With the Hlinka Gretzky Cup completed, it felt like time to kick off the 2026 NHL draft race with some rankings. 

Yes, yes, we are still in the dead of summer – but the QMJHL is already playing exhibition games, so real action isn't too far away.

But what I will say about these initial rankings is that a lot can change. The Hlinka Gretzky tournament is an important starting point, but I'm not going to overreact. 

I have added some American players to this list since I began compiling names earlier in the summer, but Team USA's gold medal was a team effort (with great coaching), and we've got a lot of hockey to play before the actual NHL draft in the summer.

Having said that, we all know who is No. 1, so let's get to the festivities.

1. Gavin McKenna, LW, Penn State (NCAA): After absolutely destroying the WHL with Medicine Hat, McKenna now becomes one of the most hotly anticipated college freshmen ever with the Nittany Lions. He skates fast, he shoots well and he sees the ice – he checks all the boxes.

2. Ryan Roobroeck, C, Niagara (OHL): Big centers are always popular at the top of the draft, and Roobroeck is the best there is for 2026. He's an elite shooter who can score from anywhere, plus he protects the puck and has great instincts.

3. Keaton Verhoeff, D, North Dakota (NCAA): Coming to Grand Forks from WHL Victoria, Verhoeff is a big blueliner who skates well and brings a lot of strength to the back end. Projects as a great two-way defenseman; college will be a great challenge.

4. Ethan Belchetz, LW, Windsor (OHL): Physically dominates his age group thanks to a 6-foot-5, 228-pound frame – which also would make him big for an NHLer. In the meantime, Belchetz will continue to develop his power forward game in Windsor, where he'll have great opportunities.

5. Ivar Stenberg, LW, Frolunda (Swe.): Younger brother of St. Louis Blues prospect Otto Stenberg. Ivar snagged an invite to Sweden's summer world junior camp and brings a ton of skill to the table. He's a smooth skater with great instincts who makes things happen.

6. Marcus Nordmark, RW, Djurgarden Jr. (Swe.): One of the most dangerous players at the Hlinka Gretzky, Nordmark is an early high-riser for me, but his scoring ability makes him worth it. His OHL rights belong to NHL factory London.

7. Ryan Lin, D, Vancouver (WHL): He doesn't have a ton of size, but he's big enough, and everything else Lin does makes him intriguing. He's an uber-talented offensive defenseman who can really move the puck and make things happen offensively.

8. Colin Fitzgerald, C, Peterborough (OHL): I'm hopping on the Fitzgerald train from the start, as his combination of size, skill and grit has NHL written all over it. He'll have more talent to play with in Peterborough this year and could be a Brady Martin-style riser as the year goes on.

9. Elton Hermansson, RW, Modo (Swe.): Another Swedish standout at the Hlinka Gretzky, Hermansson showed off a deft scoring touch for the silver medallists. He's got decent size and the skills to make his mark in Sweden's junior ranks this season.

10. Daxon Rudolph, D, Prince Albert (WHL): The top pick in the 2023 WHL draft, Rudolph has the size, skating and skill to be a very effective two-way defenseman in the NHL one day. Had more than a point per game in the playoffs for the Raiders last year.

What Does Gavin McKenna's College Commitment Mean For The CHL And NCAA's Recruiting Saga? Gavin McKenna, the phenom and top prospect for the 2026 NHL draft, is committing to Penn State. <a href="https://thehockeynews.com/news/latest-news/how-junior-hockey-star-gavin-mckenna-will-benefit-and-benefit-from-penn-state">He made the announcement on ESPN on Tuesday</a>.

11. Mathis Preston, RW, Spokane (WHL) 

12. Viggo Bjorck, RW, Djurgarden (Swe.)

13. Tynan Lawrence, C, Boston U. (NCAA)

14. Adam Valentini, C, Michigan (NCAA)

15. Braidy Wassilyn, C, Boston U. (NCAA)

16. Mikey Berchild, LW, U.S. NTDP (USHL)

17. Adam Novotny, LW, Peterborough (OHL)

18. Theodor Knights, D, Modo (Swe.)

19. Axel Elofsson, D, Orebro (Swe.)

20. Jack Hextall, C, Youngstown (USHL)

21. Oscar Hemming, RW, Kiekko-Espoo (Fin.)

22. Chase Reid, D, Sault Ste. Marie (OHL)

23. Simon Katolicky, LW, Tappara (Fin.) 

24. Blake Zielinski, RW, Des Moines (USHL)

25. Lars Steiner, RW, Rouyn-Noranda (QMJHL)

26. Alessandro Di Iorio, RW, Sarnia (OHL)

27. Xavier Villeneuve, D, Blainville-Boisbriand (QMJHL)  

28. Tomas Chrenko, C, Nitra (Svk.) 

29. Beckham Edwards, C, Sarnia (OHL)

30. J.P. Hurlbert, LW, Kamloops (WHL) 

31. Brady Knowling, G, U.S. NTDP (USHL)

32. Nikita Klepov, RW, Saginaw (OHL)

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