2026 NHL Mock Draft: Final Mock 7 Rounds

Round 3

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

64. Calgary Flames: Lars Steiner, RW, Rouyn-Noranda Huskies (QMJHL)
    
    
    Lars Steiner was the only player in my preseason top 10 that did not live up to the top 10 first round hype. He finally gets picked at the start of the third round in my final 2026 NHL Mock Draft.
    
    
    
    Lars Steiner was the Rouyn-Noranda Huskies first round pick in the 2024 CHL Import Draft with Rouyn-Noranda poaching Lars Steiner away from HC Davos a National League A team that plays professional hockey in Switzerland. Lars Steiner is an under the radar player that has a mid to late first round grade, but he is currently my ninth best player in the 2026 NHL Draft due to his experience as a first line right winger. Some believe he is a first line right winger at the NHL level while others believe Lars Steiner saw his production skyrocket due to playing on the same line as 2025 first round pick Bill Zonnon. Lars Steiner will not have Bill Zonnon on his line next season, so Lars Steiner will have to prove he can dominate as a player without Bill Zonnon and improve on his 60 point rookie season with the departure of Zonnon if he wants to be drafted in the top 10 of the 2026 NHL Draft. I was ahead of the curb on Carter Bear last year, and Lars Steiner is the guy not many people are talking about that I want to pound the table for in the 2026 NHL Draft. I may be ahead of the media on Lars Steiner, but whether I end up being right or wrong ultimately depends on how Steiner performs without Zonnon in the QMJHL this season.
    
    
    
    Lars Steiner has the speed, explosion, burst, agility, skating, foot speed, 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. Lars Steiner is the sixty first skater with experience or potential to play on the first line 2026 NHL Draft.
    
    
    
    The 5-10 177 lb Lars Steiner had 23 goals, 37 assists, 60 points, 44 penalty minutes taking 22 penalties, and a +12 +/- ratio in 57 QMJHL games in 2024-2025. Lars Steiner had 4 goals, 4 assists, and 8 points in 13 games during the 2025 QMJHL Playoffs. Lars Steiner had 30 goals, 25 assists, 55 points, 44 penlaty minutes taking 22 penalties, and a +22 +/- ratio in 44 games in 2025-2026. Lars Steiner had 5 goals, 4 assists, and 9 points in 17 games during the 2026 QMJHL Playoffs.
    
    
    
65. Chicago Blackhawks: Wiggo Sorensson, RW, Boro Vetlanda HC (Hockey Ettan)
    
    
    Chicago keeps going winger in the third round, but they go with a right winger again since the best winger on the board is a right winger in Wiggo Sorensson. Wiggo Sorensson would probably play behind both Marcus Nordmark if Chicago takes him in the second round and Vaclav Nestrasil.
    
    
    
    Wiggo Sorensson plays on Boro Vetlanda HC a Divsion 2 hockey league in Sweden. He did well there, but didn't face the strongest level of competiton in Sweden until he played on the Vaxjo Lakers on a loan. Wiggo Sorensson has the versatility to play all three forward roles at left winger, center, and right winger. I think right winger is his best role though.
    
    
    
    Wiggo Sorensson has the 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. Wiggo Sorensson was a first line right winger on Boro Vetlanda HC in Hockey Ettan. He also played on the Vaxjo Lakers in the SHL on a loan this season. This is the sixty second player with experience or potential to play on a first line outside of the top 3 goalies in the 2026 NHL Entry Draft.
    
    
    
    The 5-11 181 lb Wiggo Sorensson had 20 goals, 18 assists, and 38 points in 29 games with Boro Vetlanda HC in 2025-2026. Wiggo Sorensson had 4 goals, 6 assists, and 10 points in 8 games during the 2026 Hockey Ettan Playoffs. Wiggo Sorensson is under contract in Sweden for one more year, but he can sign his entry level contract in 2027.
    
    
    
    
    
66. New York Rangers: Nils Bartholdsson, RW, Rogle BK (Elitserien)
    
    
    Nils Bartholdsson on Rogle BK is one of the best right wingers from Sweden in the 2026 NHL Draft. Most have him projected at the end of the second round right now, but he's a player who could fall to the early portion of the third round.
    
    
    
    Nils Bartholdsson 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. Nils Bartholdsson has the floor of a first line right winger on an AHL team and the ceiling of a first line right winger on an NHL team making him the sixty third player in the 2026 NHL Draft with first line potential in the 2026 NHL Draft.
    
    
    
    The 5-10 174 lb Nils Bartholdsson had 15 goals, 22 assists, 37 points, 39 penalty minutes, and a +2 +/- ratio in 39 games with the Rogle BK Under 20 Team in 2024-2025. Nils Bartholdsson had 2 goals, 2 assists, and 4 points in 6 playoff games in 2025. Nils Bartholdsson had 23 goals, 19 assists, and 42 points in 32 games in 2025-2026. Nils Bartholdsson had 9 goals, 8 assists, and 17 points in 9 games in 9 playoff games with the Rogle BK Under 20 Team in 2026.
    
    
    
67. Calgary Flames: Jean-Cristoph Lemieux, RW, Sudbury Wolves (OHL)
    
    
    Calgary drafts a right winger here. Jean-Cristoph Lemieux complimented Adam Nemec on the Sudbury Wolves top line at right winger this past season.
    
    
    
    Jean-Cristoph Lemieux has the skating, playmaking, passing, vision, wrist shot power, wrist shot accuracy, offensive awareness, defensive awareness, and hockey IQ to succeed in the NHL. Jean Cristoph-Lemieux is the sixty fourth player with experience or potential to play on the first line in the 2026 NHL Draft.
    
    
    
    The 5-11 176 lb Jean Cristoph-Lemieux had 20 goals, 23 assists, 43 points, 6 power play goals, 177 shots-on-goal, and 1-game-winning goal in 56 OHL games in 2025-2026. Jean Cristoph-Lemieux had 2 goals, 1 assist, and 3 points in 4 games in the 2026 OHL Playoffs.
    
    
    
    
    
68. Toronto Maple Leafs: Axel Elofsson, D, Orebro HK (Elitserien)
    
    
    Toronto drafts a defenseman here. Axel Elofsson is the top defenseman on the board in the third round.
    
    
    
    Axel Elofsson 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. Axel Elofsson is the sixty fifth player with experience or potential to play on a first line in the 2026 NHL Draft.
    
    
    
    The 5-11 174 lb Axel Elofsson had 9 goals, 23 assists, 32 points, and a +11 +/- ratio on the Orebro HK Under 20 Team in 2024-2025. Axel Elofsson had 9 goals, 32 assists, 41 points, and a +20 +/- ratio with the Orebro HK Under 20 Team in 2025-2026. Axel Elofsson had 2 goals, 9 assists, and 11 points in the playoffs.
    
    
    
69. Nashville Predators: Matthew Grimes, D, Sioux Falls Stampede (USHL)
    
    
    Nashville drafts a defenseman. Matthew Grimes was the number one defenseman on the 2026 Clark Cup Champion Sioux Falls Stampedewho dethroned last years champions the Muskegeon Lumberjacks.
    
    
    
    Matthew Grimes has the skating, foot speed, playmaking, passing, vision, offensive awareness, defensive awareness, and hockey IQ to succeed in the NHL. Matthew Grimes is the sixty sixth skater with experience or potential to play on a first line in the 2026 NHL Draft.
    
    
    
    The 6-1 185 lb Matthew Grimes had 9 goals, 26 assists, 35 points, and a +34 +/- ratio in 60 games with the Sioux Falls Stampede in 2025-2026. Matthew Grimes had 3 goals, 6 assists, 9 points, and a +2 +/- ratio in the 2026 USHL Playoffs helping the Sioux Falls Stampede win the 2026 Clark Cup. Matthew Grimes is going to Boston College this Fall.
    
    
    
    
    
70. Winnipeg Jets: Jonas Woo, D, Medicine Hat Tigers (WHL)
    
    
    Winnipeg continues to laod up on the blue line. Jonas Woo, is from Winnipeg, so the Winnipeg Jets may roll the dice on Jonas Woo, whose one of the top overagers in the 2026 NHL Draft.
    
    
    
    Jonas Woo 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. Jonas Woo is the sixty seventh skater with first line experience or potential in the 2026 NHL Draft.
    
    
    
    The 5-10 180 lb Jonas Woo had 11 goals, 32 assists, 43 points, and a +38 +/- ratio in 2024-2025. Jonas Woo had 0 goals, 11 assists, and 11 points in 18 games during the 2025 WHL Playoffs. Jonas Woo had 29 goals, 57 assists, 86 points, and a +63 +/- ratio in 56 WHL games after getting promoted from the second to the first line after getting promoted to alternate captain this season in 2025-2026. Jonas Woo had 8 goals, 9 assists, and 17 points in 13 games during the 2026 WHL Playoffs. Jonas Woo is going to Arizona State this Fall.
    
    
    
71. Ottawa Senators: Jan Larys, G, Drummondville Voltigeurs (QMJHL)
    
    
    Ottawa drafts a goalie for the future. Jan Larys is the top goalie available as he was the Drummondville Voltgeurs first round pick in the 2025 CHL Import Draft.
    
    
    
    The 6-3 162 lb Jan Larys had a 26-12-0 record in 38 starts posting a 2.86 goals against average a .908 save percentage, and 3 shutouts with the Drummondville Voltigeurs in 2025-2026. Jan Larys went 1-4 in five games during the 2026 QMJHL Playoffs with a 4.29 goals against average and .848 save percentage.
    
    
    
    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. Jan Larys checked off 9/10 boxes, but needs to improve his his quickness.
    
    
    
    
    
72. St. Louis Blues: Michal Orsulak, G, Prince Albert Raiders (WHL)
    
    
    St. Louis drafts a goalie for the future. Michal Orsulak is the top goalie available as he was the Prince Albert Raiders first round pick in the 2025 CHL Import Draft.
    
    
    
    The 6-4 200 lb Michal Orsulak had a 28-4-4 record in 36 starts posting a 2.22 goals against average a .907 save percentage, and 4 shutouts with the Prince Albert Raiders in 2025-2026. Michal Orsulak had a 13-6-1 record with a 2.80 goals agianst average and .895 save percentage in 20 games during the 2026 WHL Playoffs leading the Prince Albert Raiders to a Conference Title before losing to the Everett Silvertips in the 2026 WHL Championship.
    
    
    
    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. Michal Orsulak checked off 8/10 boxes, but needs to improve his his quickness and ability to make glove saves.
    
    
    
73. Colorado Avalanche: Giorgos Pantelas, D, Brandon Wheat Kings (WHL)
    
    
    The Colorado Avalanche has Gabriel Landeskog their 2011 first round pick drafted second overall as their first line left winger, Nathan MacKinnon drafted first overall in the 2013 NHL Draft as their first line center, and Martin Necas as their first line right winger. Colorado has Artturi Lehkonen as their second line left winger in the final year of his contract, Brock Nelson as their second line center, and Valeri Nichushkin as their second line right winger. Colorado has Nazem Kadri as their third line left winger, Nicholas Roy as their third line center, and Logan O'Connor as their third line right winger. Colorado has Parker Kelly as their fourth line left winger, Jack Drury whose an RFA as their fourth line center, and Zakhar Bardakov whose an RFA as their fourth line right winger.
    
    
    
    The Colorado Avalanche have Cale Makar the fourth overall pick in the 2017 NHL Draft as their number one defenseman and Devon Toews as their number two defenseman on the first line. Sam Malinski and Josh Manson compliment each other on the second line as the two second line defensemen. Malinksi was the worst defender and number six defenseman on Colorado at the beginning of this season before Colorado foolishly shipped out Samuel Girard for Brent Kulak. Sean Behrens their 2021 second round pick and Sergei Boikov a 2015 sixth round pick whose an RFA are two defenseman on Colorado's AHL team that can be promoted to the NHL short-term to save cap space with only 2 million in cap space.
    
    
    
    The Colorado Avalanche have starting goalie Scott Wedgewood in a contract year and Mackenzie Blackwood locked up until 2030 even though he's now the backup goalie. Ilya Nabokov their 2024 second round pick and the first goalie drafted two years ago is also in Colorado's prospect pool. Maggnus Chrona who used to play college hockey at Denver is also now on the Colorado Avalanche and will compete with Ilya Nabakov for the starting goalie role in the AHL.
    
    
    
    Colorado needs to draft a defenseman. Bradon Wheat Kings defenseman Giorgos Pantelas was drafted nineteenth overall in the 2023 WHL Draft.
    
    
    
    Giorgos Pantelas 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. This is the sixty eighth player with experience or potential to play on a first line in the 2026 NHL Draft.
    
    
    
    The 6-2 211 lb Giorgos Pantellas had 6 goals, 31 assists, 37 points, 90 shots on goal, 50 penalty minutes, a +19 +/- and 1 power play goal in all 68 games with the Brandon Wheat Kings in 2025-2026. Giorgos Pantellas had 0 goals, 0 assists, 0 points, and a -1 +/- ratio in 4 games in the 2026 WHL Playoffs.
    
    
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74. St. Louis Blues: Ryder Cali, C, North Bay Battalion (OHL)
    
    
    St. Louis drafts a center for the future. Ryder Cali is the best center available and he will enroll at Providence this Fall. Ryder Cali has the versatility to play all three forward roles left winger, center, and right wingers. Ryder Cali was also a first round pick by the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds in the 2024 OHL Draft, but he never played a game there and was eventually traded to the North Bay Battalion.
    
    
    
    Ryder Cali has the speed, explosion, burst, agility, versatility, skating, foot speed, 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. Ryder Cali is the sixty ninth player with experience or potential to play on the first line in the 2026 NHL Draft.
    
    
    
    The 6-2 209 lb Ryder Cali had 16 goals, 20 assists, 36 points, a +2 +/- ratio, 24 penalty minutes, 225 face off wins, 114 shots on goal, 5 game-winning goals, 3 power play goals, ad 1 short-handed-goal in 47 OHL games in 2025-2026. Ryder Cali had 1 goal, 3 assists, and 4 points in 10 games during the 2026 OHL Playoffs.
    
    
    
75. St. Louis Blues: Noah Kosick, LW, Seattle Thuderbirds (WHL)
    
    
    St. Louis drafts another forward. Noah Kosick was the Calgrary Hitmen's 2023 first round pick in the 2023 WHL Draft. Noah Kosick started out with the Calgary Hitmen, then got traded to the Swift Current Broncos before being moved to the Seattle Thunderbirds in the midseason this year. Noah Kosick has the versatility to play all three forward roles at left winger, center, and right winger.
    
    
    
    Noah Kosick has the 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. Noah Kosick is the seventieth player with the experience or potential to play on a first line in the 2026 NHL Draft.
    
    
    
    The 5-10 150 lb Noah Kosick had 16 goals, 38 assists, 54 points, 148 shots on goal, 140 face off wins, 22 penalty minutes, 7 power play goals, and2 game-winning goals in 69 WHL regular season games in 2025-2026. Noah Kosick had 1 goal, 4 assists, and 5 points in 5 games during the 2026 WHL Playoffs.
    
    
    
    
    
76. New York Rangers: Liam Lefebvre, RW, Chicoutimi Sagueneens (QMJHL)
    
    
    The New York Rangers draft a right winger for the future. Liam Lefebvre makes a lot of sense here as he will head off to Vermont to play college hockey in the Fall.
    
    
    
    Liam Lefebvre 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. Liam Lefebvre is the seventy first player with experience or potential to play on a first line in the 2026 NHL Draft.
    
    
    
    The 6-3 197 lb Liam Lefebvre had 32 goals, 27 assists, 59 points, and a +1 +/- ratio in 2025-2026. Liam Lefebre had 5 goals, 7 assists, 12 points, and a +6 +/- ratio in 20 games helping the Chicoutimi Sagueneens win the 2026 QMJHL Playoffs where they dethroned the defending champion Moncton Wildcats.
    
    
    
77. Vancouver Canucks: Tobias Tvrznik, G, Wenatchee Wild (WHL)
    
    
    The Vancouver Canucks get a goalie of the future. Thatcher Demko can still be a serviceable starter, but his tedious injury history and no long-termplan with Demko now in his thirties means Vancouver needs to draft his successor at some point. Tobias Tvrznik is a great option here.
    
    
    
    The 6-4 180 lb Tobias Tvrznik had a 16-18-4 record in 39 games played starting 38 of those games posting a 3.10 goals against average a .913 save percentage, and 1 shutout with the Wennatchee Wild in 2025-2026. Tobias Tvrznik was drafted tenth overall by the Wenatchee Wild in the 2025 CHL Import Draft and will be back for one more season before enrolling at Ohio State in 2027.
    
    
    
    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. Tobias Tvrznik checked off 8/10 boxes, but needs to improve his his rebound control and footwork.
    
    
    
    
    
78. Detroit Red Wings: Alexey Vlasov, RW, Victoriaville Tigres (QMJHL)
    
    
    The Detroit Red Wings draft a winger. Alexey Vlasov was the Victoriaville Tigres first round pick in the 2025 CHL Import Draft. Alexey Vlasov really wowed me on tape to the point where I see flashes of a young Nikita Kucherov. Unlike Kucherov, Vlasov has the versatility to play either winger role at left winger or right winger.
    
    
    
    Alexey Vlasov 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. Alexey Vlasov is the seventy second player with experience or potential to play on a first line in the 2026 NHL Draft.
    
    
    
    The 5-9 178 lb Alexey Vlasov had 44 goals, 36 assists, 80 points, and 40 penalty minutes in 64 QMJHL games in 2025-2026. Alexey Vlasov had 3 goals, 1 assist, and 4 points in 4 games during the 2026 QMJHL Playoffs.
    
    
    
79. Los Angeles Kings: Julien Maze, LW, Calgary Hitmen (WHL)
    
    
    Los Angeles gets another winger to add to their prospect pool. Julien Maze took over for Brandon Gorzynski as the first line left winger on the Calgary Hitmen. Julien Maze was the Everett Silvertips first round pick in the 2022 WHL Draft.
    
    
    
    Julien Maze 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. Julien Maze is the seventy third player with experience or potential to play on a first line in the 2026 NHL Draft.
    
    
    
    The 5-10 170 lb Julien Maze had 38 goals, 40 assists, 78 points, 190 shots on goal, 68 penalty minutes, 12 power play goals, and 6 game-winning goals in 68 WHL games in 2025-2026. Julien Maze had 2 goals, 7 assists, and 9 points in 7 games during the 2026 WHL Playoffs.
    
    
    
    
    
80. New York Rangers: Thomas Rousseau, C, Sherbrooke Phoenix (QMJHL)
    
    
    The New York Rangers draft another center. Thomas Rosseau was drafted by the Sherbrooke Phoenix in the first round of the 2024 QMJHL Draft. Thomas Rousseau has the versatility to play alll three forward roles at left winger, center, and right winger.
    
    
    
    Thomas Rousseau has the speed, 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. Thomas Rousseau is the seventy fourth player with experience or potential to play on a first line in the 2026 NHL Draft.
    
    
    
    The 5-10 170 lb Thomas Rosseau had 22 goals, 30 assists, 52 points, 58 penalty minutes, and a +5 +/- ratio in 2024-2025. Thomas Rosseau had 4 goals, 4 assists, and 8 points in 9 games during the 2025 QMJHL Playoffs. Thomas Rosseau had 22 goals, 30 assists, 52 points, a +1 +/- ratio and 26 penalty minutes in 58 QMJHL Games in 2025-2026. Thomas Rosseau had 1 goal, 5 assists, and 6 points in 7 games during the 2026 QMJHL Playoffs.
    
    
    
81. Anaheim Ducks: Gleb Pugachyov, RW, Torpedo Nizhny Novogorod (KHL)
    
    
    The Anaheim Ducks get another winger. Gleb Pugachyov is considered the top Russian winger in the 2026 NHL Draft since he has the versatility to play both left winger and right winger.
    
    
    
    Gleb Pugachyov has the 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. Gleb Pugachyov is the seventy fifth player with experience or potential to play on the first line in the 2026 NHL Draft.
    
    
    
    The 6-3 198 lb Gleb Pugachyov had 10 goals, 14 assists, and 24 points in the MHL in 33 games 2025-2026. Gleb Pugachyov had 1 goal, 4 assists, and 5 points in the VHL in 15 games in 2025-2026. Gleb Pugachyov had 2 goals, 1 assist, and 3 points in 13 games in the KHL in 2025-2026.
    
    
    
    
    
82. Utah Mammoth: Alessandro Di Iorio, C, Sarnia Sting (OHL)
    
    
    Utah is stacked at center. However, the Utah Mammoth are not passing on Alessandro Di Iorio if he falls this far as the Utah Mammoth start looking for guys to stash their AHL roster with so they can reload at center in the NHL if injuries occur. With Logan Cooley, Caleb Desnoyers, Barrett Hayton, and Nick Schmaltz locked up, Alessandro Di Iorio would not see NHL minutes on Utah until Nick Schmaltz became a UFA at the very earliest.
    
    
    
    Alessandro Di Iorio was drafted by the Sarnia Sting second overall in the first round of the 2024 OHL Draft. Alessandro Di Iorio didn't produce as many points as Beckham Edwards, but some scouts think his ceiling is higher anyways.
    
    
    
    Alessandro Di Iorio 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. Alessandro Di Iorio played on the Sarnia Sting's top line when Beckham Edwards was inactive making him the seventy sixth player with experience or potential to play on the first line in the 2026 NHL Draft.
    
    
    
    The 6-1 188 lb Alessandro Di Iorio had 11 goals, 27 assists, 38 points, 329 face off wins, 93 shots on goal, 14 penalty minutes, 3 power play goals and 1 game-winning goal in 58 games as a rookie with the Sarnia Sting in 2024-2025. Alessandro Di Iorio had 12 goals, 19 assists, 31 points, 322 face off wins, 106 shots on goal, 2 power play goals, and 1 game-winning goal in 45 games as a sophomore with the Sarnia Sting 2025-2026. Alessandro Di Iorio might be the Sarnia Sting's team captain next season with Beckham Edwards off to Notre Dame this Fall.
    
    
    
83. Edmonton Oilers: Jonah Sivertson, RW, Prince Albert Raiders (WHL)
    
    
    The Edmonton Oilers get a right winger to stash and develop. Jonah Sivertson was a big part of the Prince Albert Raiders offense this past season and he's playing college hockey at St. Cloud State starting in 2027 after one more season with the Prince Albert Raiders next season.
    
    
    
    Jonah Sivertson 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. Jonah Sivertson played on the Prince Albert Raiders first line as a rookie making him the seventy seventh player with experience or potential to play on the first line in the 2026 NHL Draft.
    
    
    
    The 6-3 193 lb Jonah Sivertson had 24 goals, 29 assists, 53 points, 160 shots on goal, a +46 +/- ratio, 5 power play goals and 4 game-winning goals in 66 games as a rookie with the Prince Albert Raiders in 2025-2026. Jonah Sivertson had 3 goals, 7 asssits, 10 points, and a +1 +/- ratio i 20 games during the 2026 WHL Playoffs.
    
    
    
    
    
84. Toronto Maple Leafs: Harrison Boettiger, G, Kelowna Rockets (WHL)
    
    
    Toronto traded Joseph Woll to the Philadelphia Flyers for this pick. It is time for Toronto to draft another goalie that they can put in thier porspect pool.
    
    
    
    The 6-3 193 lb Harrison Boettiger had a 25-10-5 record in 41 games played starting 40 of those games posting a 2.83 goals against average a .911 save percentage, and 0 shutouts with the Kelowna Rockets in 2025-2026. Harrison Boettiger went 4-3 in 8 games starting seven posting a 3.06 goals against average and a .907 save percentage in the 2026 WHL 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. Harrison Boettiger checked off 8/10 boxes, but needs to improve his rebound control and his glove work. Harrison Boettiger is going to play College Hockey at Denver, so he can fix his weaknesses there.
    
    
    
85. Pittsburgh Penguins: Landon Hafele, C, Green Bay Gamblers (USHL)
    
    
    Pittsburgh drafts a center to stash and develop. Green Bay Gamblers center Landon Hafele has the versatility to play left winger, center, and right winger. When Gunnar Conboy a 2027 first round prospect took the first line center job from Hafele, Green Bay moved Hafele over to the winger spot across from Zach Wooten so they could keep Wooten, Hafele, and Conboy all on the Green Bay Gamblers top line. Landon Hafele is going to Arizona State this Fall.
    
    
    
    Landon Hafele has the versatility, skating, foot speed, 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. Landon Hafele is the seventy eighth player with experience or potential on a first line in the 2026 NHL Draft.
    
    
    
    The 5-11 185 lb Landon Hafele had 15 goals, 27 assists, 42 points, 123 shots on goal, a +9 +/- ratio, 2 game-winning goals, 1 power play goal, and 1 short-handed goal in 2025-2026. Landon Hafele had 0 goals, 0 assists, and 0 points in 2 games during the 2026 USHL Playoffs. Landon Hafele did get top line minutes when I watched the Green Bay Gamblers in person, but he didn't take over games. He's goig to Arizona State this Fall hoping to change that quality about him.
    
    
    
    
    
86. Ottawa Senators: Brayden Klimpke, D, Saskatoon Blades (WHL)
    
    
    The Ottawa Senators draft a defenseman here. Brayden Klimpke makes a lot of sense here.
    
    
    
    Brayden Klimpke 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. Brayden Klimpke is the seventy ninth player with experience or potential to play on a first line in the 2026 NHL Draft.
    
    
    
    The 6-0 167 lb Brayden Klimpke had 3 goals, 2 assists, 26 points, a +17 +/- ratio, 20 penalty minutes, 81 shots on goal, and 1 game-winning goal in 2024-2025. Brayden Klimkpe had 0 goals, 3 assists, and 3 points in 4 games in the 2025 WHL Playoffs. Brayden Klimpke had 4 goals, 43 assists, 47 points, a +0 +/- ratio, 43 peanlty minutes, 114 shots on goal, and 1 game-winning goal in 2205-2026. Brayden Klimpke had 1 goal, 4 assists, and 5 poitns in 11 games during the 2026 WHL Playoffs.
    
    
    
87. Boston Bruins: Nathan Brisson, C, Val-d'Or Foreurs (QMJHL)
    
    
    I gave Boston a left winger with this third round pick. Nathan Brisson the team captain of the Val-d'Or Foreurs is one of the best overagers the 2026 NHL Draft. Nathan Brisson has the versatiity to play left winger, center, and right winger. Nathan Brisson was also the QMJHL Academic Scholar Of The Year this past season. Nathan Brisson was drafted by the Val-d'OrForeurs in the first round of the 2022 QMJHL Draft.
    
    
    
    Nathan Brisson has the versatility, 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. Nathan Brisson is the eightieth player with experience or potential to play on the first line in the 2026 NHL Draft.
    
    
    
    The 5-11 178 lb Nathan Brisson had 24 goals, 48 assists, 72 points, and a +17 +/- ratio in 62 games 2024-2025. Nathan Brisson had 0 goals, 3 assists, and 3 points in 5 games in the 2025 QMJHL Playoffs. Nathan Brisson had 20 goals, 44 assists, 64 points, and a +7 +/- ratio in 50 games in 2025-2026. Nathan Brisson had 4 goals, 5 assists, and 9 points in 9 games during the 2026 QMJHL Playoffs.
    
    
    
    
    
88. Minnesota Wild: Owen King, C, Greater Sudbury Cubs (NOJHL)
    
    
    The Minnesota Wild have Kirill Kaprizov their 2015 fifth round pick as their first line left winger, Joel Erikson Ek, their 2015 first round pick as their first line center, and Matt Boldy Minnesota's 2019 first round pick is their first line right winger. Minnesota has Yakov Trenin as their second line left winger, Ryan Hartman as their second line center in a contract year, and and Marcus Foligno taking over for UFA Mats Zuccarello as their second line right winger. Minnesota has Nico Sturm as their third line left winger, Michael McCarron as their third line center, and Danila Yurov their 2022 first round pick as their third line right winger. Minnnesota could have Tyler Pitlick as their fourth line left winger in a contract year, Hunter Haight their 2022 second round pick as their fourth line center, and Bobby Brink as their fourth line right winger whose an RFA.
    
    
    
    The Minnesota Wild have Quinn Hughes in a contract year next season as their number one defenseman and Brock Faber complimenting him as their number two defenseman onn their first line. Minnesota has Jared Spurgeon their team captain in a contract year as the number three defenseman anchoring the second line and Jonas Brodin their 2011 first round pick as their two second line defensemen. Jacob Middleton goes from the number six defenseman to the number five defenseman. Daemon Hunt, Minnesota's 2020 third round pick whose an RFA and Matt Kiersted whose in a contract year next season are competing to be the number six and final defenseman on the Minnesota Wild's roster.
    
    
    
    The Minnesota Wild have Jesper Wallstedt, their 2021 first round pick as their starting goalie. Filip Gustavsson began last year as the starting goalie, but is now the backup goalie.
    
    
    
    Minnesota needs a first line center in the worst way possible. Owen King is the only first line center left in the 2026 NHL Draft.
    
    
    
    Owen King has the skating, foot speed, 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. Owen King is the eighty first player with experience or potential on a first line in the 2026 NHL Draft outside of the top eight goalies in the 2026 NHL Draft.
    
    
    
    The 6-0 183 lb Owen King had 50 goals, 25 assists, 75 points, 15 power play goals, and 8 penalty minutes in 49 games with the Blind River Beavers in 2024-2025. Owen King had 5 goals, 3 assists, 8 points, and 1 power play goal in 7 games during the 2025 NOJHL Playoffs. Owen King had 44 goals, 30 assists, 74 points, 21 power play goals, 2 penalty minutes, and 1 short-handed goal with the Greater Sudbury Cubs in 31 games in 2025-2026. Owen King had 7 goals, 3 assists, and 10 points in 12 games in the 2026 NOJHL Playoffs.
    
    
    
89. Tampa Bay Lightning: Olivier Groulx, LW, Saint John Sea Dogs (QMJHL)
    
    
    The Tampa Bay Lightning draft a two way forward. Olivier Groulx has the versatility to play all three forward roles at left winger, center, and right winger. The Saint John Sea Dogs deployed a first line with Olivier Groulx at left winger, Alexis Joseph the top center in the 2027 NHL Draft at center, and Dylan Rozzi at right winger. When Alexis Joseph was the second line center, Olivier Groulx was the first line center mentoring Joseph giving him guidance.
    
    
    
    Olivier Groulx has the versatility, 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. Olivier Groulx is the eighty second player with experience or potential to play on a first line in the 2026 NHL Draft.
    
    
    
    The 6-1 186 lb Olivier Groulx had 17 goals, 24 assists, 41 points, 153 shots on goal, 4 power play goals, 2 short-handed goals, and 1 super short handed goal in a 5 on 3 penalty killing situation with the Sant John Sea Dogs in 64 QMJHL games in 2024-2025. Olivier Groulx had 20 goals, 46 assists, 56 points, 166 shots on goal, 8 power play goals, and 4 short-handed goals in 64 QMJHL games 2025-2026. Olivier Groulx had 1 goal, 1 assist, and 2 points in 4 games during the 2026 QMJHL Playoffs.
    
    
    
    
    
90. Dallas Stars: Dylan Rozzi, RW, Saint John Sea Dogs (QMJHL)
    
    
    The Ottawa Senators draft a winger here. Dylan Rozzi has the versatility to play both left winger and right winger. Dylan Rozzi was a first line left winger when Olivier Groulx or Alexis Joseph lined up at center on the Saint John Sea Dogs. Whenever Groulx played left winger and Joseph played center, Rozzi moved over to right winger. Dylan Rozzi was drafted by the Saint John Sea Dogs in the first round of the 2024 QMJHL Draft.
    
    
    
    Dylan Rozzi 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. Dylan Rozzi is the eighty third player with experience or potential to play on the first line in the 2026 NHL Draft, but his defensive awareness needs work.
    
    
    
    The 5-11 174 lb Dylan Rozzi had 14 goals, 20 assists, 34 points, 120 shots on goal, 34 penalty minutes, 6 power play goals, 2 game-winning goals, and 3 super short-handed 5 on 3 goals in 62 QMJHL games in 2024-2025. Dylan Rozzi had 20 goals, 25 assists, 45 points, 135 shots on goal, 45 penalty minutes, 5 power play goals, and 5 game-winning goals in 64 games with the Saint John Sea Dogs in the QMJHL in 2025-2026. Dylan Rozzi had 0 goals, 0 assists, and 0 points, in 4 games during the 2026 QMJHL Playoffs.
    
    
    
91. New York Rangers: Philippe Veilleux, LW, Val-d'Or Foreurs (QMJHL)
    
    
    The New York Rangers get a guy with the experience of a first line left winger. Philippe Veilleux was the Val-d'Or Foreurs first round pick in the 2023 QMJHL Draft.
    
    
    
    Philippe Veilleux 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. Philippe Veilleux is the eighty fourth skater with experience or upside to play on a first line in the 2026 NHL Draft, but his defensive awareness needs work.
    
    
    
    The 5-10 176 lb Philippe Veilleux had 14 goals, 33 assists, 47 points, 12 penalty minutes, and 145 shots on goal in 68 QMJHL games as a rookie in 2023-2024. Philippe Veilleux had 40 goals, 47 assists, 87 points, 16 penalty minutes , and 231 shots on goal in 2024-2025. Philippe Veilleux had 3 goals, 3 assists, and 6 points in 5 games in the 2025 QMJHL Playoffs. Philippe Veilleux had 43 goals, 56 assists, 96 points, 10 penalty minutes, and 256 shots on goal in 2025-2026. Philippe Veilleux had 5 goals, 4 assists, and 9 points in 9 games in the 2026 QMJHL Playoffs.
    
    
    
    
    
92. Montreal Canadiens: Niklas Aaram-Olsen, LW, Orebro HK (Elitserien)
    
    
    The Montreal Canadiens get a left winger to stash and develop. Niklas Aaram-Olsen makes a lot of sense as he has the versatility to play both left winger and right winger.
    
    
    
    Niklas Aaram-Olsen 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. Niklas Aaram-Olsen was a second line left winger on the Orebro HK Under 20 Team, but he was a first line left winger on Norway in the Under 18 World Junior Championships and the Under 20 World Junior Championships making him the eighty fifth player with first line experience or potential in the 2026 NHL Draft.
    
    
    
    The 6-1 187 lb Niklas Aaram-Olsen had 20 goals, 20 assists, and 40 points on Orebro HK's Under 20 Team in 2025-2026. Niklas Aaram-Olsen had 0 goals, 0 assists, and 0 points in 16 games on Orebro HK's main roster in the SHL in the league once known as Elitserien in Sweden. Niklas Aaram-Olsen can play on the power play as well as the penalty killing unit as he was the final player in The Hockey News top 32 to crack my 2026 NHL Mock Draft.
    
    
    
93. Columbus Blue Jackets: Michel Myloserdnyy, D, Gatineau Olympiques (QMJHL)
    
    
    The Columbus Blue Jackets draft a defenseman. Columbus drafts a big body defenseman that is a massive project with huge upside whose also the final player with exerience on the first line in the 2026 NHL Draft.
    
    
    
    Michel Myloserdnyy has the skating, playmaking, passing, vision, offensive awareness, defensive awareness, and hockey IQ to succeed in the NHL. Michel Myloserdnyy is the eighty sixth with first line experience and potential in the 2026 NHL Draft.
    
    
    
    The 6-6 214 lb Michel Myloserdnyy had 1 goal, 5 assists, and 6 points in 59 QMJHL games in 2025-2026. Michel Myloserdnyy had 0 goals, 1 assist, and 1 point in 7 games during the 2026 QMJHL Playoffs.
    
    
    
    Michel Myloserdnyy has huge size and massive upside. He is also a long-term project though.
    
    
    
    
    
94. Vegas Golden Knights: Filip Ruzicka, G, Brandon Wheat Kings (WHL)
    
    
    The Vegas Golden Knights have Pavel Dorofeyev their 2019 third round pick as their first line left winger, Jack Eichel as their first line center locked up until 2034 after signing an eight year extension earlier this Fall before this past NHL season, and team captain Mark Stone as their first line right winger in a contract year next season. Vegas has Ivan Barbashev as their second line left winger, Brett Howden as their second line center, and Mitch Marner as their second line right winger with the ability to take over as the first line right winger in a year from now if Mark Stone leaves. Vegas has Tomas Hertl as their third line left winger, William Karlsson as their third line center, and Keegan Kolosar their fourth line right winger getting promoted to third line right winger in a contract year if Reilly Smith leaves. Vegas could have Trevor Connolly their 2024 first round pick as their fourth line left winger, Nic Dowd in a contract year, and Braden Bowman who played fourth line right winger after William Karlsson got injured in the 2026 Stanley Cup Finals as their fourth line right winger next season before he becomes an RFA.
    
    
    
    The Vegas Golden Knights have Shea Theodore and Brayden McNabb their two first line defenseman back as their two first line defenseman. Noah Hanifin and Kaedan Korczak their 2019 second round pick right before Vegas drafte Pavel Dorofeyev in the same year are the two second line defensemen. Vegas does not have a third line defenseman under contract for next season and only have 4 million in cap space. My guess is if they cannot re-sign anyone they will either trade someone to create cap space, or they will promote Jeremy Davies whose making over $1 million in the AHL to be the number five defenseman anchoring the third line with Lukas Cormier their 2020 third round pick that I loved in the 2020 NHL Draft as their number six defenseman after giving the RFA a cheap one-way contract that would allow Cormier to make the jump to the NHL this season.
    
    
    
    The Vegas Golden Knights have Carter Hart as their starting goalie in a contract year. Adin Hill who led the Vegas Golden Knights to their only Stanley Cup in 2023 is now the backup goalie. Pavel Moysevich struggled in 18 KHL games after he got drafted by the Vegas Golden Knights in the third round of the 2024 NHL Draft and did not play in any KHL games this past season. Pavel Moysevich is joining the Henderson Silver Knights next season, but something tells me he will struggle there since he only did well in the MHL and VHL, but struggled in the KHL. This tells me he might be good enough to play in the AHL, but not good enough to play in the NHL.
    
    
    
    The Vegas Golden Knights need a first line defenseman in the worst way possible. I'm not sold on Theodore or McNabb as an All Star caliber despite the fact that both stepped up against Colorado in the 2026 Western Conference Finals. Unfortunately, there's not a first line defenseman available in this 2026 NHL Draft and not having a first round pick until the 2028 NHL Draft may keep them from getting that player. The next best option is to draft a goalie that can replace Pavel Moysevich down the road if he struggles in the AHL. Vegas can load up with defenders and possibly a left winger with their last pick in the seventh round.
    
    
    
    The 6-7 230 lb Filip Ruzicka had a 26-14-1 record in 42 games played starting 41 of those games posting a 3.19 goals against average a .906 save percentage, and 2 shutouts with the Brandon Wheat Kings in 2025-2026. Filip Ruzicka went 0-4 in 4 playoff games, but posted a 2.47 goals against average and .936 save percentage being a bright spot in the 2026 WHL Playoffs despite the Brandon Wheat Kings getting swept.
    
    
    
    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. Filip Ruzicka checked off 8/10 boxes, but needs to improve his his quickness and his rebound control. Filip Ruzicka is going to play two more seasons on the Brandon Wheat Kings before making the jump to the AHL for the NHL team that drafts him since he's one of the few goalies not taking the NCAA route.
    
    
    
95. Utah Mammoth: Tomas Galvas, D, HC Bili Tygri Liberec (Extraliga)
    
    
    The Utah Mammoth get a defenseman on a first line with the last pick in the third round of the 2026 NHL Draft. Some believe Tomas Galvas is the best twenty-year-old player in the 2026 NHL Draft as well as the top player in the Czech Republic's professional league Extraliga.
    
    
    
    Tomas Galvas has the speed, explosion, burst, 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. Tomas Galvas is the eighty seventh player with first line experience and potential in the 2026 NHL Draft.
    
    
    
    The 5-10 168 lb Tomas Galvas had 3 goals, 8 assists, 11 points, and a +10 +/- ratio in 43 games with HC Bili Tygri Liberec in Extraliga in 2024-2025. Tomas Galvas had 8 goals, 16 assists, 24 points, and a +16 +/- ratio in 32 games with HC Bili Tygri Liberec in Extraliga in 2025-2026.