Draft Order NHL: 2026 NHL Draft Order: Round 6: 160. Vancouver Canucks: 25-49-8 58 points, 161. New York Rangers (from Chicago Blackhawks): 29-39-14 72 points, 162. New York Rangers: 34-39-9 77 points, 163. Calgary Flames: 34-39-9 77 points, 164. Carolina Hurricanes (from Toronto Maple Leafs): 32-36-14 78 points, 165. Seattle Kraken: 34-37-11 79 points, 166. Winnipeg Jets: 35-35-12 82 points, 167. Florida Panthers: 40-38-4 84 points, 168. Toronto Maple Leafs (from San Jose Sharks): 39-35-8 86 points, 169. Pittsburgh Penguins (from Nashville Predators): 38-34-10 86 points, 170. St. Louis Blues: 37-33-12 86 points, 171. New Jersey Devils: 42-37-3 87 points, 172. New York Islanders: 43-34-5 91 points, 173. San Jose Sharks (from Columbus Blue Jackets): 40-30-12 92 points, 174. Detroit Red Wings: 41-31-10 92 points, 175. Vancouver Canucks (from Washington Capitals): 43-30-9 95 points, 176. Los Angeles Kings: 35-27-20 90 points, 177. Anaheim Ducks: 43-33-6 92 points, 178. Nashville Predators (from Utah Mammoth): 43-33-6 92 points, 179. Edmonton Oilers: 41-30-9 93 points, 180. Florida Panthers (from Philadelphia Flyers): 43-27-12 98 points, 181. Columbus Blue Jackets (from Pittsburgh Penguins): 41-25-16 98 points, 182. Ottawa Senators: 44-27-11 99 points, 183. Vancouver Canucks (from Boston Bruins): 45-27-10 100 points, 184. Minnesota Wild: 46-24-12 104 points, 185. Tampa Bay Lightning: 50-26-6 106 points, 186. Dallas Stars: 50-20-12 112 points, 187. Buffalo Sabres: 50-23-9 109 points, 188. Montreal Canadiens: 48-24-10 106 points, 189. Los Angeles Kings (from Colorado Avalanche): 55-16-11 121 points, 190. Vegas Golden Knights: 39-26-17 95 points, 191. Carolina Hurricanes: 53-22-7 113 points

















2026 NHL Mock Draft: Final Mock 7 Rounds




Round 6




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


  1. Vancouver Canucks: Wesley Royston, RW, Owen Sound Attack (OHL)

    Wesley, a big player at 6’4” and 190 pounds is able to bring some size and some scoring. W esley was traded from the Erie Otters after 13 games played in the 2025 season to the Owen Sound Attack. Wesley put up 2 goals and 2 assists in his time in Erie and then added 10 goals and 5 assists with the Owen Sound Attack. Wesley has good playmaking skills, and is able to anticipate and is able to see the ice well for good crisp passing. He is more of a set up/playmaker than a true scorer.


    Wesley can play on the Power Play and also the PK. He has a good wrist shot and has some speed and elusiveness for his size. At 18 he has not yet committed to a college team, but that could be coming sooner rather than later. Wesley will be a good addition to any team.


  2. New York Rangers: Spencer Bowes, C, Ottawa 67's (OHL)

    Spencer is a 6' 174 pound Center for the Ottawa 67's. Spencer played in 67 games for the 67's with 23 goals 19 assists for 42 PTS and +30. Bowes also played in 9 playoff games and netted 4 goals and 4 apples for 8 PTS.


    Spencer plays good PP minutes and 5v5. Spencer has a nose for the net and is able to shoot quality hard shots from anyplace on the ice. He is able to win board battles and has great vision to get the puck to teammates. He has really good hands with good stick work and is able to make good plays with the puck. Needs to learn how to play better without the puck and needs to work on his speed and consistent stride. He could work out to be a solid NHLer in a few years if he is able to put on some weight and gain some better speed. He is committed to Providence College in 2027.



  3. New York Rangers: Jordan Duguay, C, Portland Winterhawks (WHL)

    New York goes after another center here after spending their first sixth round pick on two-way forward Spencer Bowes who can line up at left winger or center. Jordan Duguay is a playmaker center that could develop into a third line center on an NHL team down the road.


    Give Ron Mont a round of applause for helping me with the last two writeups. He's helping me with a few writeups with the deadline to the 2026 NHL Draft so close with the 2026 NBA Draft also takng place this week. You can check out his site RNJ Media.


    Jordan Duguay has the 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. Jordan Duguay is someone that can develop into a third line center in the NHL.


    The 5-11 175 lb Jordan Duguay had 22 goals, 43 assists, 65 points, 180 shots on goal, 6 power play goals, 4 game-winning goals, and a +5 +/- rato in 2025-2026. Jordan Duguay had 0 goals, 3 assists, and 3 points in 4 games in the 2026 WHL Playoffs.


  4. Calgary Flames: Yaroslav Bryzgalov, LW, Medicine Hat Tigers (WHL)

    Bryzgalov is one of the re-entry players for the 2026 Draft. At 6’4” and 220 pounds this left hand winger/centerman has all the tools. In his first year of eligibility for the NHL draft in 2025 he was with the USHL’s Des Moines Buccaneers where he played in 51 games 10 goals, 7 assists for 17 PTS and -15. For the 2025 season he was playing for the Medicine Hat Tigers of the WHL and played in 64 games with 13 goals, 42 assists for 55 PTS and +30. Not to mention 15 playoff games with 2 goals and 12 assists for 14 PTS and +12. Clearly the extra year will help his draft stock for 2026 to be a top 100 pick. I do not see him lasting until round 7.


    Bryzgalov, a physical presence on the ice and is not afraid to throw his large frame around to knock players off the puck. He is also a playmaker, just look at the number of assists he is putting up consistently. He plays a good 200 foot game and is defensively responsible as you can tell by the +30 for the season.



  5. Carolina Hurricanes: Jan Brabenec, C, HC Kometa Brno (Extraliga)

    Carolina drafts a center to stash and develop. Jan Brabenec is someone who could develop into a good third line center down the road.


    Jan Brabenec has the 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. Jan Brabenec is someone that could develop into a third line center on an NHL team down the road.


    The 6-4 181 lb Jan Brabenec had 13 goals, 34 assists, and 47 points in 44 games with the HC Kometa Brno Under 20 Team in 2025-2026. Jan Brabenec will be with the HCKometa Brno Under 20 Team next season.


  6. Seattle Kraken: Alexander Karmanov, D, North Bay Battalion (OHL)

    Alex is coming into the 2026 NHL Draft as the tallest player eligible. At 7’1”, 280 pounds this Left Hand Shot defenseman is only 18 and brings much more than size to the table. This feisty player for Moldova has come to the states to fine tune his craft and that is just what he is doing! Imagine Zdeno Chara with the ability to skate? That is what you are getting with Karmanov. He is young, but boy can he skate for a Huge Man. He looks very large against the opposition while playing the start of the 2025 season with the Brantford Titans playing in 15 games with 3 Goals and 4 Apples and then finished the season in the OHL with the North Bay Battalion with 20 Games 2 Assists and a +6 with 29 PIMs.


    Alex is committed to Penn State for the 2027-2028 season so he is a project for sure but he has the tools and of course the size not to mention that he is able to skate very well for his size. He has a very high ceiling based on his skills and skating, but will need to learn how to use the tools he was blessed with in order to make an impact for any team that drafts him.



  7. Winnipeg Jets: Aiden O'Donnell, LW, Oshawa Generals (OHL)

    Winnipeg drafts a guy that can develop. Aiden O'Donnell was the Brantford Bulldogs first round pick in the 2024 OHL Draft.


    Aiden O'Donnell has the 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. Aiden O'Donnell is someone that could develop into a third line left winger on an NHL team down the road.


    The 6-2 187 lb Aiden O'Donnell had 11 goals, 14 assists, and 25 points in 45 OHL games in 2025-2026. Aiden O'Donnell had 0 goals, 1 assist, and 1 point in 11 games during the 2026 OHL Playoffs.


  8. Florida Panthers: Sawyer Dingman, LW, Swift Current Broncos (WHL)

    Florida drafts a guy that can develop into a third line left winger. Sayer Dingman is one of the biggest left wingers in the 2026 NHL Draft.


    Sawyer Dingman has the 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. Sawyer Dingman has the potential to develop into a third line left winger on an NHL team.


    The 6-4 225 lb Sawyer Dingman had 13 goals, 14 assists, 27 points, and 74 shots on goal in 2025-2026. Sawyer Dingman will be back with the swift Current Broncos the team that drafted him in the second round of the 2023 WHL Draft next season.



  9. Toronto Maple Leafs: Isac Hedqvist, C, Lulea HF (Elitserien)

    Toronto drafts a forward. Isac Hedqvist has the versatility to play left winger, center, and right winger.


    Isac Hedqvist 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. Isaq Hedqvist has the ability to develop into a third line forward on an NHL team.


    The 5-11 175 lb Isac Hedqvist had 10 goals, 10 assists, and 20 points against men in the SHL. Isac Hedqvist is under contract with Lulea HF until 2028.


  10. Pittsburgh Penguins: Brody Pepoy, RW, Saginaw Spirit (OHL)

    Pittsburgh drafts a right winger to stash and develop. Brody Pepoy is one of the best right wingers when it comes to deking in the 2026 NHL Draft.


    Brody Pepoy has the skating, playmaking, passing, wrist shot power, wrist shot accuracy, slap shot power, slap shot accuracy, vision, offensive awareness, and hockey IQ to succeed in the NHL. Brody Pepoy could develop into a third line right winger in the NHl if he can fix his defensive awareness.


    The 6-1 175 lb Brody Pepoy had 16 goals, 13 assists, and 29 points in 67 OHL games in 2025-2026. Brody Pepoy had 0 goals, 0 assists, and 0 points in 3 games during the 2026 OHL Playoffs.



  11. St. Louis Blues: Luka Arkko, LW, Lahti Pelicans (SM Liiga)

    Luka Arkko is one of the best left wingers from Finland in the 2026 NHL Draft. He is someone that can develop into a third line NHL left winger for the team that drafts him.


    Luka Arkko has the 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. Luka Arkko is someone that could develop into a third line left winger on an NHL team down the road.


    The 6-3 212 lb Luka Arkko had 11 goals, 14 assists, and 25 points in 42 games with the Lahti Pelicans Under 20 Team in 2025-2026. Luka Arkko also generated 6 goals, 2 assists, and 8 points with the Lahti Pelicans Under 18 Team in 4 games in 2025-2026. Luka Arkko had 6 goals, 5 assists, and 11 points in 14 International Tournament games with the Finland Under 18 Team in 2025-2026.


  12. New Jersey Devils: Doman Szongoth, C, KooKoo (SM Liiga)

    Doman Szongoth, his full name is Doman Krstof Szongoth plays onn the KooKoo Under 20 Team in Finland. He has the ability to become a first line center on an NHL team.


    Doman Szongoth has the skating, playmaking, passing, sniping, shooting, 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. Doman Szongoth is the ninty first player with first line experience or potential in the 2026 NHL Draft.


    The 6-1 194 lb Doman Szongoth had 10 goals, 18 assists, and 27 points in 44 games with the KooKoo Under 20 Team Under 20 Team in 2025-2026. Doman Szongoth was the team captain of Hungary's Under 18 Team at the 2025 World Junior Championships where he had 5 goals, 0 assists, and 5 points in 5 games with Hungary.



  13. New York Islanders: Sean Burick, D, Penticon Vees (WHL)

    The New York Islanders add another defenseman in their prospect pool. Sean Burick has potential to be a third line defenseman on an NHL team. With players like Matthew Schaefer and Kashawn Aitcheson, Sean Burick does not have to worry about developing into a first line defenseman on a team like the New York Islanders.


    Sean Burick has the skating, playmaking, passing, vision, offensive awareness, defensive awareness, and hockey IQ to succeed in the NHL. Sean Burick could develop into a third line defenseman down the road.


    The 6-7 209 lb Sean Burick had 0 goals, 4 assists, 4 points, a +25 +/- ratio, 56 penalty minutes, and 44 shots on goal in 50 games with the Penticon Vees in the WHL in 2025-2026. Sean Burick had 0 goals, 2 assists, 2 points, and a +2 +/- ratio in 12 games during the 2026 WHL Playoffs.


  14. San Jose Sharks: Yaroslav Matyev, D, Amur Khabarovsk (KHL)

    Yaroslav Matyev might be Russia's biggest defenseman in the 2026 NHL Draft. He has the upside to develop into a third line defenseman on an NHL team.


    Yaroslav Matyev has the 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. Yaroslav Matyev could develop into a bottom pairing defenseman as a number six or number five defenseman on a third line in the NHL if he reaches his ceiling.


    The 6-5 220 lb Yaroslav Matyev had 1 goal, 4 assists, and 5 points in the MHL in 2024-2025. Yaroslav Matyev got promoted to the KHL in his plus one draft year and had 0 goals, 0 assists, and 0 points in 2024-2025. Yaroslav Matyev had 5 goals, 7 assists, an 12 points in 50 MHL games in 2025-2026.



  15. Detroit Red Wings: Lucas Ambrosio, D, Erie Otters (OHL)

    Lucas Ambrosio is a defenseman that can develop into a bottom pairing defenseman in the NHL. He picked up where Matthew Schaefer left off on the Erie Otters despite not having as big of an impact as Schaefer.


    Lucas Ambrosio has the 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. Lucas Ambrosio could develop into a bottom pairing defenseman as a number six or number five defenseman on a third line in the NHL if he reaches his ceiling.


    The 6-4 194 lb Lucas Ambrosio had 4 goals, 9 assists, and 13 points in 52 OHL games with the Erie Otters in 2024-2025. Lucas Ambrosio had 1 goal, 19 assists, and 20 points in 64 games with the Erie Otters in 2025-2026.


  16. Vancouver Canucks: Daniil Ustinkov, D, ZSC Lions (National League A)

    Vancouver gets a bottom pairing defenseman. Daniil Ustinkov went undrafted in 2024 and 2025. I believe he will get picked this year though.


    Daniil Ustinkov has the 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. Daniil Ustinkov could develop into a bottom pairing defenseman as a number six or number five defenseman on a third line in the NHL if he reaches his ceiling.


    The 6-1 201 lb Daniil Ustinkov had 3 goals, 8 assists, and 11 points in 36 SL games in 2024-2025. Daniil Ustinkov had 0 goals, 0 assists, and 0 points in 1 game with the ZSC Lions in National League A in 2024-2025. Daniil Ustinkov had 2 goals, 16 assists, and 18 points in 28 SL games in 2025-2026. Daniil Ustinkov had 0 goals, 0 assists, and 0 points in 17 games with the ZSC Lions in 2025-2026.



  17. Los Angeles Kings: Will McLaughlin, D, Portland Winterhawks (WHL)

    The Los Angeles Kings draft a defenseman to stash and develop. Will McLaughlin could develop into a bottom pairing defenseman in the NHL.


    Will McLaughlin has the 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. Daniil Ustinkov could develop into a bottom pairing defenseman as a number six or number five defenseman on a third line in the NHL if he reaches his ceiling.


    The 6-2 168 lb Will McLaughlin had 9 goals, 21 assists, 30 points, 103 shots o goal, 14 penalty minutes, a +11 +/- ratio, 3 power play goals, and 1 short-handed goal in 68 WHL games with the Portland Winterhawks in 2025-2026. Will McLaughlin had 0 goals, 0 assists, and 0 points in 4 games in the 2026 WHL Playoffs.


  18. Anaheim Ducks: Carter Stevens, RW, Guelph Storm (OHL)

    Carter Stevens began his OHL career at center. He converted to right winger this past season despite having the versatility to play both center and right winger.


    Carter Stevens has the versatility, skating, playmaking, passing, wrist shot power, wrist shot accuracy, slap shot power, slap shot accuracy, vision, offensive awareness, and hockey IQ to succeed in the NHL. Carter Stevens could develop into a third line right winger in the NHL if he can improve his defensive awareness.


    The 6-1 184 lb Carter Stevens had 13 goals, 13 assists, 26 points, 104 shots on goal, 82 face off wins, 8 power play goals, and 1 game-winning goal, in 66 OHL games with the Guelph Storm in 2024-2025. Carter Stevens had 20 goals, 16 assists, 36 points, 157 shots on goal, 18 face off wins, 3 power play goals, and 2 game-winning goals in 53 OHL games with the Guelph Storm in 2025-2026. Carter Stevens had 1 goal, 0 assists, and 1 point in 4 games in the 2026 OHL Playoffs.



  19. Nashville Predators: Eric Frossard, D, Guelph Storm (OHL)

    Nashville gets a defenseman with the potential to develop into a third line defenseman in the NHL in the sixth round. Eric Frossard makes a lot of sense here,


    Eric Frossard has the skating, playmaking, passing, wrist shot power, wrist shot accuracy, slap shot power, slap shot accuracy, vision, offensive awareness, and hockey IQ to succeed in the NHL. Eric Frossard could develop into a third line defenseman in the NHL if he can improve his defensive awareness.


    The 6-4 195 lb Eric Frossard had 0 goals, 2 assists, 2 points, and 19 shots on goal in 30 OHL games with the Guelph Storm in 2024-2025. Eric Frossard had 5 goals, 9 assists, 14 points, and 67 shots on goal in 53 OHL games with the Guelph Storm in 2025-2026. Eric Frossard had 0 goals, 1 assist, and 1 point in 4 games in the 2026 OHL Playoffs. Eric Frossard is heading to Notre Dame this Fall.


  20. Edmonton Oilers: Layne Gallacher, C, Guelph Storm (OHL)

    Edmonton drafts a center for the future. Layne Gallacher has the potential to develop into a third line center. Layne Gallacher started out on the Brantford Bulldogs before getting traded to the Guelph Storm this season.


    Layne Gallacher has the skating, playmaking, passing, wrist shot power, wrist shot accuracy, slap shot power, slap shot accuracy, vision, offensive awareness, and hockey IQ to succeed in the NHL. Layne Gallacher could develop into a third line center in the NHL if he can improve his defensive awareness.


    The 6-1 180 lb Layne Gallacher had 0 goals, 2 assists, 2 points, and 6 shots on goal in 9 OHL games with the Brantford Bulldogs in 2024-2025. Layne Gallacher had 10 goals, 20 assists, 30 points, and 76 shots on goal in 53 OHL games in 2025-2026. Layne Gallacher had 0 goals, 1 assist, and 1 point in 4 games with the Guelph Storm in the 2026 OHL Playoffs. Layne Gallacher got traded to the Niagara IceDogs this offseason.



  21. Florida Panthers: Pavel Martinu, C, Sioux City Musketeers (USHL)

    Florida drafts a center to stash and develop. Pavel Martinu makes a lot of sense here as he can develop into a third line center on an NHL team.


    Pavel Martinu has the skating, playmaking, passing, wrist shot power, wrist shot accuracy, slap shot power, slap shot accuracy, offensive awareness, and hockey IQ to succeed in the NHL. Pavel Martinu needs to improve his defensive awareness.


    The 6-5 220 lb Pavel Martinu had 8 goals, 9 assists, and 17 points in 53 USHL games with the Sioux City Musketeers in 2025-2026. Pavel Martinu had 2 goals, 0 assists, and 2 points in 5 games during the 2026 USHL Playoffs. Pavel Martinu is going to New Hampshire in 2027.


  22. Columbus Blue Jackets: Roman Laman, C, Avangard Omsk (KHL)

    Columbus drafted Egor Chinakov with their 2020 first round pick out of Avangard Omsk in the 2020 NHL Draft. Columbus traded him to Pittsburgh and I'm wondering if that's how Columbus got this 2026 sixth round pick. Coincidentally, I have another forward from Avangard Omsk going to Columbus here.


    Roman Laman has the 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. Roman Laman could develop into a third line center in the NHL.


    The 5-11 176 lb Roman Laman had 16 goals, 24 assists, 40 points, a +25 +/- ratio, and only 4 penalty minutes in 55 MHL games in 2025-2026. Roman Laman had 0 goals, 2 assists, and 2 points in 9 games during the 2026 MHL Playoffs.



  23. Ottawa Senators: Colin Fitzgerald, C, Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds (OHL)

    Ottawa drafts the best player on the board in the sixth round, I'm gonna briefly list how Colin Fitzgerald got drafted in the OHL Draft before letting Ron knock this writeup out. Colin Fitzgerald was drafted third overall by the Peterborough Petes in the 2024 OHL Draft.


    Colin is a big fast Center at 6’2” and 212 pounds he is the prototypical Center in todays NHL. Colin started the 2025 season on the Peterborough Petes with the "A" on his sweater for 24 games played potting 6 goals and 7 assists for 13 PTS, then traded to Soo Greyhounds for 39 games and put up 9 goals and 11 assists for 20 PTS giving him a total of 15 goals and 18 assists for 33 PTS.


    Colin, plays big minutes and plays in all situations from 5v5 to PP and PK. He has a good wrist shot and is clearly not afraid to drive the net or take shots from any place on the ice. He has good speed and plays a good 200 foot game. He could be a 3rd or 4th line Center as he is really good in the face-off dot.


  24. Vancouver Canucks: Viktor Fyodorov, C, Torpedo Nizhny Novgorod (KHL)

    Vancouver drafts a center to stash and develop. Viktor Fydorov is one of the top KHL players in the 2026 NHL Draft.


    Viktor Fyodorov has the 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. Viktor Fyodorov could develop into a fourth line center in the NHL.


    The 5-11 176 lb Viktor Fyodorov had 3 goals, 7 assists, 10 points, 10 penalty minutes, and a +5 +/- ratio in 18 MHL games in 2025-2026. Viktor Fyodorov had 2 goals, 6 assists, 8 points, 8 penalty minutes, and a +8 +/- ratio in 32 VHL games in 2025-2026. Viktor Fyodorov had 1 goal, 3 assists, 4 points, 2 penalty minutes, and a +4 +/- ratio in 13 KHL games in 2025-2026.


    Viktor Fyodorov's strongest trait is his brain. He's a very smart cerebral player that had 6 goals, 4 assists, and 10 points in 17 games in the 2026 MHL Playoffs.



  25. Minnesota Wild: Arseni Ilyin, LW, Spartak Moscow (KHL)

    Minnesota gets a left winger to stash and develop for the future. Arseni Ilyin is the top Russian prospect in the 2026 NHL Draft and he has the versatility to play both winger roles at left winger and right winger.


    Arseni Ilyin 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. Arensi Ilyin has the floor of a first line left winger in the AHL and the ceiling of a first line left winger in the NHL. He's the ninty second player with first line potential in the 2026 NHL Draft.


    The 6-2 170 lb Arseni Ilyin had 9 goals, 7 assists, 16 points, 10 penalty minutes, and a +4 +/- ratio in 40 games with SKA Saint Petersburg's MHL team in 2024-2025. Arseni Ilyin was moved to Spartak Moscow before this season. Arseni Ilyin had 8 goals, 13 assists, 21 points, 14 penalty miutes, and a +7 +/- ratio in 58 MHL games in 2025-2026.


  26. Tampa Bay Lightning: Joe Iginla, RW, Vancouver Giants (WHL)

    Joe Iginla is the younger brother of 2024 first round pick Tij Iginla who was drafted sixth overall by Utah and the youngest son of former NHL player Jarome Iginla. The Edmonton Oil Kings drafted Joe Iginla twelfth overall in the 2023 WHL Draft.


    Joe Iginla 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, and hockey IQ to succeed in the NHL. Joe Iginla has the floor of a first line right winger in the AHL and the ceiling of a first line right winger making him the ninty third player with first line experience or potential in the 2026 NHL Draft. Joe Iginla got traded from the Edmonton Oil Kings to the Vancouver Giants in the middle of the season.


    The 5-10 175 lb Joe Iginla only had 9 goals, 7 assists, and 16 points in 61 WHL games with the Edmonton Oil Kings in 2024-2025. Joe Iginla had 0 goals, 0 assists, and 0 points in 3 games in the 2025 WHL Playoffs. Joe Iginla can hit shots in the upper corner of the goalie net just like Anton Frondell. Not only does Iginla do that, he did that in a game on film against the eventual WHL Champion Medicine Hat Tigers. Joe Iginla had 15 goals, 16 assists, and 31 points in 59 WHL games in 2025-2026.



  27. Dallas Stars: Alex Kostov, C, Flint Firebirds (OHL)

    The Dallas Stars draft a first line forward that has the versatility to play left winger, center, and right winger. Alex Kostov played with Jimmy Lombardi, a 2024 first line center on the Flint Firebirds. Alex Kostov projects as a center, meaning he was a first line winger when he was on the ice with Lombardi and a second line center. Alex Kostov was also an alternate captain on the Flint Firebirds.


    Alex Kostov 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. Alex Kostov has the floor and ceiling of a first line forward on an NHL team. He's the ninty fourth player with experience or potential to play on a first line in the 2026 NHL Draft despite having a sixth round grade on Alex Kostov. Alex Kostov is the best penalty shot guy I've seen in this draft with one scouting service having him in the third round and another having him in the fourth round.


    The 6-4 208 lb Alex Kostov had 16 goals, 29 assists, 45 points, 134 shots on goal, 67 face off wins, 92 penalty minutes, 2 power play goals, 3 short-handed goals, 2 game-winning goals, and a +1 +/- ratio in 68 games with the Flint Firebirds 2024-2025. Alex Kostov had 1 goal, 2 assists, and 3 points in 5 games in the 2025 OHL Playoffs. Alex Kostov had 24 goals, 31 assists, 55 points, 137 shots on goal, 271 face off wins, 48 penalty minutes, 8 power play goals, 1 short-handed goal, 3 game-winning goals, and a +24 +/- ratio in 47 OHL games with the Flint Firebirds 2025-2026. Alex Kostov had 3 goals, 6 assists, and 9 points in 8 games in the 2026 OHL Playoffs.


  28. Buffalo Sabres: Oiva Juntunen, LW, HC KooKoo (SM Liiga)

    The Buffalo Sabres draft a left winger from Finland. Oiva Juntunen had the best grade of of any prospect on KooKoo in the 2026 NHL Draft according to Neutral Shift, which puts some of their content behind a paywall. I saw this information when typing in Oiva Juntunen on X in the search results page. His dad, uncle, and two cousins all played professionally in Finland, but none of those four got drafted ito the NHL.


    Oiva Juntunen has the physical build and physical tools required to impose his will near the net and deliver powerful hits on the boards. Offensively, he's best utilized as a shooter flashing the ability to beat goalies clean from medium range with his wrist shot and from long range with his slap shot.


    Oiva Juntunen 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. Oiva Juntunen has the floor of a second line left winger in the AHL and the ceiling of a second line left winger in the NHL with his projection listed as a fourth line left winger in the NHL. Oiva Juntunen was a third line left winger on the KooKoo Under 20 Team as well as the second line left winger on KooKoo's power play unit.


    The 6-1 216 lb Oiva Juntunen had 13 goals, assists, 19 points, 84 penalty minutes, and a +2 +/- ratio in 41 games with the KooKoo Under 20 Team in 2025-2026. Oiva Juntuen had 2 goals, 2 assists, and 4 points in 14 tournament games with Finland's Under 18 Team as well.



  29. Montreal Canadiens: Caelan Joudrey, RW, Wenatchee Wild (WHL)

    Montreal drafts a right winger here. Caelan Joudrey is a great value pick at this point in the sixth round.


    Calean Joudrey's ability to impact the game starts in the defensive zone. He can support battles as well as win them. He eliminates threats with his stick while shocasing staming and defensive pace. He's moving and scanning the ice constistently.


    Caelan Joudrey has the speed, 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. Caelan Joudrey can develop into a fourth line right winger on an NHL team down the road. Caelan Joudrey is also one of the five best penalty shooters I've seen in this draft.


    The 6-4 172 lb Caelan Joudrey had 5 goals, 11 assists, 16 points, and 40 penalty minutes in 66 WHL games with the Wenatchee Wild in 2024-2025. Caelan Joudrey had 19 goals, 10 assists, 29 points, and 56 penalty minutes in 67 WHL games with the Wenatchee Wild in 2025-2026.


  30. Los Angeles Kings: Jasper Kuhta, C, Ottawa 67's (OHL)

    Los Angeles drafts a center to stash and develop. Jasper Kuhta was the Ottawa 67's 2025 second round pick in the 2025 CHL Import Draft as Kuhta hails from Helsinki, Finland.


    Jasper Kuhta has the 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. Jasper Kuhta could develop into a fourth line center in the NHL.


    The 6-2 199 lb Jasper Kuhta had 32 goals, 31 assists, 62 points, 393 face off wins, 175 shots on goal, a +25 +/- ratio, 10 power play goals, 6 penalty minutes, 3 game-wining goals, and 3 short-handed goals in 62 OHL games with the Ottawa 67's in 2025-2026. Jasper Kuhta had 2 goals, 5 assists, and 7 points in 9 games during the 2026 OHL Playoffs.



  31. Vegas Golden Knights: Jiri Kamas, D, Red Deer Rebels (WHL)

    Jiri Kamas was the Penticon Vees second round pick in the 2025 CHL Import Draft. Penticon traded Jiri Kamas to the Red Deer Rebels in the middle of the WHL Season in January right before the 2026 WHL Trade Deadline.


    Jiri Kamas has advanced rush defense and transition skills. He's a quick skater who can build speed through his stride and pivots. He's a formidable one-on-one defender.


    Jiri Kamas has the speed, 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. Jiri Kamas floor is a number seven defenseman that will anchor the first line on your AHL team. His ceiling is a number five defenseman on an NHL team since was an alternate captain on the Penticon Vees, a team that made the Conference Finals prior to getting traded to the Red Deer Rebels. That projects as a number six defenseman on an NHL roster. This might be the last defender in the 2026 NHL Draft that might be able to crack an NHL roster since the seventh round is filled with defensemen that project as AHL defenders.


    The 6-1 187 lb Jiri Kamas had 3 goals, 13 assists, and 16 points in 2025-2026. Jiri Kamas had 0 goals, 2 assists, and 2 points in 5 games with the Red Deer Rebels in the 2026 WHL Playoffs.


  32. Carolina Hurricanes: Carter Casey, G, Medicine Hat Tigers (WHL)

    Carolina loses Frederik Anderson to Free Agency. Brandon Busey is locked up long-term, but backup goalie Pytor Kochekov is going to be in a contract year next season. This makes Carolina an ideal candidate to draft a developmental goalie with this sixth round pick they own.


    Medicine Hat Tigers goalie Carter Casey checked off 7/10 of my ten boxes that I look for in a starting goalie, but Carolina would be drafting Casey as a developmental backup to Brandon Busey. I'm gonna type the former goalie Ron Mont's draft writeup of Carter Casey now.


    Casey is a 6'2 181 pound goalie from Grand Rapids, who started in the USHL with the Waterloo Blackhawks and then signed a Development Deal to play with the Medicine Hat Tigers in the WHL. In 5 games in the USHL Casey posted a 2.08 GAA and .920 sv% and 1 SO while playing in 28 games with the Tigers he posted 3.02 GAA and .882 sv% and 2 SO. Casey also played 7 Playoff games and was 3-3 with a 3.73 GAA and .889 sv%.


    Casey is somewhat of a hybrid goalie. With his size and still looks big in the net when he goes to the butterfly. More of a stand up player with good anticipation and puck tracking. He seems to be in a good position and squares up to the shooter. He also can handle the puck if need be.











Other 2026 NHL Mock Drafts

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    Lines: 2026 NHL Mock Draft



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