2026 NHL Draft 1st-round tracker, analysis

Welcome to the first round of the 2026 Upper Deck NHL Draft. A total of 32 young men will have their hockey futures determined on Friday. NHL.com Draft guru Adam Kimelman is in Buffalo to provide the news, analysis and insight for all 32 picks in NHL.com's first-round draft tracker:

1. Toronto Maple Leafs -- Gavin McKenna, LW, Penn State (NCAA)

NHL Central Scouting: No. 1 (North American skaters)
McKenna (5-foot-11, 170 pounds) was one of the first players to take advantage of the rule change that granted Canadian Hockey League players NCAA eligibility. The 18-year-old tied for fifth among college players with 51 points (15 goals, 36 assists) and was second with 1.46 points per game in 35 games this season as the sixth-youngest player in men's college hockey. His best qualities are his elite hockey IQ and playmaking vision which enable him to consistently process the game a step ahead, manipulating defenders with changes of pace, drawing pressure and opening passing lanes that few players his age even recognize.

NHL.com analysis: The new-look Maple Leafs front office begins its tenure by selecting the most talented player in this year's draft. McKenna's vision and hockey IQ are considered elite, and he has the ability to raise the level of whoever is on the ice with him. He shuffled through 11 linemates this season at Penn State, and despite that was tied for fifth in NCAA scoring. Now imagine what he could do making tape-to-tape passes to Auston Matthews and William Nylander for an entire NHL season. Ivar Stenberg had to be considered here, but the ceiling on McKenna's playmaking ability separate him from this year's draft class.

2. San Jose Sharks -- Ivar Stenberg, LW, Frolunda (SWE)

NHL Central Scouting: No. 1 (International skaters)

A playmaker/scorer hybrid capable of driving play through the neutral zone, creating offense off the rush, and finishing chances himself, Stenberg (5-foot-11, 190 pounds) produced at a historic rate for a draft-eligible player in the Swedish Hockey League, the top professional men's league in Sweden. He had 33 points (11 goals, 22 assists) in 43 games, the most points in a season by an 18-year-old SHL player since Daniel Sedin (42) and Henrik Sedin (34) in 1998-99. What separates Stenberg is his motor and defensive reliability. He projects as a high-impact franchise-level wing whose complete, mature game is built for long-term NHL success.

NHL.com analysis: Stenberg is the perfect replacement for William Eklund on the Sharks' top line, and could be in the opening-night lineup next season.. He's a play-driving wing who can draw in defenders and find open teammates, or finish with a hard, accurate shot. He already has pro experience from playing in the SHL and was outstanding at the World Championship, getting voted one of Sweden's three best players. Stenberg and Macklin Celebrini on the same line could be a driving force for the Sharks returning to the Stanley Cup Playoffs this season.

3. Vancouver Canucks -- Caleb Malhotra, C, Brantford (OHL)

NHL Central Scouting: No. 6 (North American skaters)

Malhotra (6-foot-2, 185 pounds) is one of junior hockey's most complete and trusted centers, having rapidly become a cornerstone piece playing key minutes in all situations. He has elite hockey sense and speed, and his ability to manage pace, arrive in space ahead of defenders and elevate linemates are qualities that separate him from others at his position. The 18-year-old is a committed two-way forward who was second among Ontario Hockey League rookies with 84 points (29 goals, 55 assists) in 67 games, and led Brantford during the playoffs with 26 points (13 goals, 13 assists) in 15 games. He'll play at Boston University next season. Malhotra's father is Vancouver Canucks coach Manny Malhotra.

4. Buffalo Sabres -- Daxon Rudolph, D, Prince Albert (WHL)

NHL Central Scouting: No. 5 (North American skaters)

Rudolph (6-foot-2, 205 pounds), who may have the highest ceiling of any player at his position in this draft class, was third among Western Hockey League defensemen with 78 points (28 goals, 50 assists), and first with 35 power-play points (13 goals, 22 assists) in 68 regular-season games. The right-handed shot brings a strong two-way foundation, mobility and ability to handle difficult minutes against top competition. He defends with confidence and physicality and moves the puck with purpose rather than forcing plays. He still has room to grow and develop into a dependable NHL defender who thrives in playoff-style hockey.