B/R's Final 2026 NHL Mock Draft

The 2026 NHL draft is nearly upon us, so it's time for one last whack at a mock draft.

If only you knew how many times various pieces of this mock had to be rewritten after the Great Unofficial Trade Deadline of Tuesday, June 23. What was all that about? Fortunately we've been able to get back to business...for now.

With so many picks being traded to so many new places, we've got a few unique circumstances in this iteration of the mock draft. The St. Louis Blues now hold four first-round picks on Friday. The San Jose Sharks currently have three; the Ottawa Senators, the Calgary Flames, and the Vancouver Canucks each have two. 

While the latter teams may hold on to their selections, our eyes are on the Blues and the Sharks as they could make further moves. We're also watching the Buffalo Sabres (who also have two picks), as rumor has it the No. 4 overall pick is still in play.

Don't worry, we're as confused as you are. To the picks!

Draft order as of Wednesday, June 24.

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

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Do we really need to go over this again? Not only is Gavin McKenna the best player available in this year's draft, we've also gotten confirmation (per Shawn Hutcheon) that the Leafs have informed McKenna he's their pick. The matter is settled.

There were, of course, legitimate concerns about McKenna's play this season. That's true of every prospect in the running to be selected, this year and most years. For McKenna it was his engagement and play away from the puck. He spent the second half of the season addressing these issues to an extent—there's work to be done, but what we saw was at a level that quiets any worry about his ability to translate his game to the NHL level. 

McKenna is a special player; one you could realistically call franchise-altering. The Leafs want to win. They're not going to miss out on this chance.

It's difficult to narrow down to a brief blurb exactly why McKenna is so special, 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 puckhandling and playmaking abilities are going to serve the Leafs well for a very long time.

2. San Jose Sharks: Ivar Stenberg, LW/RW, Frolunda HC (SHL)

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It seems Ivar Stenberg to the San Jose Sharks is happening. How do we know this? Because Elliotte Friedman said so.

It's a good call on the Sharks' part. After all of the trade frenzy, they now have two picks inside the top 10—they can take Stenberg here and target a defenseman with their ninth overall pick. Several really good options should be available then.

So what are they getting in selecting Stenberg? He's the best available behind Gavin McKenna; he is probably a better fit for some teams than Gavin McKenna, although the Sharks would probably do well either way. And he'll fit well with the top players of the team general manager Mike Grier is building toward.

It's likely that 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. 

Stenberg's game prompts fewer questions than most other players available this year, which has to be reassuring to the Sharks. He has a no-quit motor—necessary for a young team that wants to compete and soon—and 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.

3. Vancouver Canucks: Carson Carels, D, Prince George Cougars (WHL)

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The immediate logical choice here at third overall is defenseman Chase Reid. Given their drafting and developing history, it doesn't really ring true that the Vancouver Canucks would go with the logical choice. It feels far more likely they take the two-way, mean and skilled guy instead. Fortunately for them, that guy would also be an excellent selection.

Carson Carels is inches behind Chase Reid when it comes to the top defensemen in this draft, and their styles are very different. We mentioned once not to be surprised if you see some teams preferring him over Reid for this reason; it felt far too accurate to then mock him to the Canucks. Carels has a shorter runway to the NHL, which feels like something that a team presently in disarray would appreciate.

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 likely won't be surprised to hear that he eats heavy minutes for the Prince George Cougars of the WHL. Though it would benefit him to spend another season or so developing, don't be surprised if he is at least pushing the envelope for an NHL job next season. He projects as an eventual top-pair defenseman easily.

4. Buffalo Sabres (via CHI): Viggo Bjorck, C/RW, Djurgardens IF

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Chances feel better than zero that the Buffalo Sabres trade this pick. Maybe they even trade it before this mock draft gets published. But for the time being, we're pondering how things could play out if the Sabres choose to make the pick. And this feels like one of the possible scenarios where Swedish forward Viggo Bjorck slips into the top five.

The first thing you'll notice about Viggo Bjorck is that he just doesn't stop. He drives his line, he drives the game—he'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 that is necessary for someone his size to succeed in the NHL, even if he doesn't have those 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 speeds and whether he can bolster his strength enough to win battles. The Sabres proved this season that they are a team building toward a near future, not a far one; Bjorck would be an excellent addition to that.

5. New York Rangers: Caleb Malhotra, C, Brantford Bulldogs (OHL)

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We've mocked Brantford Bulldogs center Caleb Malhotra to the New York Rangers before, mainly because a lot of his talents line up well with the identity they're trying to build. None of those rings more true than his no-quit work ethic.

Malhotra brings a combination of maturity and intelligence to the ice that makes him the best center prospect available this year, and when you need just about everything to improve your prospect pool, going for a good center first is a great strategy. Malhotra is a two-way center, not labeled as such as a band-aid to cover his deficiencies but to showcase that he truly is skilled and useful at both ends of the ice. No matter the zone you put him in, you can trust him. Regardless of the situation, he will not only hold his own, he'll thrive and drive positive results.

In a nutshell, he pairs high-end hockey sense that feeds a superb attention to detail with a work ethic that would measure up for even the strictest of coaches. If Malhotra is available, there are two options: the Rangers pick him immediately, or they overthink it and go way off board.

6. Calgary Flames: Chase Reid, D, Sault Ste Marie Greyhounds

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A lot of slander has been thrown around lately about whether Chase Reid's offensive game is legitimate or the product of a "weaker" OHL. It's not a concern. Ignore anyone who tells you that it is.

Chase Reid is easily this year's top play-driving defenseman. He has the ability to control the flow of the game from the moment he steps onto the ice. In the best-case scenario, he's going to be a franchise keystone for whatever team is lucky enough to select him. Here, that's the Calgary Flames.

A quick rundown on Reid has to start with his skating. It's one of his standout assets, and it underpins the rest of his game. It's what separates him as the top defenseman in this year's draft. His mobility allows him to be fluid and dynamic, with a quickness that helps him put his elite processing into action. Reid will be smothering opponents' chances in his own end one moment, and before the other team can blink he's passed the puck to an open teammate or carried it out—and then in—himself.

In addition to processing Reid brings intelligence and creativity, and even flashes of deception at times. His ability to think multiple steps ahead of opponents is critical to his style of play; he's able to project what everyone else is going to do and make his own decisions accordingly. He's a high-volume shooter, but he's just as likely to find an open teammate with a pass before opponents have a clue what's happening.

7. Seattle Kraken: Wyatt Cullen, LW, USNTDP

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No more middle six forwards for the Seattle Kraken. No more centers. In this mock draft they're going to take a pure skill winger and they're going to like it.

After a slow start caused by injury, Wyatt Cullen skyrocketed up many boards across the second half of the season. He's a player who's extremely easy to like, and just as easy to decide is a well-calculated risk. 

On pure skill only, 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 just as likely to showcase creative playmaking as he is to get involved in a puck battle. He brings a high-end layer of deception, he has the patience to elude opponents. Watching him play hockey is just a good time.

Things that we'd like to see him address in college hockey are the usual; add muscle and address his skating. For Cullen the latter means an added layer of explosiveness to give him a true separation ability; fortunately, adding the right kind of muscle—and training it the right way—helps with this.

8. Winnipeg Jets: Daxon Rudolph, D, Prince Albert Raiders (WHL)

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Another day, another option for the Winnipeg Jets. This time it's Prince Albert Raiders defender Daxon Rudolph. The primary draw of drafting Rudolph, specifically, is the way that he pairs intelligence and poise with size. His approach is quiet rather than flashy; composed rather than skittering around like a little water bug. It works for him, and it'll work for his team.

Rudolph may play a quieter style of hockey than many of the 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. 

The opposite side of that ability to make things look easier is that it can come across as the bad kind of poise—unbothered, 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.

9. San Jose Sharks (via FLA): Keaton Verhoeff, D, University of North Dakota (NCAA)

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When this pick briefly belonged to the Ottawa Senators, we noted that more might be coming. If you'll notice, this pick is now the property of the San Jose Sharks.

With the Sharks owning three picks in the first round total, and this being the second one inside the top ten, the disclaimer that "more might be coming" still feels like it applies, albeit for a different team. If they do make this pick, though, there are rumblings that they'll choose to address their blue line—and the name we've seen tossed around the most is University of North Dakota defenseman Keaton Verhoeff.

For a while, Verhoeff was in the conversation for first overall. His move to college hockey from the WHL—a good one for his own development and career, to be clear—exposed some shortcomings in his game that put the brakes on that. 

Don't misunderstand "shortcomings" for "unfixable flaws", though. Verhoeff's chances of becoming an NHL regular are close enough to guaranteed at the moment. What that looks like is still up to him and where his development goes from here.

The Sharks are betting on a return-to-form for Verhoeff from the praise he (rightfully) received on his WHL play last season. 

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 NHL teams find appealing. 

We aren't convinced yet that Verhoeff at his best will show up in the NHL, but it's certainly still a possibility. Issues with his skating will need to be addressed; he lacks true agility and pivoting 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 is up to where he goes from here.

10. Nashville Predators: Tynan Lawrence, C, Boston University (NCAA)

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There's a new team in charge in Nashville, so there's no real way to know their draft strategy. With that in mind, we're projecting Boston University center Tynan Lawrence, because drafting a tenacious center who is a great skater is frankly hard to do wrong. 

Lawrence's skating shines because of strong explosiveness and speed. He's incredibly intelligent, and he can use that intelligence at those top speeds. We saw him struggle to put up numbers after he moved from the USHL to college hockey at BU midseason, but his defensive play didn't stumble in the slightest. 

While we're still waiting for him to use intelligence in a game-breaking way, chances are good that it will come next season, when he's not making such a big change in the middle of the season.

In order to truly become the top-six center that many project him as, he'll need to add another gear when it comes to playmaking. Ideally the team that drafts him will be able 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 on a consistent basis. 

11. St. Louis Blues: Alberts Smits, D, Jukurit (Liiga)

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This is the first of four total picks owned by the St. Louis Blues in the first round of this year's draft. Gut instinct says that they don't make all four picks; at least one is likely to get traded, more depending on the deal. 

But for now we're proceeding as if they pick four players. First guy up? Latvian defenseman Alberts Smits.

A short brief on his game: he pairs size—he's 6'3" and 205 pounds—with 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. Sound like Blues hockey to you?

While Smits's hockey sense is still considered a benefit, 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. 

If this and the Rudolph to Winnipeg pick feel similar to you, you're not alone; spiritually they are the same. The two could also be flipped around and fit.

12. New Jersey Devils: Malte Gustafsson, D, HV71 (SHL)

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We mocked Swedish defenseman Malte Gustafsson to the New Jersey Devils in our last mock draft. That was before the Simon Nemec trade. It makes even more sense now.

A rundown on Gustafsson in case you forgot: he is absolutely brilliant, but his intelligence shines on the defensive side of the game rather than offensive dynamism. 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. Every team wants a player who can easily eat significant minutes; Gustafsson could be that guy.

While his primary skill set is on the defensive side of things, aggressive on the rush and always tracking threats anywhere on the ice (not just the person with the puck), Gustafsson has solid offensive abilities. He's not a dynamic guy; his approach to offense shows he's able to think through and select what he feels is most likely to succeed against his opponents and adapt. That said, he needs to keep an eye on that tendency and make sure it doesn't lead to him deferring too much at higher levels. 

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 and crush opponents. 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.

13. New York Islanders: Oliver Suvanto, C, Tappara (Liiga)

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Oliver Suvanto to the New York Islanders at 13th overall is high. But to make it a true NHL mock draft, there have to be a few teams who pick too high. The fun is figuring out who, and Suvanto to the Islanders just made sense. 

We've described Suvanto in the past as "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." It's a good summation. 

NHL teams love nothing more than defaulting to selecting a center in the first round, but we have to admit there's just something about a two-way center who actually embodies what that means. Too many guys get labeled a "two-way player" and then really all that means is that he stays in his own end and blocks shots, but sometimes carries the puck out.

Not Suvanto.

While he impressed us 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—he did make himself known across the season.

Chief among what we need to see moving forward is improvement to his skating (edgework specifically), as well as more assurance that both sides of his game will translate to the professional level.

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

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There's no real intel behind our pick here; just a general awareness that it's difficult to predict what teams will do and the knowledge that Ryan Lin's skating will catch anyone's eye.

It's fantastic; his edge work and agility in particular bring a very nice evasiveness to his game. He's such a cutting player, consistently engaged and able to suffocate his opponents defensively.

Though his approach to play has wrinkles that need ironing out, there's still serious potential for Lin to turn into a top-four defender. Missed opportunities or bad habits creeping into later shifts is an issue at times, but engagement and intelligence are never in question.

Lin brings offensive skill to the table as well, and high-end details, particularly in his stick work. He's a little on the smaller side comparatively (he's 5'11"), but that's not a limiting factor in his play.

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.

15. St. Louis Blues (via DET): Adam Novotny, LW/RW, Peterborough Petes (OHL)

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The St. Louis Blues have two picks in a row here, and for the first we've selected Czech winger (and Peterborough Petes player) Adam Novotny. He's such a well-rounded player, engaged at every moment and in every situation, and able to create in any circumstance. He's a beast on the forecheck and retrieves pucks with ease. It was tempting, at times, to rank him higher than mid-round.

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 on a consistent basis, 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 of a runway as many of his peers, something that the Blues are likely to appreciate.

16. St. Louis Blues (via WSH): Alexander Command, C, Orebro HK (SHL)

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In our last mock, this pick belonged to the Washington Capitals. Now, after the Jordan Kyrou trade, it's another Blues pick. For this one, we went with incredibly competitive and effective Swedish center Alexander Command. This is slightly early for him, but in the right tier, and the Blues targeting a center with a strong work ethic and not as much risk as other players feels like it makes sense.

While Command may not be development-proof (who is), he's something pretty close to it. He's difficult to pin down the perfect team for, but he has a really high floor, and his work ethic and consistency would be valued by any team. He pairs that work ethic 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 in terms of opportunity cost.

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.

17. Los Angeles Kings: Nikita Klepov, LW, Saginaw Spirit

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We've been testing out different options for the Los Angeles Kings, because it's hard to know what they're going to do, and prolific scorer and skilled winger Nikita Klepov felt like the right call this time. 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 games—the 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, finding teammates with ease—his high-end processing and vision will propel his game forward into one more suited for the professional game. He's a fascinating prospect, at different times showcasing 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 the doctor (or development coach) ordered. Klepov is part of that ever-impressive group either playing for or committed to Michigan State University.

18. Washington Capitals (via ANA): Ethan Belchetz, LW, Windsor Spitfires (OHL)

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It's a few spots down from where we had him selected last time, but we left Ethan Belchetz a Washington Capitals pick for two reasons. The first is that he could very well fall down the selection order (though he could just as easily be gone inside the top ten); the second is that his power forward projection seems to fit perfectly with the post-Alexander Ovechkin future that they're building in Washington, DC.

Ethan Belchetz missed significant playing time this season, but we saw enough to feel confident that he 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. 

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.

19. Utah Mammoth: Oscar Hemming, F, Boston College (NCAA)

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A brief recap of Finnish forward Oscar Hemming's year: He moved to NCAA hockey midseason after spending some time off the ice. This move was borne out of a rather frustrating beginning to the season; 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 college hockey made the most sense for his landing spot. 

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—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.

20. Buffalo Sabres (via EDM): JP Hurlbert, C, Kamloops Blazers (WHL)

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Another traded pick, this previous San Jose Sharks pick now belongs to the Buffalo Sabres. And we have the Sabres selecting Kamloops Blazers center JP Hurlbert.

In terms of landing spots, any pick in this no-man's land that is the end of the first round would probably make sense for him. We have him ranked lower, but this year more than any other, team fit can take precedence past a certain point in the first round.

But why should the Sabres themselves care about Hurlbert? Hurlbert's separating factor is his shot—or rather, his arsenal of shots, because you name one and he's got it—and 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, with great vision, and he's able to use that vision in his own end as well.

Unfortunately Hurlbert is a player for whom the numbers don't tell the entire story; many of the ways he creates offense won't work at 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 improvement would also go a long way toward reassuring that his game will translate to the NHL level.

21. Philadelphia Flyers: Mathis Preston, RW, Vancouver Giants (WHL)

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On our draft board, we have Mathis Preston ranked as a high second-rounder. But draft boards and mock drafts are not the same thing, and it's believable that a team will choose to select him in the first round. Last go-round we tried the Vancouver Canucks out as a fit; for this one, we thought the Philadelphia Flyers were an interesting landing spot. He brings incredible speed, he's a later birthday, and his passing and handling are top-notch.

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 5 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. It's not just his speed that we like; his overall skating is excellent. 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.

22. Pittsburgh Penguins: Maddox Dagenais, C, Quebec Remparts (QMJHL)

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There are conversations floating around about the Pittsburgh Penguins trying to move up. If there's a way for Kyle Dubas to make that happen—because if those rumors are out there, he's clearly got his eye on a specific player and isn't looking to move up nebulously—we'll see if a move works out. If it doesn't, and the Penguins select here at 22nd overall, Quebec Remparts center Maddox Dagenais makes sense. We've mocked him to the Penguins before, because he feels like he fits in nicely with the cohort of future forwards Dubas and company are collecting.

Dagenais proved that his hockey sense is the real deal across 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 Penguins are currently trying to make one last push with the Big Three while keeping an eye to the future. They've got some time to let Dagenais sand the rough edges out of 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 Penguins could gain a key piece of a future many fans of the team aren't ready to confront just yet.

23. Boston Bruins: Ilia Morozov, F, Miami University (NCAA)

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While the Boston Bruins have historically made some questionable draft choices in the first round, they're protected this year by having a slew of players available at 23rd overall who would be a smart option. The lack of general consensus on the second half of the first round this year (and in some places even higher) benefits some teams, and the Bruins definitely are one. 

And, if we can be quite frank, 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 was a significant part of Miami's team going from a three-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.

24. Vancouver Canucks (via MIN): Elton Hermansson, RW/LW, MoDo Hockey (Hockey Allsvenskan)

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Swedish winger Elton Hermansson, out of MoDo Hockey in the Swedish Allsvenskan, is ranked slightly lower for us than he's being selected here. But the player tier feels correct, and Hermansson feels like a Canucks pick. His game has a reliable floor, and as we've stated in the past: we're betting on upside. Hermansson's is solid. If he lives up to that upside, he's going to look like an excellent pick. He's truly thrilling on his best nights when he puts all the puzzle pieces together.

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 more certainty on whether he can translate those creation abilities to the professional level.

25. Ottawa Senators (via TB): Liam Ruck, RW, Medicine Hat Tigers (WHL)

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This pick made quite the rounds. In our initial version of this mock draft, it was a Seattle Kraken selection by way of the Tampa Bay Lightning. After a stop with the Florida Panthers, it's now owned by the Ottawa Senators.

Will it still be owned by the Ottawa Senators when this mock draft publishes? Who can say. It feels like trade deadline week in here.

We kept this pick the same, because while Liam Ruck could be long gone by pick 25, if he isn't, the Ottawa Senators are now perfectly positioned to select both Liam and his twin brother Markus. While both Rucks are weedier than the forward type the Senators typically go after, Liam's skill in particular is worth taking the shot on.

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): Jack Hextall, C, Youngstown Phantoms (USHL)

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Youngstown Phantoms center and future Michigan State player Jack Hextall would be the second center selected by the Rangers in this round, but he's one that feels like he would appeal to them. He's versatile, useful at center and also on the wing, and he's easy to trust both with the puck and without. His exact projection in terms of where he'll land in a lineup is murky, but he's reliable and intelligent.

Hextall spent this season with the Youngstown Phantoms of the USHL, finishing the regular season at nearly a point-per-game (58 in 59). He's another player headed to Michigan State in the fall. The Rangers won't be contending in the next year or so, so they need players who aren't quite fully baked. Hextall would be a good call.

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.

27. San Jose Sharks (via BUF): Xavier Villeneuve, D, Blainville-Boisbriand Armada (QMJHL)

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The Sharks got their big, powerful defenseman with an earlier pick; now they're getting their small and speedy one. Xavier Villeneuve is 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. 

If you want to be a good defenseman in the NHL and you're small, you have to be off-the-rails good at everything else. Villeneuve is the whole package; extremely intelligent, dynamic on offense, effective defensively, and wildly creative when it comes to playmaking. He's the type we've discussed in the past who defends by just always keeping possession of the puck. 

He doesn't need to take the puck away from an opponent if he already has it. 

More consistency in his own end is a necessity when planning his development path, as is adding muscle. Right now he needs more of a physical element to his game, to allow him to avoid moments of conflict.

28. Montreal Canadiens: Tommy Bleyl, D, Moncton Wildcats (QMJHL)

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We didn't change this pick at all. Tommy Bleyl is part of that group that could go anywhere from 20 to 45; not commentary on his individual talent so much as how many players in his player tier are available this year. The Montreal Canadiens would be a good landing spot for him, 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, did so 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. 

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 like he's controlling it, utilizing his handling skills and skating to manipulate opponents.

Right now he leans on the skating a little too much, and his physical game is below-average. If he can improve that physical game as well as utilizing his intelligence—not just depending on his skating, but improving his reads as well—he'll turn out to be an excellent pick.

29. St. Louis Blues (via COL): Brooks Rogowski, C, Oshawa Generals (OHL)

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Brooks Rogowski, center for the Oshawa Generals of the OHL, feels so easy to project to the NHL. Sure, you could slap a "boring" label on him; he's not a flashy player. But he's an effective one, and boy is he huge. Standing 6'7", Rogowski surprises many with his good skating posture and speed. He was good all season, but his breakout really came in the second half.

The primary attraction to Rogowski's game is his attention to detail; he's a huge guy, but he isn't over-reliant on his size to be effective, instead choosing to lean on his intelligence. His vision is high-end, supporting his ability to make good decisions in the moment and allowing him to support more creative linemates in an efficient way.

With this being the Blues' fourth pick, there's little risk in taking someone who is the Blues' exact player type. Rogowski hasn't quite put it all together yet; ideally he will be allowed to develop with patience in a way that draws that intelligence to the forefront. He'll be an NHL player regardless, but we'll see him higher in the lineup if that playmaking ability.

30. Calgary Flames (via VGK): Egor Shilov, C, Victoriaville Tigres (QMJHL)

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Victoriaville Tigres center Egor Shilov is taking one of the more intriguing paths to the NHL — the NCAA via a stop in the QMJHL (he's headed to Boston University in the fall). It's a concept that fits Shilov like a glove, as it's perfectly structured to develop the raw edges of his game. With their prospect pool, the Calgary Flames have time to allow him that development.

Watching Shilov, it's evident that his hockey sense and ability to read and select plays is excellent. It is equally as evident that his pace and urgency is lacking. It isn't enough to have fantastic stickwork (Shilov does) or high-end puck carrying abilities if you lack the engagement levels to truly make those skills a threat night in and night out. It certainly won't fly at the NHL level. It's frustrating to watch someone with so much potential glide along in moments where more than just gliding is necessary. 

Fortunately, the tough competition and high pace of NCAA hockey will force Shilov to smooth out those divots in his game and remain engaged in play if he wants to continue to progress. Teams well-positioned to develop those aspects of his play stand to reap significant benefits. In addition to his creation game and other aspects of his upside, Shilov is an effective shutdown player, so he has a solid floor.

31. Carolina Hurricanes: Jaxon Cover, LW, London Knights (OHL)

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Our pick for the Carolina Hurricanes was another one that remained the same.

If there are three predictable things about a Hurricanes pick, it's: one, they love forwards; two, they're often shopping the OHL or lesser-scouted European leagues; and three, they target raw tools other teams are hesitant about.

London Knights winger Jaxon Cover fits the bill perfectly.

Cover is a great representation of a trend we've seen this season—a player who has tons of raw, high-end skill, and 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 skillset, 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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Now that the Senators own pick 25 along with this final pick of the first, they're obviously going to go after both Ruck twins, right? Pick-wise, they're basically the only team that can and not be wasting a lot of opportunity cost. And alongside the narrative benefit of drafting both twins, there's a decent amount of potential to be mined in Markus—and at this point of the first it's basically a second anyway. 

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 ability—as evidenced by the approaching 90 assists, which would've been good enough for inside the top 10 of WHL scoring—are 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 level—yet. He's got time to improve these things, but it will take a dedicated effort on the Senators' part to draw out his strengths while improving the aspects that need work.

With that said, if there's any time to take a significant risk in the first round, it's this last pick.