Following the scouting combine, theScore's Kyle Cushman and Josh Wegman project the entire first round of the 2026 NHL Draft.
McKenna still isn't guaranteed to go first overall, but there's no evidence to suggest the Maple Leafs are leaning in a different direction. General manager John Chayka made the trek to Whitehorse, Yukon, to visit McKenna and his family before the combine. That feels notable, considering Chayka reportedly met with captain Auston Matthews over Zoom to discuss the team's future. And while athletic testing isn't the be-all and end-all for NHL prospects, it certainly didn't hurt McKenna's case that he put forth a strong combine performance with top-25 finishes in eight events, including first in the VO2 max. Not only is he the draft's most talented prospect on the ice, he's one of the best athletes off of it.
Many would argue that Ivar Stenberg is the best player on the board, but the Sharks are loaded up front and could use a cornerstone defenseman to build around. If the Sharks continue to take steps forward, this will be their last chance to add such a player through the draft. Reid has the potential to be a No. 1 defenseman and quarterback San Jose's power play for years to come. He's notably one of six players whom the Sharks took to dinner during combine week.
The Canucks don't select Caleb Malhotra, the son of new head coach Manny, instead opting for Stenberg, who had a strong showing at the Worlds. Stenberg's SHL production is second all time among draft-eligible players on a per-game basis, trailing only Daniel Sedin. He starred for Sweden at both the world juniors and World Championship. The center in Malhotra is tempting, but Vancouver decides Stenberg is too tantalizing to pass on.
The Blackhawks nab a Charlie McAvoy-type defenseman in Carels. The Manitoba native, who put together a splendid WHL campaign, is physical and has excelled at both ends of the rink. Carels' 73 points in 58 games make for the highest scoring rate by a WHL defenseman in their draft year since Scott Niedermayer in 1990-91.
Malhotra surged late in the OHL season with an outstanding playoff run. He led his Brantford Bulldogs in postseason scoring with 26 points in 15 games, a feat made even more impressive when considering that Malhotra played alongside three forwards who were previously drafted in the first round. The 18-year-old is a two-way pivot who showed a level of offense down the stretch that many didn't anticipate. The Rangers are thrilled to snag the top-ranked center.
The Flames need a premium center prospect, leading them to take a swing on Bjorck's fascinating upside. Yes, he's only 5-foot-9. But the Hurricanes are in the Stanley Cup Final with 5-foot-8 Logan Stankoven centering their best line throughout the playoffs. Bjorck scored at a historic rate in the Swedish junior league in 2024-25. He then became a top-six center in the SHL and with Team Sweden at both the world juniors and World Championship this year. It's a worthwhile gamble on a player who has overcome his size at every stage.
The Kraken haven't drafted a defenseman in Round 1 in their five-year history. Does that change now that Ron Francis is no longer calling the shots? We think so. Seattle took Verhoeff to dinner during combine week. It shouldn't take the 6-foot-4, 215-pounder long to make the NHL, considering he has a year of NCAA hockey under his belt.
The stock of Wyatt, son of longtime NHLer Matt Cullen, has been on the rise as the draft process has worn on. A scoring winger such as Cullen would fill a major organizational need for the Jets. He measured 6-foot-1 at the combine after beginning the year at 5-foot-11.
This is a dream scenario for the Panthers. The 6-foot-3, 209-pound Smits could be on the fast track to the NHL after impressing in Finland's and Germany's top pro leagues, the Olympics, and the World Championship.
The 6-foot-5 Gustafsson has drawn comparisons to Mattias Ekholm, whom Predators fans clearly know quite well. Nashville hasn't used its top selection on a defenseman since Dante Fabbro in 2016.
At one point this season, Lawrence was viewed as a dark horse to go first overall. However, a midseason jump to Boston University failed to boost his stock, as he managed just seven points in 18 games. Lawrence is a speedy pivot who won USHL playoff MVP at 16 years old. The Blues get a legit center prospect in the New Brunswick native.
Belchetz, who measured 6-foot-5 and 230 pounds at the combine, is a monster power forward with exciting skills and playmaking. He went first overall in the OHL draft two years ago.
A future partner for Matthew Schaefer? This would be excellent value for the Islanders, as it's entirely possible that Rudolph ends up a top-10 selection.
Hemming didn't begin his draft year until late December because his Finnish team blocked his planned move to the OHL. The strange process resulted in Hemming joining Boston College, where he managed only one goal and eight points in 19 games. The hard-hitting, 6-foot-4 winger could become a big breakout candidate once he takes part in a normal season.
The Blues snag another pivot with top-six upside. Command centered Sweden's top line en route to gold at the Under-18s this spring. His motor and responsible two-way play are standout attributes.
Morozov delivered one of the combine's most impressive performances, finishing among the top 10 in six events. That elite athleticism explains why the 17-year-old shined in the NCAA last season with 20 points in 36 games.
Arguably no team needs centers as much as the Kings. Suvanto's 6-foot-3, 213-pound frame and high compete level should help dismiss any concerns about his skating.
After taking a forward at No. 16, the Capitals grab one of the smartest defensemen in the draft at No. 18. Lin's undersized but draws rave reviews for his processing and competitiveness.
Mammoth GM Bill Armstrong loves drafting for size, and the 6-foot-4 Dagenais fits the bill. His heavy shot helped him score 30 goals in 62 games with the QMJHL's Quebec Remparts last season.
Novotny had an impressive OHL campaign, leading Peterborough with 34 goals and 65 points in 58 games. He's a skilled winger with pro size who could be a great complement to the Sharks' young top-six talent.
Standing at 6-foot-7 and 236 pounds, Rogowski is a behemoth on the ice, though he moves surprisingly well for his size. Teams will hope he can become a unique middle-six piece.
Villeneuve is a dynamic but undersized blue-liner who's heading to Boston University. Of course, that's where Lane and Cole Hutson developed and excelled.
An exciting power-play threat, Klepov led the OHL in scoring with 97 points in 67 games. Boston might prefer a center, but it's hard to pass on Klepov's upside.
Hurlbert torched the WHL as a rookie with 45 goals and 97 points in 68 games. The Michigan commit has an impressive shot and gets a ton of pucks on net. The Canucks need to accumulate talent regardless of position, even if Hurlbert is the second winger for Vancouver in Round 1.
Goljer finished the campaign well at the Under-18s with Slovakia. With this selection, the Kraken double down on defense in the first round.
Teams always value right-handed centers. Hextall, a Michigan State commit, is a smart two-way pivot and plays like a pro.
Hermansson, a talented offensive winger, slips down the board here as teams place a premium on centers and defensemen.
Pugachyov is a 6-foot-3 wrecking ball who can fly on the ice. The Canadiens roll the dice on his tantalizing skill set despite him generating good but not great production in the Russian junior league.
Hakansson featured on Sweden's third pairing en route to gold at the world juniors in January. Although his play isn't loud, he has top-four potential as a 6-foot-5 defensive defenseman.
Nordmark is an enigmatic winger who flashes thrilling offense. His inconsistency pushes him down the board, and the Hurricanes are happy to take a swing on his talent.
Ruck finished second in WHL scoring only to linemate and twin brother Markus. The Flames nab Liam, the goal-scorer of the two, near the end of the first round with an eye toward drafting Markus early on Day 2.
Mutryn wins battles and plays a heavy game. The Boston College commit is a hard forechecker and projects as a middle-six power forward.
