2026 NHL Draft Order: Picks 1-16 Following the Drama-Filled Season

The 2026 NHL Entry Draft, set to take place at the KeyBank Center in Buffalo on June 26 and 27, is already shaping up to be one of the most consequential talent acquisitions in recent memory. As the regular season winds down and the Stanley Cup Playoffs loom, the draft board has crystallized into a fascinating hierarchy of elite prospects, high-risk swing-for-the-fences talent, and depth pieces that could reshape franchises for a decade.

Unlike previous years where a single generational talent dominated the conversation—think Connor Bedard in 2023 or Macklin Celebrini in 2024—the 2026 class is defined by its depth at the top and a tantalizing mix of power forwards and offensive defensemen. With the draft lottery still casting a long shadow over the final order, here is the current projected top 16 picks based on standings, team needs, and scouting consensus.

Top of the Board: The Franchise Cornerstones (Picks 1-4)

The quartet of players expected to hear their names called first in Buffalo represents a rare convergence of positional value and elite skill. No team picking in the top four will walk away disappointed, but the order will dictate how the rest of the first round unfolds.

1. Chicago Blackhawks (Projected) – C James Hagens

If the lottery balls fall Chicago’s way again, the Blackhawks will have a decision to make between two elite centers. However, James Hagens has separated himself with his explosive acceleration and playmaking vision. At 5-foot-11, he isn’t the biggest prospect, but his hockey IQ is off the charts. He’s the type of player who makes everyone around him better, and pairing him with Connor Bedard would give Chicago the most dynamic one-two punch down the middle since Crosby and Malkin. Hagens’ ability to drive possession through the neutral zone is NHL-ready right now.

2. San Jose Sharks (Projected) – C Michael Misa

San Jose continues its rebuild with another elite-level talent. Michael Misa is a 6-foot-1 center with a lethal wrist shot and a relentless motor. He plays a 200-foot game that coaches covet, and he has proven he can elevate his game in high-pressure moments. Misa’s defensive awareness is already pro-caliber, making him a safe bet to become a top-line two-way center. If the Sharks land him, expect an immediate injection of grit and scoring into their top six.

3. Anaheim Ducks (Projected) – D Matthew Schaefer

The Ducks need a true number-one defenseman to anchor their blue line for the next decade. Matthew Schaefer is that player. At 6-foot-2, he skates like the wind and has a booming point shot that quarterbacks a power play with authority. Schaefer’s gap control and ability to break up rushes with his stick are elite. He’s not just a defensive stalwart; he’s a transition machine who can start the rush and join it as a trailer. Anaheim’s system, which already features talented forwards, would get the ultimate complement with Schaefer.

4. Columbus Blue Jackets (Projected) – RW Porter Martone

Columbus needs size and scoring on the wing, and Porter Martone delivers both in spades. Standing 6-foot-3 and weighing over 200 pounds, Martone is a power forward who plays with an edge. He goes to the dirty areas, wins board battles, and has soft hands around the net. His skating is good but not elite, which is why he falls just outside the top three. However, his ability to score greasy goals and protect the puck down low makes him a perfect fit for a Blue Jackets team that has lacked a physical presence up front since the departure of Josh Anderson.

The Elite Tier: High-Upside Swings and Positional Needs (Picks 5-10)

Once the top four are off the board, the draft opens up into a fascinating mix of wild cards and high-floor defenders. Teams in this range will be looking for specific traits that can accelerate their rebuild or add a missing piece to a contending core.

• Pick 5: Seattle Kraken – C/LW Roger McQueen. A 6-foot-5 center with incredible hands for his size. McQueen is a project, but his ceiling is a top-line pivot who can control the cycle game. Seattle loves big, skilled players, and McQueen fits their identity.
• Pick 6: Montreal Canadiens – D Logan Hensler. The Canadiens need a right-shot defenseman who can play big minutes. Hensler is a smooth-skating, two-way defender who excels at breaking up plays and making the first pass out of the zone. He’s not flashy, but he’s reliable.
• Pick 7: Philadelphia Flyers – C Cullen Potter. The Flyers have been searching for a dynamic, skilled center for years. Potter is a dual-threat scorer with a quick release and excellent vision. He’s a bit undersized, but his compete level is off the charts.
• Pick 8: Ottawa Senators – D Cameron Reid. Ottawa’s blue line needs a shutdown defender with offensive upside. Reid is a physical, mean defenseman who can also contribute on the power play. He’s the kind of player who makes opponents think twice before entering the zone.
• Pick 9: New Jersey Devils – LW Brady Martin. The Devils have plenty of skill up front, but they lack a true power forward. Martin is a bull in a china shop—strong on the puck, hard to knock off his skates, and has a sneaky good shot. He’d be a perfect fit on a line with Jack Hughes.
• Pick 10: Nashville Predators – G Gabriel D’Aigle. Yes, a goaltender in the top ten. D’Aigle is the best netminding prospect since Carey Price. At 6-foot-4 with incredible athleticism, he’s a game-changer. The Predators have a history of developing elite goalies, and D’Aigle could be the next Pekka Rinne.

Mid-Round Value: The Depth That Wins Championships (Picks 11-16)

The second half of the first round is where scouting departments earn their paychecks. These picks often yield players who become key contributors on Cup-winning teams. The 2026 class is loaded with high-floor defensemen and versatile forwards who can play up and down the lineup.

• Pick 11: Minnesota Wild – D Reese Hamilton. A mobile, puck-moving defenseman who can log 22 minutes a night. Hamilton’s hockey sense is elite, and he rarely makes a bad decision. He’s the perfect modern-day defenseman for a Wild team that prizes structure.
• Pick 12: St. Louis Blues – C Cole Beaudoin. The Blues love big, strong centers who can play a heavy game. Beaudoin is a 6-foot-3 pivot who wins faceoffs and drives the net. He might not have top-line star power, but he’s a future captain material.
• Pick 13: Calgary Flames – RW Malcolm Spence. A classic power winger with a great shot and a physical edge. Spence has a pro-ready frame and isn’t afraid to drop the gloves. The Flames need more grit and goal-scoring on the wing.
• Pick 14: Detroit Red Wings – D Henry Brzustewicz. The Red Wings continue to stockpile offensive defensemen. Brzustewicz is a right-shot defender with elite passing ability. He runs a power play like a quarterback and has improved his defensive zone coverage significantly this season.
• Pick 15: Vancouver Canucks – LW/LW Tij Iginla. The son of NHL legend Jarome Iginla, Tij has the same competitive fire and goal-scoring instincts. He’s a bit smaller than his father, but his shot release is NHL-caliber. The Canucks would love to add a sniper with his pedigree.
• Pick 16: New York Islanders – C/LW Benjamin Kindel. A versatile, high-energy forward who can play center or wing. Kindel is an excellent penalty killer and has a non-stop motor. The Islanders always value two-way players, and Kindel fits their system like a glove.

Expert Predictions: Where the Draft Will Be Won or Lost

After covering the draft for over a decade, I can tell you that the 2026 class has a unique characteristic: the gap between picks 5 and 16 is razor-thin. Teams that pick in the middle of the first round could land a future All-Star if they correctly identify the right skill set. I predict that Matthew Schaefer will be the first defenseman taken, but don’t be surprised if a team trades up to grab Gabriel D’Aigle if he slips past pick 10. Goaltenders are risky in the first round, but D’Aigle is the rare exception who could be a franchise cornerstone.

Another sleeper to watch is Cullen Potter. If he falls outside the top seven, some team will get a steal. His offensive creativity is second only to Hagens in this class. Meanwhile, Porter Martone is the safest bet in the top five—he’s a surefire top-six power forward who will play 800 NHL games.

Conclusion: Buffalo Beckons

The 2026 NHL Draft in Buffalo promises to be a pivotal moment for the league’s next generation of superstars. From the elite talent of James Hagens and Michael Misa at the top to the depth of players like Benjamin Kindel and Henry Brzustewicz in the teens, this class is built to last. For the fans in Buffalo, the event will be a celebration of the future. For the general managers sitting in the war rooms, it’s a chance to change the trajectory of their franchises for years to come.

As the lottery balls settle and the final draft order is locked in, one thing is certain: the 2026 class will not disappoint. Mark your calendars for June 26 and 27, because the stars of tomorrow are about to find their homes.

Source: Based on news from ESPN.