2026 NHL Mock Draft 7.0: The Maple Leafs are on the clock

The Stanley Cup Final is officially set. Former Toronto Maple Leafs star Mitch Marner is leading the Vegas Golden Knights into the Final. On the opposite end of the spectrum, the Carolina Hurricanes are finally in after so many failures in the East Final. With the NHL Draft now less than a month away as a result, it’s time for another mock draft.

Ironically, it is Marner’s former squad that owns the top selection. The Maple Leafs won the 2026 NHL Draft Lottery and will have the first overall pick in late June. In an unofficial sense, they are already on the clock. And without any further ado, ClutchPoints presents its seventh NHL Mock Draft of the 2025-26 season.

Previous mock drafts: NHL Mock Draft 1.0, NHL Mock Draft 2.0, NHL Mock Draft 3.0, NHL Mock Draft 4.0, NHL Mock Draft 5.0, NHL Mock Draft 6.0

1) Toronto Maple Leafs – Gavin McKenna, LW, Penn State (NCAA)

The Maple Leafs won’t overcomplicate things here. There is certainly a chance Swedish winger Ivar Stenberg goes with this pick. Mats Sundin, a former Toronto captain who now works in the front office, spent a lot of time in his native Sweden prior to re-joining the Leafs. However, McKenna has been the best prospect in the draft throughout the season. And he should be the first overall pick once Toronto is officially on the clock.

2) San Jose Sharks – Ivar Stenberg, LW, Frolunda HC (SHL)

Some could argue that the 2026 NHL Draft doesn’t truly begin until the second pick. However, this selection isn’t as wide as some would think. The Sharks are open to trading this pick, which would change the complexion of this draft completely. But Macklin Celebrini cannot carry the San Jose offense all on his lonesome. If San Jose believes it can bolster its defense through other means, adding Ivar Stenberg to this group of young forwards would be a grand slam selection.

3) Vancouver Canucks – Caleb Malhotra, C, Brantford Bulldogs (OHL)

The Vancouver Canucks are without a head coach, but there is a leading candidate in the organization: Abbotsford Canucks head coach Manny Malhotra. As it turns out, Manny’s son, Caleb, is in the 2026 NHL Draft. Moreover, Caleb Malhotra is the best center prospect available. Filling a major need in the organization while also reuniting father and son would be quite the first move for new general manager Ryan Johnson.

4) Chicago Blackhawks – Alberts Smits, LD, Red Bull Munich (DEL)

This is where the 2026 NHL Draft will truly begin, barring a shakeup at the No. 2 selection. The Chicago Blackhawks are also open to trading their pick. However, there are no trades in this mock, so they stick and pick. And they throw a bit of a curveball, making Alberts Smits the first defenseman off the board.

Smits has seen his draft stock rise throughout the season. He is even drawing consideration as a top-three prospect in this class. He is very mobile, has incredible size, and his shot will cause a lot of issues for goaltenders in the NHL. Smits could very well end up as a top-pairing defenseman in the league.

5) New York Rangers – Keaton Verhoeff, RD, North Dakota (NCAA)

The New York Rangers elect to go with a defenseman of their own. With Malhotra off the board, the center depth isn’t great enough to justify the value at No. 5. Instead, they select Keaton Verhoeff, who is considered the best defensive prospect in this class by many. He is a two-way player with strong skating and an excellent shot. There isn’t a lot of flash and sparkle to his game, but he doesn’t need it to succeed.

6) Calgary Flames – Chase Reid, RD, Soo Greyhounds (OHL)

The Calgary Flames are continuing a run on defensemen early in this NHL Mock Draft. Calgary could go in a number of directions here. But they select a player some have called the absolute best prospect in the class. ClutchPoints isn’t quite that big a fan of Reid, but is still one of the best prospects on the blueline that can be had. He brings a lot of offensive flair, and he works as hard as anyone on the ice. He can eat a lot of minutes in the NHL, both at even strength and with the man advantage.

7) Seattle Kraken – Dax Rudolph, RD, Prince Albert Raiders (WHL)

Dax Rudolph’s draft stock has started to rebound a bit as of late. It didn’t take a massive hit, but there is buzz about him returning to the top-10 once again. His calling card is his hockey sense and IQ. There may not be a smarter player in the 2026 NHL Draft than the Prince Albert Raiders star. He won’t score many goals, but he can run a power play, lead the breakout, and defend well enough in his own end of the ice.

8) Winnipeg Jets – Viggo Bjorck, RW, Djurgardens IF (SHL)

Viggo Bjorck brings positional versatility, as he can play down the middle or on the wing. In our view, he projects best as a winger. In any event, the Winnipeg Jets are taking a bet on his upside. Bjorck is one of the most naturally skilled players in this class. He isn’t the best skater, but he does have a relentless work ethic, a good shot, and the playmaking needed to play a significant role in the NHL.

9) Florida Panthers – Oscar Hemming, LW, Boston College (NCAA)

The Florida Panthers will not win a third straight Stanley Cup. But they did get a top-10 pick to draft a headliner for a prospect pool desperately needing an injection of talent. Here, they go off the board just a little bit for a player that fits their preferred style. Oscar Hemming to a late start to the season, but what he showed was incredible. He has a high motor, relentlessly pesters opponents to create opportunities, and plays the same physical brand of hockey that won the Panthers their two Cups in the first place.

10) Nashville Predators – Tynan Lawrence, C, Boston University (NCAA)

Tynan Lawrence’s ill-fated move to Boston University during the season hasn’t completely crashed his draft stock. He is a great skater who can quickly change directions and move effortlessly on the ice. He is also an energy sort of player. When his team needs a spark, he can provide it. Lawrence is also a good playmaker, but needs to improve his decision making. If he can improve offensively, this would be an incredible pick for the Nashville Predators.

11) St. Louis Blues – Oliver Suvanto, C, Tappara (Liiga)

The St. Louis Blues are up and they grab a center in Oliver Suvanto. Suvanto plays a heavy game, and has a little flash and sparkle to him, as well. His skating certainly isn’t the best, but the Finnish pivot should be able to generate offense at the NHL level. With the future of Robert Thomas up in the air, adding depth down the middle makes sense for new Blues general manager Alex Steen.

12) New Jersey Devils – Ethan Belchetz, LW, Windsor Spitfires (OHL)

The New Jersey Devils are on the clock, and they simply go best player available. Ethan Belchetz has drawn consideration for the top-five in this class. And he could certainly find himself going top-10. He is very skilled and has a nose for the net. He can win his battles along the boards and knock opponents off the puck. Belchetz is the sort of player who should raise his game in the biggest moments, as well. This would be a huge pick for new Devils general manager Sunny Mehta.

13) New York Islanders – Wyatt Cullen, LW, USNTDP

The New York Islanders had a promising season and could add more young talent to their ranks. Wyatt Cullen’s stock has skyrocketed as of late, with some believing he could go in the first 10 picks of the 2026 NHL Draft. He is one of the youngest players in the draft. There is concern over his scoring touch, and he can get a little too cute at times. But his drive to the net and ability to win battles should allow him to generate offense at the next level.

14) Columbus Blue Jackets – Ryan Lin, RD, Vancouver Giants (WHL)

The Columbus Blue Jackets could go in a number of directions here. In this NHL Mock Draft, they elect to improve their defensive pipeline. Lin is another player whose smarts will take him quite far. He has excellent vision and plays with an impressive level of calm under pressure. Head coach Rick Bowness won’t have to worry about whether he cares or wants to win, either. He won’t provide a ton of offense, but he could be a valuable player nonetheless.

15) St. Louis Blues (via DET) – Malte Gustafsson, LD, HV71 (SHL)

The St. Louis Blues traded Justin Faulk to the Detroit Red Wings at the NHL Trade Deadline, receiving this pick in return. Here, they take a page out of Detroit’s playbook and select a promising Swedish prospect. Malte Gustafsson has drawn some considerations for the top-10 recently, but that’s outside our evaluation at this time. Still, Gustafsson’s size, mobility, and hockey IQ should make him a mid-first-round pick.

16) Washington Capitals – Nikita Shcherbakov, LD, Tolpar Ufa (KHL)

The Washington Capitals are entering a bit of a new era with Alex Ovechkin’s future in the NHL in question. Washington is in need of an injection of talent, and they start by adding to their defensive group. Nikita Shcherbakov is a big defenseman who skates well enough and should have the mobility needed for the NHL. His offense has started to come around, but remains a question mark. His ability in the defensive end of the ice, though, could very well make him a first-round talent.

17) Los Angeles Kings – Alexander Command, C, Orebro HK (SHL)

The Los Angeles Kings will be without Anze Kopitar for the first time in 20 years. The future Hall of Fame captain has retired from the NHL. As a result, Los Angeles has to find its next star to build around. Whether Alexander Command is that star certainly remains to be seen. But he can contribute at both ends of the ice with strong skating ability and an excellent shot. There is a potential second-line role for Command at the next level.

18) Washington Capitals (via ANA) – Jack Hextall, C, Youngstown Phantoms (USHL)

Jack Hextall’s draft stock has swung wildly in recent months. He was a first-round prospect early in the process. Then, he fell out of first-round consideration. Things have since rebounded for the Youngstown Phantoms star, and the Capitals elect to bring him in with the pick acquired in the John Carlson trade. Hextall is a skilled player who thrives in the offensive zone. Whether it’s making an excellent pass or contributing a goal himself, there is a lot Hextall can bring to the table in the NHL.

19) Utah Mammoth – Adam Novotny, LW, Peterborough Petes (OHL)

Adam Novotny could certainly go higher in the 2026 NHL Draft. In this scenario, though, the Utah Mammoth won’t complain. Novotny is a very good skater who can pressure defenders with his speed. The playmaking can be a bit hit or miss, but his shot is something goalies will need to consider when the puck is on his stick. He is also an excellent player away from the puck, adding an element to his game that some of his peers can overlook at times.

20) San Jose Sharks (via EDM) – William Hakansson, LD, Lulea HF (SHL)

The San Jose Sharks acquired this pick in the Jake Walman trade last season. And they elect to improve their defensive depth after taking Ivar Stenberg second overall in this NHL Mock Draft. He is a relentless competitor who shuts down opposing offenses quite well. He won’t be a power play quarterback by any means. But he is a very straightforward shutdown defenseman. The Sharks could certainly use a player like that for their long-term vision.

21) Philadelphia Flyers – Carson Carels, LD, Prince George Cougars (WHL)

A lot of people in the hockey world see Carson Carels as a top-10, or even top-five, pick. However, ClutchPoints does not hold that view. Carels certainly has the potential if he goes to the right situation. He is a great skater and defends well. But his decision-making needs a lot of work, and his puck skills aren’t the best, either. If the Philadelphia Flyers can develop him, though, this could be a huge steal.

22) Pittsburgh Penguins – Nikita Klepov, LW, Saginaw Spirit (OHL)

The Pittsburgh Penguins had three first-round picks last year and added some promising players. This time around, they go with the best player left on the board. Nikita Klepov was the best player on a subpar Saginaw Spirit team this year. He is a very skilled winger who also has a lot of smarts to his game. Klepov could be a regular fixture on the power play at the NHL level, which Pittsburgh certainly won’t complain about.

23) Boston Bruins – Adam Goljer, RD, HK Dukla Trenčín (Slovak Extraliga)

The Boston Bruins returned to the Stanley Cup Playoffs after a brief absence in 2025. It didn’t end the way they wanted, but it’s certainly a good start toward returning to Cup contention. In the 2025 NHL Draft, the Bruins drafted James Hagens, showing that they are willing to deviate from their preferred playstyle for the right player.

Adam Goljer would represent a similar selection. He isn’t as skilled for his position as Hagens, but Goljer is a very good defensive prospect. He won’t be the most physical player, but he works hard and can be a menace to play against with his brand of defensive hockey. Goljer is a simple but effective player.

24) Vancouver Canucks (via MIN) – Xavier Villeneuve, LD, Blainville-Boisbriand Armada (QMJHL)

There is a lot of pressure on this pick, given that it was traded to the Vancouver Canucks for Quinn Hughes. And with this selection, Vancouver goes for a defenseman. Xavier Villenueve is a highly skilled offensive defenseman and may be the best scoring blueliner in the class. His speed is another element to his game that sets him apart from his peers. He won’t take the body, and he can be risky with the puck, but there is a top-four defenseman here if the offense translates.

25) Seattle Kraken (via TBL) – Elton Hermansson, RW, MoDo Hockey (HockeyAllsvenskan)

Elton Hermansson is a very skilled winger who can weave through defensemen with his stick-handling ability. He is a good skater who isn’t quite fast, but certainly isn’t flat-footed, either. He could certainly stand to improve his off-puck play. And there is an element of selfishness that could be an issue. Still, the Kraken are looking for a player with Hermansson’s skill set to join their team, making this an excellent fit.

26) New York Rangers (via CAR/DAL) – Markus Ruck, C, Medicine Hat Tigers (WHL)

The New York Rangers are back on the clock with the pick they acquired in the K’Andre Miller trade. New York went defense with their first selection in our 2026 NHL Mock Draft. Markus Ruck was an offensive force with brother Liam on the Medicine Hat Tigers this season. He has a ton of skill and has the playmaking to generate offensive chances for his teammates. His skating will be an issue, but the offensive upside is hard for the Rangers to ignore at this spot.

27) Buffalo Sabres – Gleb Pugachyov, RW, Torpedo Nizhny Novgorod (KHL)

The Buffalo Sabres finally made the Stanley Cup Playoffs in 2026. And they were a game away from the 2026 Eastern Conference Finals. With this selection, the Sabres are foregoing any true need and betting on upside. Gleb Pugachyov has jumped up a lot of draft boards as of late, and this is down to the tools he possesses. He is a heavy winger with great offensive skill and skating ability that will get him by. He is raw as a prospect, but the Sabres can afford to be patient with him.

28) Montreal Canadiens – Brooks Rogowski, C, Oshawa Generals (OHL)

Brooks Rogowski is a towering player, standing 6’7″ tall. He also moves impressively well for his size, and has a lot of skill on the puck. He is especially great at offensive zone entries. There isn’t a lot of playmaking here, but the Montreal Canadiens could use a player who can put the puck on the net and create scoring chances for those around him.

29) St. Louis Blues (via NYI/COL) – Tommy Bleyl, RD, Moncton Wildcats (QMJHL)

The St. Louis Blues acquired this pick in the Brayden Schenn trade at the 2026 NHL Trade Deadline. Here, they add offensive skill to their blueline. Tommy Bleyl is a gifted and creative defenseman who can make a lot of impressive plays with the puck. He is smart when moving the puck, and he can run the power play at the next level. He isn’t a physical player, though, and he’s undersized, which is something teams will need to consider when evaluating him.

30) Calgary Flames (via VGK) – Maddox Dagenais, C, Quebec Remparts (QMJHL)

Maddox Dagenais doesn’t quite have the size that Rogowski does, but he is a big center in his own right. Additionally, he has the offensive skill to be a threat whenever he has the puck. Dagenais’s calling card is his blistering shot, which can beat goalies from range. Given his size, it’s no surprise that he plays a heavy game. He will need to play more to the middle of the ice if he wants to remain a center in the NHL, but the upside is certainly there wherever he plays.

31) Carolina Hurricanes – Alessandro Di Iorio, C, Sarnia Sting (OHL)

The Carolina Hurricanes are in the Stanley Cup Final, and a lot of that has to do with their draft history. With this pick, they add a player who could certainly play a role in any future success. Alessandro Di Iorio is a rather underrated prospect in this class. His puck skill, vision, and scoring ability make him a very promising prospect without question. The issue is that a lot of the offense he generates comes from his off-puck play. If the Hurricanes can develop his on-puck play, though, look out.

32) Ottawa Senators – Tobias Trejbal, G, Youngstown Phantoms (USHL)

We are at the end of our 2026 NHL Mock Draft. The Ottawa Senators will pick 32nd, no matter who wins the Stanley Cup, as a result of the Evgenii Dadonov situation from a few seasons ago. Here, the Senators go in an interesting direction. Ottawa elects to take the top goaltending prospect in the class, Youngstown Phantoms star Tobias Trejbal.

Trejbal brings a lot of NHL-caliber traits to the table. He is a quick goaltender with strong hockey IQ and the size to fill the net. He can move well in the crease and has the ability to track the puck through traffic. He also plays with poise and won’t be rattled too easily. With Linus Ullmark getting up in age, and no clear successor behind him long-term, the Senators grab a goaltender with the potential to be a starter at the next level.

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