With the 2025 off-season officially here, it is time to look ahead to some of the must-watch names for the 2026 NHL Entry Draft. Like in 2025, the WHL is expected to play a significant role in the draft, as players from across the league will hear their name called next June. With this in mind, here is a very early look at the top five WHL prospects for the 2026 NHL Entry Draft.
*Note: In order to qualify for this list, players must not have committed to the NCAA for the 2025-26 season as of July 2, 2025.
Gavin McKenna- Medicine Hat Tigers
Unless something bizarre happens, Gavin McKenna will be the first overall pick in the 2026 NHL Entry Draft. The Medicine Hat Tigers forward is considered a generational talent, and recently was named CHL Player of the Year. With 244 points in 133 regular-season games, McKenna is already considered one of the best WHLers of the 21st Century.
Daxon Rudolph- Prince Albert Raiders
Daxon Rudolph is a can't miss prospect who could be a top-10 pick in June. Listed at 6'1", 194 lbs, the right-shot defenceman had 41 points in 64 games during his rookie season while also winning Gold for Canada at both the U17s and U18s. If Rudoplph can build off his rookie season success in 2025-26, the Prince Albert Raiders could be a contender this year.
Ryan Lin- Vancouver Giants
Few defensemen in the WHL can produce offence like Vancouver Giants' Ryan Lin. Listed at 5'11", 172 lbs, the right-shot defender recorded 53 points in 60 games, and like Rudolph, won Gold at both the U17s and U18s this year. A projected top-15 pick, expect Lin to be near the top of scoring among WHL defensemen in 2025-26.
Mathis Preston- Spokane Chiefs
Mathis Preston is projected to be the second WHL forward selected in the 2026 NHL Entry Draft. Listed at 5'11", 168 lbs, he recorded 45 points in 54 regular season games and helped the Spokane Chiefs make it all the way to the WHL Final. A scoring threat whenever he has the puck on his stick in the offensive zone, Preston is projected to be a star in the WHL this season.
Carson Carels- Prince George Cougars
Carson Carels has all the makings of a strong two-way defender at the pro level. Listed at 6'1", 174 lbs, the left-shot defenceman recorded 35 points in 60 games, and was part of Team Canada's Gold Medal winning team at the U18s. Expect Carels to get plenty of top-pair minutes with the Prince George Cougars, as well as time on both the power play and penalty kill.
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