Updated 2026 NHL Mock Draft After the Stanley Cup Final
As many teams will say the day the real draft happens: congratulations to the Carolina Hurricanes on winning the 2026 Stanley Cup. And may the odds be ever in your favor.
OK, they're not going to say that, butย we'reย saying that, and for one primary reason: This year's draft is one of those classes where, outside of a few sure bets, everything is a crapshoot, and everyone is a project.
The smart teams will see this as the opportunity that it is. Every pick is a chance to acquire a player with skills and intangible attributes the team values most. Every other team will see this as an opportunity to galaxy-brain things as much as possible. Who falls into which category is something we'll get into after the draft.
On that note, though, we're going to use this mock draft as an opportunity of our own.
While a lot of the top picks have felt pretty settled for our last several mocksโand our final mock will be our best attempt at predicting the actual eventโthere is a universe where the draft spins off its axis, and things get weird.
So it's time to explore other ways this could go down.
Draft order as of June 17, per the NHL, post-Stanley Cup Final and post-Buffalo Sabres/San Jose Sharks trade.
1. Toronto Maple Leafs: Gavin McKenna, LW, Penn State (NCAA)
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Gavin McKenna is the obvious choice at first overall, and that won't be changing.
This is both because he is the best player available in this year's draft and because, per Shawn Hutcheon, the Maple Leafs have already informed McKenna that he will be their selection.
The only real and reasonable concerns about McKenna this season were his engagement levels and his play away from the puck. He spent the second half of the season assuaging those concernsโit's still a work in progress, but he's on the right path, and it's at a level that quiets any worry about his ability to translate his overall game to the NHL level.
McKenna is a special player. Missing out on the endless opportunities he would provide is something the Leafs are not going to do over an aspect of play that can be worked on.
It's difficult to narrow down exactly why McKenna is so special in a brief blurb, but there is no better place to start than his processing. His vision, his intelligence, and the way he is able to put all of those into action through his puck-handling and playmaking abilities are going to serve the Leafs well for a long time.
2. San Jose Sharks: Ivar Stenberg, LW/RW, Frolunda HC (SHL)
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On the off chance the San Jose Sharks don't go for a defenseman at No. 2, one has to assume they snag Ivar Stenberg.
He's the best available behind Gavin McKenna; he is probably a better fit for some teams than McKenna. And perhaps most importantly, he would be an incredible addition to the rest of the Sharks' young crew they're building.
It's likely Stenberg, a winger with Frolunda HC of the SHL, jumps into the NHL as soon as next season. If he does, he would look pretty excellent on Macklin Celebrini's wing. He has the processing abilities to keep up with Celebrini's cerebral approach to the game, for one thing, and there's every chance that it allows them to make magic.ย
There are always questions about draft-eligible prospects; Stenberg's game prompts fewer questions than most other players available this year. He has a no-quit motorโnecessary for a young team that wants to compete soonโand he pairs it with elite hockey sense and skating, and some really fantastic stick work.
His game isn't just offense, either; he's got just as much skill in his own end. The Sharks may trade this pick or look to bolster their blue line, but if they don't, there's really no choice other than Stenberg here.
3. Vancouver Canucks: Caleb Malhotra, C, Brantford Bulldogs (OHL)
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Our third overall pick is one of few that are remaining the same from the last mock draft: Brantford Bulldogs center Caleb Malhotra.
Playing for your dad is something that comes with a lot of pressure, but let's not kid ourselvesโgiven it's the Canucks, they probably a) don't care about whether they put that pressure on Caleb and b) are aware there's every chance they've moved on to yet another head coach by the time Caleb makes the NHL.
It's the reality of the league.
In our last mock draft, the Canucks passed up significant talent in Ivar Stenberg to select Malhotra. In this one, Stenberg is off the board, and they have no such concerns. His work ethic, vision, and cerebral approach to the game make him the easy choice as the top center in this draft, and his attention to detail is easy to envision serving him extremely well at the NHL level.
He has a decent ceiling to his potential, and more important a high and stable floor. As long as the Canucks don't try to rush him into the NHL next season, this is a pick that should go well for them.
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4. Chicago Blackhawks: Chase Reid, D, Sault Ste Marie Greyhoundsย
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If Ivar Stenberg and Caleb Malhotra are both off the board at pick four, it's easy to imagine the Chicago Blackhawks looking toward the blue line for their pick.
They're trying to get out of rebuild-land to contend for the Stanley Cup once more, and Chase Reid is the kind of defenseman a team needs to legitimately take that next step.
He's also a player who would look good with their young forwards like Connor Bedard, Frank Nazar, and Oliver Moore.
A lot of slander has been thrown around lately about whether Reid's offensive game is legitimate or the product of a "weaker" OHL. Allow us to assure you that the OHL has not weakened in any way. EliteProspects OHL scout Lauren Kelly broke down league strength when looking at Reid specifically.ย
Reid is incredibly offensively gifted, controlling the flow of the game when he steps onto the ice through his intelligence, agility, and a million other positive factors.
He's going to be a franchise mainstay for whoever is lucky enough to draft him. Like several others in his draft class, Reid is headed to Michigan State University in the fall. He's only going to get better from here, so buy your stock early.
5. New York Rangers: Carson Carels, D, Prince George Cougars (WHL)
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Carson Carels is inches behind Chase Reid when it comes to the top defensemen in this draft, and their styles are very different.
Don't be surprised if you see some teams preferring him over Reid for this reason, though we maintain that Reid is the best defenseman available.
If all of the top forwardsโMcKenna, Stenberg, Malhotraโare selected by this point, the Rangers may look to add a defenseman rather than a forward, and Carels feels like a fitting addition to their overall system.
He's got a shorter runway to the NHL, which would be useful for their current situation, and, frankly, they would probably really like the meanness he brings to his game.
Gone are the days of defenders who are mean for meanness's sake; Carels uses that aggression to be a disruptor, breaking up opportunities and decimating puck carriers. His agility and edgework is terrific, as is his explosiveness, and he's able to shift from being a disruptor to being an effective attacker and distributor.
You won't be surprised to hear he eats heavy minutes for the Prince George Cougars of the WHL.
Though it would benefit him to spend another season or so developing, he could well be pushing for an NHL job next season. He projects as an eventual top-pair defenseman easily.
6. Calgary Flames: Tynan Lawrence, C, Boston University (NCAA)
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Sixth overall is, in our view, too high for Tynan Lawrence. But there is always, without fail, a team that goes off the board and takes a forward at least ten picks too high in the first round. For the purposes of this mock draft, this time it's the Calgary Flames and Boston University center Tynan Lawrence.ย
Lawrence was the choice here because it's very easy to understand why a team would pick him too soon. He's an excellent skater, with strong explosiveness and speed. While we saw him struggle to put up numbers offensively after his midseason jump to Boston University, he didn't falter on the defensive side of the game. Projecting him as an NHLer isn't difficult; knowing what kind of NHLer he will be is.
In order to truly be that top-six center many project him asโand to be fair, he does have some potential to get thereโhe'll need to add another gear when it comes to playmaking. With the prospect pool that they're building, the Flames can afford to give him the time in college that he needs to truly maximize his abilities.
The defensive play is clearly there, and no one could accuse him of lacking tenacity; now he just needs to figure out how to add creativity and play-driving qualities consistently.ย
7. Seattle Kraken: Viggo Bjorck, C/RW, Djurgardens IF (SHL)
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Swedish forward Viggo Bjorck finally seems to be ranked inside the top 10 on most public lists; it's where he should be per his skill set, but this has been a more scrambled and opinion-based season than most. (A little spoiler: this is the exact spot where we have him ranked in our upcoming final draft board.)
The first thing you'll notice about Viggo Bjorck is that he just doesn't stop. He drives his line, he drives the gameโhe's absolutely fearless, always engaged, and extremely competitive. When you look closer, however, you'll see the extreme intelligence that underpins everything else he does. It's a combination of traits necessary for someone his size to succeed in the NHL, even if he doesn't have elite top speeds (he's still a very good skater).
His puck skills are as good as they come, and while we spent the season interrogating exactly where we wanted to rank his hockey sense, we've settled on it being elite as well. There are still some concerns, namely about his top-end speed and whether he can build enough strength to win battles. But we believe in the potential here, and it isn't difficult to see the Seattle Kraken doing the same.
8. Winnipeg Jets: Keaton Verhoeff, D, University of North Dakota (NCAA)
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There was a time when University of North Dakota defenseman Keaton Verhoeff was in the conversation for first overall. His move to college hockey from the WHLโa smart one, to be clearโexposed some shortcomings in his game that put the brakes on that. Anyone who hasn't checked in on him since that early-season praise will need to adjust their expectations.
Fortunately, we still believe in his ability to develop into an NHL mainstay. And with the Winnipeg Jets trading Logan Stanley to the Colorado Avalanche, they're probably looking to fill the void left by a giant defenseman who brings size and intentional physicality.ย
That's where the similarities between Stanley and Verhoeff stop, to be clear.ย
Verhoeff, who holds the distinction of being the youngest player to ever suit up for a varsity game at the University of North Dakota, has his good shifts and his bad shifts. On his best nights, he's an impressive combination of size and offensive skill, utilizing his size to disrupt opponents and create when he has the puck. He's got a bomb of a shot, and he brings a physicality that the Jets will definitely find appealing.ย
We aren't entirely convinced that Verhoeff, at his best, will make it to the NHL, but with the right development path, it's still a possibility. Issues with his skating will need to be addressed; he lacks the agility to pivot, which is crucial for a defender in today's game. He also struggles with reads, telegraphing his own decision-making to his and his team's detriment. We believe in his NHL future, but what that looks like depends on where he goes from here.
9. Florida Panthers: Alberts Smits, D, Jukurit (Liiga)
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Much like it is easy to anticipate the New York Rangers liking Carson Carels, the Florida Panthers taking a shine to Alberts Smits just makes sense.
He pairs sizeโ6'3" and 205 poundsโwith good skating, and he's got a defense-first mindset. He's also got a bomb of a shot and is constantly engaged in play, trying to impose his will on the game.
Disrupting plays by opponents sometimes looks like he's just brushing off a fly. Looking at the current Panthers' defensive corps, it's easy to envision them slotting Smits into their lineup down the road.
We've lowered our opinion of his hockey sense after watching more of his games, but not excessively. There's just a desire for more on the side of decision-making at those high game speeds. It's something that we have highlighted as an issue in his game in the past, and that concern has grown as we've gotten down to crunch time.
Even with that in mind, however, given his mobility and his motor, it's difficult to envision him not getting consistent NHL time. There's just more opportunity to mine over time.
10. Nashville Predators: Wyatt Cullen, LW, USNTDP
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We're going to give the Nashville Predators the benefit of the doubt here and have them make the smart choice. Wyatt Cullen is the smart choice.ย
Cullen was a riser across the season after a slow start caused by injury. It's a tale as old as time. We're very high on him (he'll be inside the top 10 on our next board) because we're betting on his upside. The Predators would do well to do the same.
One thing they're lacking in their prospect pool is a truly elite forward talent, and selecting Cullen would change that immediately. This is no slight to Brady Martin, of courseโhe's an incredible player, just not what one would label as dynamic.
Cullen is. On pure skill alone, he's among the top forwards available this season; his vision and hockey sense are difficult to match, and he's as tenacious as they come. You're more likely to have to drag him out of play than to have to push him into the fray.
He's still got warts on his game (who doesn't), so he'll need to add a layer of explosiveness to his skating and bulk up a little to ensure he can maintain his playing style at the next level.
11. St. Louis Blues (via DET): Daxon Rudolph, D, Prince Albert Raiders (WHL)
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With the way that the St. Louis Blues like to play hockey, Daxon Rudolph as the pick here makes almost too much sense. The Prince Albert Raiders defenseman is just inside our upcoming top ten, but we all know how things go on draft day, and there's every chance that he's available here at 11. The Blues should jump on it if he is.ย
Rudolph may play a quieter style of hockey than many of the flashier, more dynamic defenders in this draft class, but don't mistake quiet for lack of skill. He just makes what he does look easier than it actually is. The majority of his tools grade at the higher end of the scale, from skating and handling to his hockey sense. He pairs size (he's 6'2.5" and 206 pounds) and deliberate physicality with a highly active stick, using that long frame to achieve quite a serious reach.ย
The opposite side of that ability to make things look easier is that it can come across as the bad kind of poiseโunbothered, maybe a little disengaged. Adding intensity is something that he needs to work on. Even with that in mind, though, he's an attractive prospect, with great skating and mobility driving the rest of his game.
12. New Jersey Devils: Malte Gustafsson, D, HV71 (SHL)
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Malte Gustafsson, Swedish defenseman, has been a riser on many lists across the season. (Ours included.) He's worth it.
Typically, when intelligence is mentioned for defensemen, it's referring to those flashy, dynamic point machines. Gustafsson is absolutely brilliant, but his intelligence shines on the other side of the game. His awareness is magnificent, allowing him to pinch aggressively and accurately, and he has the necessary high-end mobility in his skating to support the way he likes to remove space and opportunities from opponents. Saying that he plays significant minutes is an understatement.ย
He's also enormous, coming in at 6'4" and 201 pounds, and he knows how to use that size to take away space from opponents and crush them. All of this adds up to an incredibly impressive floor; think excellent shutdown defense and smothering opponents in the neutral zone. And he's still raw, with plenty of opportunity to add to his profile by improving his skating even further and refining his handling abilities.
With rumors of a Simon Nemec trade circulating, the New Jersey Devils may be looking to add back to the defense side of their prospect pool. Gustafsson would be a good call here.
13. New York Islanders: Ryan Lin, D, Vancouver Giants (WHL)
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Breaking mock draft tradition, we will not be sending Ryan Lin to the Columbus Blue Jackets in this version; instead, we've chosen to send him to the New York Islanders.
He may be gone by this pick if there's an earlier team that really likes him, but this is roughly the zone that makes the most sense for him to be selected. He was one of the best defensemen at the recent U18 World Championships, and his intelligence and mature detail game feel like they would be attractive to a team that locked down Matthew Schaefer immediately.ย
His skating is terrificโespecially his edges and his agility, hello evasivenessโand though he's got wrinkles in his game that need ironing out, there's serious potential for him to turn into a top four defender. Missed opportunities or bad habits creeping into later shifts are an issue at times, but engagement and intelligence are never in question. Whether he can add necessary muscle and refine that decision-making is a question he'll need to answer down the road.
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 to play for David Carle in the fall.
14. Columbus Blue Jackets: Oscar Hemming, F, Boston College (NCAA)
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Finnish forward Oscar Hemming took the leap to NCAA hockey and joined Boston College midseason. It was a move borne of a rather frustrating start to the year: when he initially tried to join the Kitchener Rangers of the OHL, his Liiga team, where he was already under contract, blocked the transfer. The NCAA is not bound by IIHF rules, so off to college hockey he went.ย
Hemming, who was the youngest player in college hockey, immediately showcased standout qualities, including excellent awareness and doggedness on the forecheck that he pairs with wonderfully intentional physicality. His floor seems to be "useful and efficient third liner who is strong defensively". His ceiling is higher.
There are concerns about his overall pace, and that's something to keep an eye on this year โ can he sustain that level of play that we initially saw across a full season? College hockey is, at least, a good place to build the kind of stamina that is required.
He's a mobile skater but needs to add a separating factor in terms of acceleration from his edges. He already has an NHL frame. He makes opponents' lives tougher on every shift when he's at his best, and he's very good at finding teammates; he would be a solid choice for any team selecting in the middle or early second half of this first round.
15. St. Louis Blues (via DET): Adam Novotny, LW/RW, Peterborough Petes (OHL)
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Much like our reason for projecting winger Adam Novotny to other teams in the past, he makes sense as a selection for the St. Louis Blues (with the second of their three picks in this round) because he's so well-rounded. He's engaged in every aspect of the game; he can create in multiple situations, and he's 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. There isn't a single shift where he doesn't make his presence known and make an impact on the game.
Combining all of that with his offensive skill and the fact that we see his strengths consistently, he really projects as a power-forward type. Before his game rounded out, it was thought perhaps he'd end up more of a sniper; it was nice to see that develop further this season. Novotny will not need as much runway as many of his peers, something the Blues are likely to appreciate.
16. Washington Capitals: Ethan Belchetz, LW, Windsor Spitfires (OHL)
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This is another possibility pick, where the possibility in question is that we can see Ethan Belchetz fallโnot for lack of skill, but because teams likely narrowed their focus to other players while he was out with a broken collarbone. It's always such a toss-up whether this will happen; it didn't happen to Matthew Schaefer last season, but Matthew Schaefer also managed to showcase the fact that he is supernaturally good in a short amount of time.
Ethan Belchetz projects as a power forward type and is an extremely skilled player. He combines that skill with size (he's 6'5"), and his overall approach to the game feels easily translatable to the NHL level. He excels at creating in transition, and his ability to create netfront is even better.ย
Consistency is where we want to see improvement moving forward; his individual skills are excellent, and now it's time for him to put all of that together night in and night out. Because when he's on, he's a special player, and one whose strengths fit like a puzzle piece with the Capitals. He's worth taking the risk here if he's not already gone by this point.
17. Los Angeles Kings: Ilia Morozov, F, Miami University (NCAA)
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Pinpointing what the Los Angeles Kings are going to do at the draft is like trying to catch those little pieces of dandelion fluff after you've blown them off the stem, and that's probably especially true with this year's lack of general consensus. Still, it's difficult to go wrong with a younger, intelligent, highly engaged center.
Miami University forward Ilia Morozov's game is easy to project to the professional level, and he was a significant part of Miami's team, helping the team go from a 3-win record the previous season to 18 wins. He 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 in his own end, his engagement level in all areas of the ice is genuinely refreshing. Quick reaction times, intelligent problem-solving under pressure, and disrupting opponents' passing lanes are all standout elements of his game.
His top-end speed isn't the highest, so it would be good to see him work on that next season; adding a separating factor is never a bad idea. Moving forward, it would also be good to see him lean more into using his hockey sense to add a layer of creativity and selection to his playmaking.
18. Washington Capitals (via ANA): Nikita Klepov, LW, Saginaw Spirit
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This pick hasn't changed in the slightest, because Saginaw Spirit winger Nikita Klepov just makes a stupid amount of sense as a future Washington Capital. On pure skill alone, he's among the top players available this year. He was the OHL's leading scorer, finishing the regular season with 97 points in 67 gamesโthe first time a rookie in the league nabbed that honor since the 1973-74 season. He also won Rookie of the Year. Unsurprising.
Those numbers come from incredible puck skills and a motor that genuinely does not stop. Klepov is relentless. He's constantly chasing down plays, drawing opponents to him, and finding teammates with easeโhis high-end processing and vision will propel his game into one better suited for the professional game. He's a fascinating prospect, at times showcasing both power-forward potential and more dynamic, creative potential.ย
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 the doctor (or development coach) ordered. Klepov is part of that ever-impressive group either playing for or committed to Michigan State University.
19. Utah Mammoth: Alexander Command, C, Orebro HK (SHL)
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While Swedish center Alexander Command may not be development-proof (who is), he's something pretty close to it. He's difficult to pin down for the perfect team. With the Utah Mammoth still in their early days, bringing in all types makes sense, and Command has a really high floor.
His work ethic and consistency would be valued by any team, and he pairs it with high-end intelligence and efficient physicality. There's a real maturity to his game that old-school types will appreciate, and anyone will love his highly competitive nature. He's a safe pick in a way that isn't detrimental.
Command's floor is settling into the role of a solid middle-six center, efficient and strong on defense, who can still add to the team offensively thanks to his vision and ability to make things happen when the circumstances aren't great.
His skating needs improvement, particularly those top-end speeds, but if he manages to elevate that aspect of his game we're likely to see improvement in his playmaking as well. And at the end of the day that competitiveness means he's not going to bail on a play, and his defensive contributions are going to be impressive regardless.
20. Buffalo Sabres (via EDM): Maddox Dagenais, C, Quebec Remparts (QMJHL)
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This pick belonged to the San Jose Sharks as recently as yesterday evening. Now it belongs to the Buffalo Sabres.
We chose to keep the player the same because the idea of sending the Quebec Remparts' center to the Buffalo Sabres is both fascinating and fitting. Not to mention, this particular pick (or zone of picks, more accurately) is where we feel Dagenais should be selected. With Noah Ostlund and Konsta Helenius in the pros, it makes sense to add another center to the pool.
Dagenais proved that his hockey sense is the real deal over the second half of the season, switching into high-intensity mode and showcasing a power-forward nature with flashes of high-end processing ability. He's a project pick for sure, but the Sabres proved last season that they're no longer the league's joke; they'll probably have time to let Dagenais continue to develop and work out the kinks in his game.
He's got a motor that doesn't quit, reliable playmaking with flashes of additional dynamic abilities, extremely effective and heavy reverse hits, and a laundry list more. With time and patience, the Sabres could gain a key piece for future attempts at contending.
21. Philadelphia Flyers: Oliver Suvanto, C, Tappara (Liiga)
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Oliver Suvanto is absolutely massive, and while that alone isn't a reason to assign him to the Philadelphia Flyers, it certainly doesn't hurt. Size, however, isn't even the most attractive part of his game.ย
Granted, 21st is high for Suvanto at this point in the game. But it's not so high that it's a crazy pickโthe Flyers could make moves that make a lot less sense here than taking a center with a huge frame, the tenacity of a Labrador Retriever whose owner is trying to keep him out of the pool, and excellent details.
There's just something about a two-way center who actually embodies what that means. Too many guys get that two-way label added to their bio because they're centers with lower production numbers. Suvanto is a power forward type who is also mature, reliable, and intelligent. That's honestly like catnip to most teams these days.ย ย
Suvanto impressed more in his U20 regular-season play than he did at the U18 World Championships this yearโexpecting to see more offensive ability shining in a tournament against his peers doesn't feel unreasonable. Chief among what we need to see moving forward is improvement in his skating (specifically his edgework), as well as greater assurance that both sides of his game will translate to the professional level.
22. Pittsburgh Penguins: Xavier Villeneuve, D, Blainville-Boisbriand Armada (QMJHL)
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On the off chance that the Pittsburgh Penguins don't decide to be aggressive and trade up for a specific player, we're throwing Xavier Villeneuve at them. He's one of those players who could fall out of the first round entirely due to his size (he's 5'11" and 162 pounds), but based on his skill, we have him ranked in the top half of the first round.ย
In the 2025 first round, no defensemen under six feet tall were selected. Villeneuve is genuinely worth not repeating that. While his skill set is raw, his upside is such that we would pit him against even the top players in this draft. He's agile, dynamic, and extremely intelligent, with quick hands and feet that let him put that intelligence into action in every game. His timing, in particular, when trying to outwit and outmatch opponents, is especially impressive.
Ignore his size. Villeneuve makes an impact each time he steps onto the ice. More consistency on his end is necessary when planning his development path, as is adding muscle. The Penguins have a little bit more time to let prospects cook before they need to be ready for a Big-Three-less future. Villeneuve could be one of the players to soften the blow down the road.
23. Boston Bruins: Elton Hermansson, RW/LW, MoDo Hockey (Hockey Allsvenskan)
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Continuing our trend of allowing the Boston Bruins to make intelligent picks, this go-around they're selecting MoDo Hockey winger Elton Hermansson.
This is roughly what feels like an appropriate tier for him to be selected, even when betting on his floor, and he's got some serious upside potential on top of that. If he lives up to that potential, the Bruins could come away with a real steal; Hermansson's skill is thrilling when he's at his best.
So who is Hermansson at his best? A highly skilled playmaker who can create in a variety of situations and who has especially been dominant against his own peer group. Driving play is second nature to him thanks to high-end handling abilities and the good facets of his skating; namely, his top speeds and the edgework that allows him to be slippery and elusive.
His skating posture could use some work, but that's what skating coaches are for. His physicality could use some improvement, and we'd like to see greater clarity on whether he can translate those creation abilities to the professional level.
24. Vancouver Canucks (via MIN): Mathis Preston, RW, Vancouver Giants (WHL)
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For this year's draft class, there's this weird liminal space between picks 24 and 40, where the players could be mixed and matched like a capsule wardrobe on vacation.
We have Mathis Preston ranked high in the second round, but it is equally believable that a team will take him in the second half of the first round.
For our purposes, that team is the Vancouver Canucks, both because Preston is now right in their backyard with the Vancouver Giants and because his skill set lends itself well to the planet of dysfunction that has been the Canucks lately.
After being limited to just 10 games with his new team after the WHL trade deadline due to injury, Preston came out swinging at this year's U18 World Championships. He was a bright light on a less-than-impressive Canadian team, netting six points in five games, and his presence was also 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.
Preston is a smart player and effective problem-solver, with quick feet and a powerful shot, and he doesn't cave under pressure. His skating is excellent, and his stick work is 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.
25. Seattle Kraken (via TB): Liam Ruck, RW, Medicine Hat Tigers (WHL)
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Liam Ruck could be long gone by pick 25. If he isn't, it's the rest of the round's loss and the Seattle Kraken's gain. This is, of course, assuming some team doesn't work a little pick-trading magic to select both Liam and his twin brother Markus. With the Kraken selecting Viggo Bjorck earlier in the round, it would make sense that they wouldn't shy away from a second somewhat weedy forward, choosing instead to focus on skill.
Ruck finished the WHL regular season with 104 points, including 45 goals (he lost the scoring title to Markus, who had 108 points). 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.
Our main concern for 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 in a professional league. We've seen that he can dominate the WHL; what's left to prove is that he can translate that to a higher level of play. We expect to see him at the NHL level regardless.
26. New York Rangers (via DAL): William Hakansson, D, Lulea HF (SHL)ย
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Chances aren't high that the New York Rangers use both of their picks in the first round on defensemen, but in this hypothetical universe where they do, we can envision them selecting Lulea HF defender William Hakansson.
While Hakansson isn't a player that we have ranked inside the first round, he has a high floor and is a fairly low-risk pick. The level of security that comes with his ability to eat significant minutes would likely be attractive to many teams picking here at the end of the first round.
Hakansson's skating is solidโon the slower side in terms of pace but effective enoughโand he has the ability to spot developing crafty plays and smother them. He also brings puck-moving abilities of his own, connecting passes accurately and intelligently, and pairing that with poise under pressure.
He was highly relied upon during Lulea's U20 playoffs, and while he sometimes tends to let the game come to him, that can improve with time and maturity.
27. San Jose Sharks (via BUF): JP Hurlbert, C, Kamloops Blazers (WHL)
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Yesterday, this pick and defenseman Michael Kesselring were both Buffalo Sabres. Today, they're San Jose Sharks. Or the pick will eventually be a San Jose Shark.
Kamloops Blazers center JP Hurlbert is another player who ranks in this strange no-man's land of late first-round and early second-round picks. Anything in this zone would probably make sense for him. So why should the Sharks, specifically, pick him? Hurlbert's separating factor is his shotโor rather, his arsenal of shots, because you name one and he's got itโand in particular the accuracy with which he sinks them. He finished the WHL regular season with 97 points in 68 games, and added 3 more points in 4 playoff games. He's smart, has great vision, and can use that vision on his end as well.
Unfortunately, Hurlbert is a player for whom the numbers don't tell the whole story; many of the ways he creates offense won't translate to the NHL level. If he broadens his creation style to encompass more situations than just, say, waiting for a stretch pass from a teammate or similar, we'll see those points add up in the pros. Physicality and poise under pressure improving would also go a long way toward reassuring that his game will translate to the NHL level.
28. Montreal Canadiens: Tommy Bleyl, D, Moncton Wildcats (QMJHL)
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Making his first mock draft appearance (and soon, making his first draft board appearance) is defenseman Tommy Bleyl.
While we would still group him in the very late first/early second round liminal space, there are circumstances in which he makes a lot of sense as a first-round pick. The Montreal Canadiens are one, for the same reason that we mentioned the Canadiens as a good fit for fellow defenseman Xavier Villeneuve: how they handled Lane Hutson's development.
Bleyl finished the QMJHL regular season with 81 points in 63 games, including 13 goals, after making the leap from prep school (he previously attended Cushing Academy) to major junior hockey for his draft year. Looking at his various rankings, it seems like that gamble is going to pay off.ย
The key thing to know about Bleyl is that he is a phenomenal skater, explosive and slippery, and extremely difficult for opponents to catch. He manages the flow of play well and sometimes even seems to be controlling it, using his handling and skating to manipulate opponents.
Right now, he leans on skating a little too much, and his physical game is below average. If he can improve that physical game as well as utilizing his intelligenceโnot just depending on his skating, but improving his reads as wellโhe'll turn out to be an excellent pick.
29. St. Louis Blues (via COL): Marcus Nordmark, RW, Djurgardens IF U20 (U20 Nationell)
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Before we move on to the pick, we must express our surprise that it was the Sharks' second pick that got traded on Wednesday and not this, the Blues' third pick. This getting traded still feels almost certain. But presuming they make the pick, today we're looking at Marcus Nordmark.
The Swedish winger is one that we have earmarked as an early second-round player, but who we can easily see being selected in the first. There are a lot of those. Nordmark's maturity and composure, along with his production (he finished at a 1.52 points-per-game pace in his U20 games), will be attractive to many teams, and the Blues are no exception.
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. His creation tends to happen more to the outside, which isn't the best-case scenario, but he's a skilled finisher and has a high level of precision on his shot.ย
If those skills coalesce into a well-rounded player, there's value. The concern is that they may not coalesce at all. His physical game is on the weaker side, and his pace is low. These are both things that he's capable of addressing, and he's operating from a place of skillโwe just need to see more urgency and an improvement in utility away from the puck.
30. Calgary Flames (via VGK): Jack Hextall, C, Youngstown Phantoms (USHL)
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Youngstown Phantoms center and future Michigan State player Jack Hextall is another player we have ranked in that ephemeral no-man's-land between the end of the first/beginning of the second round.
He spent this season with the Youngstown Phantoms of the USHL, finishing the regular season at nearly a point per game (58 in 59). We're unsure what is going on with recruitment at Michigan State, but please carry on.
The Calgary Flames could go any direction with their second pick of the round, and a lot of times, teams will choose to load up on centers to maximize their chances of finding precisely the right one that's going to be part of their team for a long time.
Hextall is a player who could definitely work for them. He's versatile, useful at center and also on the wing, and he's easy to trust both with and without the puck. His exact projection in terms of where he'll land in a lineup is murky, but he's reliable and intelligent.
We've seen some tantalizing moments where he's shown deception and creativity in his already good playmaking; moving forward, it would be good to see him focus on making that a regular thing. It would also be good to see him unlock another level with his skating, particularly his speed.
31. Carolina Hurricanes: Jaxon Cover, LW, London Knights (OHL)
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Congrats once more to the Hurricanesโthis time not for winning the Stanley Cup, but for landing themselves in the perfect spot to nab yet another high-ceiling, high-risk player in London Knights left wing Jaxon Cover.
Cover is a great representation of a trend we've seen this seasonโa player with tons of raw, high-end skill who just needs a little more time to smooth out the rough edges before he's ready for professional hockey. Given that Cover only switched to ice hockey five years ago, previously playing roller hockey in the Cayman Islands, it's a pretty impressive development trajectory.
His puck handling is magnificent, as is the vision that allows him to put it to work. He can feast on opponents' mistakes, employing precision and deception to frustrate opposing defenders. His work ethic is terrific, with Cover constantly engaged in play.
He's got work to do on consistency and refining his skill set, but his future is bright, and the Hurricanes clearly have time to allow him to develop at the pace that he needs. He's headed to Penn State, another player taking advantage of the CHL-to-NCAA pipeline.
32. Ottawa Senators: Markus Ruck, C/LW, Medicine Hat Tigers (WHL)
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Although he is ranked as an early second-rounder for us, there is a world in which Markus Ruck is selected in the first round. Our most likely scenario for that feels like the Ottawa Senators (though we aren't ruling out another team getting weird with it, especially if whoever drafts Liam has the opportunity to move back into the first round).ย
Markus Ruck finished the WHL regular season as its scoring leader with 108 points, including 21 goals and 87 assists. His hockey sense and his passing abilityโas evidenced by the approaching 90 assists, which would've been good enough for inside the top 10 of WHL scoringโare superb. He's got a strategic mind, solid anticipation in selecting plays and connecting with teammates, and he's excellent at creating off the cycle. We saw further development of that playmaking ability as the season wore on.
It's his other skills that knock him down our board. His skating is below average, and his physical game isn't where it needs to be for him to translate those offensive abilities to the NHL levelโyet. He's got time to improve these things, and if he does, this will turn out to be a valuable pick indeed.
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