2026 NHL Draft Rankings: Ryan Kennedy's Mid-Season Top 32

1. Keaton Verhoeff, D, North Dakota (NCAA)

While he was a depth defenseman for Canada at the world juniors, Verhoeff has proven himself far and away with North Dakota, where he has been on fire since returning from Minnesota. With size, skating, skill and swagger, he's got everything you would want in a top-pairing blueliner.

2. Gavin McKenna, LW, Penn State (NCAA)

He's taken the slings and arrows all season long, but let's not forget he was one of the top scorers at the world juniors and has made some jaw-dropping plays with Penn State. There are concerns about his play without the puck, but he has elite skill and vision. You can teach him defense.

3. Ivar Stenberg, LW, Frolunda (Swe.)

Though he's not big, Stenberg is strong on pucks and he can impact a game offensively at 5-on-5 in various ways. Sweden's world junior win may have been a group effort, but Stenberg showed up when it mattered most and made a difference. His numbers in the SHL are pretty hot, too.

With a cluster of four players at the top of the NHL draft class, prospect expert Ryan Kennedy's mid-season rankings feature a new No. 1.

thehockeynews.com2026 NHL Draft Rankings: Ryan Kennedy's Mid-Season Top 32With a cluster of four players at the top of the NHL draft class, prospect expert Ryan Kennedy's mid-season rankings feature a new No. 1.

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