Which NHL rookies have stood out the most during 2026-27 preseason?
Fans grew to really hate the longer preseason that we got accustomed to for many years.
Finally, the NHL answered, with most teams playing just four exhibition games this year. Some teams are already done, with the Toronto Maple Leafs, in particular, doing a pair of split-squad games to complete their run.
It’s been well-received by fans, but it gives prospects a smaller opportunity to prove themselves in NHL uniforms. We’ve seen guys sneak into NHL starting-night roles because they went on absolute tears in Games 4-7. With just a week of preseason action, and most prospects only getting into two games, it’s harder to really make that same mark.
But, some prospects still found a way to shine. Today, we’re looking at five NHL rookies who have looked good in one way or another during the late-September rush. Some organizations don’t mind using flawed prospects in the NHL because it gives them an opportunity to learn from their mistakes as opposed to getting hidden a bit behind weaker competition.
Regardless, these five all made strong impacts heading into opening night:
James Hagens, LW (Boston Bruins)
Hagens is such a skilled forward, and it feels like we’ve seen that on full display over the past week. His quick hands have been fun to watch, and while that’s all fun and games, in exhibition action, he’s still finding ways to create quality opportunities. He’s doing a good job of pressuring defenders into making mistakes and creating quality chances himself.
Hagens has always been someone who thrives when his full confidence is on display and it feels like he knows he’s good and he’s making the most of it. Defensively, I think Hagens has taken nice steps forward over the last couple of years to help make himself the well-rounded player many projected him to be. We’ve primarily seen him on the wing, but the former Boston College star can also play center – something the Bruins want to ease him in for, though.
Anton Johansson, RHD (Detroit Red Wings)
Johansson has always been a bit of a late bloomer, given he was drafted in the fourth round by the Red Wings in 2022. He had a four-assist night on Tuesday, which is about as good of an outing as you could ask for when you’re trying to force your way into an NHL role. He’s a 6-foot-4 defenseman who moves the puck well and likes to join in on the rush. He proved that last year with his six points in eight games with Grand Rapids to close out the AHL season.
Johansson is expected to spend the full year with the Griffins, but he has impressed evaluators enough during the preseason to suggest giving him a shot out of training camp. Axel Sandin-Pellika did the same thing last year, when he played so well during the preseason that they let him stick around for the bulk of the season. Johansson could probably still use a bit more time getting comfortable in North America in the AHL, but it’s been good to see him coming over and looking so proficient already.
Victor Eklund, RW (New York Islanders)
With Mat Barzal on the sidelines, Eklund has wasted no time making a case for a full-time roster spot. He was one of the top players during the team’s recent prospect scrimmages, and then landed a couple hits and had a few decent scoring chances in his preseason debut. Mix in some time on both special teams units, and it feels like Eklund has been one of the Islanders’ most important players. Eklund’s ability to get involved most offensively and physically makes him intriguing, and he’s quickly becoming a fan favorite on Long Island.
Barzal is only expected to miss a few games, which could hurt Eklund’s long-term ice time. But early projections suggest he’ll start the season on the third line beside Jean-Gabriel Pageau and Emil Heineman. But it wouldn’t be surprising to see Eklind push his way into the top left wing spot if things keep going the way they are. He seems to be in the right position at the right time frequently, which boils down to his hockey sense being high-end for his age already. Eklund doesn’t have a ton of experience playing in North America, but he was productive in Sweden and made a really good first impression in the AHL to close out 2025-26. You don’t need motivation to be a standout, but it looks like Eklund wants to prove he belongs in the NHL.
Ivar Stenberg, LW (San Jose Sharks)
While McKenna was receiving a lot of their early praise during the preseason, Stenberg came out with the biggest bang, registering a hat-trick and a 10-0 victory over Anaheim on Thursday. The Swedish winger was drafted second overall, but many considered him to be one of the most NHL-ready prospects out of the 2026 draft. He looked outstanding against men in the top Swedish league last year and he was very comfortable in his preseason action to date. He’s not the flashiest player, but he tends to be in the right spot at the right time and loves shooting from the slot.
Stenberg should be a legit Calder Trophy threat right out of the gate. He’ll likely spend the year in a top-six role in San Jose, where he could even see some power-play time alongside Macklin Celebrini. Stenberg is a reliable 200-foot threat, but he’s also so smart and boasts an impressive shot. Look for us to talk about the star forward plenty of times this season.
Gavin McKenna, LW (Toronto Maple Leafs)
McKenna had some growing pains in his first preseason game, but he made up for it with an excellent second showing against the Ottawa Senators on Wednesday. He was easily the best player on the ice. Which included in nabbing his first point and creating multiple high-quality chances throughout the night. He has spent all of the training camp of John Tavares and William Nylander, with the pair already having an established connection. Yet McKenna feels like the perfect fit on that second line because he’s so smart and skates so well, which allows him to create opportunities for his linemates.
Expectations are high for the reigning first overall pick, especially given the market he’s in. But it doesn’t feel like McKenna’s going to take long to get up to speed. Many scouts point out last year that it felt like he was doing so much for a Penn State team that just didn’t have the talent or coaching to get the most out of him. Now that he’s playing with some skilled veterans in the NHL, it feels like he’s much more at home already. Let’s see what happens when the season starts for real. But the preseason was a good start.
Other notables: Dans Ločmelis, LW (Boston Bruins); David Reinbacher, D (Montreal Canadiens); Cole Eiserman, LW (New York Islanders); Alberts Šmits, LHD (New York Rangers); Oscar Fisker Mølgaard, C (Seattle Kraken); Braeden Cootes, C (Vancouver Canucks)
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