2026 NHL Draft Tracker: Round 1 Picks, Reports, Rankings And More
Check out expert NHL draft coverage and track the first-round picks as they're announced. You can also catch up on NHL draft rankings, mock drafts, player profiles and more.
The first round of the 2026 NHL draft took place on Friday.
Check out the scouting reports for each player chosen during the first round at Buffalo's KeyBank Center, as well as NHL draft rankings and much more prospect coverage.
Want to compare the first-round results with mock drafts? Want to learn more about where your team's new addition was ranked or how they play? Want a ton of NHL draft content, no matter what? Check out our curations of draft-related content as well.
Also check out The Hockey News' Draft Preview featuring Gavin McKenna on the cover. Not only does it feature scouting reports on the NHL draft's top 100 prospects, but it also goes further into the stories of some of the top players available, such as McKenna, Ivar Stenberg, Keaton Verhoeff, Carson Carels, JP Hurlbert and the Ruck twins. There are also team-by-team reports that cover immediate and long-term needs, cap situation, players in the system, shrewd picks from the past and not so shrewd picks. It's worth a read during and after the draft.
Round 1
Refresh this page for the latest updates. All height and weight information are according to NHL Central Scouting.
1. Toronto Maple Leafs: Gavin McKenna, LW, Penn State (NCAA), 5-foot-11, 170 pounds
The wait is over. Despite a time during the year when there was some doubt about who would go first overall, it is Gavin McKenna who received the honor after all.
Announcing the selection in the building was Maple Leafs fan Justin Bieber. McKenna walked up on stage to the song Yukon by Bieber as a shoutout to the Canadian territory he's from.
An offensive dynamo whose best traits are the ones you can't teach. He was one of the best players in all of college hockey in the second half, and his plan to get stronger and challenge himself at Penn State worked out great. (Ryan Kennedy's draft rankings)
2. San Jose Sharks: Ivar Stenberg, LW, Frolunda (Swe.), 5-foot-11, 183 pounds
Stenberg put together one of the most productive seasons ever in the Swedish League for a draft-eligible player, with only Daniel and Henrik Sedin eclipsing what he did. He is an incredibly competitive player who understands the nuances of winning battles against bigger and stronger players. He's the most complete and well-rounded player in the class. (Tony Ferrari's draft rankings)
3. Vancouver Canucks: Caleb Malhotra, C, Brantford (OHL), 6-foot-2, 185 pounds
When Manny Malhotra was named coach of the Vancouver Canucks, the questions popped up immediately about whether they would draft his son. It ended up happening, and Caleb Malhotra called it beyond a dream come true.
"He's a franchise No. 1 center," one scout said. "He has fit in on a good team, and when Jake O'Brien was out, Malhotra was a driver. He's a 200-foot player, but he also has the grit and edge – borderline meanness. Teams were trying to bully him, and he gave it back. He's built for the heavy hockey in the playoffs." (The Hockey News Draft Preview)
4. Buffalo Sabres (from Chicago): Daxon Rudolph, D, Prince Albert (WHL), 6-foot-2, 205 pounds
Only two CHL defensemen scored more goals this season than Rudolph, who put up 28 in Prince Albert. If and when his defensive game and physicality develop more, he'll round into a valuable NHL blueliner. "People sleep on him a little," one scout said. "You hear a lot about Carels, Verhoeff and Reid but not as much about this guy. But he's so smart, and he's got a bomb of a shot. His timing is really good, too. And he's deadly on the power play." (The Hockey News Draft Preview)
5. New York Rangers: Alberts Smits, D, Jukurit (Fin.), 6-foot-3, 209 pounds
Smits has a very safe floor as an extremely mobile defensive and transition defender. His offensive game is enticing because he shows incredible rush-attack ability, playmaking and great shooting. He's an aggressive presence on the offensive blueline, and if a team can fully unlock that element of his game, he could be a potential No. 1 defender. (Tony Ferrari's draft rankings)
6. Calgary Flames: Carson Carels, D, Prince George (WHL), 6-foot-2, 194 pounds
Carels joined the festivities remotely from Cypress River, Man., because he was working on his family's farm.
Carels is basically a flawless defenseman for his age. He can make an impact at both ends of the rink and will join Verhoeff at North Dakota next season. Heck, they might even play together, as they did for Canada at the world juniors. (Ryan Kennedy's draft rankings)
7. Seattle Kraken: Chase Reid, D, Sault Ste. Marie (OHL), 6-foot-2, 190 pounds
Less than two years ago, Reid was cut by USHL Waterloo, forcing him to find his footing with the NAHL's Bismarck Bobcats before he caught on in the Soo. Now, he's one of the top prospects in the draft.
"He is approaching the elite stratosphere where he can be, at minimum, a top-two 'D' in the NHL and maybe a No. 1 on a team," one scout said. "He can skate. He has skill and a good stick. But he's also a vacuum along the right side." (The Hockey News Draft Preview)
8. Winnipeg Jets: Viggo Bjorck, C, Djurgarden (Swe.), 5-foot-9, 180 pounds
There isn't a center in the draft class who is as complete and well-rounded as Viggo Bjorck. His motor, intelligence and skill are all near the top of the class. He was often Djurgarden's No. 1 center down the stretch this season, playing smart two-way hockey against men twice his age in some cases. If he were closer to six-foot, Bjorck very well might have been the top player in the class as a whole. (Tony Ferrari's draft rankings)
9. San Jose Sharks (from Florida via Ottawa): Keaton Verhoeff, D, North Dakota (NCAA), 6-foot-4, 215 pounds
As a teen freshman, he put up great offensive numbers for North Dakota and learned a lot about playing in his own zone. Thanks to his size and skating, Verhoeff's upside is awesome – and he's just getting started. (Ryan Kennedy's draft rankings)
10. Nashville Predators: Wyatt Cullen, LW, U.S. NTDP (USHL), 6-foot-1, 183 pounds
The driving force for the USA Hockey National Team Development Program was consistently one of its most dangerous players. Cullen developed the confidence to fully take advantage of his talents, growing as a puck carrier. Cullen was consistent in finding the middle of the ice as a playmaker. He is one of the few players in this draft class who are true catalysts offensively. (Tony Ferrari's draft rankings)
11. St. Louis Blues: Tynan Lawrence, C, Boston University (NCAA), Six-foot, 183 pounds
Lawrence started the year hurt, then dominated the USHL before leaving for BU, where points were scarce. At the world under-18s, he was one of Canada's top faceoff men and scorers, but the team fell to Sweden in the quarterfinal. "He's got a really good motor," another scout said. "Speed, acceleration – he can make plays off the rush and the cycle. He only had one goal in his first seven or eight games (at BU), but we also have the viewings from the USHL and the Hlinka, where he was arguably the best player for Canada in his age group. He'll be a good two-way center." (The Hockey News Draft Preview)
12. New Jersey Devils: Alexander Command, C, Orebro Jr. (Swe.), 6-foot-1, 187 pounds
As a highly energetic center who does a little bit of everything, Command already plays a pro game. He's a physical player who isn't afraid to get in the battle along the boards or down low. He can get outmuscled at times, but he'll get stronger as he develops. He's a solid dual-threat offensive player with a good shot and crisp passing. (Tony Ferrari's draft rankings)
13. New York Islanders: Malte Gustafsson, D, HV71 (Swe), 6-foot-4, 203 pounds
Potentially the best pure defensive blueliner in the class, Malte Gustafsson is an impressive skater who can shut attacking rushes down with his length and mobility. Gustafsson understands the finer points of the defensive side of hockey. One of the most impressive aspects of Gustafsson's season is that when he took the step from the junior level to the pros, the young Swedish blueliner elevated his game and more consistently brought his physicality to the table. (Tony Ferrari's draft rankings)
14. Columbus Blue Jackets: Oscar Hemming, LW/RW, Boston College (NCAA), 6-foot-4, 204 pounds
Hemming joined the NCAA mid-season – but in a much different scenario. Hemming wanted to play in the OHL for Kitchener but had a contract dispute with his Finnish team, Kiekko-Espoo, that got really heated. Unable to play in the OHL, he considered the BCHL but ran afoul of the IIHF because of the Finnish contract situation. In the end, Boston College was the answer. "He's big, he's powerful, and he protects the puck well," one scout said. (The Hockey News Draft Preview)
15. Anaheim Ducks (from Detroit via St. Louis): Nikita Klepov, RW, Saginaw (OHL), Six-foot, 186 pounds
St. Louis trades the 15th and 29th overall picks to Anaheim in exchange for Mason McTavish
Klepov became the first OHL rookie since Patrick Kane to win the scoring title. And he did it on a middling Saginaw team where he was one of the few offensive options. "He's really highly skilled, and his offensive sense is off the charts," one scout said. "He's a great passer, and he's probably more of a playmaker, but he can score, too. He's got great vision, and he's really aware with the puck." (The Hockey News Draft Preview)
16. St. Louis Blues (from Washington): Maddox Dagenais, C/W, Quebec (QMJHL), 6-foot-4, 198 pounds
Dagenais is a physical player who loves throwing his frame around. He has always had a good shot, and that's the offensive tool he should lean into as he works toward the pro level. He has the potential to be a very fun, complementary crash-and-bang forward at the next level. (Tony Ferrari's draft rankings)
17. Utah Mammoth (from Los Angeles): Ethan Belchetz, LW, Windsor (OHL), 6-foot-5, 230 pounds
Los Angeles trades the 17th overall pick to Utah in exchange for the 19th and 83rd overall picks
A massive winger who isn't the most fleet of foot, but the skill and puck protection allow him to play through contact and generate offense. Belchetz is a great finisher from in tight, showing off his outstanding hands and great box-out ability in front. He hunts down rebounds and makes life difficult for the defender. His skating has taken a big step over the last year. (Tony Ferrari's draft rankings)
18. Washington Capitals (from Anaheim): Oliver Suvanto, C, Tappara (Fin.), 6-foot-3, 213 pounds
"I don't know if I've ever seen anyone who competes as well as he does at that age," one scout said. "It's remarkable. His motor is always going. He's always battling, even against grown men. It's very easy to see his game translating to North America. It's just a question of how much offense he has." (The Hockey News Draft Preview)
19. Los Angeles Kings (from Utah): Elton Hermansson, RW/LW, MoDo (Swe.2), Six-foot, 182 pounds
Utah trades the 19th and 83rd overall picks to Los Angeles in exchange for the 17th overall pick
You always want to end on a high note, and Hermansson did just that, helping Sweden win gold at the U-18s and making fantastic plays along the way. He led the event in scoring and was named top forward by the IIHF directorate. "He's a one-way, offensively skilled gamebreaker," one scout said. "The vision and ability to pick out a pass are extremely good. The rest of his game isn't as mature, and his physicality and intensity is more of a wild card than Stenberg or Bjorck." (The Hockey News Draft Preview)
20. Buffalo Sabres (from Edmonton via San Jose): Ilia Morozov, C, Miami (Ohio) (NCAA), 6-foot-3, 205 pounds
Morozov is a two-way center who stepped into college hockey and played every role they asked of him. He was a top-six center at even strength and played on the penalty kill and power play. (Tony Ferrari's draft rankings)
21. San Jose Sharks (From Philadelphia): Ryan Lin, D, Vancouver (WHL), 5-foot-11, 180 pounds
Philadelphia trades the 21st overall pick to San Jose in exchange for the 27th, 62nd and 120th overall picks
Lin is a very good transitional player who spots forwards up ice and hits them in stride. He is a smart positional player who must get more involved in breaking up cycles, but he defends well in space, reading plays quite well. (Tony Ferrari's draft rankings)
22. Pittsburgh Penguins: Liam Ruck, LW, Medicine Hat (WHL), Six-foot, 174 pounds
Ruck and his twin brother, Markus, never seem to be far from one another, whether it’s playing on the same line their entire lives or finishing 1-2 in the WHL scoring race this season. Liam is seen as the better skater between the two and has been a consistent point producer for Medicine Hat. "He's super smart and super skilled," one scout said. (The Hockey News Draft Preview)
23. Detroit Red Wings (from Boston via Utah): JP Hurlbert, LW, Kamloops (WHL), Six-foot, 190 pounds
Boston trades the 23rd overall pick and a top-10 protected 2028 first-round pick to Utah in exchange for JJ Peterka
Utah trades the 23rd overall pick to Detroit for Sebastian Cossa
With CHL players eligible to play in the NCAA, Hurlbert left USA Hockey's National Team Development Program to join the Kamloops Blazers, and it looks as though it was an excellent decision. Having finished top five in the WHL in goals and points and second in shots on goal, Hurlbert displayed the kind of dynamic offensive game he showed as a youth player in Texas.
"He wants the puck, and he's a shooter," one scout said. "He loves to shoot. He's not the smoothest-looking skater, but he finds a way to get there." (The Hockey News Draft Preview)
24. Vancouver Canucks (from Minnesota): Adam Novotny, LW/RW, Peterborough (OHL), 6-foot-1, 200 pounds
It took a minute for him to adjust to the OHL, but once he did, Novotny's transition game and intelligence at both ends of the ice took over. He is an excellent forechecker, using his speed and strength to win pucks back. Novotny could fill the gaps on a top-two line, allowing the skilled players to do their thing while he makes life easy on them. He has a good shot and decent vision. (Tony Ferrari's draft rankings)
25. Ottawa Senators (from Tampa Bay via Seattle and Florida): Jonas Lagerberg Hoen, RW, Leksand Jr. (Swe.), 6-foot-2, 190 pounds
Jonas Lagerberg Hoen was injured for much of his draft year, so he finished with nine goals and 16 points in nine games in the Swedish U-20 league. The year before, he scored 27 goals in 38 games. NHL Central Scouting had him ranked 19th among European skaters.
26. Montreal Canadiens (from Dallas via Carolina, NY Rangers and Vegas): Gleb Pugachyov, LW/RW, Nizhny Novgorod Jr. (Rus.), 6-foot-3, 224 pounds
NY Rangers trade the 26th and 92nd overall picks and a top-10 protected 2028 first-round pick to Vegas in exchange for Pavel Dorofeyev
Vegas trades the 26th overall pick to Montreal in exchange for the 28th overall pick and a 2028 third-round pick
Fast and physical, Pugachyov has built his game on throwing his weight around and punishing his opponents while pressuring them with his feet. The puck skills are a work in progress, but he has a very safe floor because of what he can do in a checking role. If he can develop his shot a bit more or find a bit more cohesion in his offensive game, Pugachyov could become a really interesting middle-six power forward in the NHL (Tony Ferrari's draft rankings)
27. Philadelphia Flyers (from Buffalo via San Jose): Maksim Sokolovskii, D, London (OHL), 6-foot-7, 240 pounds
San Jose trades the 27th, 62nd and 120th overall picks to Philadelphia in exchange for the 21st overall pick
"He's very physical, moves well for a big man and has the long reach and stick," one scout said. "He's not fancy with the puck, but he can get it up to the forwards. He's tough to play against. He hits hard and hits often. He closes people down, and he's great on the penalty kill. He'll go a lot higher than originally projected." (The Hockey News Draft Preview)
28. Anaheim Ducks (from Montreal via Vegas): Marcus Nordmark, RW, Djurgarden Jr. (Swe.), 6-foot-2, 190 pounds
Montreal trades the 28th overall pick and a 2027 third-rounder to Vegas in exchange for the 26th overall pick
Vegas trades the 28th overall pick to Anaheim in exchange for the 29th and 117th overall picks
"He's up there with the top of the group," one scout said. "If you get him on a 2-on-1 or a power play, if you give him a chance, he's lethal. His shot is great, and he has vision. He's got a big frame, but his work ethic isn't always the best when it comes to winning pucks or doing the dirty work." (The Hockey News Draft Preview)
29. Vegas Golden Knights (from Colorado via NY Islanders, St. Louis and Anaheim): Juho Piiparinen, D, Tappara (Fin.), 6-foot-2, 204 pounds
St. Louis trades the 15th and 29th overall picks to Anaheim in exchange for Mason McTavish
Anaheim trades the 29th and 117th overall picks to Vegas in exchange for the 28th pick
Safe, simple and effective. That is the best way to describe Piiparinen's game.
He won't wow you with individual skill or dominate with the puck. The Finnish defender will make the right play at the right time and ensure he's just making life easier on his teammates in the defensive zone. He moves well, and he understands how to diagnose an attack and makes the proper reads. (Tony Ferrari's draft rankings)
30. Calgary Flames (from Vegas): Jack Hextall, C, Youngstown (USHL), Six-foot, 195 pounds
One of the most intelligent players in the draft, Hextall consistently finds ways to generate positive results. His problem-solving and tactical play have allowed him to become one of the better centers in the USHL, playing a sound two-way game on top of it all. (Tony Ferrari's draft rankings)
31. Nashville Predators (from Carolina): Tommy Bleyl, D, Moncton (QMJHL), 5-foot-11, 170 pounds
Carolina trades the 31st overall pick to Nashville in exchange for the 42nd and 57th overall picks
An excellent forward-skating defender, Bleyl was a big riser in the second half of the season. He was one of the best defensemen in the QMJHL because of his willingness to join the rush, attack up ice and create offensively. (Tony Ferrari's draft rankings)
32. Ottawa Senators: Jaxon Cover, RW/LW, London (OHL), 6-foot-2, 183 pounds
Cover has one of the most interesting stories in the draft class. He grew up playing roller hockey in the Cayman Islands, becoming a bit of a prodigy in the sport. He committed to playing ice hockey just a few years ago, and this past season, he was one of the London Knights' most dangerous offensive players, bringing his speed and skill from his roller hockey days to the ice. (Tony Ferrari's draft rankings)
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