{"time":1782326987450,"blocks":[{"id":"fJmCiCdB7i","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"With the 2026 NHL draft happening on June 26 and 27, each team's picks and needs are coming into place."}},{"id":"-zWfcMBOrz","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"The Brady Tkachuk, Jordan Kyrou and Bowen Byram trades certainly threw things for a loop. "}},{"id":"ltKH-VAhhk","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"The Ottawa Senators acquired four draft picks, including two first-round picks this year. They then flipped one of them to the San Jose Sharks for William Eklund."}},{"id":"xKXu9Cfvxb","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"The St. Louis Blues, meanwhile, now have four first-round picks this year after trading Kyrou to the St. Louis Blues."}},{"id":"fdL5TsslG6","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"And the Chicago Blackhawks now have no first-rounders after trading the fourth overall pick to the Buffalo Sabres for Byram."}},{"id":"mqs1xr6x","type":"video","data":{"url":"https://us-central1-deweb-519a7.cloudfunctions.net/mediaService-api/videos/6f0e81c5-0092-4e67-b043-0af368ce01a6/mp4","caption":"","autoplay":false,"controls":true,"muted":false,"stretched":true,"width":0,"height":0,"image":{"url":"https://us-central1-deweb-519a7.cloudfunctions.net/mediaService-api/videos/6f0e81c5-0092-4e67-b043-0af368ce01a6/thumbnail"},"cdn":{"videoId":"6f0e81c5-0092-4e67-b043-0af368ce01a6","libraryId":"372172","collectionId":"30032062-eefd-4041-a355-12ad05bc987b","cdnBaseUrl":"https://vz-052fc010-b27.b-cdn.net","mp4Url":"https://us-central1-deweb-519a7.cloudfunctions.net/mediaService-api/videos/6f0e81c5-0092-4e67-b043-0af368ce01a6/mp4","thumbnailUrl":"https://us-central1-deweb-519a7.cloudfunctions.net/mediaService-api/videos/6f0e81c5-0092-4e67-b043-0af368ce01a6/thumbnail","previewAnimationUrl":"https://vz-052fc010-b27.b-cdn.net/6f0e81c5-0092-4e67-b043-0af368ce01a6/preview.webp"}}},{"id":"uXAZbU9RSS","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Let's look at which picks each team has, as well as the area of their prospect pool we could see them look to fill. "}},{"id":"D4PAPKgTiV","type":"header","data":{"text":"Anaheim Ducks","level":2,"linkUrl":"","anchor":""}},{"id":"3sFpzxiGaH","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Round 1: no picks"}},{"id":"psae0KPgr0","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Round 2: 50th overall "}},{"id":"FVhEEdxuyU","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Round 3: 82nd overall"}},{"id":"Cw7OFgJt9g","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Round 4: 117th overall"}},{"id":"lTJH-a7pEY","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Round 5: 146th overall"}},{"id":"H3AgWi0BZ_","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Round 6: 178th overall"}},{"id":"eQEhkkuI_Z","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Round 7: 210th overall"}},{"id":"w3dvq4peCE","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Weak Point: Wingers"}},{"id":"xVKbUbP5Sa","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"With Beckett Sennecke graduating to the NHL, the Ducks' prospect pool lacks impact wingers. There are a few that could be interesting if they continue to develop, but they lack a star. With no first-round pick, that might be tough to find. "}},{"id":"tVBGr9Wjb-","type":"header","data":{"text":"Boston Bruins","level":2,"linkUrl":"","anchor":""}},{"id":"BdC4qdKNu7","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Round 1: 23rd overall\t"}},{"id":"Tyr5pTUZDL","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Round 2: 56th overall"}},{"id":"-Hmd1UpESs","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Round 3: 88th overall"}},{"id":"32vDhyb0bm","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Round 4: 104th, 111th and 122nd overall"}},{"id":"0x-YYmK0Xz","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Round 5: 157th overall"}},{"id":"89bZ9ck0bg","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Round 6: no picks"}},{"id":"pgLrpJSekT","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Round 7: 216th overall"}},{"id":"vTyUtGAAxJ","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Weak Point: Defense"}},{"id":"mX1EY75KAG","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"The Bruins may have started their prospect pool retool last year, but they still lack quite a bit of depth all over. The blueline is particularly weak with no real prospect of note at all. With a plethora of good defenders in this class, they might be able to nab one if they fall a bit."}},{"id":"rImO5w3mO2","type":"header","data":{"text":"Buffalo Sabres","level":2,"linkUrl":"","anchor":""}},{"id":"Jo4hvcEfyz","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Round 1: 4th and 20th overall"}},{"id":"Cg8QP6wSFC","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Round 2: 45th overall"}},{"id":"uJVrpQ0akD","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Round 3: no picks"}},{"id":"U4m6HtNIa6","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Round 4: 124th overall"}},{"id":"qmCRlcVsWG","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Round 5: 156th overall "}},{"id":"rH0lOf81Fu","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Round 6: 188th overall"}},{"id":"7Zqph4jmWm","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Round 7: no picks"}},{"id":"35-YwgnQ7d","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Weak Point: Wing depth"}},{"id":"ei6aAMuzab","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"The Sabres have graduated a lot of prospects recently, but they still have some solid depth on the blueline and up the middle. The wings have been depleted a bit, but with two first-rounders and so many young roster players, they don't have much to worry about. They could use the No. 4 or 20 pick from the Bowen Byram trade to flip to a team for a top-six winger, though."}},{"id":"zwmT3WHm_T","type":"header","data":{"text":"Calgary Flames","level":2,"linkUrl":"","anchor":""}},{"id":"b35us3GpRX","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Round 1: 6th and 30th overall"}},{"id":"55RzmysKO4","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Round 2: 36th, 51st and 55th overall"}},{"id":"G8tYlN7cNo","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Round 3: 65th and 68th overall"}},{"id":"7zmwPS6nAJ","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Round 4: 100th overall"}},{"id":"MZOUf8usiW","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Round 5: 132nd overall"}},{"id":"_N1UMj69Ng","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Round 6: 164th overall"}},{"id":"S8gIeAa-PS","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Round 7: no picks"}},{"id":"7SRQAUAJsv","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Weak Point: Center"}},{"id":"LdTI28OXu2","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"The Flames have done a lot to bolster their pipeline over the last few years, and even though they added a couple of players who play center in Cullen Potter and Cole Reschny, both may profile as wingers. Adding a center at sixth overall could be a big get for them."}},{"id":"wyqpPRzpmN","type":"header","data":{"text":"Carolina Hurricanes","level":2,"linkUrl":"","anchor":""}},{"id":"KYNiUsy07t","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Round 1: 31st overall "}},{"id":"EhR_XHIsPv","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Round 2: no picks "}},{"id":"ZDfefkUnjd","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Round 3: no picks"}},{"id":"myBTK1PEG4","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Round 4: 105th overall"}},{"id":"XDUXiK3GQ-","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Round 5: no picks"}},{"id":"eHiN8N3fFz","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Round 6: 165th and 192nd overall"}},{"id":"6qW7mFHUdl","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Round 7: no picks"}},{"id":"CEF_Mlmenu","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Weak Point: Who cares? They won the Stanley Cup?"}},{"id":"T-8x16kzCL","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"All jokes aside, the Hurricanes have done an excellent job of drafting with their mid-late round picks to unearth some really solid prospects that they've developed or used in trades. They'll continue to bank on value and high potential in the draft because that's what got them to the Cup. "}},{"id":"s5nfzBqrZf","type":"header","data":{"text":"Chicago Blackhawks","level":2,"linkUrl":"","anchor":""}},{"id":"Jd6zo5brt4","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Round 1: No picks"}},{"id":"sMewBaQHzQ","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Round 2: 34th and 37th overall"}},{"id":"nkqapsGbyj","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Round 3: 66th overall"}},{"id":"VICGCevOo7","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Round 4: 119th overall"}},{"id":"f6iLvTSShc","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Round 5: no picks"}},{"id":"4Gfcb1HLlG","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Round 6: no picks"}},{"id":"FSTuuwzWay","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Round 7: 194th and 200th overall"}},{"id":"56J6SW2r3r","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Weak Point: Defensive Depth"}},{"id":"Kaoiuhn7dD","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"The Hawks have been drafting high for a while now, and they've built up one of the most impressive pipelines in hockey. Even though they acquired Bowen Byram from the Sabres, they could use another defender who can continue to challenge other young players for NHL jobs."}},{"id":"7uEuGYYjEM","type":"header","data":{"text":"Colorado Avalanche","level":2,"linkUrl":"","anchor":""}},{"id":"8Jf7wCfUUo","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Round 1: no picks"}},{"id":"QGoj0fLLAj","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Round 2: no picks"}},{"id":"RkudumC1FY","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Round 3: 74th overall"}},{"id":"gftxnWn0cv","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Round 4: 126th and 128th overall"}},{"id":"aJfn5H9IiU","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Round 5: 149th and 152nd overall "}},{"id":"VYa3e9CMQo","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Round 6: no picks"}},{"id":"wm71SWwk8v","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Round 7: 195th, 214th, 215th and 222nd overall"}},{"id":"4FvYIRg3KF","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Weak Point: Everything, everywhere, all at Once"}},{"id":"1TmCmJ7LuU","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Movie pun aside, the Avalanche genuinely do need just about everything in their prospect pool. They don't have many players in their pipeline with legitimate impact upside, and they could use some youth on entry-level salaries to help the team right now. With no picks before the third round, it's unlikely they find them at the draft this year."}},{"id":"yX-CLUK5y6","type":"header","data":{"text":"Columbus Blue Jackets","level":2,"linkUrl":"","anchor":""}},{"id":"8wi9qBw3RN","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Round 1: 14th overall"}},{"id":"7f56oAiXoi","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Round 2: 43rd overall\t"}},{"id":"D2eXBeCy_V","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Round 3: 94th overall"}},{"id":"6iw5yxpQAa","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Round 4: 101st overall"}},{"id":"2dztAJ3B9q","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Round 5: 142nd overall"}},{"id":"jCWSH7nce1","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Round 6: 182nd overall"}},{"id":"YaVv5sThJC","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Round 7: 206th overall "}},{"id":"WtAkaF-v57","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Weak Point: Forward depth "}},{"id":"SLvzrR7bbo","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Columbus has taken quite a few really interesting swings at the draft and has come up with some solid role players. They have a few players who could be stars as well, led by Adam Fantilli. The Jackets need depth, though. While forward is more of a need, they could use depth all over the pipeline. "}},{"id":"ybkl1AeJlJ","type":"header","data":{"text":"Dallas Stars","level":2,"linkUrl":"","anchor":""}},{"id":"FhDD7FgPcv","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Round 1: no picks"}},{"id":"lWIYuEa3H8","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Round 2: 59th overall"}},{"id":"SnKjCY07jM","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Round 3: no picks"}},{"id":"V7yERwEYSj","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Round 4: no picks"}},{"id":"REzSB6o7-Y","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Round 5: 155th overall"}},{"id":"PVN9qQRyim","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Round 6: 187th overall"}},{"id":"LUrszK_xkJ","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Round 7: 197th and 219th overall"}},{"id":"yFm2cKL5M_","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Weak Point: Center"}},{"id":"9EspBKf6N_","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"The Stars have done a very good job of drafting and developing. They took swings on Mavrik Bourque and Logan Stankoven, with Stankoven being used in a deal to acquire Mikko Rantanen. They have very little depth, though, as they've traded many of their best prospects. The center position looks particularly dire."}},{"id":"2ml1gyNuMU","type":"linkTool","data":{"link":"https://thehockeynews.com/news/latest-news/2026-nhl-draft-rankings-ferraris-final-cut-has-a-new-no-1","meta":{"title":"2026 NHL Draft Rankings: Ferrari's Final Cut Has A New No. 1","site_name":"The Hockey News","url":"https://thehockeynews.com/news/latest-news/2026-nhl-draft-rankings-ferraris-final-cut-has-a-new-no-1","description":"NHL draft expert Tony Ferrari shares his top 85 prospects with in-depth analysis of the top 32. Although Gavin McKenna and Ivar Stenberg are in a dead heat, there's a new No. 1.","image":{"url":"https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/post-images/22eb934a-3795-4214-883e-70345b0baa89.jpeg","type":"jpeg","width":"1150","height":"493"}}}},{"id":"vkvXiZyM-L","type":"header","data":{"text":"Detroit Red Wings","level":2,"linkUrl":"","anchor":""}},{"id":"ImFpR_oK92","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Round 1: no picks"}},{"id":"oxoQA16QkJ","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Round 2: 47th overall"}},{"id":"cODqoNAGzc","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Round 3: 79th overall"}},{"id":"QNa1xISgWN","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Round 4: no picks"}},{"id":"cu-0wJojc8","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Round 5: 143rd overall"}},{"id":"kBhUTLXORZ","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Round 6: 175th overall"}},{"id":"B-wq3OurB_","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Round 7: 196th and 207th overall"}},{"id":"S8XtnIwI0N","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Weak Point: Center and star power"}},{"id":"4cOElo7kMj","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"The Red Wings need star power because they've consistently drafted the safe, steady prospect. That's left them with a bunch of really solid third-line projectable prospects and not many for the top six. They don't have a first-rounder, but they should take some chances and swing on upside with the picks they do have. "}},{"id":"BPWLTtAcQi","type":"header","data":{"text":"Edmonton Oilers","level":2,"linkUrl":"","anchor":""}},{"id":"T1JtN-MjBr","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Round 1: no picks"}},{"id":"Po6ITmB8-S","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Round 2: 52nd overall"}},{"id":"gYKG81rZ0U","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Round 3: 84th overall"}},{"id":"7utr0QAlNJ","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Round 4: no picks"}},{"id":"Qm0nEhSxeJ","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Round 5: no picks"}},{"id":"GlQYxFz6So","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Round 6: 180th overall "}},{"id":"FzkaeS1qdN","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Round 7: 212th overall"}},{"id":"gZZCsW3xmf","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Weak Point: Whoever will get Connor McDavid to stay"}},{"id":"bHZJ1YGNoI","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"In all honesty, the Oilers don't have many picks. Despite needing help all over their prospect pool, they won't have much luck outside of maybe their second-rounder. The Oilers are trying to get McDavid, the best player in hockey, to stay, so worrying about the draft isn't helping that. "}},{"id":"L9QWzaACUx","type":"header","data":{"text":"Florida Panthers","level":2,"linkUrl":"","anchor":""}},{"id":"y5yD6M4SL8","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Round 1: no picks"}},{"id":"QXjfuZhQsB","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Round 2: 40th and 48th overall "}},{"id":"F_rinelAra","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Round 3: no picks"}},{"id":"oCCfFA5HO8","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Round 4: 98th overall "}},{"id":"igSHFSIa-v","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Round 5: 136th overall"}},{"id":"_d39ZWt216","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Round 6: 168th overall "}},{"id":"EOwEylmqll","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Round 7: 217th overall"}},{"id":"NrIw3lpmdQ","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Weak Point: Defense"}},{"id":"TDJxPQdbsy","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"The Panthers just made potentially the splash of the off-season by acquiring Tkachuk, and we haven't even gotten to the draft. The trade will dwarf anything they do this off-season, but with two picks in the second round, they should prioritize adding a couple of young defensemen. "}},{"id":"TBorTOtEw9","type":"header","data":{"text":"Los Angeles Kings","level":2,"linkUrl":"","anchor":""}},{"id":"VeoJ3Mqrh-","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Round 1: 17th overall "}},{"id":"yctFhtOx_5","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Round 2: 46th and 49th overall"}},{"id":"hAl_icSaJW","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Round 3: 80th overall "}},{"id":"2vGvEgnt72","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Round 4: 113th overall "}},{"id":"caGmhM7gcm","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Round 5: 145 overall"}},{"id":"FV-Yhj3bMH","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Round 6: 177th and 190th overall"}},{"id":"2hr4xuKhc8","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Round 7: 209th overall "}},{"id":"iYOv4_UKJz","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Weak Point: Everything"}},{"id":"W8MjERFMhp","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"The Kings' once promising prospect pool looks nothing like it did a few years ago, and they didn't get nearly as much quality talent out of it as many had thought. They will need to add quality and effective prospects with three picks inside the top 50."}},{"id":"WujzKcB1GK","type":"embed","data":{"service":"twitter","source":"https://x.com/TheHockeyNews/status/2058914873078157550?s=20","embed":"https://platform.twitter.com/embed/Tweet.html?id=2058914873078157550","width":600,"height":300,"caption":"","meta":{"title":"The Hockey News (@TheHockeyNews) on X","site_name":"X (formerly Twitter)","description":"Welcome to the Gavin McKenna show! \n\nThe Hockey News' 2026 Draft Preview \n• Top 100 prospects \n• In-depth scouting reports \n• Feature stories on McKenna, Stenberg, Verhoeff, Carels and more! \n\nAvailable now at https://t.co/smKk3NQdgQ","image":{"url":"https://pbs.twimg.com/media/HJK8KicWkAAHMT2.jpg:large"}}}},{"id":"iEAUXHv_jo","type":"header","data":{"text":"Minnesota Wild","level":2,"linkUrl":"","anchor":""}},{"id":"JVsDniRWne","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Round 1: no picks"}},{"id":"hbVzolNDvv","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Round 2: no picks"}},{"id":"tRlhSyk_nr","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Round 3: 89th overall "}},{"id":"tsD1lHQr1F","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Round 4: 121st overall "}},{"id":"jAuM3pM_To","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Round 5: 137th and 153rd overall"}},{"id":"ONFUsAMvl0","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Round 6: 185th overall "}},{"id":"lnnGIWue8H","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Round 7: no picks"}},{"id":"ACO4ev_BNp","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Weak Point: Good prospects, not just interesting ones"}},{"id":"KWliPFRHHV","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"The Wild have a prospect pool full of players who have been interesting for years, and they carry quite a bit of name value, but how good they are is the real question. After sending out three high-end prospects in the Quinn Hughes deal, they need to replenish the top end of their pipeline. Unfortunately, they won't be picking until the late third round, so it likely isn't happening. "}},{"id":"QP0cGkaOP6","type":"header","data":{"text":"Montreal Canadiens","level":2,"linkUrl":"","anchor":""}},{"id":"TLJmrk5Rpx","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Round 1: 28th overall"}},{"id":"5oDQCeYcra","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Round 2: 61st overall"}},{"id":"Nqh85qxj6o","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Round 3: 93rd overall"}},{"id":"UqL4W3ue-8","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Round 4: 103rd and 125th overall"}},{"id":"m_0uj_EAYf","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Round 5: no picks"}},{"id":"xW-Ou_rqlM","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Round 6: 189th overall "}},{"id":"-_8Pfv_K1G","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Round 7: 221st and 224th overall "}},{"id":"HeyScIbd2c","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Weak Point: N/A"}},{"id":"e0mjiztbYl","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"It sounds silly to say, but the team that just went to the Eastern Conference final doesn't really have a major hole in its prospect pool. They have players all over the map, with varying upside and intriguing skill sets. The Canadiens could look to target a center, but they might be drafting too late to add a significant piece down the middle. Instead, they should just continue building out the depth."}},{"id":"waf_Vbo1Pe","type":"header","data":{"text":"Nashville Predators","level":2,"linkUrl":"","anchor":""}},{"id":"ttVCd4VNYF","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Round 1: 10th overall "}},{"id":"l08sMaE_gi","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Round 2: 42nd and 57th overall"}},{"id":"ZCat7DowcB","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Round 3: 70th overall "}},{"id":"PSdzVx0rMY","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Round 4: 106th and 118th overall "}},{"id":"wpj6lMRPxm","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Round 5: 138th, 148th and 160th overall"}},{"id":"6Y5FHJ7Krn","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Round 6: 179th overall"}},{"id":"tXdX9Tp3kb","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Round 7: 202nd overall "}},{"id":"xZ1dXNvo95","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Weak Point: Right-shot defenders"}},{"id":"DgYTw3uWYT","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"The Predators may not have lived up to the potential they thought they had after the summer of 2024, but they have done quality work at the draft, adding some really talented players. They haven't always gone for the highest upside, but they are solid all over. Right-shot defensemen are the one area they really seem to be lacking, though. "}},{"id":"lMh8rLNxOM","type":"header","data":{"text":"New Jersey Devils","level":2,"linkUrl":"","anchor":""}},{"id":"YYTPBYivLO","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Round 1: 12th overall "}},{"id":"-JxqieW-7z","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Round 2: 35th and 44th overall"}},{"id":"Xg1qSp-tN9","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Round 3: no picks"}},{"id":"5767TfGC46","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Round 4: 108th overall"}},{"id":"rDOeEOqsh-","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Round 5: 140th overall "}},{"id":"OR8ocpWxlr","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Round 6: 172nd overall "}},{"id":"244K7BnR9h","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Round 7: no picks"}},{"id":"00C2w46GFS","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Weak Point: Forward"}},{"id":"YYQg92GJJT","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"The Devils' prospect pool has taken a few hits as some of their best players have graduated to the NHL. They have very few players up front with the potential to be impact players. They have a number of interesting swings, but they lack NHL projection with higher-end potential. "}},{"id":"EMA5DfHVUC","type":"header","data":{"text":"New York Islanders","level":2,"linkUrl":"","anchor":""}},{"id":"lttFkuloy0","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Round 1: 13th overall "}},{"id":"bu451KIp60","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Round 2: no picks"}},{"id":"MIg9z4dQhC","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Round 3: no picks"}},{"id":"aKWYorx_h4","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Round 4: 109th overall "}},{"id":"QosGYRI7FY","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Round 5: 141st overall "}},{"id":"Wuuo1ZJSwR","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Round 6: 173rd overall"}},{"id":"4ytL8AZITb","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Round 7: 205th overall "}},{"id":"GcFOEaow4O","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Weak Point: Defense"}},{"id":"qm7m3hjyN0","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Obviously, defense as a weak point sounds a little silly after Matthew Schaefer took the world by storm, but outside of Kashawn Aitcheson, the Islanders don't have much in terms of defense prospects. With just pick No. 13 inside the top 100, they should aim to add a blueliner. "}},{"id":"-Fdz5Y31Hs","type":"header","data":{"text":"New York Rangers","level":2,"linkUrl":"","anchor":""}},{"id":"ruX06vaXVS","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Round 1: 5th and 26th overall "}},{"id":"oZIJsvJly1","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Round 2: 64th overall "}},{"id":"yxYQF6oVF1","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Round 3: 67th, 77th, 81st and 92nd overall"}},{"id":"2EjMYcPWnf","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Round 4: no picks"}},{"id":"Bre5A4cemZ","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Round 5: 131st overall "}},{"id":"lhflO14-dK","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Round 6: 162nd and 163rd overall"}},{"id":"kCjQhEVfmg","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Round 7: 193rd overall "}},{"id":"zxLWNfe6HU","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Weak Point: Center"}},{"id":"yU76263Qxg","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"The Rangers need young players at every position, but they have a player or two with NHL upside at most positions. They lack that down the middle, so finding a center at fifth overall might be the way to go. At 26th overall, they could target another center or a defenseman to add to their pipeline. "}},{"id":"lJdHJVRIVB","type":"header","data":{"text":"Ottawa Senators","level":2,"linkUrl":"","anchor":""}},{"id":"SjGtW-OMyd","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Round 1: 25th and 32nd overall"}},{"id":"DMnkAFZ_i2","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Round 2: no picks"}},{"id":"SOip9iV0W5","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Round 3: 72nd, 87th and 91st overall "}},{"id":"6_tYgJT51D","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Round 4: 110th overall"}},{"id":"3wJhjyegaE","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Round 5: 151st overall "}},{"id":"CR7492gJYR","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Round 6: 183rd overall "}},{"id":"BTPys4I3Ho","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Round 7: no picks"}},{"id":"XX_JIwRXKN","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Weak Point: Everything"}},{"id":"9evonpakSQ","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"The Senators don't have a very good prospect pool despite nearly a decade of underwhelming results. They have made the playoffs the last two years, but with the departure of their captain, they were able to add two first-rounders this year, among other future picks. While they traded the No. 4 selection and could shop the 25th pick, they need to go for skill and upside with whatever selections they keep. They've drafted with too much of a focus on physicality and high-floor players after 2020. "}},{"id":"0gXqgRwfr7","type":"header","data":{"text":"Philadelphia Flyers","level":2,"linkUrl":"","anchor":""}},{"id":"jCeq0P2MNU","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Round 1: 21st overall "}},{"id":"79hqU_E_EC","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Round 2: 53rd overall "}},{"id":"s97hA6o-Sx","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Round 3: no picks"}},{"id":"vXc3Wg0bsi","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Round 4: no picks"}},{"id":"KmDg8hEc10","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Round 5: no picks"}},{"id":"haKLRBXB7Z","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Round 6: 181st overall "}},{"id":"B7xYPE5NV1","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Round 7: 213th overall "}},{"id":"yKJ9wMOOIA","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Weak Point: Defense"}},{"id":"xO6M1Zg-_b","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"The Flyers have a solid prospect pool, and they've begun to build around some really promising young players. They do still have a need on the back end, though. Outside of Oliver Bonk and reclamation project David Jiricek, they are a bit thin on the young and up-and-coming defensemen. "}},{"id":"0wCM3U0i4_","type":"header","data":{"text":"Pittsburgh Penguins","level":2,"linkUrl":"","anchor":""}},{"id":"hL5edvpMGt","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Round 1: 22nd overall "}},{"id":"EjkvzSSKJ7","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Round 2: 39th and 54th overall"}},{"id":"5rvKiO0sQ9","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Round 3: 86th overall "}},{"id":"cOB5QR2w3Q","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Round 4: no picks"}},{"id":"zVlJXZydwo","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Round 5: no picks"}},{"id":"j1EzSlsc34","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Round 6: 170th overall "}},{"id":"yk609H7ayN","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Round 7: no picks"}},{"id":"idCBCTCROT","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Weak Point: Depth"}},{"id":"5KW_w35F00","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"The Penguins have been on a mission to rebuild their prospect pool since Kyle Dubas was hired as president and GM, and they've done a good job. They have prospects in just about every position who are at least promising. Now they need to fill out that depth. Don't be surprised if we see Dubas and the Pens trade down to collect more picks and increase their chance of hitting in the early rounds. "}},{"id":"TCZ7N0Z-eG","type":"header","data":{"text":"San Jose Sharks","level":2,"linkUrl":"","anchor":""}},{"id":"0eoXcGJYKv","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Round 1: 2nd, 9th and 27th overall"}},{"id":"482sUaT1gP","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Round 2: 62nd overall "}},{"id":"DO2hImEsmf","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Round 3: no picks"}},{"id":"q8OLp-xtVO","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Round 4: 120th and 127th overall"}},{"id":"AP3dCa5O0D","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Round 5: no picks"}},{"id":"fEnqgXNlof","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Round 6: 174th overall "}},{"id":"N1IlD5bn9A","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Round 7: 201st overall "}},{"id":"Y2uva8yGJ8","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Weak Point: Right-shot defenders"}},{"id":"cZAvItvU-8","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"With a young core and pipeline as loaded as anyone's in the NHL, the Sharks have so many prospects who could be really solid NHLers and even a few who could be high-impact players. What they need are right-handed defenders. They have a couple of intriguing long shots, such as Mattias Havelid, but they desperately need more. "}},{"id":"fs2UJQcTLg","type":"header","data":{"text":"Seattle Kraken","level":2,"linkUrl":"","anchor":""}},{"id":"oBb4sBFZkF","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Round 1: 7th overall"}},{"id":"hgy6Y3zcxX","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Round 2: 38th overall "}},{"id":"Da06cc6Np5","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Round 3: no picks"}},{"id":"EHW4l9XbuD","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Round 4: 99th and 102nd overall "}},{"id":"HUyPJmwUvo","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Round 5: no picks"}},{"id":"Qg4VUahj24","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Round 6: 166th overall "}},{"id":"2QnmVq77F4","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Round 7: 198th and 204th overall "}},{"id":"01x1wWmSTo","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Weak Point: Defense"}},{"id":"wFz1p7tPEc","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"The Kraken have sputtered a bit since joining the NHL, never really finding a way to become a really solid contender. Their draft history is full of really interesting swings on talent, particularly up front. On the back end, particularly on the left side, they need to invest some draft capital and bolster their pipeline. "}},{"id":"OgczDhH93c","type":"header","data":{"text":"St. Louis Blues","level":2,"linkUrl":"","anchor":""}},{"id":"SBBWaM_hts","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Round 1: 11th, 15th, 16th and 29th overall"}},{"id":"WdBvDY9bhu","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Round 2: no picks"}},{"id":"mYLmCyTlT6","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Round 3: 73rd, 75th and 76th overall "}},{"id":"xNok9GwEVg","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Round 4: 107th and 123rd overall "}},{"id":"RhbkuCqk8g","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Round 5: 139th and 150th overall "}},{"id":"UDAseYj-dN","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Round 6: 171st overall "}},{"id":"kXksxnxQsu","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Round 7: 203rd overall "}},{"id":"X5qeStuQtI","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Weak Point: Depth and best players available"}},{"id":"ec0js0W1Yd","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"The Blues are entering a new era of sorts as Alexander Steen is taking over as GM, but before that happens, Doug Armstrong has the chance to make a big impact at the draft. With a league-leading 13 picks and a whopping four in the first round, the Blues could add some really high-end depth to their pipeline or move a pick or two to acquire a young NHL-ready talent."}},{"id":"nY_MlAfDyj","type":"linkTool","data":{"link":"https://thehockeynews.com/news/latest-news/blues-own-four-first-round-picks-following-jordan-kyrou-trade-is-a-bigger-move-next","meta":{"title":"Blues Own Four First-Round Picks Following Jordan Kyrou Trade; Is A Bigger Move Next?","site_name":"The Hockey News","url":"https://thehockeynews.com/news/latest-news/blues-own-four-first-round-picks-following-jordan-kyrou-trade-is-a-bigger-move-next","description":"The St. Louis Blues own an embarrassment of riches, holding four first-round picks in the 2026 NHL draft. Is a bigger move on the way, or could the Blues package their picks to move up in the draft?","image":{"url":"https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/post-images/3275b4f0-1001-493d-94fa-7e78b7ae9cf7.jpeg","type":"jpeg","width":"1150","height":"493"}}}},{"id":"dnbgMj08TR","type":"header","data":{"text":"Tampa Bay Lightning","level":2,"linkUrl":"","anchor":""}},{"id":"KnjLQ5TUdx","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Round 1: no picks"}},{"id":"EIv2Zst7Rr","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Round 2: 58th overall "}},{"id":"dP-uEAOOTA","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Round 3: 90th overall "}},{"id":"UgIldvGppd","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Round 4: no picks"}},{"id":"IvcB6se3r-","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Round 5: 133rd, 134th and 154th overall"}},{"id":"vODNAlNKy4","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Round 6: 186th overall "}},{"id":"g5QheeKsfC","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Round 7: 218th overall "}},{"id":"4SJqeYDSYm","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Weak Point: Everything"}},{"id":"Xt923bwrWR","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Tampa Bay has been much more focused on winning Stanley Cups and going on playoff runs for nearly the last decade, which often meant selling the future. They have more picks than they are used to this year, but five of the seven are outside of the top 125, so they will have limited ammo at the draft to fill their prospect pool with impact players."}},{"id":"JjDR9avgOe","type":"header","data":{"text":"Toronto Maple Leafs","level":2,"linkUrl":"","anchor":""}},{"id":"u8OZ_hjMGD","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Round 1: 1st overall "}},{"id":"J04R4_KfAX","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Round 2: 60th overall "}},{"id":"HmUio8Lbil","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Round 3: 69th and 85th overall "}},{"id":"7K-DeNFclx","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Round 4: 114th overall "}},{"id":"L2o6ZW2ob1","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Round 5: 158th overall "}},{"id":"kKlWytzuD9","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Round 6: 169th overall "}},{"id":"TPbjR4cST0","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Round 7: no picks"}},{"id":"NIEZzQ4AKn","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Weak Point: Forward "}},{"id":"ZEC_AeuvTw","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"The Leafs were extremely lucky to keep their first-round draft pick when they won the lottery. They got the first overall pick and will likely draft Gavin McKenna. Adding McKenna (or Ivar Stenberg if he is their pick) would go a long way toward helping boost the youth on their roster, but with three other picks inside the top 85, they'll have a chance to add some solid prospects."}},{"id":"qSAMX3ZBQR","type":"linkTool","data":{"link":"https://thehockeynews.com/news/latest-news/2026-nhl-draft-rankings-mckenna-leads-ryan-kennedys-final-top-120","meta":{"title":"2026 NHL Draft Rankings: Ryan Kennedy's Final Top 120","site_name":"The Hockey News","url":"https://thehockeynews.com/news/latest-news/2026-nhl-draft-rankings-mckenna-leads-ryan-kennedys-final-top-120","description":"Editor in chief Ryan Kennedy shares the top 100 NHL draft prospects from The Hockey News' Draft Preview issue and a bonus 20. There's a different No. 1 than in his mid-season ranking.","image":{"url":"https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/post-images/78a5be4c-4f5f-4812-a771-0d4707971613.jpeg","type":"jpeg","width":"1150","height":"493"}}}},{"id":"gGGbwghJVU","type":"header","data":{"text":"Utah Mammoth","level":2,"linkUrl":"","anchor":""}},{"id":"iJmB3irOl1","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Round 1: 19th overall "}},{"id":"2-_obTpAfz","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Round 2: no picks"}},{"id":"VOgokJAvI8","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Round 3: 83rd and 96th overall "}},{"id":"u7e_5hiOcI","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Round 4: 115th overall "}},{"id":"rfc_mbVMd5","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Round 5: 130th and 147th overall "}},{"id":"OF_jLuHkym","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Round 6: no picks"}},{"id":"VqymJy4TzC","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Round 7: 211th overall "}},{"id":"qUp3aQ-dTe","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Weak Point: Right wing"}},{"id":"o5hGs7kdWm","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"The Mammoth are on the rise, and their young talent has been the reason. They have a very strong prospect pool, but they do have a lack of talent on the right wing in particular. Some of their centers may end up on the wing, so it's not that big of a deal considering the talent they have elsewhere. They need to ultimately continue drafting the best players available."}},{"id":"BG-nR5_9IN","type":"header","data":{"text":"Vancouver Canucks","level":2,"linkUrl":"","anchor":""}},{"id":"5YH9PAbkSn","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Round 1: 3rd and 24th overall "}},{"id":"DCUjrIkU2r","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Round 2: 33rd and 41st overall "}},{"id":"VCBiVwmboP","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Round 3: 78th overall "}},{"id":"Kh6FKi6Zyw","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Round 4: 97th overall "}},{"id":"MseG52c-GQ","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Round 5: 129th overall "}},{"id":"ZFew95-m-V","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Round 6: 161st, 176th and 184th overall "}},{"id":"YCmYCjXB9k","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Round 7: no picks"}},{"id":"tFve89zBec","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Weak Point: Best players available"}},{"id":"NIz3rfEB4i","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Simply put, the Canucks are closer to the beginning of their rebuild than the end of it. That means prioritizing the best players at the draft. Although they have some really solid prospects sprinkled throughout their prospect pool, they need to keep pushing to add more across the board."}},{"id":"EhMiOrlO6x","type":"header","data":{"text":"Vegas Golden Knights","level":2,"linkUrl":"","anchor":""}},{"id":"nfxRxrRj1E","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Round 1: no picks"}},{"id":"goEBe6y-Kz","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Round 2: no picks"}},{"id":"KPWpB5R9mI","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Round 3: 95th overall "}},{"id":"lCx7bqre5n","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Round 4: no picks"}},{"id":"OPxBx1cT1m","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Round 5: 159th overall "}},{"id":"hLNbHgYNWg","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Round 6: 191st overall "}},{"id":"cnEWfL6yHk","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Round 7: 223rd overall "}},{"id":"3WWSZ6j5IK","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Weak Point: They don't care, so why should we?"}},{"id":"YzKc8GIgCt","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"The Golden Knights haven't cared much about their prospect pool since their inception. They've traded nearly every first-round pick they have had, and they don't have a pick until 95th overall. They need players at every position, and with four late-round picks, they won't have the ammo to find much. "}},{"id":"sKEYHD4l9g","type":"header","data":{"text":"Washington Capitals","level":2,"linkUrl":"","anchor":""}},{"id":"VL9a5fMQIi","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Round 1: 18th overall "}},{"id":"wNBs8j0yqC","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Round 2: no picks"}},{"id":"l-2psVVs1I","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Round 3: no picks"}},{"id":"b6JbuurO-J","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Round 4: 112th overall "}},{"id":"mh8-QJIGCB","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Round 5: 144th overall"}},{"id":"5MCQ7Gl9ZY","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Round 6: no picks"}},{"id":"9kEs_mnCc5","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Round 7: 208th overall "}},{"id":"GXv510Brv_","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Weak Point: Center and defense"}},{"id":"TiwSOQ5Q0D","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Washington has done a good job of finding value at the draft, but with they could do themselves a big favor by selecting a center or defenseman 18th overall. If a center like Tynan Lawrence falls, it could be the kind of massive win they need to really get their pipeline looking solid. "}},{"id":"ljn7ntoLlI","type":"header","data":{"text":"Winnipeg Jets","level":2,"linkUrl":"","anchor":""}},{"id":"g09iCVbPuF","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Round 1: 8th overall "}},{"id":"GTT3XDpkUd","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Round 2: no picks"}},{"id":"Xer7bGWlTH","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Round 3: 71st overall "}},{"id":"D2-MHqkpqh","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Round 4: 116th overall "}},{"id":"nGDsNw4a7Y","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Round 5: 135th overall "}},{"id":"fS5f4xltli","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Round 6: 167th overall "}},{"id":"NUi4CcX9sy","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Round 7: 199th and 220th overall "}},{"id":"8LFu7MFVmt","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Weak Point: Depth"}},{"id":"QSP7kYKC5e","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"The Jets are in the midst of a potentially massive off-season with trade speculation regarding all-world goalie Connor Hellebuyck. If the goalie gets moved, they have bigger problems than a middling prospect pool. With that said, the Jets need to add some talent all over. They have some good prospects across the board, but adding a puck-mover on the back end or a high-skill forward would help a lot. "}},{"id":"PP2WvTXcUk","type":"delimiter","data":{}},{"id":"UlPresloIr","type":"image","data":{"caption":"","withBorder":false,"withBackground":false,"size":"full","alignment":"center","linkUrl":"https://thehockeynews.store/products/print-subscription","file":{"url":"https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/post-images/bfd414ce-b06e-461c-8408-60121d02dde4.jpeg"}}},{"id":"WmIdWrUdyu","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"See more of The Hockey News on Google and save us as a preferred source. Get the latest news and trending stories by subscribing to our newsletter here. And share your thoughts by commenting below the article on THN.com or creating your own post in our community forum."}}],"version":"2.31.6"}

Dan Lehv in Conversation with W. Graeme Roustan

Larry Robbins in Conversation with W. Graeme Roustan