2026 NHL Mock Draft: Gavin McKenna Emerges as Lock for Toronto as Defensemen Dominate Top 10

McKenna Linked to Maple Leafs as Final Board Takes Shape

With the 2026 NHL Entry Draft fast approaching, the hierarchy of the league’s next generation of stars is crystallizing. According to the latest intelligence from around the league, the Toronto Maple Leafs appear to have finalized their plans at the top of the board. Gavin McKenna, the standout left-winger from Penn State, is widely considered a lock for the first overall selection. Scouts and rival executives have begun operating under the assumption that Toronto has already signaled their intent to McKenna, marking a significant milestone for a franchise looking to bolster its offensive pipeline with elite NCAA talent.

The Stenberg Shift and Vancouver’s Familial Connection

The San Jose Sharks, holding the second overall pick, are expected to prioritize the ‘best player available’ strategy under GM Mike Grier. While many analysts projected a defenseman to fill a clear positional need, the latest buzz suggests Frölunda’s Ivar Stenberg is the frontrunner. This move reflects a broader trend in the 2026 class where high-ceiling forwards are commanding premiums over even the most polished blueliners.

At number three, the Vancouver Canucks are reportedly zeroing in on Caleb Malhotra. While his father, Manny Malhotra, was recently named the team’s head coach, league sources indicate the Canucks’ interest in the Brantford center predates the coaching hire. The pick represents a blend of high-end scouting and a unique organizational fit that has been months in the making.

A Defensive Run: Reid, Šmits, and Carels Find Homes

The mid-top-10 is where the run on defensemen truly begins. The Chicago Blackhawks are positioned to take Chase Reid at fourth overall, a move that would provide a cornerstone right-shot blueliner to complement their existing young core. Following closely, the New York Rangers at five and Calgary Flames at six are expected to target Alberts Šmits and Carson Carels, respectively. For the Flames, Carels represents a potential long-term partner for Zayne Parekh, addressing a critical need for mobile, left-handed defensive depth.

Kraken and Jets Look to Fill Systemic Gaps

The Seattle Kraken are expected to break their historical trend by using a high-value pick on a defenseman, with Keaton Verhoeff being the name most frequently linked to the organization. Meanwhile, the Winnipeg Jets sit in a prime position at eighth overall to potentially land Viggo Björck. If Björck falls past the Flames, he would provide the Jets with a much-needed injection of skill at the center position, which remains the primary deficiency in their current prospect pool.