Wilson: 2026 NHL Mock Draft

1.) Toronto Maple Leafs

SELECTION: Gavin McKenna - Left Wing - Penn State University (NCAA)

Height: 5-foot-11
Weight: 170 pounds
Shoots: Left
Nationality: Canada
Birthday: Dec. 20, 2007

2025-26 stats: 35 GP, 15 G, 36 A, 51 P, 36 PIM, -7

The Maple Leafs have only missed the playoffs twice over the last 10 years, and both instances have resulted in a Draft Lottery win and the first-overall pick.

McKenna was a dominant presence playing junior hockey in the WHL, producing a whopping 244 points (79+165) in 133 games over three seasons. He then decided to make the jump to the college ranks and play his draft year as a Freshman with the Nittany Lions of Penn State University.

To start the year, it appeared the jump to the NCAA might have been a bit too much for McKenna, who quickly learned that the skill and finesse that he shined with at the junior level wasn't going to fly so much in college. Despite the slow start, McKenna still finished his year with 15 goals and 36 assists for 51 points in 35 games.

He has also represented the Canadians at the IIHF World Junior Championship the last two years as a youngster, winning a bronze medal at the 2026 tournament in Minnesota.

There is no denying the skill that McKenna possesses as the No. 1 rated prospect this year. He's got the ability to purely dictate the pace of play with the puck on his stick and set the tone with every shift he takes the ice. He's skilled on his edges, a gifted puck handler, a quick and smart decision maker, and can wire a puck with a wrist shot that most players only dream to have.

While the "generational" label may still be a question with McKenna, it's hard to deny that he stands atop this year's class of prospects. He's a prospect that, if he wants to, can probably make the jump to the NHL next season and make an immediate impact.

2.) San Jose Sharks

SELECTION: Ivar Stenberg - Left Wing - Frölunda HC (SHL)

Height: 6-foot
Weight: 181 pounds
Shoots: Left
Nationality: Sweden
Birthday: Sept. 30, 2007

2025-26 stats: 43 GP, 11 G, 22 A, 33 P, 6 PIM, +10

Stenberg may be the closest prospect available in this year's draft class to challenge McKenna as the best player available.

Even as one of the older prospects in this year's class, Stenberg lived up to the hype, putting up a historic season in Sweden with 33 points (11+22) in 43 games played. That was the most points in a season by an 18-year-old SHL player since Daniel Sedin (42) and Henrik Sedin (34) in the 1998-99 campaign.

The young Swede also stood out at the international level this year, registering 10 points (4+6) in seven games at the IIHF World Junior Championship and helping his home nation to a gold medal for the first time since 2012. Then at the IIHF World Championship in Switzerland, Stenberg continued to play very well with four goals and four assists for eight points in eight games.

Stenberg certainly never looked out of place, no matter where he was playing. At the SHL level, he matched the physical style of play at the men's level and excelled as a young and skilled winger. Playing at the World Juniors among his peers, Stenberg was dominant by outplaying many in the tournament.

He's got great vision that helps him play at a quick pace, and has also got the foot speed to match it. Stenberg continues to physically mature, but showed good strength, at times, to make him extremely tough to take off the puck. His vision also allows him to see plays developing ahead of time, helping him be one of the top playmakers in the draft class.

Is a path to the NHL possible next season for Stenberg? With him not under contract next season in Sweden just yet, a jump to North America to continue his development as a 19-year-old may not be out of the question. He has a case, though, that his play throughout his draft year will trend nicely toward a potential rookie season for whichever team drafts him.

In San Jose's case, the richer only get richer.

3.) Vancouver Canucks

SELECTION: Chase Reid - Defense - Soo Greyhounds (OHL)

Height: 6-foot-2
Weight: 194 pounds
Shoots: Right
Nationality: United States
Birthday: Dec. 30, 2007

2025-26 stats: 45 GP, 18 G, 30 A, 48 P, 30 PIM, +27

Reid is widely considered to be the best defenseman available in this year's draft class, and some even have him pegged as the best overall prospect ahead of McKenna and Stenberg.

The super mobile defenseman finished as more than a point per-game defenseman in the OHL this past season with 48 points (18+30) in just 45 games played with the Greyhounds. Had it not been for a wrist injury in early February that forced him to miss 23 games toward the end of the year, Reid could have very well been near the top of the scoring list for all defensemen this year.

The Chesterfield, Mich. native also got the chance to represent the U.S. at the 2026 IIHF World Junior Championship, where put up a pair of goals and pair of assists from the back end in five games.

Skating is the name of the game for Reid, as he's, arguably, the best skater in the entire draft class. He can go end-to-end with clean, fluid strides that allow him to glide at a considerable speed. He can also get up ice with his speed for a scoring chance or head for the net to pinch in from the back end, and then battle back to get back into a strong defensive position if play breaks back the other way.

He also uses good footwork to be shifty at both ends and evade pressure in tight areas of the ice.

That speed also helps in transition, as Reid is spectacular with puck possession, whether he takes it himself or gets the puck up with a nice tape-to-tape pass on the fly.

While Reid doesn't have a booming shot in his arsenal, he gets pucks off his stick quick, and that speed he possesses and shiftiness makes it tough for opposing goalies to read when he's going to fire a puck on goal.

Reid is expected to play college hockey next season, joining Michigan State University as a Freshman with the Spartans. Where Reid could benefit from a year or two of college hockey is playing the game at a more physical level and integrating those skills that made him such a dangerous player in the OHL into the NCAA.

If he can continue his ascension with development, it's possible Reid can fill the hole that Quinn Hughes left in Vancouver after his trade to the Wild earlier this past season.

4.) Buffalo Sabres (from Chicago Blackhawks)

SELECTION: Caleb Malhotra - Center - Brantford Bulldogs (OHL)

Height: 6-foot-2
Weight: 185 pounds
Shoots: Left
Nationality: Canada
Birthday: June 2, 2008

2025-26 stats: 67 GP, 29 G, 55 A, 84 P, 51 PIM, +33

Malhotra has the NHL bloodlines running strong through him, with his dad, Manny, having played nearly 1,000 games in the league and is now the head coach of the Canucks.

The 18-year-old is considered the best center available in a class that is weaker at the position. However, Malhotra is such a complete two-way player that covers both ends of the ice so well.

In his first season in the OHL with the Bulldogs, Malhotra climbed the draft rankings with his play, putting up 84 points (29+55) in 67 games on the best team in the league. In the playoffs, Malhotra elevated his game with 26 points (13+13) in 15 games, though Brantford just missed out on the OHL Championship round.

At 6-foot-2 and 185 pounds, Malhotra isn't the most physical center, but he certainly plays smart, positional hockey. He doesn't get caught out of position too much, and can kill plays in the defensive end with his ability to take away passing lanes and take players out of consideration thanks to his strong stick.

When Malhotra has his feet going, he can fly around the ice and make plays with the puck on his stick. He's a good transition player from defense-to-offense, and isn't afraid to take the puck wherever it needs to get to in order to create a scoring chance.

While Malhotra is more so a playmaker with good vision and hands to make the tightest of passes, he can wire a shot and be a goal scorer when the chances present themselves.

Where Malhotra can improve his physical play and strength overall is at the college ranks, where he is set to play at Boston University as a Freshman this fall. That should help him round out his two-way game down the middle of the ice overall, and help groom his play in the offensive end too.

The Sabres get richer with another prospect that can play down the middle of the ice. Whether or not Buffalo will actually make this pick on Friday is to be seen, but nonetheless, they'd get another solid prospect added to the pipeline if the pick.

5.) New York Rangers

SELECTION: Carson Carels - Defense - Prince George Cougars (WHL)

Height: 6-foot-2
Weight: 198 pounds
Shoots: Left
Nationality: Canada
Birthday: June 23, 2008

2025-26 stats: 58 GP, 20 G, 53 A, 73 P, 66 PIM, +23

Another smooth-skating defenseman, Carels put up a productive season in the WHL with Prince George, scoring 20 goals and adding 53 assists for 73 points in 58 games played.

Carels gets around the ice extremely well and showcases good speed and power in his game. He puts his head down and goes to work with the puck, while also using good edge work in order to make it hard to track him down at top speed. He can also use that speed to blow past defenders as he pinches up from the blue line to become an unsuspected scoring chance.

The 18-year-old also utilizes that speed well in transition, taking the puck up ice and dictating the pace of the rush.

Where Carels is a notch better than Reid ahead of him is his shot, as he can get a puck off his stick quick and with authority. He can also let go of a slapshot from distance that not only has good velocity, but also accuracy.

While he's not the most skilled puck handler or creative player, Carels can dish off passes on the fly to teammates in open space, and keeps his game real nice and simple when distributing the puck.

Carels will take his development to the college ranks next season at the University of North Dakota, where he's expected to join fellow draft eligible prospect Keaton Verhoeff. If Carels can flash with the Fighting Hawks and round out his overall game that much more, he'll be a very welcomed addition to a roster like the Rangers, who are in need of some addition help from the back end.

6.) Calgary Flames

SELECTION: Keaton Verhoeff - Defense - University of North Dakota (NCAA)

Height: 6-foot-4
Weight: 216 pounds
Shoots: Right
Nationality: Canada
Birthday: June 19, 2008

2025-26 stats: 36 GP, 6 G, 14 A, 20 P, 29 PIM, +7

It was a season of high expectations for Verhoeff after making the jump to the college ranks early with the Fighting Hawks. However, a struggle to adapt to the collegiate game right away hurt Verhoeff's draft stock only slightly, seeing him fall down the top of the draft board just a hair.

Physically, Verhoeff fit right in to the collegiate game as a 17-year-old, and competed well throughout the entirety of his season at North Dakota. His two-way game was more so on display over the course of the season, and it got better with each game he played in college.

Defensively, Verhoeff is good at using his positioning and his stick work to keep players to the outside, and stays strong to compete in battles along the boards or in front of the net.

His skating is solid for a player of his size, but Verhoeff will need to be more fluid on his feet to really improve that area of his game even more. If he can work his edges a bit more and garner some more acceleration to his game, it will only make him that much more effective as a two-way presence.

Offensively, Verhoeff generates a lot of power in his shot with his frame, and gets pucks off his stick quickly. He is also a good passer, as pucks find their intended target more often than not when he finds an open lane.

Being a right-shot defenseman at his frame, Verhoeff will certainly garner some attention as one of the top defensemen of this class. However, he will need to continue to find more flow and consistency to his game if he wants to reach that ceiling. Another year or two of solid play at North Dakota could help, and if all goes well, the Flames will be able to land a potential top-pair defenseman they've been hoping to land for some time.

7.) Seattle Kraken

SELECTION: Alberts Smits - Defense - Jukurit (Liiga) // EHC München (DEL)

Height: 6-foot-3
Weight: 209 pounds
Shoots: Left
Nationality: Latvia
Birthday: Dec. 2, 2007

2025-26 stats: 38 GP, 6 G, 7 A, 13 P, 20 PIM, -3 // 5 GP, 0 G, 1 A, 1 P, 2 PIM, 0

Some say Smits is the most NHL-ready prospect available in this year's class, and it's not entirely a surprise with his physical maturity.

At 6-foot-3 and 209 pounds, Smits was able to make waves from the back end, which included a spot on the Latvian Olympic roster at a young 18 years of age. In four games played for Latvia, Smits ended up producing two assists as the youngest player at the Winter Olympics.

As for the rest of his season, he split time between the Finnish Liiga and the German Elite League, playing various roles as a physical, strong-skating defenseman.

For a player of his size, Smits is very fluid with his skating. He can hit top speeds with good acceleration, and isn't afraid to jump up into rushes when chances allow. Not only does that help with retrieving pucks from his own end, but also in transition to make him a dangerous weapon.

He's also very aware when to sit back and serve as the defensively responsible defenseman.

With a frame like his, Smits can really get into a shot, whether it's a wrist shot sneaking in from the point or a slap shot from distance on a one-timer. Though accuracy with his shots can be frustrating, at times, he generates a lot of power in his release.

Smits loves to carry pucks around the ice, and doesn't try to overcomplicate matters when handling it on the fly.

It is unknown whether or not Smits will make the jump to North America at the start of next season. Another season or two playing overseas may be more beneficial for his development, but Smits' upside makes him one of the more intriguing picks.

Seattle could benefit from a prospect like Smits with top-pairing potential in a prospect pool that's weaker on the back end.

8.) Winnipeg Jets

SELECTION: Viggo Bjorck - Center - Djurgårdens IF (SHL)

Height: 5-foot-9
Weight: 181 pounds
Shoots: Right
Nationality: Sweden
Birthday: March 12, 2008

2025-26 stats: 42 GP, 6 G, 9 A, 15 P, 12 PIM, +5

Despite a smaller frame at 5-foot-9 and 181 pounds, Bjorck is an Energizer bunny on skates.

Bjorck started his draft year with the junior Djurgårdens program before eventually making the jump to the SHL group, where he didn't look much out of place competing against grown men. He was able to score six goals and add nine assists for 15 points in 42 games.

The winger is relentless on pucks, and gives opposing players nightmares when he is on the prowl. His compete level is off the charts, and will go willingly to the toughest areas of the ice to win a puck battle. While he can build up some strength and fill into his frame, Bjorck never shies away from a fight.

As for his offensive play, he's got plenty of upside, while also showcasing a strong ability to play reliably at both ends of the ice. Bjorck has a good shot to his arsenal, can dish off pucks with nice touch, and will go to the net and eagerly await a scoring chance to come his way.

Where he does tend to get in trouble sometimes is he sometimes tries too hard to make a play, thus overcommitting or doing too much that causes problems for his team. However, another year or two playing in the SHL should do him plenty good to clean up his game and build up some more strength to make him an even harder player to compete against.

There's absolutely a team may value Bjorck much higher on their boards, and ends up going more up the draft board. If he falls to the Jets at eighth overall, expect many in Winnipeg to be jumping for joy.

9.) San Jose Sharks (from Ottawa Senators via Florida Panthers)

SELECTION: Daxon Rudolph - Defense - Prince Albert Raiders (WHL)

Height: 6-foot-3
Weight: 205 pounds
Shoots: Right
Nationality: Canada
Birthday: March 6, 2008

2025-26 stats: 68 GP, 28 G, 50 A, 78 P, 75 PIM, +32

Rudolph is another solid two-way defenseman with the potential to become a top-four guy at the NHL level.

He finished his draft year with the third-most points by a defenseman in the WHL with 78, and his 28 goals was also third among all defensemen in the league. He can wire a puck from anywhere on the ice, and isn't afraid to utilize some good burst to pinch up into a rush or go to the net from the blue line.

With the puck on his stick, Rudolph shows great composure and calmness to his game, as he's got his head up the whole way and processing the game on the fly. While he can improve his overall skating a bit to be more smooth and complete, he thinks the game fast and allows him to be an effective playmaker.

At 6-foot-3 and 205 pounds, Rudolph isn't the most physical defenseman, but does showcase some good strength to be a tough matchup for opposing players at either end of the ice.

Rudolph also has to find some consistency in his game from the back end, as there were some nights he did try a bit too much, resulting in turnovers and struggles in his own end.

It's next off to college for Rudolph, and he's about to be in position to play under the best coach at the collegiate level, David Carle at the University of Denver. If Rudolph can unlock that next phase of his game, Carle may have a gem on his hands as he attempts to go back-to-back in 2027.

As for the Sharks, Rudolph would be a stellar addition to a defensive corps that can utilize another player with top-four potential.

10.) Nashville Predators

SELECTION: Tynan Lawrence - Center - Muskegon Lumberjacks (USHL) // Boston University (NCAA)

Height: 6-foot-1
Weight: 185 pounds
Shoots: Left
Nationality: Canada
Birthday: Aug. 3, 2008

2025-26 stats: 13 GP, 10 G, 7 A, 17 P, 6 PIM, +5 // 18 GP, 2 G, 5 A, 7 P, 2 PIM, -1

Lawrence's draft year was a bit of a tough one for him, having to start with injuries and then decide to make the jump to the collegiate ranks mid-season.

After returning from injury, he immediately dominated the USHL level with the Lumberjacks with 10 goals and seven assists for 17 points in 13 games. It was clear that Lawrence needed that next step in his development, and decided to then join the Boston University Terriers as the youngest player in college hockey (along with fellow prospect Ilia Morozov, who share a birthday).

At Boston University, Lawrence struggled to assimilate into the college ranks right off the bat, and only managed a pair of goals and five assists for seven points in 18 games.

For sky-high expectations this season, Lawrence was still able to show some flashes in the pan over the course of the year that prevented him from falling off the cliffs of prospect rankings.

What Lawrence has going for him is his vision and hockey IQ playing down the middle of the ice. He's got good pace to his game and can fly once he hits top speed, and with the smarts added in, it makes him one of the better playmakers overall in this draft class.

Lawrence does compete well, and is aggressive with his stick when fighting for a puck or positioning. However, especially when he got to the college ranks, the drastic change in play was a bit of a culture shock, and it took nearly the rest of the regular season for the 17-year-old to get comfortable.

If he can show this past year was a fluke and get back to what made him such an impressive 16-year-old prospect in the USHL, Lawrence may become one of the better playmaking players to come out of this draft class. He needs to fill into his frame and show some more physical engagement, but if he does just that, it will make whichever team that takes a shot at him very happy in the end.

Nashville could use a player like Lawrence to bring some youth and skill to their forward group. If he's their pick, it'll be about getting him up to snub and ready to push the envelope with his play.

11.) St. Louis Blues

SELECTION: Malte Gustafsson - Defense - HV71 (SHL)

Height: 6-foot-4
Weight: 203 pounds
Shoots: Left
Nationality: Sweden
Birthday: June 11, 2008

2025-26 stats: 27 GP, 0 G, 3 A, 3 P, 7 PIM, -8

Gustafsson is a solid two-way defenseman that played well in limited minutes over the course of his draft year in the SHL. While he won't wow anyone much with his offensive game, Gustafsson is positionally solid, uses his stick very well in the defensive end, and gets around the ice well for being 6-foot-4. He's also physically mature, and there is belief his overall game will continue to grow when given more ice time. Definitely a high ceiling and safe floor-type of prospect.

12.) New Jersey Devils

SELECTION: Ethan Belchetz - Left Wing - Windsor Spitfires (OHL)

Height: 6-foot-5
Weight: 229 pounds
Shoots: Left
Nationality: Canada
Birthday: March 30, 2008

2025-26 stats: 57 GP, 34 G, 25 A, 59 P, 45 PIM, +19

Had it not been for a broken clavicle in early March that forced him to miss the rest of his draft season, there could've been a chance to potentially see Belchetz as a top-10 (maybe even higher?) prospect in this class. Despite the injury, Belchetz is a massive up front at 6-foot-5 and 229 pounds, and plays like a larger than life presence on the ice. He protects pucks well and uses his size to his advantage in battles, and gets everything into his shots, while also possessing the finesse to be crafty with the puck. While his speed and skating can use improvement as he prepares to go to Michigan State University, his upside as a skilled power forward will have teams salivating for more.

13.) New York Islanders

SELECTION: Oliver Suvanto - Center - Tappara (Liiga)

Height: 6-foot-3
Weight: 209 pounds
Shoots: Left
Nationality: Finland
Birthday: Sept. 3, 2008

2025-26 stats: 48 GP, 2 G, 9 A, 11 P, 15 PIM, +3

One of the youngest prospects in the entire draft class, Suvanto was able to impress while playing as a physically mature 17-year-old in the Finnish Liiga on a championship winning Tappara squad. While his role was limited to around 12:52 of average ice-time in the regular season, Suvanto was superb on faceoffs, winning more than 53% of the draws he took. By no means is he a sexy player offensively, he plays ahead of his age with his two-way game as a simple, "meat and potatoes"-type prospect. Despite the questions of his offensive upside, he did produce 11 points (2+9) in 48 games played. Another year or two of increased ice time and responsibilities in Finland would better serve Suvanto.

14.) Columbus Blue Jackets

SELECTION: Wyatt Cullen - Forward - U.S. National Team Development Program

Height: 6-foot-1
Weight: 181 pounds
Shoots: Left
Nationality: United States
Birthday: Sept. 8, 2008

2025-26 stats: 40 GP, 16 G, 29 A, 45 P, 43 PIM, +7 // 15 GP, 6 G, 10 A, 16 P, 25 PIM, +3

15.) St. Louis Blues (from Detroit Red Wings)

SELECTION: Alexander Command - Center - Örebro HK U20 (U20 Nationell)

Height: 6-foot-1
Weight: 187 pounds
Shoots: Left
Nationality: Sweden
Birthday: June 16, 2008

2025-26 stats: 30 GP, 17 G, 27 A, 44 P, 61 PIM, +10

16.) St. Louis Blues (from Washington Capitals)

SELECTION: Nikita Klepov - Forward - Saginaw Spirit (OHL)

Height: 6-foot
Weight: 185 pounds
Shoots: Left
Nationality: United States/Russia
Birthday: June 27, 2008

2025-26 stats: 67 GP, 37 G, 60 A, 97 P, 43 PIM, +9

17.) Los Angeles Kings

SELECTION: Ilia Morozov - Center - Miami University (NCAA)

Height: 6-foot-3
Weight: 201 pounds
Shoots: Left
Nationality: Russia
Birthday: Aug. 3, 2008

2025-26 stats: 36 GP, 8 G, 12 A, 20 P, 27 PIM, +2

18.) Washington Capitals (from Anaheim Ducks)

SELECTION: Ryan Lin - Defense - Vancouver Giants (WHL)

Height: 5-foot-11
Weight: 176 pounds
Shoots: Right
Nationality: Canada
Birthday: April 18, 2008

2025-26 stats: 53 GP, 14 G, 43 A, 57 P, 35 PIM, -19

19.) Utah Mammoth

SELECTION: Oscar Hemming - Forward - Boston College (NCAA)

Height: 6-foot-4
Weight: 199 pounds
Shoots: Left
Nationality: Finland
Birthday: Aug. 13, 2008

2025-26 stats: 19 GP, 1 G, 7 A, 8 P, 18 PIM, 0

20.) Buffalo Sabres (from San Jose Sharks)

SELECTION: Adam Novotny - Left Wing - Peterborough Petes (OHL)

Height: 6-foot-1
Weight: 205 pounds
Shoots: Left
Nationality: Czechia
Birthday: Nov. 13, 2007

2025-26 stats: 58 GP, 34 G, 31 A, 65 P, 22 PIM, -2

Novotny is a well-rounded prospect that played fairly decent in his first season in North America with the Petes in the OHL.

The Czech-born winger ended up with 34 goals in Peterborough, while also adding 31 assists for 65 points in 58 games. This after playing last year in the Czech Extraliga as a 16-/17-year-old and producing just a goal and two assists in 41 games played.

That time playing in the top Czech professional league certainly helped make Novotny look like a man amongst boys in the OHL this season. He displayed some great physical traits to his game by using his frame to win battles along the boards and in front of the net. He also generates quite a bit of power in his skating thanks to his strength and physical stature.

That size also helps Novotny generate power behind his shot, as he can wire pucks from all over the ice. He's got a quick release on the wrist shot, and can also wind up and unload a slap shot, especially from the off-wing.

Novotny was also a solid two-way presence when called upon, utilizing good stick work in order to cause problems on the forecheck.

However, his production and on-ice play did dip, at times, over the course of the season. He will need to find more of that consistency in his game in order to really enhance his overall on-ice abilities.

In addition, there were times Novotny liked to primarily play on the perimeter, when he had the size and strength to dictate wherever he wanted to be on the ice.

If Novotny ends up being an option for Buffalo at the 20th pick in Round 1, he becomes another piece to add to the cupboards with his skilled, yet tough to play against mantra.

21.) Philadelphia Flyers

SELECTION: Tommy Bleyl - Defense - Moncton Wildcats (QMJHL)

Height: 6-foot
Weight: 170 pounds
Shoots: Right
Nationality: United States
Birthday: Dec. 1, 2007

2025-26 stats: 63 GP, 13 G, 68 A, 81 P, 33 PIM, +58

22.) Pittsburgh Penguins

SELECTION: Xavier Villeneuve - Defense - Blainville-Boisbriand Armada (QMJHL)

Height: 5-foot-11
Weight: 163 pounds
Shoots: Left
Nationality: Canada
Birthday: Sept. 29, 2007

2025-26 stats: 37 GP, 6 G, 32 A, 38 P, 35 PIM, +7

23.) Boston Bruins

SELECTION: J.P. Hurlbert - Forward - Kamloops Blazers (WHL)

Height: 6-foot
Weight: 183 pounds
Shoots: Right
Nationality: United States
Birthday: April 11, 2007

2025-26 stats: 68 GP, 42 G, 55 A, 97 P, 45 PIM, +13

24.) Vancouver Canucks (from Minnesota Wild)

SELECTION: Mathis Preston - Forward - Vancouver Giants // Spokane Chiefs (WHL)

Height: 5-foot-11
Weight: 176 pounds
Shoots: Right
Nationality: Canada
Birthday: July 21, 2008

2025-26 stats: 46 GP, 18 G, 26 A, 44 P, 34 PIM, -9

25.) Ottawa Senators (from Florida Panthers via Seattle Kraken via Tampa Bay Lightning)

SELECTION: Maddox Dagenais - Center - Quebec Remparts (QMJHL)

Height: 6-foot-4
Weight: 196 pounds
Shoots: Left
Nationality: Canada
Birthday: March 27, 2008

2025-26 stats: 62 GP, 30 G, 32 A, 62 P, 31 PIM, 0

26.) New York Rangers (from Dallas Stars via Carolina Hurricanes)

SELECTION: Jack Hextall - Center - Youngstown Phantoms (USHL)

Height: 6-foot-1
Weight: 185 pounds
Shoots: Right
Nationality: United States
Birthday: March 23, 2008

2025-26 stats: 59 GP, 20 G, 38 A, 58 P, 28 PIM, +8

27.) San Jose Sharks (from Buffalo Sabres)

SELECTION: Gleb Pugachyov - Right Wing - Chaika Nizhny Novgorod (MHL)

Height: 6-foot-3
Weight: 198 pounds
Shoots: Left
Nationality: Russia
Birthday: March 25, 2008

2025-26 stats: 33 GP, 10 G, 14 A, 24 P, 36 PIM, +2

28.) Montreal Canadiens

SELECTION: Elton Hermansson - Right Wing - MoDo Hockey (HockeyAllsvenskan)

Height: 6-foot-1
Weight: 183 pounds
Shoots: Right
Nationality: Feb. 5, 2008

2025-26 stats: 38 GP, 11 G, 10 A, 21 P, 22 PIM, +9

29.) St. Louis Blues (from Colorado Avalanche via New York Islanders)

SELECTION: Marcus Nordmark - Left Wing - Djurgårdens IF U20 (U20 Nationell)

Height: 6-foot-2
Weight: 187 pounds
Shoots: Left
Nationality: Sweden
Birthday: May 4, 2008

2025-26 stats: 25 GP, 14 G, 24 A, 38 P, 48 PIM, +24

30.) Calgary Flames (via Vegas Golden Knights)

SELECTION: Liam Ruck - Right Wing - Medicine Hat Tigers (WHL)

Height: 6-foot
Weight: 176 pounds
Shoots: Right
Nationality: Canada
Birthday: Feb. 21, 2008

2025-26 stats: 68 GP, 45 G, 59 A, 104 P, 36 PIM, +47

31.) Carolina Hurricanes

SELECTION: Niklas Aaram-Olsen - Right Wing - Örebro HK U20 (U20 Nationell)

Height: 6-foot-1
Weight: 187 pounds
Shoots: Left
Nationality: Norway
Birthday: April 19, 2008

2025-26 stats: 29 GP, 20 G, 20 A, 40 P, 22 PIM, +14

32.) Ottawa Senators

SELECTION: Juho Piiparinen - Defense - Tappara (Liiga)

Height: 6-foot-3
Weight: 203 pounds
Shoots: Right
Nationality: Finland
Birthday: Aug. 10, 2008

2025-26 stats: 29 GP, 0 G, 3 A, 3 P, 8 PIM, +6