2026 NHL Mock Draft 9.0: Final predictions for all 32 picks

The 2026 NHL Draft is less than 24 hours away. The landscape of the first round has changed drastically, even from the last time ClutchPoints published a mock back on Monday. It almost changed again on Thursday night when the Seattle Kraken and Dallas Stars agreed to a Jason Robertson trade that ultimately fell through.

For now, it appears things are settling down for a bit. Call this the calm before the storm, so to speak. Whether the trade fireworks come alive again at the draft itself remains to be seen. Putting that aside, it’s time for ClutchPoints to present its final 2026 NHL Mock Draft.

Previous 2026 NHL 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, NHL Mock Draft 7.0, NHL Mock Draft 8.0

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

The Toronto Maple Leafs are very nearly on the clock. However, there is little intrigue as to who they will select. We have made Gavin McKenna the No. 1 pick in all eight of our previous NHL Mock Drafts. And we have no reason to change things up now. There is always the possibility of things going in a different direction. But at this time, anyone other than McKenna at No. 1 would be a massive surprise.

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

The San Jose Sharks have a lot of options with this second overall pick. After the Chicago Blackhawks traded the fourth overall pick earlier in the week, it suddenly isn’t out of the question that this pick is also in play. However, after acquiring the ninth overall pick in a trade with the Ottawa Senators, the Sharks can afford to go best player available here. Ivar Stenberg gives the Sharks another high-skill, high-potential forward to pair with Macklin Celebrini.

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

There have been some rumblings that the Vancouver Canucks may not take Caleb Malhotra with this third overall pick. The NHL Draft is certainly full of surprises, so anything could happen. However, the connection with Caleb’s father, Vancouver head coach Manny Malhotra, is too great to ignore. Caleb Malhotra is the best center in this class, so the pick has its merits, as well.

4. Buffalo Sabres (from CHI) – Chase Reid, RD, Soo Greyhounds (OHL)

The Buffalo Sabres traded Bowen Byram to the Blackhawks in exchange for this pick, which marks the first time since 2008 that a top-five pick was intentionally traded in the NHL Draft. This trade has shaken up our mock, as Chase Reid is the first defenseman off the board now. Reid is a highly skilled defenseman who would fit in quite well with the Sabers’ current roster makeup.

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

The New York Rangers would certainly love to add a forward with this selection. However, the value on defense is greater with this pick. In our estimation, Keaton Verhoeff is the best defenseman in the 2026 NHL Draft class. He would give the Rangers a true potential No. 1 defenseman and someone who could anchor their blueline for a decade. It’s hard to pass up on a player with that kind of potential.

6. Calgary Flames – Viggo Bjorck, RW, Djurgardens IF (SHL)

The Calgary Flames are a team that could use all sorts of players. In our previous NHL Mock Drafts, we have mocked a defenseman with this pick. However, we are changing course a bit. A defender like Keaton Verhoeff and Chase Reid fit Calgary better than the options remaining. As a result, they pivot to Viggo Bjorck, a high-skill forward who can play center or wing. His skill ceiling is as high as anyone in this class. And he could transform their top-six in due time.

7. Seattle Kraken – Alberts Smits, LD, Red Bull Munich (DEL)

The Seattle Kraken have never drafted a defenseman in the first round of the NHL Draft. This needs to change sooner rather than later. And they get a gem with this pick here. Alberts Smits has a case of his own for being the best defender in this class. He was a star for Latvia at the World Juniors and the Olympics. He has a ton of confidence at all times, and he lit up the DEL playoffs in Germany to end the season. There is a lot to like about his game.

8. Winnipeg Jets – Dax Rudolph, RD, Prince Albert Raiders (WHL)

The Winnipeg Jets are another team that could shake things up before the 2026 NHL Draft begins. For now, they have the eighth overall pick and select Dax Rudolph. He has impeccable hockey sense and does well to restrain from forcing something that isn’t there. He has a massive shot that can beat goalies from range. And his work on the power play will certainly be a huge boost.

9. San Jose Sharks (from OTT/FLA) – Ryan Lin, RD, Vancouver Giants (WHL)

The Sharks traded William Eklund and more to the Ottawa Senators in exchange for this pick. After taking Stenberg at No. 2, they go with a defenseman here. Ryan Lin is a smart player who can dominate in transition and has natural skill for days. He doesn’t give the puck up easily, if at all. This is important considering that he is undersized. Teams often punish prospects for their lack of size by letting them fall in the draft. Lin likely won’t need to worry about that, though.

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

The Predators round out the top-10 of our NHL Mock Draft with the selection of Tynan Lawrence. Lawrence was once the best pivot available in the 2026 NHL Draft. An unfortunate midseason move to Boston University dropped his stock, though. The tools and upside are certainly still there. And it is worth noting that his play did improve as the 2025-26 season went along. The Predators need more center depth after selecting Brady Martin in 2025, so they take Lawrence here.

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

The St. Louis Blues are up with the first of four first-round selections in the 2026 NHL Draft. It’s highly unlikely they use all of these picks once the draft begins. There are no trades in our NHL Mock Drafts, though, so they will use all four in this article. With their first selection, they take Oliver Suvanto, a center ClutchPoints is rather high on. He is a fantastic two-way center who thrives away from the puck. He more than held his own against grown men in the top flight of Finnish hockey. The upside is real, and the Blues could use depth down the middle.

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

The New Jersey Devils have added some extra draft capital before the event begins, though none of it is in the first round. What they do with those picks remains to be seen. In any event, Ethan Belchetz would be a huge get for a team seeking more punch in the top-six. Belchetz has the potential to go in the top-10 of this class. He is coming off an injury, but his relentless motor and work ethic should carry him into the top half of the first round.

13. New York Islanders – Adam Novotny, LW, Peterborough Petes (OHL)

The New York Islanders had a successful 2025 NHL Draft and hope for similar success this year. New York can add to their haul from last season with one of the more underrated prospects in this draft. Adam Novotny is seen as a power forward but there is a lot of skill to his game, as well. He can certainly drive through defenses, but he has the stick handling to weave through one-on-ones. His goal-scoring ability is also very good, which a team like the Islanders certainly won’t shy away from.

14. Columbus Blue Jackets – Oscar Hemming, LW, Boston College (NCAA)

The Columbus Blue Jackets are up and, as they did in our previous mock, they elect to select Oscar Hemming. Hemming got off to a late start due to a contract dispute with his team in Finland. However, he hit the ground running to begin life at Boston College. His play tapered off, but the size and speed he brings to the ice cannot be ignored. Similar to Tynan Lawrence, the tools and upside are there, and that should make him a comfortable first-round pick.

15. St. Louis Blues (from DET) – Wyatt Cullen, LW, USNTDP

The St. Louis are up with back-to-back picks, and they remain focused on their forward core. Wyatt Cullen has drawn a lot of attention leading into the NHL Draft. And there are some rumblings that he could end up in the top-five. That feels a bit far-fetched, though all it takes is one team. Cullen was a clear star for a US National Team Development Program that didn’t perform so well in 2025-26. He is a consistent threat in the offensive zone and has high-end puck-handling skills. There is a lot to like here, especially after the Blues traded Jordan Kyrou.

16. St. Louis Blues (from WSH) – Malte Gustafsson, LD, HV71 (SHL)

Speaking of Kyrou, this is the pick the Blues acquired from the Washington Capitals in that trade. St. Louis is in need of more forwards, but there is value in a defenseman here, as well. Malte Gustafsson shoots back up our NHL Mock Draft and goes here to St. Louis. The Swedish defenseman brings imposing size and impressive skating ability to the ice. He’s not the most productive defenseman offensively, but he is a fantastic shutdown rearguard.

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

The Los Angeles Kings need a center now that Anze Kopitar has retired from the NHL. Alexander Command certainly wouldn’t replace Kopitar, especially not right away. But he is an impressive prospect who can contribute at both ends of the ice. He also brings a rather high floor, which works for a Kings team that is trying to compete even without Kopitar in the lineup. There is certainly a second-line center in here with Command. And he could be the first building block of a post-Kopitar era for Los Angeles.

18. Washington Capitals (from ANA) – Nikita Klepov, RW, Saginaw Spirit (OHL)

The Capitals need a center, as well, but they elect to go best player available here. Nikita Klepov was the star of a middling Saginaw Spirit team that made the playoffs but didn’t do much in them. He nearly scored 40 goals this season, and he doesn’t sacrifice skill for power, either. If there’s a knock on him, it may be that his production is a bit of a surprise considering he wasn’t all that productive in the USHL before joining the Spirit. Still, he has a tremendous impact on the game, and the Capitals could certainly use that.

19. Utah Mammoth – Xavier Villeneuve, LD, Blainville-Boisbriand Armada (QMJHL)

The Utah Mammoth do not have a true power play quarterback. They have some defensemen who are good on the man advantage. MacKenzie Weegar and Mikhail Sergachev are two players who can certainly make things happen offensively. Neither of them is truly a standout facilitator on the power play, though. Xavier Villeneuve is the best pure offensive defenseman in this class. Some believe he could fall out of the first round due to his defensive lapses. But his offensive upside is high enough that he should be a first-round prospect.

20. Buffalo Sabres (from SJ/EDM) – Elton Hermansson, RW, MoDo Hockey (HockeyAllsvenskan)

The Buffalo Sabres are back up in this NHL Mock Draft, and they turn to the forward group here. Elton Hermansson is a skilled offensive driver who did well in the second division of Swedish hockey against grown men. He also dominated against his peers, scoring at a point-per-game pace for Sweden’s U18 team. There are some concerns over his impact on the game when he doesn’t do something in the offensive zone. At the same time, he is a goal scorer, and no team is going to shy away from that.

21. Philadelphia Flyers – William Hakansson, LD, Lulea HF (SHL)

The Philadelphia Flyers need depth on the left side of their blueline. William Hakansson is a smothering defensive presence on the ice. He isn’t going to score goals or generate offense like Villenueve. At the same time, he isn’t going to allow other teams to score on him. He has no issue trucking through opponents, and he relentlessly pesters would-be attackers in his zone. The Flyers have offensively inclined defenders such as Jamie Drysdale and Travis Sanheim. Adding a pure shutdown defenseman makes a lot of sense here.

22. Pittsburgh Penguins – Jack Hextall, C, Youngstown Phantoms (USHL)

The Pittsburgh Penguins will one day ice a team that does not feature both Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin. It’s certainly difficult to think about that prospect, but father time comes for all. To prepare for this inevitability, Pittsburgh needs to add centers to its prospect pipeline. Jack Hextall’s draft stock has rebounded in a big way as of late. He possesses one of the highest motors in this class, and never takes a playoff. His dynamic skill allows him to generate offense, as well. He may not become a truly elite force, but he will definitely elevate those around him.

23. Boston Bruins – Tommy Bleyl, RD, Moncton Wildcats (QMJHL)

The Boston Bruins are embracing more skill than grit these days. And Tommy Bleyl is the sort of defenseman that fits the mold. He scored 81 points as a rookie in the QMJHL and always involves himself in the offensive attack. On defense, he remains quite poised and doesn’t try to do too much. He will need to add strength before making an impact professionally. He got bumped around a lot in the Q. At the same time, he has the offensive upside to be a difference maker.

24. Vancouver Canucks (from MIN) – Carson Carels, LD, Prince George Cougars (WHL)

ClutchPoints remains firm in its evaluation of Carson Carels. Carels has the tools to be successful. However, he is an extremely raw prospect who made some pretty severe mistakes throughout the season, especially with his stick and puck handling. If he finds the right situation, he could certainly be the top-pairing defenseman that some see. The Canucks are entering a full rebuild, so they can afford to be patient with him. He works best as a late first-round pick, though ClutchPoints acknowledges he could go much, much earlier than this in the 2026 NHL Draft.

25. Ottawa Senators (from FLA/SEA/TB) – Gleb Pugachyov, RW, Torpedo Nizhny Novgorod (KHL)

The Ottawa Senators still have this pick from the Brady Tkachuk trade on Father’s Day. Ottawa will need to find a forward who can replace their captain at some point down the line. The Senators traded for William Eklund earlier in the week. And here, they take a swing on upside. Gleb Pugachyov has caught some eyes heading into the NHL Draft. He has a lot skill that he combines with his skating and heavy playstyle to make an impact. There could be untapped upside here.

26. New York Rangers (from CAR/DAL) – Maddox Dagenais, C, Quebec Remparts (QMJHL)

The New York Rangers finally land the center they need, and this is a big pick, both literally and figuratively. Dagenais is a six-foot-four center who can drive play and hold his own defensively. He won’t wow you with his skill, but he also doesn’t need to. He is a very smart player who uses his skating and strength to succeed. The Remparts star could works as a flexible middle-six center who moves up and down the lineup based on matchup and line chemsitry.

27. San Jose Sharks (from BUF) – Maksim Sokolovskii, LD, London Knights (OHL)

The San Jose Sharks are back up and they elect to hit the defensive well once again. If the Maddox Dagenais selection was a big one, this is gargantuan. Maksim Sokolovskii stands six-foot-eight and he uses every bit of that frame. We are not talking about an offensive dynamo here. Sokolovskii is here to destroy his opponents and shut down their offensive attacks. He does both of those things quite well. After taking a more offensively inclined defender earlier in this NHL Mock Draft, taking more of a shutdown defender type makes some sense.

28. Montreal Canadiens – JP Hurlbert, LW, Kamloops Blazers (WHL)

The Montreal Canadiens are up, and they elect to go with a scoring winger in JP Hurlbert. Hurlbert’s draft stock has rebounded somewhat after concerns over speed and off-puck play surfaced during the season. Those concerns are valid, and they will follow him for a while. However, his pure goal scoring ability is too much to deny. He was the best rookie goal scorer in the CHL last year. And he has a chance to truly shine next season with Landon DuPont and the University of Michigan.

29. St. Louis Blues (from NYI/COL) – Ryder Cali, C, North Bay Battalion (OHL)

Ryder Cali has become a candidate to go in the first round of the 2026 NHL Draft. He debuted in our mock draft on Sunday, and we’re more confident in our evaluation of him as a first-round talent. Cali has a huge frame, and that allows him to play with a lot of power on the ice. He thrives both with the puck and away from it, though he can stand to improve the offensive aspects of his game. This is a good developmental bet for the Blues here.

30. Calgary Flames (from VGK) – Nikita Shcherbakov, LD, Tolpar Ufa (KHL)

The Flames are back up late in the first round, and they get a defenseman after taking Bjorck with the sixth pick. Nikita Shcherbakov is a big defender who moves quite well and possesses professional strength already. His defensive game is his calling card, though he needs to improve his decision-making at the next level. If he can develop a little offensive flair, he could be a truly valuable player down the line.

31. Carolina Hurricanes – Chase Harrington, LW, Spokane Chiefs (WHL)

The Carolina Hurricanes love prospects with an impressive scoring profile late in the first round. Bradly Nadeau looks like a success story for Carolina, especially if he reaches his potential. Here, they take another swing on upside with Chase Harrington. Harrington plays a strong game, and he loves to run through defenders at any given chance. However, he doesn’t sacrifice physicality for offense. He has a nose for the net, and he has the skill to make some highlight reel plays. If the Hurricanes decide to take a chance on someone a bit off the board, Harrington makes a lot of sense.

32. Ottawa Senators – Adam Valentini, C, Michigan (NCAA)

We have reached the end of our 2026 NHL Mock Draft. The Senators cannot trade this pick per an NHL ruling, so they are closing this thing out no matter what. In this scenario, they end the 2026 NHL Draft by selecting Adam Valentini. Valentini has a ton of skill and brings infectious energy. His footwork, especially, has given defenders fits. He has a nose for the net and works his tail off to make something happen for his team. Valentini needs to become stronger to succeed at the next level. In any event, the Senators would be more than pleased to add a center with his skill set to their prospect pipeline.

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