying to witness. He can shut down lanes, find teammates in crowded moments, and smother anything he sees developing along the boards.

He's a solid choice at this point in the round and plays a style that just about any NHL team wants to have on its roster, freeing up room for more dynamic, sneaky playmakers to do their thing without fear.

32. Ottawa Senators: Ryan Roobroeck, C, Niagara IceDogs (OHL) 

John E. Sokolowski/Getty Images

As mentioned in our recent risers and fallers piece, it's been tempting to remove center Ryan Roobroeck from the first round entirely. We're not going to, choosing instead to bet on the magic that is evident in the moments when he does put it all together. It's extremely easy to envision the Ottawa Senators doing the same.

There's not a lot of grey area here, unfortunately—Roobroeck is this year's most prominent boom-or-bust guy. But on the off chance he does succeed, here's what the Senators would get.

Roobroeck's skill set in a vacuum is sublime; he has high-end, even elite tools, including an NHL-caliber shot that beats goalies with ease. Should he find his offensive pace consistently, rather than continuing to play passively for stretches, we'll see his excellent passing and phenomenal finishing as hallmarks of his game rather than flashes in the pan.

He would probably be better suited to a team that is already a contender, which can give him the longer runway to the NHL that he needs, but the Senators tend to go for players like Roobroeck. If he's not already gone, this feels like an easy swing.