The Battle for No. 1 Overall: A Five-Player Deep Contention

Early frontrunner Gavin McKenna’s freshman year in the NCAA has been solid but hasn’t entirely dominated, creating an exhilarating battle for the top spot. This isn’t a one-horse race; it’s a deep field with five exceptional talents vying for the coveted first overall pick. While McKenna still headlines the discussion, names like Ivar Stenberg, Keaton Verhoeff, Tynan Lawrence, and Mathis Preston are making compelling cases, promising a thrilling two years of scouting leading up to the 2026 NHL Draft.

Unlike some recent draft years, the 2026 NHL Draft class boasts significant depth across positions, ensuring that NHL scouts and fans alike will have plenty of high-calibre talent to track. As we head into the thick of the season, let’s shine a light on the top NHL prospects and where they currently stand.

Spotlight on Gavin McKenna: The Star Under Pressure

Gavin McKenna: The Offensive Dynamo

For a long time, Gavin McKenna has been considered the undisputed No. 1 prospect for the 2026 NHL Draft. After dominating the WHL, his transition to college hockey has presented a new level of challenge against bigger, stronger competition. While his start might not have been as explosive as some anticipated, doubting McKenna’s potential would be a mistake.

The 5-foot-11, 170-pound left wing possesses an electric skill set and an innate ability to dictate offensive play. His vision, puck-handling, and scoring touch make him a hot commodity and a perpetual threat whenever he’s on the ice. He remains a top contender, and his resilience in adapting to higher competition will only strengthen his game.

The Challengers: Who Could Unseat McKenna?

Ivar Stenberg: The Cerebral Swedish Playmaker

Few 2026 NHL Draft prospects combine intelligence with electrifying play quite like Ivar Stenberg. The 5-foot-11, 183-pound left-wing is an exceptional skater who relentlessly pressures opponents in all three zones. Stenberg plays a highly cerebral game, consistently looking to make incredible plays as both a playmaker and a goal scorer. He’s on pace to become the most productive draft-eligible player in Swedish professional hockey history, a testament to his elite offensive capabilities. His ability to create space and opportunities is truly mesmerizing.

Tynan Lawrence: Speed, Power, and Two-Way Dominance

The top centre in this NHL Draft class, Tynan Lawrence, started his season battling injuries, but his recent return has firmly re-established him at the top of the conversation. At 6-foot, 185 pounds, Lawrence plays with a relentless blend of speed and power. His shot is excellent, made even more dangerous by his unwavering desire to drive hard to the net. From his stellar performance in the USHL playoffs to his dominant presence at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup, Lawrence has proven to be a formidable two-way force, impacting the game at every turn.

Keaton Verhoeff: The Complete Blueline Package

The transition from the WHL to the NCAA hasn’t fazed Keaton Verhoeff one bit. This defenceman truly offers the whole package on the back end. Verhoeff’s impressive size (6-foot-3, 208 pounds) combined with his exceptional mobility provides a solid foundation. What truly sets him apart is his masterful puck-handling and his unflappable composure under pressure. Verhoeff is poised and confident, excelling at both ends of the ice, making him a cornerstone defenceman for any team.

Mathis Preston: The Clutch Offensive Threat

When the game is on the line, Mathis Preston is the kind of player you want with the puck on his stick. The 5-foot-11, 177-pound forward possesses a seamless ability to break up ice with blazing speed, utilize his skill to get into prime scoring positions, and consistently generate grade-A chances. Preston’s pace is unrelenting; he backs down defenders, using them as screens to unleash pucks on net. His playmaking ability is silky smooth, showcasing high-level creativity that makes him a constant danger.

Emerging Talents: Other Top 2026 NHL Draft Prospects to Watch

• Lucas Belchetz: A rare blend of size (6-foot-5, 228 pounds) and skill. Belchetz can deke around opponents before powering through defenders. His heavy shot from distance and delicate touch in tight make him a nightmare for goalies. His improved mobility has made him one of the OHL’s most challenging players to defend.
• Jack Bjorck: Generating buzz for years due to his high productivity in Sweden, Bjorck’s ability to dangle and create space is captivating. While his 5-foot-9, 177-pound frame raises some questions for NHL scouts, his sustained success at Sweden’s pro level suggests he’ll remain a top hockey scouting target.
• Kristians Smits: Perhaps the most unknown of the top future NHL stars in this class, Smits is a fascinating development project with incredible physical tools. This 6-foot-3, 205-pound Latvian defenceman is a very strong skater who moves with ease. His confidence on both ends of the ice – closing space defensively and pushing the pace offensively – highlights his immense upside.
• Ryan Reid: In only his second OHL season, Reid has already established himself as one of the league’s top-producing blueliners. The 6-foot-2, 185-pound defenceman boasts a well-rounded game, making an impact across the ice. He makes excellent defensive reads and uses his edgework to match attackers. Offensively, he’s an efficient puck-mover, consistently finding teammates in dangerous scoring positions.
• William Villeneuve: Not only one of the most purely skilled blueliners in the QMJHL, Villeneuve is also one of the most entertaining players to watch. His puck-handling at the blueline is almost video game-like, complemented by equally impressive passing ability. Villeneuve plays with exceptional creativity and flair, drawing comparisons to Montreal Canadiens star Lane Hutson due to his dynamic 5-foot-11, 162-pound frame and offensive prowess.