2026 NHL Draft Rankings: Preseason top 40

Sep 29, 2025, 10:35 EDTUpdated: Sep 29, 2025, 11:01 EDT

2026 NHL Draft Rankings: Preseason top 40

Credit: (Steven Ellis/The Nation Network)

While the NHL has yet to play any meaningful games in 2025-26, almost the rest of the hockey world is in full swing.

The NCAA is the lone league involving 2026 NHL Draft prospects that hasn’t returned to full-time duty. Beyond that, the CHL, USHL, CJHL and the various European pro and junior leagues have already seen players racking up some quality game action early on.

We started off the season with the World Junior Summer Showcase, with a handful of top 2026 NHL Draft prospects – including Gavin McKenna and Ivar Stenberg – looking strong. We then followed it up with the Hlinka Gretzky Cup, the first major scouting tournament for players seeking to make their cases for selection next June.

It’s still too early to give deep, detailed thoughts on the next crop of hockey talent. Is the draft deep? It’s hard to truly say. However, the high-end talent is definitely better than we saw last year, especially with McKenna entering the season as the top prospect.

After releasing an initial top 32 list in July, here are Daily Faceoff’s latest draft rankings for 2026:

1. Gavin McKenna, LW (Penn State University, NCAA)

In terms of pure, raw talent, McKenna is one of the best prospects we’ve seen in years. There is simply no single technical flaw in his game. He’s an incredible skater, an outstanding passer, and a tremendous shooter. Nobody is more competitive, smart, or skilled than the Canadian winger. He’s near the top in almost every important category, and it’s going to be exciting to see what he can do in college this year after obliterating the WHL with 129 points in just 56 games. Don’t be surprised if he wins the Hobey Baker Award in his first – and likely only – season at Penn State.

2. Keaton Verhoeff, RHD (University of North Dakota, NCAA)

Verhoeff is the top defenseman in this draft class, and some scouts think he could go No. 1. He had a 21-goal, 45-point rookie season with the Victoria Royals last year and was one of the top defenders at both the U-17 World Challenge and the U-18 World Championship. Verhoeff struggled at times at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup, but it’s hard to take a performance there too seriously given it’s in the middle of the summer and nobody is at full force. Verhoeff should have little trouble adjusting to older NCAA competition as a 6-foot-4 defender. He’s unique in that he has size, skill and mobility. I wouldn’t write Verhoeff’s name down at No. 2 with a Sharpie, but he’s looking like a sure bet to go top three, no matter what.

3. Ivar Stenberg, LW (Frolunda, SHL)

Stenberg started the 2025-26 campaign off with a hat-trick during the World Junior Summer Showcase. He’s playing against men in the SHL right now, and while that’s not easy for a 17-year-old, he has played around 14 minutes a night so far. The younger brother of St. Louis Blues prospect Otto Stenberg, Ivar is exceptionally smart, moves the puck well and can beat just about anyone in 1-on-1 situations. The numbers don’t lie, either – he had an incredible 51 points in 29 games internationally last year, including eight goals and 13 points at the U-18 World Championship. Stenberg is the best forward behind McKenna, and I think Stenberg deserves a lot more attention than the general public is giving him.

4. Ryan Lin, RHD (Vancouver Giants, WHL)

With many top CHL prospects going to the NCAA early, the Giants are probably thrilled that Lin elected to return. He was Canada’s top player at Canada’s Hlinka camp and was easily one of the best defenders throughout the entire tournament. He might not be big, but he’s smart and has the skills to take his game up a level. I loved him at the U-17s, but it feels like he’s a lot more confident these days. His decision-making is near the top of this draft class already, and he has the skating to burn guys. Verhoeff will have the pre-season advantage, partly due to size, but Lin might have the most individual skill of any defender this year. Not a single 5-foot-11 defender was taken in 2025, though. That likely will hurt his draft stock, but it shouldn’t.

5. Tynan Lawrence, C (Muskegon Lumberjacks, USHL)

*Tynan Lawrence (Steven Ellis/The Nation Network)*

Lawrence might have been Canada’s most impressive forward at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup. Scouts knew he was good, but he was downright dominant with and without the puck at times. Back with Muskegon last year, Lawrence finished at just less than a point per game. That gave him one of the most productive seasons by a U-17 player in USHL history. The Boston University commit blended skill and a bit of nastiness in Muskegon, where he played a huge role from the get-go. He’s a dynamic scoring threat who can absolutely dominate puck possession, and his two-way game is excellent without sacrificing offensive zone attacks.

6. Ethan Belchetz, LW (Windsor Spitfires, OHL)

Belchetz loves to create havoc anytime he can get involved physically. The power forward plays with a ton of skill and has proven he can overwhelm opponents quite often already this year. He wins just about every physical battle he has, both offensively and defensively. Belchetz is going to be an absolute beast this year – I’d hate to go 1-on-1 with him because he can absolutely flatten anyone – and if he doesn’t need to, he’ll beat you with his quick hands. You won’t find many better power forwards standing at 6-foot-5 and 227 pounds.

7. Ryan Roobroeck, C (Niagara IceDogs, OHL)

As a late 2007-born forward, Roobroeck will have an extra year of development on most players in this class. Will it pay off? He scored an incredible 41 goals and 87 points this past year, before adding nine more at the U-18 World Championship with Canada. Roobroeck is expected to play a huge role with Niagara, with the team projected to be a contender. The 6-foot-4 forward has an incredible shot, but he also knows how to play specific roles, too. He loves spending a lot of time around the net, and his two-way game has come a long way in the past few years.

8. Mathis Preston, RW (Spokane Chiefs, WHL)

Preston had a fantastic rookie season with Spokane last year and is already one of the top scorers in the CHL in 2025-26. Add in a great showing at the Hlinka and you can’t help but fall in love with Preston’s game. He loves rushing into open space, and he’ll exploit you if you give him even the smallest opening. He combines speed with skill and high hockey IQ, allowing him to generate quality chances consistently. He’s not going to have to wait long to hear his name called on draft day.

9. Daxon Rudolph, RHD (Prince Albert Raiders, WHL)

Rudolph is a 6-foot-1, 194-pound defender who can make your life miserable. He has great two-way awareness and has looked more engaged with the puck early on this year than he did during most of the 2024-25 season. Rudolph does a good job of getting the puck down the ice while also being involved on the attack. I also think he’s a better skater than some people give him credit for. He can go 1-on-1 with the best of them, both with and without the puck.

10. Viggo Björck, C (Djurgardens, SHL)

*Viggo Bjorck (Steven Ellis/The Nation Network)*

Björck made Djurgardens’ SHL team out of training camp, which included a stint playing alongside Chicago Blackhawks prospect Anton Frondell. Björck has struggled to produce early on, but that’s to be expected from a 17-year-old in one of the top pro leagues in the world. Björck has actually received some solid feedback from European scouts for his ability to chase after pucks and make plays. He’s also quite physical for someone standing at just 5-foot-10. I’d like to see him add some more muscle, but he has good habits that scouts love to see.

11. Adam Novotný, LW (Peterborough Petes, OHL)

Novotný had a busy 2024-25 campaign and likely will again this year. He made it to the World Juniors, won silver at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup and was one of the few bright spots at the season-ending U-18 World Championship. Mix in a full year playing against men and there’s a lot to like. He’s a two-way forward who has a ton of muscle and can handle the physical game with the best of them. Novotný has a lot of pro experience already, and he’s hoping he can use that to his advantage as he gets accustomed to life in Canada this year.

12. Xavier Villeneuve, LHD (Blainville-Boisbriand Armada, QMJHL)

Standing at 5-foot-10, Villeneuve is much smaller than you’d want from a top defenseman. But from a pure skill perspective, Villeneuve has everything going for him. He had 62 points in 61 games this year, marking the fourth-best output by a U-18 QMJHL defenseman since 2000 (and the highest Draft-1 player to do so). Villeneuve then capped it off by registering eight points in seven games at the U-18 World Championship, helping Canada win gold after not getting much ice time in the latter half. He has skill to burn – but will that be enough?

13. Chase Reid, RHD (Soo Greyhounds, OHL)

Reid struggled for ice time in the NAHL to start the 2024-25 season despite being productive. But once he moved up to the OHL, Reid found himself playing close to half a game some nights. At 6-foot-2, the mobile defender has a big frame, and he plays with a ton of power. I love his skating, and I really believe he can rise up the ranks for a team chasing an all-around offensive defender. He is off to a solid start in the Soo again this year, and I expect him to have at least 50 points this year before moving on to Michigan State.

14. Carson Carels, LHD (Prince George Cougars, WHL)

Carels is a 6-foot-2 defender who skates well and will shut you down with his pure speed. I liked him at the Hlinka Gretzky, where he was arguably Canada’s best own-zone defender. Carels won’t impress you with his puck skill but he makes up for it with his great positioning and defensive reads. Most of his breakouts are smart, and he does a good job of limiting his mistakes. If you need someone who can simply thrive defensively, Carels is your guy.

15. Malte Gustafsson, LHD (HV71, Sweden U-20)

*Malte Gustafsson (Steven Ellis/The Nation Network)*

Gustafsson plays a smart two-way game and has shown flashes of offensive brilliance. He’s huge at 6-foot-4 and does an excellent job of getting in the way of just about everyone. He likes to hit, and while that does get him in trouble at times, I like how he defends. I wasn’t too familiar with Gustafsson’s game heading into the summer, beyond a few brief viewings. But I’ve loved his game so far this year and think he’s going to be a serious contender to go in the top 15 this year.

16. Marcus Nordmark, LW (Djurgardens, Sweden U-20)

Need offense? Nordmark’s your guy, as he proved at the Hlinka. Few players make moves like he does on the man advantage, and his ability to win individual battles consistently has allowed him to finish many quality plays. He exposes open space and has the speed and skill to be a difference-maker when it matters. Nordmark already looks excellent against his own age group, and I hope he gets some decent reps in with the big team this year.

17. Oliver Suvanto, C (Tappara, Liiga)

Suvanto influences the game in so many ways, from his backchecks, the way he takes lanes away and how he gets to the front of the net to try and make things happen. Suvanto was one of my favorite players at the Hlinka because it felt like he was always creating offense and making his linemates better. So far, we’ve already seen him play No. 2 center minutes for Tappara, which is remarkable for someone his age. It doesn’t hurt that he’s 6-foot-3, either.

18. Elton Hermansson, RW (MoDo, Sweden U-20)

Hermansson just has the “it” factor. You rarely see him skating slowly and not trying to get something done. He’s always engaged around the net, and he can fire from anywhere. Hermansson was one of Sweden’s most notable forwards at the Hlinka, and I can’t wait to see how he performs internationally the rest of the way. Domestically, he’s looking good with MoDo, and it’s only a matter of time until he finds another gear.

19. Jack Hextall, C (Youngstown Phantoms, USHL)

Hextall was one of the smartest, most rounded players at the Hlinka Gretzky. He isn’t big, but he makes up for it with great hockey sense, speed, and superb puckhandling. I thought he played some of his most effective hockey early in the tournament, but he was a catalyst on the power play and was even useful defensively. The puck seemed glued to him. So far back in the USHL, we’ve seen much of the same. I expect a huge season from the Phantoms’ star, who could become the first American player taken this year.

20. Tomas Chrenko, C (HK Nitra, Slovakia)

*Tomas Chrenko (Steven Ellis/Daily Faceoff)*

Chrenko had an absolutely bonkers showing at the U-18s back in April. The Slovaks didn’t have nearly enough scoring help when he wasn’t on the ice, and he definitely deserved some more all-star team love. He’s a high-shot generator who decimated the Slovak U-20 league, and then looked good against men in both of the top Slovak men’s league levels. He has already put up solid numbers this season, and I can’t wait to see what he can do when he eventually makes it to North America.

21. Oscar Holmertz, C (Linköping, Sweden U-20)

Holmertz was one of my favorite players at the Hlinka. He’s a speedy forward who drives the net and can be equally dangerous as a passer and a shooter. Holmertz rarely enters the zone without a game plan, allowing him to rush in to shoot the puck or make a pass that often results in a quality chance. He has looked good against U-20 competition and should continue to be one of Sweden’s top U-18 national team players, as well.

22. Oscar Hemming, C (Kitchener Rangers, OHL)

After his brother Emil Hemming was drafted in the first round by the Dallas Stars two years ago, Oscar is hoping to meet a similar fate. He’s already 6-foot-4, and he uses his frame to dominate with the puck. He showed that at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup, where he had a solid four goals and six points in five games while playing all throughout the lineup. He’s playing for Kitchener of the OHL this year, where he’ll have the opportunity to learn from a host of NHL prospects such as Luca Romano, Jack Pridham, and Christian Humphreys, among others.

23. Niklas Aaram-Olsen, LW (Örebro HK, Sweden U-20)

I was extremely impressed with NAO during the U-18s as he seemed to be one of the most involved players on his team. He put up incredible numbers in his first U-16 season in Sweden and showed he was no slouch against U-18 competition, either. He played a full year in the U-20 Swedish league last year and performed exceptionally well. Additionally, he had a huge season with Norway’s junior national team. Look for Aaram-Olsen to be a big part of Norway’s promising next wave of young hockey talents.

24. Nikita Klepov, LW (Saginaw Spirit, OHL)

Klepov is a skilled winger who consistently makes moves in open ice while always buzzing around. The Saginaw Spirit forward does a great job of getting the puck into the zone and starting opportunities. He doesn’t have a lot of size to work with, but he has good hockey IQ and plays with a ton of skill. I’m excited to see how he develops in the OHL because he’s a truly promising prospect, although I wish he were stronger.

25. Alessandro Di Iorio, C (Sarnia Sting, OHL)

*Alessandro Di Iorio (Steven Ellis/The Nation Network)*

Di Iorio does an excellent job of driving to the net and generating quality chances. He’s strong, but he can beat you with quick hands if he needs to. He feels so sneaky – like he does a great job of skating into the zone undetected, allowing himself to get into high-quality scoring situations. Look for him to have a big season as an all-around forward with Sarnia.

26. Tobias Tomik, C (Vancouver Giants, WHL)

Tomik is a skilled forward who can drive the pace of play. I loved him at the past two U-18 World Championships because it felt like he was making magic in the offensive zone quite often. He’s a powerful skater who works hard and plays with a bit of an edge. He’s playing in the WHL this year, where he’ll have the opportunity to lead as he adjusts to the North American lifestyle.

27. Caleb Malhotra, C (Brantford Bulldogs, OHL)

The son of Manny Malhotra, Caleb is off to one of the hottest starts in the CHL. The smart center had a wild five-point night against Sudbury and has at least one point in each of his three games so far. Malhotra made the jump over from the NCAA and has been incredibly impressive with the way he moves, thinks and sets up plays. The Bulldogs are a stacked team this year and Malhotra already is showing why he’s so good.

28. Beckham Edwards, LW (Sarnia Sting, OHL)

Edwards is a buzzsaw, chasing after opponents to steal pucks and generate chances every time I watch him. It always feels like he saves his best hockey for the third period, with his energetic nature allowing him to outlast opponents on the attack. He’s quick, smart and works his tail off every single shift. I have him as a late first-rounder, but I wouldn’t be surprised if his work ethic pushed him into the top 15.

29. Adam Valentini, C (University of Michigan, NCAA)

Valentini is so energetic, allowing himself to chase all game long without losing much pace. He can be a bit of a pain in the ass around the net because you can almost never keep up with his footwork. I love how he drives the middle of the zone, as well. I thought he had a great showing at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup – he just seemed to be everywhere all the time. I’m interested to see how he adjusts to the NCAA after leaving his OHL commitment at the start of training camp.

30. Lars Steiner, C (Rouyn-Noranda Huskies, QMJHL)

*Lars Steiner (Steven Ellis/The Nation Network)*

Steiner is coming off an exciting year that saw him put up 60 points in the QMJHL and also represent Switzerland at the World Juniors. The 5-foot-10 forward is a skilled playmaker, and he’s got an excellent wrist shot, too. Steiner is a good play reader, too – he’s so smart and doesn’t make many mistakes when it comes to dishing the puck. The Swiss only had two players selected in 2025, but Steiner could make up for it if he stays in the first round. So far, so good with the Huskies this year.

31. William Håkansson, LHD (Luleå HF, SHL)

Håkansson has been tall from a young age – it doesn’t hurt being 6-foot-4. He is already playing against men and doesn’t look out of place with his physicality. Seriously, he’ll do whatever it takes to keep you from getting close to the net, even if it ultimately penalizes him in the process. Håkansson moves well and is a decent playmaker, so I don’t think he’ll turn into one of those big players who can’t do anything other than crush people.

32. Olivers Mūrnieks, C (Saint John Sea Dogs, QMJHL)

Mūrnieks might be one of the most hyped Latvian prospects ever – and potentially even a first-rounder. The 2008-born forward is skilled, dynamic and has already played key minutes with Latvia’s U-20 team. Mūrnieks drives through the middle so well and uses his solid, strong frame to get himself into scoring positions with little difficulty. Mūrnieks is off to a roaring start with the Sea Dogs, which you love to see.

33. Braidy Wassilyn, LW (Niagara IceDogs, OHL)

I get the concerns in his game, but I’m still a believer. Wassilyn was one of the GTHL’s biggest stars in 2023-24, so expectations were high heading into his OHL rookie season. He just missed out on the 40-point mark, but he showed his chops as a reliable playmaker. The IceDogs are a good team this year and I expect Wassilyn – a Boston University commit – to thrive. He has a good shot, but he needs to use it more often. Wassilyn can make some costly mistakes when he gets lazy, but he has the skill to kill.

34. Mikey Berchild, LW (USNTDP)

Berchild is small but so dangerous. The University of Denver commit missed some time last year with an injury, but he still managed to be productive with both the U-17 and U-18 teams. Berchild has the skill to go top 10 – but will being 5-foot-9 hurt him here? It didn’t at the U-18 World Championship, that’s for sure. If he can spend the season bulking up, he might be able to outplay the size concerns. I want to see him keep getting pucks on net because when he’s on his game, he can be so lethal.

35. Viktor Fyodorov, C (Chaika Nizhny Novgorod, MHL)

Fyodorov had a great year playing internationally with Russia’s U-17 team last year and has drawn a ton of attention for his skilled play. He’s a good playmaker, but he puts a ton of muscle into his shot, too. Fyodorov isn’t big, but he’s got the speed and the hands to be a burner. A bit of physical growth wouldn’t hurt – and he needs a bit of an offensive explosion early on after a slow start, statistically.

36. Nikita Shcherbakov, LHD (Salavat Yulaev Ufa, KHL)

NHL teams like big Russian defenders, and Shcherbakov is next on the list. The 6-foot-5 defender made the jump to full-time KHL duty this season (which is rare for a 17-year-old, especially one who didn’t play a single KHL game the year prior) and hasn’t looked out of place. He’s strong, but he moves well – which is important for a bigger defender. Shcherbakov is very intriguing, and I fully expect him to push up this list as I watch him more.

37. Colin Fitzgerald, C (Peterborough Petes, OHL)

*Colin Fitzgerald (Steven Ellis/The Nation Network)*

Fitzgerald will never be a producer in the NHL. Instead, he battles so hard and rarely loses a fight for the puck. He’s very difficult to stop around the net, and he has some good speed for a power forward, as well. I think his shot is still a work in progress and he can be a lackluster passer, but he’s competitive and should have no issue cracking an NHL roster. If Fitzgerald can refine his puck game, he’ll have everything to ensure himself a spot in the first round.

38. Yegor Shilov, C (Victoriaville Tigres, QMJHL)

Shilov is off to a promising start in the QMJHL after splitting last year between AAA and the USHL. He was too dominant for the AAA ranks, but it felt like he was playing a bit of catch-up against USHLers last year. Right now, his confidence seems to be sky-high, showing a high level of skill with the puck. He’s quick, aggressive and smart – if he can sustain his hot start, he’ll fly up these rankings.

39. Adam Nemec, LW (HK Nitra, Slovakia)

Nemec is the younger brother of New Jersey Devils defender Simon Nemec, so he comes from good hockey bloodlines. Adam has spent his career to date playing against men in Slovakia, where he has developed some muscle and speed. He’s not a high-end producer, but he’s intelligent and will win many individual battles. He’s a good prospect, but I’m just not sure what type of player he’ll become at this point.

40. Casey Mutryn, C (USNTDP)

Mutryn moved up to the U-18 team and put up decent numbers as a secondary scorer. He’s versatile in that while he can be a scorer, I like his physicality and work ethic and think that could allow him to be a decent third-liner. He’s smart, battles hard and has the ability to find chemistry with just about everyone. Mutryn comes from a good hockey family – his brother, Teddy, was drafted 95th overall by the San Jose Sharks last year, while his father, Scott, was once part of the New England Patriots’ organization as a quarterback.

Just missed: J.P. Hurlbert, RW; Pierce Mbuyi, LW; Filip Novák, LW; Albert Smits, LHD; Cooper Williams, C; Blake Zielinski, RW

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