Draft Order NHL: 2026 NHL Draft Order: Round 5: 128. Vancouver Canucks: 25-49-8 58 points, 129. Utah Mammoth (from Chicago Blackhawks): 29-39-14 72 points, 130. New York Rangers: 34-39-9 77 points, 131. Calgary Flames: 34-39-9 77 points, 132. Tampa Bay Lightning (from Toronto Maple Leafs): 32-36-14 78 points, 133. Seattle Kraken: 34-37-11 79 points, 134. Winnipeg Jets: 35-35-12 82 points, 135. Philadelphia Flyers (from Florida Panthers): 40-38-4 84 points, 136. Minnesota Wild (from San Jose Sharks): 39-35-8 86 points, 137. Nashville Predators: 38-34-10 86 points, 138. St. Louis Blues: 37-33-12 86 points, 139. New Jersey Devils: 42-37-3 87 points, 140. New York Islanders: 43-34-5 91 points, 141. Columbus Blue Jackets: 40-30-12 92 points, 142. Detroit Red Wings: 41-31-10 92 points, 143. Washington Capitals: 43-30-9 95 points, 144. Los Angeles Kings: 35-27-20 90 points, 145. Anaheim Ducks: 43-33-6 92 points, 146. Utah Mammoth: 43-33-6 92 points, 147. Nashville Predators (from Edmonton Oilers): 41-30-9 93 points, 148. Colorado Avalanche (from Philadelphia Flyers): 43-27-12 98 points, 149. St. Louis Blues (from Pittsburgh Penguins): 41-25-16 98 points, 150. Ottawa Senators: 44-27-11 99 points, 151. Colorado Avalanche (from Boston Bruins): 45-27-10 100 points, 152. Minnesota Wild: 46-24-12 104 points, 153. Tampa Bay Lightning: 50-26-6 106 points, 154. Dallas Stars: 50-20-12 112 points, 155. Buffalo Sabres: 50-23-9 109 points, 156. San Jose Sharks (from Montreal Canadiens): 48-24-10 106 points, 157. Toronto Maple Leafs (from Colorado Avalanche): 55-16-11 121 points, 158. Vegas Golden Knights: 39-26-17 95 points, 159. Nashville Predators (from Carolina Hurricanes): 53-22-7 113 points

















2026 NHL Mock Draft: Final Mock 7 Rounds




Round 5




Chris Ransom follow @DraftUtopia Last Updated: June 26, 2026.


  1. Vancouver Canucks: Maksim Sokolovskii, D, London Knights (OHL)

    Vancouver drafts a bottom pairing defenseman with massive size. Maksim Sokolovskii is a number six defenseman on a third line with exceptional penalty killing skills as he may have the ceiling to develop into a first line penalty killer. There's a reason why one of my friends wants the Dallas Stars to take him at 59. His penalty killing is the biggest reason why Maksim Sokolovskii could go as early as the second round.


    Maksim Sokolovskii has the skating, playmaking, passing, vision, wrist shot power, wrist shot accuracy, slap shot power, slap shot accuracy, offensive awareness, defensive awareness, and hockey IQ to succeed in the NHL. Maksim Sokolovskii did well during is rookie OHL Season despite seeing limited action. He projects as a bottom pairing defenseman on a third line in the NHL with the ability to be either a first or second line penalty killing defenseman too.


    The 6-8 235 lb Maksim Sokolovskii had 2 goals, 6 assists, 8 points, a +10 +/- ratio, and 23 shots on goal in limited action as a rookie in 44 OHL games in 2025-2026. Maksim Sokolovskii had 0 goals, 0 assists, and 0 points in the 2026 OHL Playoffs.


    Maksim Sokolovskii has one more OHL season next year. He's enrolling at Maine in 2027.


  2. Utah Mammoth: Thomas Vandenberg, C, Ottawa 67's (OHL)

    Utah drafts another center to stash and develop. Thomas Vandenberg has the floor of a first line AHL center and the ceiling of a third line NHL center. The Ottawa 67's center is going to Providence this Fall.


    Thomas Vanenberg has the skating, playmaking, passing, vision, wrist shot power, wrist shot accuracy, slap shot power, slap shot accuracy, offensive awareness, defensive awareness, and hockey IQ to succeed in the NHL. Thomas Vandenberg has the floor of a first line AHL center and the ceiling of a third line NHL center. He projects as a fourth line center in the NHL if you combine floor and ceiling, but he did enough to show he could be an effective third line center.


    The 6-0 180 lb Thomas Vandeberg had 25 goals, 25 assists, 50 points, a +22 +/- ratio, 450 faceoff wins, 153 shots on goal, 20 penalty minutes, 11 power play goals, ad 2 game-winning goals in 59 OHL games with the Ottawa 67's in 2025-2026. Thomas Vandenberg had 4 goals, 3 assists, and 7 points in 9 games in the 2026 OHL Playoffs.



  3. New York Rangers: Vilho Vanhatalo, RW, Tappara (SM Liiga)

    New York gets a winger with the versatility to play both right winger and left winger. Vilho Vanhatalo is one of the top wingers from Finland with the versatility to play both winger roles.


    Vilho Vanhatalo has the versatility, skating, playmaking, passing, vision, wrist shot power, wrist shot accuracy, slap shot power, slap shot accuracy, offensive awareness, defensive awareness, and hockey IQ to succeed in the NHL. Vilho Vanhatalo has the ceiling to develop into a third line winger at either left winger or right winger.


    The 6-4 194 lb Vilho Vanhatalo had 10 goals, 9 assists, and 19 points in 38 games on the Tappara Under 20 Team in 2025-2026. He had 7 goals, 5 assists, and 12 points in 13 games in the 2026 Playoffs. He also played 0 goals, 1 assist, and 1 point in 8 games with Tappara's main roster against men in Liiga in the professional Finnish hockey league once known as SM Liiga. Vilho Vanhatalo is under contract with Tappara until 2028 meaning the NHL team that drafts him cannot sign him to an entry-level contract until 2028.


  4. Calgary Flames: Vladimir Dravecky, D, Brantford Bulldogs (OHL)

    Calgary drafts a bottom pairing defenseman that can develop into a third line defenseman in the NHL. Vladimir Dravecky was the Brantford Bulldogs first round pick in the 2025 CHL Import Draft.


    Vladimir Dravecy has the skating, playmaking, passing, vision, wrist shot power, wrist shot accuracy, slap shot power, slap shot accuracy, offensive awareness, defensive awareness, and hockey IQ to succeed in the NHL. He projects as a defender with the floor of a first line AHL defenseman or number seven NHL defenseman with the ceiling of a number five defenseman on an NHL roster.


    The 6-0 189 lb Vladimir Dravecky had 9 goals, 19 assists, 28 points, 90 shots on goal, a +24 +/- ratio, and 24 penalty minuts in 58 OHL games with the Brantford Bulldogs in 2025-2026. Vlaimir Dravecky had 0 goals, 3 assists, and 3 points in 11 games in the 2026 OHL Playoffs.



  5. Tampa Bay Lightning: Braidy Wassilyn, LW, London Knights (OHL)

    Tampa Bay gets a left winger here. Braidy Wassilyn has the versatility to play all three forward roles at left winger, center, and right winger. He was a center prior to the 2024 OHL Draft, but after being drafted fourth overall by the Niagara IceDogs in the 2024 OHL Draft, he made the full-time transition to left winger.


    Braidy Wassilyn has the speed, explosion, burst, agility, skating, foot speed, playmaking, passing, sniping, wrist shot power, wrist shot accuracy, slap shot power, slap shot accuracy, vision, offensive awareness, defensive awareness, and hockey IQ to succeed in the NHL. Braidy Wassilyn was team captain of the Markham Majors GTHL team before joining the Niagara IceDogs. He was supposed to Boston University this Fall, but ultimately decided it would be best to return to the Niagara IceDogs to improve his game. He got traded to the London Knights early in the OHL this past season. Braidy Wassilyn will be on Boston University in 2026 though.


    The 5-11 194 lb Braidy Wassilyn is smaller than his projection heading into the OHL which was 6-1 195. Braidy Wassilyn had 8 goals, 31 assists, and 39 points with the Niagara IceDogs in 2024-2025. Braidy Wassilyn had 1 goal, 2 assists, and 3 points in 5 games in the 2025 OHL Playoffs. Braidy Wassilyn had 19 goals, 27 assists, 46 points, 121 shots on goal, 15 face off wins, a +9 +/- ratio, and 12 penalty minutes and 2025-2026. Braidy Wassilyn had 0 goals, 0 assists, and 0 points in 5 games in the 2026 OHL Playoffs.


    Braidy Wassilyn has the floor of a third line left forward with the versatility to play all three forward roles at left winger, center, as well as right winger in the AHL and the ceiling of a third line forward that can play left winger, center, as well as right winger in the NHL. He could end up as a first line AHL forward, a fourth line NHL forward, or a third line NHL forward at left winger, center, as well as right winger. I guess it will depend how he develops at Boston University because this guy was a top 10 prospect last Summer and now he's fighting just to get picked somewhere in rounds 2-7 with me currently having Wassilyn in the fifth round.


  6. Seattle Kraken: Kayden Lemire, RW, Prince George Cougars (WHL)

    Seattle goes for a stash and develop player. Kayden Lemire is a player with the ceiling to develop into a third line right winger in the NHL.


    Kayden Lemire has the versatility, skating, passing, vision, sniping, shooting, wrist shot power, wrist shot accuracy, slap shot power, slap shot accuracy, offensive awareness, defensive awareness, and hockey IQ to succeed in the NHL. Kayden Lemire has the floor of a second line right winger in the AHL and the ceiling of a third line right winger in the NHL. He looked good from what I saw on his highlights and believe he does reach his ceiling.


    The 6-4 192 lb Kayden Lemire had 9 goals, 20 assists, 29 points, 94 shots on goal, 62 penalty minutes, a +8 +/- ratio, 2 game-winning goals, and 1 power play goal in 68 games with the Prince George Cougars in the WHL in 2025-2026. Kayden Lemire had 1 goal, 3 assists, 4 points, and a +4 +/- ratio in 12 games during the 2026 WHL Playoffs.



  7. Winnipeg Jets: Jakub Floris, D, Rauman Lukko (SM Liiga)

    Winmipeg drafts a defender. Jakub Flores is one of the top defenseman from Slovakia, but plays for Rauman Lukko which is a hockey team in Finland in the 2026 NHL Draft. Jakub Floris could be an effective bottom pairing defenseman on a third line in the NHL when he reaches his ceiling.


    Jakub Flores has the skating, playmaking, passing, wrist shot power, wrist shot accuracy, offensive awareness, defensive awareness, and hockey IQ to succeed in the NHL. Jakub Flores still needs to develop his slap shot power and slap shot accuracy, but everything else is there.


    The 6-3 194 lb Jakub Flores had 10 goals, 8 assists, and 18 points in 38 games with the Rauman Lukko Under 20 Team in 2025-2026. He also posted 3 goals, 6 assists, and 9 points on the Rauman Lukko Under 18 Team in 2025-2026. He posted 1 goal, 6 assists, and 7 points in 7 playoff games with the Rauman Lukko Under 18 Team in the 2026 Playoffs.


  8. Philadelphia Flyers: Jonas Kemps, D, Chicago Steel (USHL)

    Philadelphia drafts a third line defenseman to stash and develop. Jonas Kemps left the USNTDP team in the USHL to join the Chicago Steel.


    Jonas Kemp has the skating, playmaking, passing, vision, wrist shot power, wrist shot accuracy, slap shot power, slap shot accuracy, offensive awareness, defensive awareness, and hockey IQ to succeed in the NHL. Jonas Kemp has the ceiling of a third line defesneman in the NHL.


    The 6-6 196 lb Jonas Kemp had 2 goals, 7 assists, and 9 points in 57 games with the Chicago Steel i the USHL in 2025-2026. He will play for the Seattle Thunderbirds next season in the WHL before enrolling at Michigan State in 2027.



  9. Minnesota Wild: Landon Amrhein, RW, Calgary Hitmen (WHL)

    Minnesota drafts a winger with the upside to develop into a third line winger. Landon Amrhein has the versatility to play both left winger and right winger.


    Landon Amrhein has the versatility, skating, playmaking, passing, wrist shot power, wrist shot accuracy, slap shot power, slap shot accuracy, offensive awareness, defensive awareness, and hockey IQ to succeed in the NHL. Landon Amrhein has the upside to be a third line winger at either left winger or right winger.


    The 6-4 192 lb Landon Amrhein had 10 goals, 21 assists, 31 points, 114 shots on goal, 12 penalty minutes, a +5 +/- ratio, 2 game-winning goals, and 1 power play goal in 64 games with the Calgary Hitmen in 2025-2026. Landon Amrhein had 1 goal, 1 assist, and 2 points in 8 games during the 2026 WHL Playoffs.


  10. Nashville Predators: Ryder Fetterolf, G, Ottawa 67's (OHL)

    Nashville drafts a goalie to stash and develop. Ottawa 67's goalie Ryder Fetterolf became the first undrafted goalie to win CHL Goalie Of The Year since Martin Biron. He's barely 6 feet, but he has the floor of Casey DeSmith and the ceiling of Jusse Saros.


    The 6-0 186 lb Ryder Fetterolf had a 2.07 goals against average and .923 save percentage with 6 shutouts going 29-9-3 in his 41 starts on the Ottawa 67's in 2025-2026. Ryder Fetterolf went 5-4 with a 3.04 goals against average and .900 save percentage in 9 games during the 2026 OHL Playoffs.


    Style, Post Integration, Glove, Blocker Pad, Reading The Puck By Tracking, Rebound Control, Post Save Recovery, Quickness, Footwork, and Puckhandling. Those are ten different categories that NHL Draft Scouts use to evaluate goalies. Ryder Fetterolf checked off 7/10 boxes and needs to improve his rebound control, post save recovery, and puckhandling.



  11. St. Louis Blues: Olivers Murnieks, C, Saint John Sea Dogs (QMJHL)

    St. Louis drafts a center for the future. Olivers Murniieks was drafted in the first round of the 2025 CHL Import Draft.


    Olivers Murnieks has the speed, explosion, burst, agility, versatility, skating, playmaking, passing, shooting, sniping, wrist shot power, wrist shot accuracy, slap shot power, slap shot accuracy, vision, offensive awareness, defensive awareness, and hockey IQ to succeed in the NHL. Oliver Murnieks has the floor of a second line center in the AHL and the ceiling of a third line center in the NHL.


    The 6-1 190 lb Olivers Murnieks had 7 goals, 13 assists, 20 points, 62 shots on goal, 14 penalty minutes, 3 power play goals, 1 short-handed goal, and 1 game-winning goal in 2025-2026. He did incredible at the Under 18 World Juniors and has one more season with the Saint John Sea Dogs before he enrolls at Boston College in 2027.


  12. New Jersey Devils: Ben Hrebik, G, Barrie Colts (OHL)

    New Jersey drafts a defender. Eddy Doyle was the number four defenseman on the Halifax Mooseheads, yet he's projected to get drafted higher than Carlos Hendel who I had a first round grade on last year.


    The 6-3 204 lb Ben Hrebik had a 2.87 goals against average, a .920 save percentage, a 29-9-2 record in 32 starts playing in 34 games and 1 shutout in 34 starts in 2024-2025. Ben Hrebik had a 4.87 goals against average and 867 save percentage in the 2025 OHL Playoffs. Ben Hrebik had a 2.81 goals against average .920 save percentage, and a 26-11-6 record in 43 starts with the Barrie Colts in 2025-2026. Ben Hrebik went 12-6-2 with a 2.66 goals against average and .922 save percentage in 20 games during the 2026 OHL Playoffs.


    Style, Post Integration, Glove, Blocker Pad, Reading The Puck By Tracking, Rebound Control, Post Save Recovery, Quickness, Footwork, and Puckhandling. Those are ten different categories that NHL Draft Scouts use to evaluate goalies. Ben Hrebik checked off 7/10 boxes and needs to improve his reading the puck by tracking, rebound control, and footwork.


    He will go to Providence this Fall where he will be a backup goalie to Jack Parsons. New Jersey still has Mikhail Yegorov their 2024 second round pick in their prospect pool, but someone needs to push ECHL goalie Tyler Brennan their 2022 fourth round pick.



  13. New York Islanders: Frantisek Poletin, G, Lahti Pelicans (SM Liiga)

    The New York Islanders draft a goalie. New York has drafted three goalies since 2024 in Dmitry Gamzin, Marcus Gidlof, and Burke Hood. Two of those three goalies have regressed since being drafted by the Islanders. Dmitry Gamzin is the only goalie that hasn't regressed and his contract with CSKA Moscow runs through 2028 which means the Islanders cannot sign Gamzin to a entry level contract before then, but Gamzin is 23 and every NHL team can ow a players draft rights until they turn 22 as that rule was implimented before last years 2025 NHL Draft, so there's a chance Gamzin cannot sign with the Islanders. The top goalie available is Frantisek Poletin of the Lahti Pelicans in Finland.


    The 6-2 194 lb Frantisek Poletin had a 2.38 goals against average, .911 save percentage, and 3 shutouts in 13 games despite posting a losing record of 5-7 in 12 starts with the Lahti Pelicans Under 20 Team in 2025-2026. Frantisek Poletin went posted a 2.06 goals against average and .926 save percentage in 1 playoff game in 2026 despite losing that game.


    Style, Post Integration, Glove, Blocker Pad, Reading The Puck By Tracking, Rebound Control, Post Save Recovery, Quickness, Footwork, and Puckhandling. Those are ten different categories that NHL Draft Scouts use to evaluate goalies. Frantisek Poletin checked off 7/10 boxes and needs to improve his post integration, quickness, and footwork.


  14. Columbus Blue Jackets: Rian Chudzinski, RW, Moncton Wildcats (QMJHL)

    Rian Chudzinski was invited to camp for the Moncton Wildcats. He ended up making the final roster after being undrafted in the 2025 CHL Import Draft.


    Rian Chudzinski has the speed, explosion, burst, agility, skating, playmaking, passing, shooting, sniping, wrist shot power, wrist shot accuracy, slap shot power, slap shot accuracy, vision, offensive awareness, defensive awareness, and hockey IQ to succeed in the NHL. Rian Chudzinski has the floor of a second line right winger in the AHL and the ceiling of a third line right winger in the NHL.


    The 6-1 190 lb Rian Chudzinski had 21 goals, 17 assists, 38 points, 103 shots on goal, 4 game-winning goals, 3 power play goals, and a +30 +/- ratio in 54 QMJHL games with the Moncton Wildcats in 2025-2026. Rian Chudzinski had 6 goals, 11 assists, 17 points, 26 penalty minutes, a +13 +/- ratio, and 52 shots on goal in 21 games during the 2026 QMJHL Playoffs.



  15. Detroit Red Wings: Oscar Holmertz, C, Linkopings HC (Elitserien)

    The Detroit Red Wings draft a center to stash and develop. Oscar Holmertz is one of the best centers in this draft that nobody is talking about.


    Oscar Holmertz has the speed, explosion, burst, agility, skating, playmaking, passing, shooting, sniping, wrist shot power, wrist shot accuracy, slap shot power, slap shot accuracy, vision, offensive awareness, defensive awareness, and hockey IQ to succeed in the NHL. Oscar Holmertz is someone that can develop into a third line center on an NHL team.


    The 6-1 194 lb Oscar Holmertz had 13 goals, 23 assists, and 36 points with the Linkopings HC Under 20 Team in 2025-2026. Oscar Holmertz will play for the Linkopings HC Under 20 and the Linkopings HC team in the SHL next season with his contract in Sweden running through 2028.


  16. Washington Capitals: Tobias Tomik, LW, Vancouver Giants (WHL)

    Washington drafts a left winger to stash and develop. Tobias Tomik was the Vancouver Giants first round pick in the 2024 CHL Import Draft. He did not play with the Vancouver Giants until this season. Tobias Tomik has the versatility to play left winger, center, and right winger.


    Tobias Tomik has the speed, explosion, burst, agility, versatility, skating, playmaking, passing, shooting, sniping, wrist shot power, wrist shot accuracy, slap shot power, slap shot accuracy, vision, offensive awareness, and hockey IQ to succeed in the NHL. Tobias Tomik has the ability to be a third line forward on an NHL team.


    The 6-2 198 lb Tobias Tomik had 12 goals, 16 assists, 28 points, 128 shots on goal, 15 penalty minutes, 9 face off wins, 2 power play goals, and 2 game-winning goals in 61 games with the Vancouver Giants in 2025-2026. Tobias Tomik also played for Slovakia i International Tournaments because that's where he was born.



  17. Los Angeles Kings: Kyle Heger, D, Lethbridge Hurricanes (WHL)

    The Los Angeles Kings draft a defender. Kyle Heger was drafted by the Medicine Hat Tigers in the seventh round back in 2022, but traded to the Lethbridge Hurricanes in the middle of the season this year after finally cracking the Medicine Hat Tigers roster. Kyle Heger is a defender that could develop into a bottom pairing defenseman on an NHL team.


    Kyle Heger has the skating, playmaking, passing, shooting, sniping, wrist shot power, wrist shot accuracy, slap shot power, slap shot accuracy, vision, offensive awareness, defensive awareness, and hockey IQ to succeed in the NHL. Kyle Heger could be a third line defenseman on an NHL team if he continues to develop.


    The 6-1 192 lb Kyle Heger had 11 goals, 24 assists, 35 points 149 shots on goal, 3 power play goals, and 1 game-winning goal in 64 WHL games in 2025-2026. Kyle Heger played 35 games with the Medicine Hat Tigers and the final 29 regular season games with the Lethbridge Hurricanes. Kyle Hager is going to play college hockey at Western Michigan.


  18. Anaheim Ducks: Ola Palme, D, Vaxjo Lakers (Elitsrien)

    The Anaheim Ducks get another defenseman. Ola Palme can escape checks and absorb rushes.


    Ola Palme skating, playmaking, passing, vision, offensive awareness, defensive awareness, and hockey IQ to succeed in the NHL. He needs to get stronger and develop his shot though. His wrist shot power, wrist shot accuracy, slap shot power, and slap shot accuracy needs work.


    The 6-2 201 lb Ola Palme had 5 goals, 9 assists, and 14 points on the Vaxjo Lakers Under 20 Team in 2025-2026. Ola Palme had 0 goals, 0 assists, and 0 points in 5 SHL games.



  19. Utah Mammoth: Jake Gustafson, C, Portland Winterhawks (WHL)

    Utah drafts another center to stash and develop. Jake Gustafson is the best center available.


    Jake Gustafson has the skating, foot speed, playmaking, passing, sniping, wrist shot power, wrist shot accuracy, slap shot power, slap shot accuracy, vision, offensive awareness, and hockey IQ to succeed in the NHL. Jake Gustafson could develop into a third line center on an NHL team.


    The 6-4 182 lb Jake Gustafson had 13 goals, 12 assists, 25 points, 123 faceoff wins, and 110 shots on goal in 68 WHL games in 2025-2026. Jake Gustafson had 0 goals, 0 assists, and 0 points in 4 games during the 2026 WHL Playoffs.


  20. Nashville Predators: Vsevolod Matveyev, D, Spartak Moscow (KHL)

    The Nashville Predators draft a defenseman here, Vsevolod Matveyev is a defenseman from Russia that provides good value in the fifth round and can develop into a bottom pairing defenseman in the NHL.


    Vsevolod Matveyev has the skating, foot speed, playmaking, passing, sniping, wrist shot power, wrist shot accuracy, slap shot power, slap shot accuracy, vision, offensive awareness, and hockey IQ to succeed in the NHL. Vselvolod Maveyev could be a third line defenseman on an NHL team with the right development.


    The 6-2 190 lb Vsevolod Matveyev had 2 goals, 9 assists, and 11 points in 38 MHL games in 2025-2026. Vsevolod had 1 goal, 1 assist, and 2 points in 28 VHL games n 2025-2026. Vsevolod Matveyev had 0 goals, 0 assists, and 0 points in 4 KHL games in 2025-2026. Vsevolod Matveyev had 0 goals, 2 assists, and 2 points, in 2 games in 21 games in the 2026 MHL Playoffs. Vsevolod Matveyev had 0 goals, 0 assists, and 0 points in 1 game in the 2026 VHL Playoffs. Vsevolod Matveyev had 0 goals, 0 assists, and 0 points in 3 games in the 2026 KHL Playoffs.



  21. Colorado Avalanche: Cole Zurawski, RW, Owen Sound Attack (OHL)

    Colorado drafts a right winger. Cole Zurawski was the Flint Firebirds first round pick in the 2024 OHL Draft. Cole Zurawski got traded from the Flint Firebirds to the Owen Sound Attack midway through his rookie season.


    Cole Zurawski has the speed, explosion, burst, agility, versatility, skating, playmaking, passing, shooting, sniping, wrist shot power, wrist shot accuracy, slap shot power, slap shot accuracy, vision, offensive awareness, defensive awareness, and hockey IQ to succeed in the NHL. Cole Zurawski could be a third line right winger on an NHL team down the road.


    The 6-1 190 lb Cole Zurawski had 16 goals, 15 assists, 31 points, 22 penalty minutes, and 103 shots on goal as a rookie in 2024-2025. Cole Zurawski had 0 goals, 0 assists, and 0 points in 4 games in the 2025 OHL Playoffs. Cole Zurawski had 24 goals, 22 assists, 46 points, 34 penalty minutes, and 186 shots on goal with the Owen Sound Attack in 2025-2026. Cole Zurawsky had 1 goal, 1 assists, and 2 points in 3 games during the 2026 OHL Playoffs.


  22. St. Louis Blues: Jakub Frolo, C, Ilves (SM Liiga)

    St. Louis drafts a center to stash and develop. Jakub Frolo is one of the better centers in the 2026 NHL Draft.


    Jakub Frolo has the speed, explosion, burst, agility, skating, foot speed, playmaking, passing, sniping, wrist shot power, wrist shot accuracy, slap shot power, slap shot accuracy, vision, offensive awareness, defensive awareness, and hockey IQ to succeed in the NHL. Jakub Frolo is someone that can develop into a third line center.


    The 6-2 194 lb Jakub Flores had 10 goals, 30 assists, 40 points, and a +16 +/- ratio in 37 games with the Ilves Under 20 Team in 2025-2026. Jakub Flores had 2 goals, 7 assists, and 9 points in 8 games in the 2026 Playoffs. Jakub Flores played 1 game with Ilves against men in Liiga with 0 goals, 0 assists, and 0 points in 1 game in 2025-2026.



  23. Ottawa Senators: Malcolm Gastrin, LW, Modo Hockey (Elitserien)

    Malcolm Gastrin is the younger brother of last years second round pick Milton Gastrin who went to the Washington Capitals in the second round. Malcolm Gastrin is a pure left winger while Milton is a center.


    Malcolm Gastrin has the speed, explosion, burst, agility, skating, playmaking, passing, shooting, sniping, wrist shot power, wrist shot accuracy, slap shot power, slap shot accuracy, vision, offensive awareness, defensive awareness, and hockey IQ to succeed in the NHL. Malcolm Gastrin is a player that could develop into a third line left winger on an NHL team.


    The 6-0 174 lb Malcolm Gastrin had 9 goals, 16 assists,and 25 points in 24 games on the Modo Hockey Under 20 Team in 2024-2025. Malcolm Gastrin had 2 goals, 2 assists, and 4 points in 5 playoff games in the 2026 Playoffs.


  24. Colorado Avalanche: David Sedlacek, LW, HC Energie Karlovy Vary (Extraliga)

    Colorado gets a left winger for depth. David Sedlacek is a great value pick at this point in the fifth round.


    David Sedlacek skating, playmaking, passing, wrist shot power, wrist shot accuracy, slap shot power, slap shot accuracy, vision, offensive awareness, defensive awareness, and hockey IQ to succeed in the NHL. David Sedlacek is someone that can develop into a third line left winger in the NHL.


    The 6-2 172 lb David Sedlacek had 11 goals, 17 assists, and 28 points in 2025-2026. David Sedlacek had 2 goals, 4 assists, and 6 points in 8 playoff games in 2026.



  25. Minnesota Wild: Axel Brongel-Larsson, D, Frolunda Indians (Elitserien)

    The Minnesota Wild draft a defenseman to stash and develop. Axel Brongel-Larsson is a guy that could develop into a third line defenseman.


    Axel Brongel-Larsson skating, playmaking, passing, wrist shot power, wrist shot accuracy, slap shot power, slap shot accuracy, vision, offensive awareness, defensive awareness, and hockey IQ to succeed in the NHL. Axel Brongel-Larsson could develop into a bottom pairing defenseman on the third line.


    The 6-1 194 lb Axel Brongel-Larsson had 3 goals, 9 assists, and 12 points in 2025-2026. Axel Brongel-Larsson had 6 goals, 1 assists, and 67points in 15 playoff games in 2026. Axel Brongel-Larsson will play for the Youngstown Phantoms next season.


  26. Tampa Bay Lightning: Ossi Tukio, D, Ilves (SM Liiga)

    The Tampa Bay Lightning draft a defenseman. Ossi Tukio was the team captain of the Ilves Under 20 Team.


    Ossi Tukio has the skating, foot speed, playmaking, passing, sniping, wrist shot power, wrist shot accuracy, slap shot power, slap shot accuracy, vision, offensive awareness, defensive awareness, and hockey IQ to succeed in the NHL. Ossi Tukio has the floor of a first line defenseman in the AHL and the ceiling of a first line defenseman in the NHL. He is the eighty ninth player with first line experience or potential in the 2026 NHL Draft.


    The 6-2 187 lb Ossi Tukio had 9 goals, 16 assists, 25 points, a +25 +/- ratio, and 6 penalty minutes in 34 games on the Ilves Under 20 Team in 2025-2026. Ossi Tukio had 1 goal, 3 assists, and 4 points in 10 playoff games in 2026. Ossi Tukio had 1 goal, 0 assists, and 1 point in 1 game in Liiga in 2025-2026.



  27. Dallas Stars: John Hagglof, D, Modo Hockey (Elitserien)

    The Dallas Stars draft a defenseman. John Hagglof is the captain of the Modo Hockey Under 18 Team.


    John Hagglof has the skating, playmaking, passing, shooting, sniping, wrist shot power, wrist shot accuracy, slap shot power, slap shot accuracy, vision, offensive awareness, and hockey IQ to succeed in the NHL. John Hagglof has the floor of a number seven defenseman on an NHL team or number one defenseman on an AHL team and the ceiling of a number one first line defenseman on an NHL team. He is the ninetieth player with first line experience or potential in the 2026 NHL Draft.


    The 6-3 214 lb John Hagloff had 8 goals, 11 assists, and 19 points in 14 games on the Modo Hockey Under 18 Team in 2025-2026. John Hagloff had 4 goals, 7 assists, and 11 points in 31 games with the Modo Hockey Under 20 Team in 2025-2026.


  28. Buffalo Sabres: Dakoda Rheaume-Mullen, D, Michigan

    The Buffalo Sabres draft a developmental defenseman. This defenseman could be a bottom pairing on the Buffalo Sabres in due time.


    Dakoda Rheaume-Mullen has the skating, playmaking, passing, shooting, sniping, wrist shot power, wrist shot accuracy, slap shot power, slap shot accuracy, vision, offensive awareness, and hockey IQ to succeed in the NHL. Dakoda Rheaume-Mullen has the floor of a number seven defenseman on an NHL team or number one defenseman on an AHL team and the ceiling of a number five third line defenseman on an NHL team. He should develop into a bottom pairing defenseman on a third line in the NHL.


    The 6-1 188 lb Dakoda Rheaume-Mullen had 3 goals, 6 assists, and 9 points as a freshman in 2024-2025. Dakoda Rheaume-Mullen had 4 goals, 14 assists, and 18 points in as as sophomore 2025-2026.



  29. San Jose Sharks: Lincoln Kuehne, D, Arizona State

    The San Jose Sharks draf another defenseman. Lincoln Kuehne is a bottom pairing defenseman.


    Lincoln Kuehne skating, playmaking, passing, shooting, sniping, wrist shot power, wrist shot accuracy, slap shot power, slap shot accuracy, vision, offensive awareness, defensive awareness, and hockey IQ to succeed in the NHL. incoln Kuehne could develop into a third line defenseman on an NHL team.


    The 6-2 205 lb Lincoln Kuehne had 1 goal, 1 assist, and 2 points in 28 games as a freshman at Arizona State in 2025-2026. Lincoln Kuehne will be a sophomore at Arizona State next Fall.


  30. Toronto Maple Leafs: Theodor Knights, D, Modo Hockey (Elitserien)

    The Toronto Maple Leafs draft another defenseman. Theodor Knights makes a lot of sense here and could develop into a bottom pairing defenseman on an NHL team.


    Theodor Knights has the speed, explosion, burst, agility, skating, playmaking, passing, vision, offensive awareness, defensive awareness, and hockey IQ to succeed in the NHL. Theodor Knights could develop into a third line defenseman in the NHL.


    The 6-4 207 lb Theodore Knights had 0 goals, 2 assists, and 2 points with the Modo Hockey Under 20 Team in 2025-2026. Theodor Knights needs to develop his wrist shot power, wrist shot accuracy, slap shot power, and slap shot accuracy.



  31. San Jose Sharks: Jiko Laitinen, C, Ilves (SM Liiga)

    The San Jose Sharks get a center to stash and develop. Jiko Laitinen could develop into a third line center on an NHL team.


    Jiko Laitinen skating, foot speed, playmaking, passing, sniping, wrist shot power, wrist shot accuracy, slap shot power, slap shot accuracy, vision, offensive awareness, defensive awareness, and hockey IQ to succeed in the NHL. This is a player with the ceiling to develop into a third line center on an NHL team.


    The 6-0 172 lb Jiko Latinen had 4 goals, 6 assists, and 10 points in 3 games with the Ilves Under 18 Team in 2025-2026. Jiko Laitinen had 19 goals, 22 assists, and 41 points in 41 games with the Ilves Under 20 Team in 2025-2026. Jiko Laitinen had 1 goal, 0 assists, and 1 point in 2 games wth the Ilves team in Liiga in 2025-2026.


  32. Nashville Predators: Alexander Ivanov, D, Ak Bars Kazan (KHL)

    The Nashville Predators draft a bottom pairing defenseman with their fifth round pick from Carolina. Alexander Ivanov could be a steal late in the 2026 NHL Draft.


    Alexander Ivanov has the skating, foot speed, playmaking, passing, vision, offensive awareness, defensive awareness, and hockey IQ to succeed in the NHL. Alexander Ivanov could develop into a third line defenseman on an NHL team that drafts him down the road.


    The 6-4 190 lb Alexander Ivanov had 0 goals, 3 assists, and 3 points in 56 VHL games in 2025-2026. Alexander Ivanov had 0 goals, 0 assists, and 0 points in 7 KHL games in 2025-2026.











Other 2026 NHL Mock Drafts

  • img
    Lines: 2026 NHL Mock Draft



    • Comment Box is loading comments...