2026 NHL Draft rankings: Defensemen continue to shine

Several high-end puck-moving defenders fill out the top 10 prospects in this year's draft class.

Mar. 31, 2026 at 9:06pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting the chaotic action of a hockey game, with players and the puck fractured into overlapping angular shapes in a vibrant color palette.The 2026 NHL Draft class features a wealth of skilled, puck-moving defensemen who could reshape the league's blue lines for years to come.Albany Today

The 2026 NHL Draft class features a strong group of defensemen, with several big, skilled puck-movers like Keaton Verhoeff, Chase Reid, Daxon Rudolph, Carson Carels, and Alberts Smits making up the bulk of the top 10 prospects. While wingers Gavin McKenna and Ivar Stenberg lead the way, the depth of talent on the blue line is a defining characteristic of this draft.

Why it matters

With the modern NHL emphasizing speed, skill, and puck-moving ability, the abundance of high-end defensemen in this draft class is significant. Teams in need of a potential top-pairing blueliner will have several appealing options to choose from, which could reshape the early part of the draft order.

The details

The top two prospects, wingers Gavin McKenna and Ivar Stenberg, don't necessarily fit the mold of the current NHL game. But after them, the next wave of players are big, mobile defensemen who excel at moving the puck and driving play. Chase Reid, Keaton Verhoeff, Daxon Rudolph, Carson Carels, and Alberts Smits all possess the skills to potentially develop into No. 1 defensemen at the NHL level.

  • McKenna and Penn State were eliminated from the NCAA Tournament on March 31.
  • Stenberg and Frolunda are currently trailing 3-2 in their Swedish Hockey League quarterfinal series.
  • Reid has regained his rhythm after returning from injury, contributing a goal and an overtime assist in Sault Ste. Marie's first two OHL playoff games.
  • Verhoeff and North Dakota have advanced to the 2026 Frozen Four in Las Vegas.
  • Rudolph has been dominant to start the WHL playoffs, recording 5 points in 2 games for Prince Albert.

The players

Gavin McKenna

A skilled winger playing at Penn State who is expected to be the top overall pick in the 2026 NHL Draft.

Ivar Stenberg

A two-way winger playing in Sweden's top professional league, Frolunda, who is projected as a top-2 pick.

Chase Reid

A big, puck-moving defenseman for the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds in the OHL.

Keaton Verhoeff

A shutdown defenseman for the University of North Dakota Fighting Hawks, who have advanced to the Frozen Four.

Daxon Rudolph

An offensive-minded blueliner for the Prince Albert Raiders in the WHL, who has been dominant to start the playoffs.

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What’s next

McKenna is expected to represent Canada at the upcoming World Championship, while several of the top defensemen prospects will look to lead their junior and college teams deep into the playoffs.

The takeaway

This NHL Draft class is defined by its wealth of skilled, puck-moving defensemen who have the potential to develop into top-pairing blueliners at the next level. Teams in need of that type of talent will have several appealing options to choose from early in the draft.