2026 NHL Draft Guide

Three Ways to Use the Guide

1. Interactive Version

• Ranked prospects list: Filter and sort all 400+ players by grade, position, height, weight, league, and more.

• Player profiles: Complete with individual grades, prospect profiles, scout poll results, scouting reports, and more.

• Live links to EliteProspects.com: Jump straight from any ranking to a player's live profile, stats, and game logs.

2. Full Version PDF

• Ranked prospects list: Players are ranked and listed alphabetically; click their hyperlinked name to visit their page.

• Meet the Scouting Team

• Glossary

• Rating and Grading System Explainer

• Making of the Draft Board: An article within the guide that explains the process of creating our draft board.

• Scout's Poll

• Player profiles: Complete with individual game reports, draft analytics, links and media section… everything!

• Industry chatter: See what NHL scouts and executives are saying about the top prospects in this draft class.

3. Light Version PDF

• Ranked prospects list

• Meet the Scouting Team

• Glossary

• Rating and Grading System Explainer

• Player profiles: NO game reports, no draft analytics, and no links and media section – just the bare bones write-up.

Breaking down the 2026 NHL Draft Prospects

The 2026 NHL Draft is one of the most intriguing classes in recent memory. With the uncertainty of who NHL teams believe are the best players at the top of the class and the chaos that unfolded at the NHL Draft Lottery, it feels like just about anything could happen on draft day.

It’s a draft class deep on winger talent, with Gavin McKenna and Ivar Stenberg having occupied the pole position on our rankings at multiple points this season. But beyond them, our first round is filled with excitingly versatile wingers who all bring unique skillsets, from the dynamic late-year riser Wyatt Cullen to power forwards Ethan Belchetz, Maddox Dagenais, and Oscar Hemming, and high-skill scorers like Adam Novotný and Nikita Klepov. 

But if your NHL team is looking for a defenceman, this is the year to make that bet, with Chase Reid, Carson Carels, Daxon Rudolph, Alberts Šmits, Malte Gustafsson, Xavier Villeneuve, Ryan Lin, and Keaton Verhoeff all names to keep an eye on at the top-end of the group. Each brings a different skill set to the table, but all are special in their own ways. 

The 2026 crop lacks the centre depth that 2025 had, but for teams still looking to add to their future down the middle of the ice, there are a handful of promising options available, including Caleb Malhotra, Viggo Björck, and Tynan Lawrence.

This year also features many prospects with NHL family roots, adding yet another layer of narrative drama as teams weigh pedigree alongside performance, particularly at the top of the draft.

Who are the Top Prospects for the 2026 NHL Draft?

Set for June 26-27 in Buffalo, the 2026 NHL Draft will shine a spotlight on elite-level talent as NHL front offices make high-stakes decisions that will shape their teams’ futures.

Top Centres in the 2026 NHL Draft

• Caleb Malhotra: The Brantford Bulldogs’ two-way, versatile centre and son of long-time NHLer Manny possesses the high-end skill, physicality, and defensive ability to be the first centre picked. 

• Viggo Björck: Djurgårdens IF’s No. 1 centre down the stretch has been on the prospect radar for years, and has won scouts over with his mature, high-IQ game. 

• Tynan Lawrence: A midseason jump from the USHL to Boston Univ. barely slowed his elite motor, which should keep the Terriers centre inside the top-15 on draft day. 

• Alexander Command: A special motor and elite battle level will help Örebro’s reliable, do-it-all centre outplay his height and find a middle-six, play-driving role in the NHL. 

Top Defencemen in the 2026 NHL Draft

• Chase Reid: The Soo Greyhounds’ No. 1 defenceman boasts a complete package of high-end creation, smarts, and skating, has top-pairing upside in the NHL, and could be the first blueliner selected.

• Carson Carels: The Prince George Cougars’ No. 1 defenceman’s dynamic offence and streamlined defensive game make him the most well-rounded and complete defender in the draft class.  

• Daxon Rudolph: Size, rush creation, dynamic offence, and flashes of special elements give the Prince Albert Raiders’ blueliner unique upside in the back-half of the top-10. 

• Malte Gustafsson: HV71’s 6-foot-4 rearguard brings high-end defensive range and overwhelming physical potential, giving him one of the highest floors among defenders.

Top Wingers in the 2026 NHL Draft

• Gavin McKenna: Penn State Univ.’s ultra-dynamic winger’s vision, skills, and game-breaking abilities make him the draft’s highest upside prospect.

• Ivar Stenberg: Frölunda HC’s play-driving, two-way winger is one of the smartest and most creative offensive threats to emerge out of Europe in years.

• Wyatt Cullen: The fastest second-half riser and son of long-time NHLer Matt, his dynamic skill and physical potential make him one of the draft’s most intriguing upside bets.

• Ethan Belchetz: The Windsor Spitfires’ winger boasts one of the most tantalizing combinations of size and elite skill at the top end of the class. 

Top Goaltenders in the 2026 NHL Draft

• Tobiáš Trejbal: Our best bet to be the first goaltender off the board on draft day, the USHL’s Goaltender of the Year dominated in his rookie campaign.

• Dmitri Borichev: Widely viewed as the top goaltender in the class, his elite athletic upside could see him become a starting goalie in the NHL. 

• Harrison Boettiger: The Kelowna Rockets’ starting goaltender’s skating, athleticism, and strong technical foundation make him one of the safest bets on draft day. 

• Vladimir Proskurin: Skating and athleticism combine to make him one of the highest upside netminders in the draft, even as a relatively unknown prospect.

• Carter Casey: One of the most athletic netminders in the class, whose competitive spirit and technical potential give him NHL starting upside. 

• Roberto Leonardo Henriquez: The draft’s top re-entry goaltender blew scouts away as a USHL rookie and boasts one of the most interesting physical packages in the class.

Dive into the Elite Prospects NHL Draft Guide to read our scouts' evaluations, skills grades, and full profiles of these six and hundreds of other draft-eligible players.