With the 2025 Hlinka Gretzky Cup in the books, the stage is set to kick off the conversation around the 2026 NHL Draft. While it’s still the dog days of summer, and the real season hasn’t started yet (aside from some early QMJHL exhibition action), this feels like the right time to roll out the first big board.
Keep in mind — a lot can and will change. The Hlinka Gretzky Cup is a crucial starting point, but not the whole story. I’ve also started factoring in some American names who impressed this summer, though USA’s gold medal win was very much a team effort, thanks to smart coaching and balanced play.
All that said, we all know who holds the top spot — so let’s dive into the initial 2026 NHL Draft rankings.
Top 32 Prospects – Early 2026 NHL Draft Rankings
1. Gavin McKenna, LW – Penn State (NCAA)
After torching the WHL with Medicine Hat, McKenna arrives at Penn State as one of the most hyped NCAA freshmen in years. Elite skating, great shot, high hockey IQ — he checks every box and then some.
2. Ryan Roobroeck, C – Niagara (OHL)
Big, skilled centers always draw attention, and Roobroeck is the best of the class. He’s a dangerous shooter with strong puck protection and natural instincts down the middle.
3. Keaton Verhoeff, D – North Dakota (NCAA)
A strong, mobile blueliner who plays a complete game. Coming from WHL Victoria, Verhoeff’s move to North Dakota will be a major step in his development as a future top-pairing NHL defenseman.
4. Ethan Belchetz, LW – Windsor (OHL)
Standing at 6-foot-5 and 228 pounds, Belchetz physically dominates his peers. He’s refining his power forward game and has the tools to become a unique presence in Windsor.
5. Ivar Stenberg, LW – Frolunda (Sweden)
Younger brother of Blues prospect Otto Stenberg, Ivar brings high-end skill and hockey sense. He’s a smooth skater with a great feel for the game — a dynamic talent to watch.
6. Marcus Nordmark, RW – Djurgarden Jr. (Sweden)
A standout at the Hlinka Gretzky, Nordmark is climbing fast. His scoring touch and offensive instincts are elite. He also holds OHL rights with powerhouse London.
7. Ryan Lin, D – Vancouver (WHL)
An exciting offensive defenseman, Lin moves the puck effortlessly and drives play. While not the biggest, his vision and pace more than make up for it.
8. Colin Fitzgerald, C – Peterborough (OHL)
Fitzgerald blends size, grit, and skill — a modern power center in the making. With more talent around him this season, expect a big step forward in his production.
9. Elton Hermansson, RW – Modo (Sweden)
Another Hlinka star, Hermansson showed off a sharp scoring touch and good size. He’s poised for a breakout in the Swedish junior system.
10. Daxon Rudolph, D – Prince Albert (WHL)
A high pick in the WHL draft, Rudolph combines size and skating to control the game at both ends. His playoff production was eye-catching — over a point per game from the back end.
Rounding Out the Top 32
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Mathis Preston, RW – Spokane (WHL)
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Viggo Bjorck, RW – Djurgarden (Sweden)
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Tynan Lawrence, C – Boston University (NCAA)
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Adam Valentini, C – Michigan (NCAA)
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Braidy Wassilyn, C – Boston University (NCAA)
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Mikey Berchild, LW – U.S. NTDP (USHL)
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Adam Novotny, LW – Peterborough (OHL)
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Theodor Knights, D – Modo (Sweden)
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Axel Elofsson, D – Orebro (Sweden)
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Jack Hextall, C – Youngstown (USHL)
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Oscar Hemming, RW – Kiekko-Espoo (Finland)
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Chase Reid, D – Sault Ste. Marie (OHL)
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Simon Katolicky, LW – Tappara (Finland)
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Blake Zielinski, RW – Des Moines (USHL)
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Lars Steiner, RW – Rouyn-Noranda (QMJHL)
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Alessandro Di Iorio, RW – Sarnia (OHL)
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Xavier Villeneuve, D – Blainville-Boisbriand (QMJHL)
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Tomas Chrenko, C – Nitra (Slovakia)
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Beckham Edwards, C – Sarnia (OHL)
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J.P. Hurlbert, LW – Kamloops (WHL)
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Brady Knowling, G – U.S. NTDP (USHL)
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Nikita Klepov, RW – Saginaw (OHL)
The 2026 draft class is already shaping up to be intriguing, with a strong mix of size, skill, and international flavor. The Hlinka Gretzky Cup provided some early risers, but as leagues start up and more prospects make the jump to college or junior, expect movement across the board. This is just the beginning.
