2026 NHL Draft Evaluation: Top Performers and Underperforming Teams

The 2026 NHL draft had it all.

Bold swings, franchise-altering hauls, and a Justin Bieber cameo highlighted two entertaining days in Buffalo as the NHL ushered in its next generation of stars.

For most teams, the draft is about finding value, addressing organizational needs, and setting up for long-term success.

Some accomplished all three, while others left a lot to be desired.

Let’s break down some of the best and worst performances of the 2026 NHL draft.

San Jose Sharks: A+

Standout Selections: Ivar Stenberg, Keaton Verhoeff, Ryan Lin

The opening round marked a decisive turning point for the San Jose Sharks’ organizational trajectory. By selecting high‑end defensive prospects Keaton Verhoeff and Ryan Lin, in addition to securing a pro‑ready top‑line winger in Ivar Stenberg, the Sharks cemented their status as future Stanley Cup contenders.

The franchise already possessed the league’s deepest prospect pool, and the draft further widened its gap from competitors. By addressing a clear need while also acquiring the highest‑rated available talent, the Sharks capitalized on a rare dual opportunity across each first‑round selection.

Three Winners And Losers Of The 2026 NHL Draft: Sharks Win Big, American Prospects Fall
Making immediate judgment calls about the NHL draft is difficult, but we nonetheless grade three winners and three losers of the 2026 NHL draft.

Toronto Maple Leafs: A+

Standout Selections: Gavin McKenna, Alexander Bilecki, Ethan MacKenzie, Patriks Plumins

The Maple Leafs departed the 2026 draft with the top prospect and a robust foundation of talent across all positions. By trading Brandon Carlo to St. Louis, they amassed six selections within the top 100, bolstering the roster with promising young defenders Alexander Bilecki and Ethan MacKenzie, while adding immediate NHL‑ready help in Gavin McKenna.

General manager John Chayka faced a delicate balancing act of enhancing short‑term competitiveness and long‑term sustainability, and this draft strategy precisely addressed that objective.

Have No Fear: No. 1 Pick Gavin McKenna Is Ready For The Toronto Maple Leafs
While there's a chance Gavin McKenna struggles in his rookie season, he's shown his resilience at each development step. And with everything he brings to the table, he will make the Toronto Maple Leafs very happy.

Vancouver Canucks: A+

Standout Selections: Caleb Malhotra, Adam Novotny, Brooks Rogowski, Niklas Aaram-Olsen

Since the combine, it was evident that cerebral two‑way center Caleb Malhotra—son of newly appointed head coach Manny Malhotra—would headline the Canucks’ class. Subsequent picks of Adam Novotny, Brooks Rogowski, and Niklas Aaraam-Olsen demonstrated the scouting department’s strong talent assessment, offering hope for a bright future.

2026 NHL Draft: Lemieux, Croskery, And Boettiger Among Best Players To Go Undrafted
The 2026 NHL draft came and went, and a total of 224 players were selected. But that doesn’t mean there weren’t players who were not selected and likely should have been. They’ll have the opportunity to re-enter the draft next year, but first, we highlight the best players to go undrafted in 2026.

Nashville Predators: A

Standout Selections: Wyatt Cullen, Tommy Bleyl

The Predators sought dynamic young forwards and found one in Wyatt Cullen—renowned for his silky handling and creative offense—along with mobile defender Tommy Bleyl, a consistent riser with high upside and potential to become a top‑four offensive defenseman. Additionally, they secured top goaltender Dmitry Borichev with the 70th overall pick.

Seattle Kraken: A

Standout Selections: Chase Reid, Casey Mutryn

The Kraken needed a response after star Jason Robertson declined a massive eight‑year contract. Selecting Chase Reid seventh overall provided that spark; Reid possesses the potential to evolve into a true No. 1 defenseman. Adding second‑round prospect Casey Mutryn introduced physicality and goal‑scoring depth to the pipeline.

Columbus Blue Jackets: B-

Standout Selections: Oscar Hemming, Alessandro Di Iorio

The Blue Jackets targeted surefire NHL talent after earlier underwhelming draft results, landing power forward Oscar Hemming at 13th overall. Hemming possesses tools for an impactful middle‑six role with offensive upside despite modest NCAA stats. Third‑round selection Alessandro Di Iorio faced a challenging season with the Sarnia Sting but could develop into a bottom‑six forward with refined defensive habits.

2026 NHL Draft: Lemieux, Croskery, And Boettiger Among Best Players To Go Undrafted
The 2026 NHL draft came and went, and a total of 224 players were selected. But that doesn’t mean there weren’t players who were not selected and likely should have been. They’ll have the opportunity to re-enter the draft next year, but first, we highlight the best players to go undrafted in 2026.

Chicago Blackhawks: B

Standout Selections: Xavier Villeneuve, Ryan Roobroeck, Samu Alalauri

Kyle Davidson and the Blackhawks may not have fully redeemed the earlier misstep with the fourth overall pick, yet consecutive selections of high‑upside defensemen Xavier Villeneuve and towering sniper Ryan Roobroeck present promising swings. Villeneuve adds offensive dimension to the defensive pipeline, while Roobroeck holds foundational tools to become a complementary top‑six scorer with proper development.

Sibling Refinery: Penguins Select The Ruck Twins In 2026 NHL Draft
Liam and Markus Ruck’s mother wanted her twin sons to end up on the same team, and her wish came true. The Pittsburgh Penguins used the 22nd overall selection on Liam Ruck, then the 39th overall selection to pick Markus Ruck.

Pittsburgh Penguins: B-

Standout Selections: Liam Ruck, Markus Ruck, Tomas Galvas, Pierce Mbuyi

GM Kyle Dubas, known for drafting undersized skilled forwards, secured the Ruck twins—Liam and Markus—along with over‑age talents Tomas Galvas and Pierce Mbuyi. While the class offers value, diversifying development profiles could better equip the pipeline for today’s NHL demands.

Sibling Refinery: Penguins Select The Ruck Twins In 2026 NHL Draft
Liam and Markus Ruck’s mother wanted her twin sons to end up on the same team, and her wish came true. The Pittsburgh Penguins used the 22nd overall selection on Liam Ruck, then the 39th overall selection to pick Markus Ruck.

Ottawa Senators: C+

Standout Selections: Jaxon Cover, Jonas Lagerberg Hoen

The Senators refreshed their approach by drafting skilled wingers Jaxon Cover and Jonas Lagerberg Hoen, diverging from previous strategies. However, the value relative to draft position was limited; Cover presents an intriguing project, while Lagerberg Hoen’s impressive shot could have been retained for later trades.

Philadelphia Flyers: C

Standout Selections: Maksim Sokolovskii, Brek Liske, Martin Psohlavec

The Flyers’ selections—Maksim Sokolovskii, Brek Liske, Martin Psohlavec—highlight the classic dilemma of choosing between best‑available talent and organizational fit. Sokolovskii, a 6‑8, 240‑lb defensive defenseman, resembles Nikita Zadorov but offers limited upside, making a first‑round selection questionable. Adding two‑way blueliner Liske and goaltending prospect Psohlavec adds depth, yet the group began with several low‑value picks.

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Tampa Bay Lightning: D

Standout Selections: Snake Kulebyakin

General manager Julien BriseBois has historically prioritized retaining high‑end draft picks to preserve a championship window. However, this year’s selections failed to meaningfully strengthen a prospect pool ranked among the league’s weakest. While Oleg Kulebyakin shows crafty handling after a strong Halifax Mooseheads season, the 52nd‑overall gamble raises doubts about future impact.

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