Ferrari’s “My Guys” Spotlight: Stenberg, Preston, Svensk, Valentini, and More

The 2026 NHL draft class stands out as one of the most compelling in recent memory, offering a deep pool of talent, particularly among wingers and defensemen. While some critics note a relative scarcity of elite centers, the overall quality remains strong.

Each year, my draft analysis yields a handful of players I consistently rank higher than the consensus—my “My Guys.” These individuals may not all become NHL stars, and a few might never reach the league, but they add excitement and depth to the draft conversation.

Early in the season, I highlighted players like defenseman Alberts Smits and forward Adam Novotny, and they have since validated those assessments with strong performances.

Below is a look at the players who remain on my “My Guys” list as the 2026 NHL draft approaches.

Ivar Stenberg, LW, Frölunda (SWE)

Ivar Stenberg has been the top prospect on my board for most of the season, and every ranking to date reflects his status as the No. 1 player. He delivers a complete game, contributing across all three zones. Though he may not project to a 100‑point scorer like Gavin McKenna, an 85‑point forward who also excels defensively, transitions effectively, and pressures in the forecheck offers greater overall value.

Stenberg performed admirably against seasoned SHL competition and shone at the World Championship, suggesting he could be NHL‑ready as early as this fall.

2026 NHL Draft: Top Five Wingers Star McKenna And Stenberg
The wingers in the NHL draft class include the top two players overall. Prospect expert Tony Ferrari breaks down the top five, plus some very honorable mentions.

Mathis Preston, LW, Vancouver (WHL)

Preston’s point total fell short of expectations, but his high‑tempo style and relentless pace continue to intrigue me. A challenging supporting cast, a mid‑season trade, and injuries hampered his statistics, yet his underlying skill set remains strong.

He displayed flashes of elite potential at the U‑18 World Championship, combining speed with a potent shot that makes him dangerous from anywhere in the offensive zone. If he can consistently generate traffic in the middle, he could evolve into a reliable impact scorer at the next level.

Vertti Svensk, D, SaiPa (FIN)

Vertti Svensk might be the most under‑the‑radar player on this list, but his elite skating and solid puck handling have impressed me throughout the season. Concerns about his decision‑making are, in my view, overstated; many first‑round defensemen have made more questionable choices.

Drafting Svensk would be a tools‑based gamble—one I’m comfortable taking. He even spent time up front later in the year, where his skating and creativity translated well to the wing.

Adam Valentini, LW, Michigan (NCAA)

Since arriving at Michigan, Valentini has faced skepticism due to his size and the controversy surrounding his departure from the OHL for the NCAA. Despite these hurdles, he has consistently demonstrated a high motor and hockey IQ, impacting play all over the ice.

Draft Profile: Adam Valentini
The undersized, underage winger for Michigan had a great year.

Valentini battles along the boards, drives the forecheck, and possesses a solid shot. He also excels as a playmaker, frequently setting up teammates in prime scoring positions. With a larger frame or without the pre‑season controversy, he could realistically land in the mid‑first round.

Tomas Galvas, D, Liberec (CZE)

Galvas has been a standout defender at the World Junior Championship and continues to deliver two‑way value in the Czech league. While he is under six feet tall, his defensive instincts, elite footwork, and ability to pressure and strip the puck make him attractive to NHL clubs.

He is also a strong passer who can facilitate from the blue line. If given an opportunity, I expect him to assume a power‑play role at the AHL level quickly and could become a more effective defender than several first‑round selections.

Jaxon Cover, LW, London (OHL)

Cover’s path to ice hockey began on roller skates, and his rapid development since transitioning to the ice is noteworthy. He has transferred his speed and puck‑handling from roller hockey to the rink, and is now beginning to leverage his physical tools in a contact game.

If he refines the finer aspects of his game and continues his athletic progression, Cover could emerge as a draft steal, especially if selected later in the process.

2026 NHL Draft: Top Five Centers Include Bjorck, Malhotra And Lawrence
Could we see centers getting selected earlier than expected at the NHL draft? In a weaker center group overall, these five and some honorable mentions stand out from the rest.

Casper Juustovaara Karlsson, C/W, Luleå (SWE)

At 5‑foot‑9, Karlsson may be overlooked, but his relentless work ethic and fearlessness in the corners make him an intriguing prospect. He reads the game exceptionally well and battles for rebounds with regularity.

While size concerns could deter teams from using a higher pick, a later‑round selection could add a gritty, versatile forward to a development pipeline.

Source link