Prospects to Watch as Four NHL Teams Evaluate New First‑Round Picks

The NHL experienced a rapid exchange of first‑round selections at the start of draft week.

The Ottawa Senators, Buffalo Sabres, San Jose Sharks, and St. Louis Blues each secured a first‑round pick for Friday’s draft through trades involving Brady Tkachuk, Bowen Byram, William Eklund and Jordan Kyrou.

The Byram deal with the Chicago Blackhawks was notable as the first time a team traded a top‑five pick between the regular season and the draft since 2008.

These new selections open up fresh opportunities for prospect evaluation ahead of Friday’s draft in Buffalo at the Keybank Center.

Let’s run a mini mock draft to explore which prospects could fit each of these teams following their recent acquisitions.

Pick 4 – Buffalo Sabres consider Viggo Bjorck, C, Djurgarden (Swe.)

How Buffalo secured the pick: they traded Bowen Byram and Jordan Greenway to Chicago, receiving Louis Crevier and the fourth and 45th overall picks in 2026.

Buffalo currently has depth throughout its roster and entered the draft without significant gaps, even after trading Alex Tuch.

Following a strong season, the Sabres are looking for a versatile, ready‑to‑play forward who can contribute immediately.

Bjorck possesses an elite work ethic and hockey sense, functioning as a playmaker who can also support star players with his speed and vision.

At 5‑foot‑9, size may limit his upside for a top‑overall selection, but he can develop into a solid depth‑center for Buffalo. If the Sabres retain the pick and believe in his potential, they could take him in the top five.

Pick 9 – San Jose Sharks consider Daxon Rudolph, D, Prince Albert (WHL)

San Jose secured the ninth overall pick by trading William Eklund, Kasper Halttunen and Brandon Svoboda to Ottawa. The pick was originally obtained from Florida.

The Sharks are near the end of a notable run of defensive prospects in the draft. If general manager Mike Grier can move up a couple of slots through a trade, he is expected to seize the chance. However, if they stay put, the 6‑foot‑2 Rudolph brings size and offensive potential.

Rudolph recorded 28 goals during the regular season and maintained a strong pace in the playoffs, netting nine goals and adding 27 assists across 19 games.

He is projected to be a blueliner capable of leading the power play and initiating rush attacks, though his defensive consistency and aggressiveness remain areas needing improvement.

He will play college hockey for David Carle and the Denver Pioneers next season, giving him another platform to refine his defensive play and overall game.

Pick 16 – St. Louis Blues consider Alexander Command, C, Orebro Jr. (Swe.)

St. Louis obtained the 16th overall pick by trading Jordan Kyrou to Washington, also receiving Connor McMichael and Milton Gastrin in the deal.

Following the Kyrou trade, St. Louis will control the 11th, 15th (two picks) and 29th selections at Friday’s draft.

It would not be surprising if the Blues target Command with their 11th pick, given his similarities to prospective general manager Alex Steen.

Command demonstrates a high hockey IQ and rapid decision‑making, coupled with excellent on‑ice vision and positioning. His strong motor and pace echo the traits that Alex Steen displayed during his professional career.

While Dalibor Dvorsky has shown potential as an NHL center, adding Command could provide the foundational piece needed to return St. Louis to its former Stanley Cup‑contending status.

Pick 25 – Ottawa Senators consider Jack Hextall, C, Youngstown (USHL)

Ottawa secured the 25th overall pick by trading Brady Tkachuk to Florida, also receiving the ninth overall pick in 2026, a 2027 second‑round pick, and a top‑10 protected first‑round pick in 2029.

After trading Tkachuk, Ottawa looked to bolster its forward depth by adding William Eklund and now targeting Jack Hextall. While Eklund offers two‑way potential, Hextall provides a distinct skill set.

Hextall excels in his own zone, battling for loose pucks, leveraging his physique to win battles and demonstrating strong defensive awareness.

He has a high hockey IQ, thrives in Ottawa’s puck‑retrieval system, and possesses hidden offensive tools that could emerge as his career progresses.

Editor‑in‑chief Ryan Kennedy also highlighted goaltender Tobias Trejbal and forwards Ryan Roobroeck, Marcus Nordmark and Maddox Dagenais as additional prospects of interest.

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