The San Jose Sharks made significant selections in the first round of the 2026 NHL Draft, acquiring Ivar Stenberg at No. 2, Keaton Verhoeff at No. 9, and Ryan Lin at No. 21. Stenberg, a forward, is considered one of the most accomplished teenage forwards from Sweden in recent decades and is expected to make an immediate impact as a rookie. His addition is anticipated to strengthen the team’s power play and top-six forward lines, joining players like Macklin Celebrini, Michael Misa, and Will Smith. The Sharks also have Igor Chernyshov as another young forward in this group.
Verhoeff, a defenseman, brings a pro-built physique and prior experience in the NCAA, WHL, and with Hockey Canada. Despite some concerns regarding his decision-making, his size, handedness, shot, and overall tools suggest he could develop into a strong defenseman. Lin, also a defenseman, is noted for his intelligence, polish, and competitiveness, along with strong skating and athleticism. He is projected to become an impactful top-four puck-moving defenseman in the NHL. These selections aim to complement the Sharks’ existing young defensive talent, including Sam Dickinson.
The Toronto Maple Leafs selected Gavin McKenna as the first overall pick in the draft. McKenna, an 18-year-old forward from Whitehorse, Yukon, has been a prolific scorer. His selection was announced by Justin Bieber, a longtime Leafs fan. McKenna is expected to join Toronto’s top six and top power-play unit immediately, bringing a dynamic skill set as a perimeter handler and playmaker. The Maple Leafs finished last in the Atlantic Division last season, missing the playoffs for the first time since Auston Matthews joined the team in 2016. McKenna’s pick is seen as a key part of the team’s rebuilding efforts under new general manager John Chayka.
McKenna’s journey to the NHL Draft included combining for 79 goals and 244 points in 133 games with the WHL’s Medicine Hat before moving to the NCAA. He concluded his freshman season with 32 points in his final 17 outings, totaling 51 points, which tied for fourth nationally. He is only the fifth NCAA player to be selected first overall. Chayka had visited Whitehorse to meet with McKenna and his family prior to the draft.
The Seattle Kraken used their sixth first-round pick on a defenseman, selecting Chase Reid at No. 7. Reid, who was ranked as a top defenseman in his class, is an offensive player known for joining the rush and making plays with his skating and skill. He has shown significant progress defensively over the past year and a half and is seen as a potential top-pairing offensive defenseman and future power-play quarterback. Reid’s selection addresses a clear need within Seattle’s player pool, making him the organization’s top young defenseman since its inception in 2021.
The Winnipeg Jets drafted Viggo Björck at No. 8. Despite his height, Björck is considered one of the top forwards and centers in his class, known for his intelligence, strength, competitiveness, and skill. He is expected to become a top-six center who enhances the performance of his teammates.
The Nashville Predators made two first-round selections, picking Wyatt Cullen at No. 10 and Tommy Bleyl at No. 31. Cullen, a dynamic one-on-one player, rose in the draft rankings despite missing much of the season due to hip problems. He is noted for his skill level, skating, and handling abilities. Bleyl, a defenseman, is recognized for his skating and understanding of the game, with confidence that he will become an interesting NHL player. The Predators now have several mobile defensemen, including Bleyl, Cameron Reid, and Tanner Molendyk, and have added two gifted teenage wingers in Cullen and Ryker Lee.
The Utah Mammoth selected Ethan Belchetz at No. 17. Belchetz possesses a combination of size and skill, making him a unique prospect. While his performance has varied, his high points have been notable, and the Mammoth are betting on his potential to develop into a significant player. The Calgary Flames selected Carson Carels at No. 6 and Jack Hextall at No. 30. Carels was widely considered a top defenseman in this draft class.
The first round of the 2026 NHL Draft saw several teams make strategic choices to build their rosters for the future.
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Source: nytimes.com
