New names emerge, players shift within top 10 as 2026 NHL Draft approaches

Gavin McKenna remains No. 1 prospect, while Ivar Stenberg, Chase Reid, and others jockey for position ahead of playoffs

Mar. 10, 2026 at 4:06pm

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The 2026 NHL Draft rankings have seen some movement as the playoffs approach, with new names earning their way into the top 10 and players shifting within the top prospects. Gavin McKenna of Penn State remains the top-ranked prospect, while Ivar Stenberg of Frolunda in Sweden, Chase Reid of Sault Ste. Marie in the OHL, and others have made their case to be selected early in the upcoming draft.

Why it matters

As the playoffs near, draft-eligible players in junior leagues across North America and professional leagues in Europe will have their final opportunities to improve their draft stock. Strong performances in the pivotal moments of the season could significantly impact a player's final draft position.

The details

Gavin McKenna of Penn State remains the consensus No. 1 overall prospect, despite his team's recent struggles. Ivar Stenberg of Frolunda in Sweden was held off the scoresheet in his past five games, but the end of his record chase may relieve some pressure as he focuses on a potential SHL championship. Chase Reid of Sault Ste. Marie in the OHL has been sidelined with an injury, and his return will be crucial for the Greyhounds' playoff push. Other top prospects like Keaton Verhoeff of North Dakota, Caleb Malhotra of Brantford in the OHL, and Tynan Lawrence of Boston University have all made their case to be selected early in the 2026 NHL Draft.

  • McKenna has notched two points in Penn State's two recent losses to Wisconsin.
  • Stenberg was held off the scoresheet in his past five games, but Frolunda only has three regular-season games remaining before the playoffs.
  • Reid has been out since a Feb. 1 injury, and the Greyhounds have won just eight of 14 games in his absence.
  • Verhoeff has seen a step back in production for North Dakota, but that's allowed him to develop his game as a second-pairing defenseman.
  • Malhotra had a respectable four-point weekend for Brantford in the OHL.

The players

Gavin McKenna

A left winger playing for Penn State in the NCAA, McKenna remains the top-ranked prospect for the 2026 NHL Draft.

Ivar Stenberg

A left winger/right winger playing for Frolunda in the Swedish Hockey League, Stenberg was held off the scoresheet in his past five games but is focused on a potential championship run.

Chase Reid

A defenseman playing for Sault Ste. Marie in the OHL, Reid has been sidelined with an injury since Feb. 1, and his return will be crucial for the Greyhounds' playoff push.

Keaton Verhoeff

A defenseman playing for North Dakota in the NCAA, Verhoeff has seen a step back in production but is developing his game as a second-pairing defenseman.

Caleb Malhotra

A center playing for Brantford in the OHL, Malhotra had a respectable four-point weekend and has impressed with his composure and physicality.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

The takeaway

As the 2026 NHL Draft approaches, the top prospects continue to jockey for position, with new names emerging and players shifting within the top 10. Strong performances in the playoffs could significantly impact a player's final draft position, making the coming weeks crucial for these draft-eligible athletes.