Top NHL prospects for 2026-27 season according to NHL.com

Gavin McKenna was selected with the No. 1 pick by the Toronto Maple Leafs in the 2026 NHL Draft on June 26.

With the 2026-27 NHL season set to begin on Sept. 29, the 18-year-old forward holds the same honor, this time from a panel of NHL.com writers.

Ahead of the start of the season, NHL.com presents its top 26 NHL prospects as selected by NHL.com deputy managing editor Adam Kimelman, NHL.com senior draft writer Mike G. Morreale and LNH.com managing editor Sebastien Deschambault.

To be considered for the list, the players must meet the criteria for consideration for the Calder Trophy, which is given to the NHL rookie of the year. To be eligible for the Calder in a given season, a player cannot have played more than 25 games in an NHL season, nor in six or more games in each of any two preceding seasons. He also cannot have turned 26 by Sept. 15 of the season in which he is eligible.

McKenna, who played last season at Penn State University, leads the group, finishing ahead of Philadelphia Flyers forward Porter Martone and Chicago Blackhawks forward Anton Frondell in our panel's voting.

More than 40 players received at least one vote, showing the depth of young skill poised to enter the League.

Here are the top 26 NHL prospects for the 2026-27 NHL season, according to NHL.com

1. Gavin McKenna, F, Toronto Maple Leafs

McKenna (5-foot-11, 170 pounds) looks poised to jump from an outstanding college season at Penn State right into a top-six role with the Maple Leafs. The 18-year-old tied for fifth among NCAA players with 51 points (15 goals, 36 assists) in 35 games as a freshman, including 33 points (11 goals, 22 assists) in his final 19 games. His vision, passing ability and hockey IQ could make him an ideal fit at left wing on a line with either Auston Matthews or John Tavares at center, and a dangerous playmaker on the top power play.

2. Porter Martone, F, Philadelphia Flyers

Martone (6-3, 214), the No. 6 selection in the 2025 NHL Draft, is a power wing who quickly reinforced his high-end potential. After he had 50 points (25 goals, 25 assists) in 35 games as a freshman at Michigan State last season, he made his NHL debut March 31 and had 10 points (four goals, six assists) in nine NHL regular-season games, then had five points (two goals, three assists) in 10 Stanley Cup Playoff games. Martone should start this season in a top-six role for the Flyers, likely beginning as the second-line right wing. The 19-year-old’s combination of strength, puck protection, finishing ability and work around the net should make him particularly valuable alongside a fast, creative center. He also projects as a first-unit power-play fixture, and continued improvement in his skating could determine whether Martone becomes a power forward capable of 60-70 points or reaches point-per-game territory.

3. Anton Frondell, F Chicago Blackhawks

Frondell (6-1, 198) gave a sneak peek of what he's capable of last season when the No. 3 pick of the 2025 draft had nine points (three goals, six assists) in 12 NHL games after finishing his season with Djurgarden of the Swedish Hockey League. Now the 19-year-old is ready for a full season in Chicago, where he could start as the Blackhawks' No. 1 center on a line with Patrick Kane while Connor Bedard recovers from shoulder surgery. Frondell's scoring ability also should energize a power play that was 29th in the NHL last season (16.9 percent).

4. Ivar Stenberg, F, San Jose Sharks

Selected with the No. 2 pick in the 2026 draft, Stenberg (5-11, 183) had 33 points (11 goals, 22 assists) in 43 games with Frolunda of the SHL last season, the fifth-highest total by a player 18 or younger in Sweden's top league, and he had 10 points (four goals, six assists) in seven games during Sweden's gold-medal run at the 2026 IIHF World Junior Championship. Stenberg's quickness, balance, vision, patience and two-way awareness give him the tools to become a top-six wing, and he could open the season at left wing on a line with center Macklin Celebrini, creating an exceptionally intelligent and creative top line. Stenberg, who turns 19 on Sept. 30, projects as a first-unit power-play playmaker operating from the half-wall.

5. James Hagens, F, Boston Bruins

The Bruins, who selected Hagens (5-11, 177) with the No. 7 pick of the 2025 draft, brought the 19-year-old along slowly last season, sending him to Providence of the American Hockey League after his sophomore season at Boston College ended. But after he had four points (one goal, three assists) in six games, he made his NHL debut April 12, getting into two regular-season games and three games during the playoffs. On a Bruins team looking to get younger and quicker, Hagens should have a chance to prosper in a top-six role this season, either at center or on the wing.

6. Cole Hutson, D, Washington Capitals

Hutson's production already has surpassed expectations. Selected by the Capitals in the second round (No. 43) of the 2024 NHL Draft, Hutson had 80 points (24 goals, 56 assists) and a plus-18 rating in 74 games during two seasons at Boston University, then had 10 points (three goals, seven assists), including six power-play points, in his first 14 NHL games last season. Hutson (5-11, 175) should be a full-time NHL player this season, likely starting on the third pair and second power-play unit before moving into a top-four role. His skating, puck movement and offensive instincts would be best supported by a larger, defensively dependable partner. The 20-year-old, who is the younger brother of Montreal Canadiens defenseman Lane Hutson, projects to be an offensive-minded defenseman who could quarterback a top power play. Some of his long-term success will depend on his ability to limit high-risk decisions with the puck and handle heavier NHL opponents in the defensive zone.

7. Tij Iginla, F, Utah Mammoth

Iginla (6-0, 182) capped his junior hockey career by finishing sixth in the Western Hockey League with 90 points and tying for sixth with 41 goals in 48 games with Kelowna last season. Now the 20-year-old, selected with the No. 6 pick of the 2024 draft, is ready to turn pro and should have a chance to push for a top-nine spot with the Mammoth this season. Iginla can play center or on the wing, giving him important versatility. The Mammoth also could start him with Tucson of the AHL and give him a chance to develop there as a top-line center before bringing him to the NHL.

8. Michael Hage, F, Montreal Canadiens

Montreal selected Hage (6-1, 187) in the first round (No. 21) of the 2024 draft, and the 20-year-old has developed into one of college hockey's most productive playmakers. Last season, his second at the University of Michigan, he tied for third among NCAA players with 52 points (13 goals, 39 assists) in 39 games, and also helped Canada win the bronze medal at the 2026 World Juniors with a tournament-leading 15 points (two goals, 13 assists) in seven games. Hage elected to return to Michigan for his junior season, with a chance to play NHL games after his college season ends. He could be the long-term answer to Montreal's second-line center question, providing speed, controlled zone entries, shooting ability and creativity off the rush.

9. Caleb Desnoyers, F, Utah Mammoth

Desnoyers (6-2, 178), the No. 4 pick of the 2025 draft, had another strong season with Moncton of the Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League in 2025-26, with his average of 1.73 points per game (78 points in 45 games) second in the league. He also had six assists in seven games to help Canada win the bronze medal at the 2026 WJC. The new rule allowing 19-year-olds to play in the AHL could allow the Mammoth to start Desnoyers in Tucson to test his high-end skill set and hockey IQ against older, stronger competition and fast-forward his development into a top-nine forward capable of helping in all situations.

10. Chase Reid, D, Seattle Kraken

Seattle chose the right-shot defenseman with the No. 7 pick in the 2026 draft after he had 48 points (18 goals, 30 assists) in 45 games with Sault Ste. Marie of the Ontario Hockey League. It capped a remarkable rise for the 18-year-old after he had been released by Waterloo of the United States Hockey League and spent time with Bismarck in the North American Hockey League. Reid (6-3, 195) will play at least one season at Michigan State, giving him the right environment to improve his defensive reads and mature physically. He projects as a top-pair, two-way defenseman with the mobility, shot and ability to advance the puck that should earn him first-unit power-play time. 

11. Konsta Helenius, F, Buffalo Sabres

Helenius (5-11, 190) averaged a point per game with Rochester of the AHL last season, finishing with 63 points (21 goals, 42 assists) in 63 games, then gave the Sabres a jolt during playoffs when he scored in Games 5 and 6 against the Canadiens in the Eastern Conference Second Round. They were his only points in four playoff games, but the 20-year-old never looked out of place. He capped his season by scoring the golden goal in overtime for Finland to win the 2026 IIHF World Championship. There's no doubt Helenius, selected in the first round (No. 14) of the 2024 draft, is ready for full-time NHL duty, it's just a matter of how high up the lineup he slots. A spot in the middle of the second line, and time on the second power play, looks possible.

12. Viggo Bjorck, F, Winnipeg Jets

Winnipeg selected Bjorck with the No. 8 pick in the 2026 draft after he had 15 points (six goals, nine assists) in 42 SHL games with Djurgarden, nine points (three goals, six assists) in seven games for Sweden at the 2026 World Juniors and six points (one goal, five assists) in eight games at the World Championship. He centered Sweden's top line at the Worlds despite being only 18, demonstrating advanced intelligence, competitiveness and defensive awareness. Bjorck (5-9, 177) projects as Winnipeg's future second-line center, potentially as soon as this season, with an outside chance to become a first-line play driver. Bjorck eventually should contribute on the power-play half-wall and potentially the penalty kill.

13. Carson Carels, D, Calgary Flames

Carels (6-2, 198) was one of the top defensemen in the WHL last season, tying for fourth with 73 points (20 goals, 53 assists) in 58 games for Prince George, and he played five games to help Canada win the bronze medal at the 2026 World Juniors. Selected with the No. 6 pick of the 2026 draft, he has drawn comparisons by scouts to Drew Doughty of the Los Angeles Kings and Charlie McAvoy of the Boston Bruins for his mix of offensive skill and physicality. The 18-year-old will play at least one season at the University of North Dakota and likely have a large role for Canada at the 2027 World Juniors, but it's possible he's playing for the Flames before the 2026-27 season ends.

14. Ilya Protas, F, Washington Capitals

A third-round pick (No. 75) in the 2024 draft, Protas has emerged as one of Washington's most NHL-ready young forwards. The 20-year-old turned pro last season and led AHL rookies with 66 points (29 goals, 37 assists) in 69 games with Hershey while winning the league's rookie of the year award, and also had four points (one goal, three assists) during a four-game NHL audition. Protas (6-6, 225) will enter training camp as the leading candidate to be the Capitals' third-line center this season. His reach, puck protection and passing ability should create difficult matchups against opposing depth lines, while his size should make him useful around the net on the power play. Protas also has enough offensive ability to become a second-line center or complementary top-six wing.

15. Roger McQueen, F, Anaheim Ducks

After a strong freshman season at Providence College showed he was fully healed from the back injury that limited him to 17 games in 2024-25, McQueen (6-5, 197) made his pro debut April 3 and had three points (one goal, two assists) in seven games for San Diego of the AHL. The 19-year-old, whom the Ducks selected with the No. 10 pick of the 2025 draft, likely will start this season in the AHL, where he can continue to get stronger and more experienced. But a future of Leo Carlsson and McQueen centering the top two lines in Anaheim should provide the foundation for a perennial playoff contender.

16. Victor Eklund, F, New York Islanders

The Islanders selected Eklund in the first round (No. 16) of the 2025 draft, and the energetic forward continued progressing with 24 points (six goals, 18 assists) in 43 games with Djurgarden last season. He came to North America after his SHL season, finishing with 10 points (three goals, seven assists) in nine games with Bridgeport of the AHL and getting an assist in his NHL debut. He also had eight points (two goals, six assists) in seven games to help Sweden win gold at the 2026 World Juniors. The 19-year-old combines skill with relentless forechecking and a willingness to play physical despite his modest frame (5-11, 161). He has a realistic opportunity to earn an NHL spot this season, possibly beginning on the third line, or he could start the season in a top-line role with Hamilton of the AHL. He has top-six potential, and his physicality and competitiveness could give him a value that exceeds what his raw scoring totals might indicate.

17. Alberts Smits, D, New York Rangers

Smits (6-3, 205) excelled everywhere he played last season, from the top professional leagues in Finland (Jukurit) and Germany (Munchen), to the 2026 World Juniors with his native Latvia to the 2026 Winter Olympics, where the 18-year-old had two assists and averaged 18:44 of ice time in four games as the youngest player in the tournament. The Rangers selected him with the No. 5 pick of the 2026 draft, and his size, skill set and maturity -- Smits has been living on his own since he left Latvia for Finland at age 13 -- should make for an easy transition to playing hockey in North America this season. Smits should have a chance to play in the NHL this season, potentially on the left side of the third pair alongside Braden Schneider. There also is the option of allowing him to develop in a larger role with Hartford of the AHL. But wherever he ends up, Smits projects to be a top-pair defenseman capable of playing in all situations.

18. Carter Yakemchuk, D, Ottawa Senators

The high-end offensive skill set Yakemchuk (6-3, 219) showcased during his four WHL seasons carried into his first pro season, when he finished second among AHL rookie defensemen with 40 points (10 goals, 30 assists) in 54 games with Belleville. He also a goal and an assist in his NHL debut March 24. Yakemchuk, who will turn 21 on Sept. 29, played four NHL regular-season games and one game in the playoffs, with two assists in Ottawa's 4-2 loss to the Carolina Hurricanes in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference First Round. Selected with the No. 7 pick of the 2024 draft, Yakemchuk could start this season on the Senators' third pair and second power-play unit, but if he can improve his gap control, defensive reads and puck management, his size, shot and offensive confidence provide substantial upside for him, potentially as a right-shot partner for left-shot Jake Sanderson on Ottawa's top pair.

19. Brady Martin, F, Nashville Predators

Martin (6-0, 185) played three games for the Predators last season after making the opening night roster and could be ready for full-time NHL duty this season. The 19-year-old, who was chosen with the No. 5 pick of the 2025 draft, had one assist in his short NHL stint, then had an impressive season with his junior team plus won a bronze medal with Canada while playing on its most impressive line at the 2026 WJC. He finished the season with one goal in three games for Milwaukee during the AHL playoffs. The Predators seem ready to give their young forwards prime NHL ice time, putting Martin in competition with a group that includes Matthew Wood, 21; Joakim Kemell, 22; Reid Schaefer, who will turn 23 on Sept. 21; and Egor Surin, 20. Martin's ability to play center or wing could give him an advantage in the competition, or the Predators could allow him to play a top-line role in the AHL before he makes his way back to the NHL.

20. David Reinbacher, D, Montreal Canadiens

Montreal selected Reinbacher with the No. 5 pick in the 2023 NHL Draft, envisioning the right-shot defenseman as a long-term top-four fixture. After losing significant development time to knee, shoulder and hand injuries, the 21-year-old had 24 points (five goals, 19 assists) and a plus-18 rating in 57 games with Laval of the AHL last season. Reinbacher (6-3, 207) also had one assist in his first two NHL games. He likely will begin this season with Laval because Montreal has established options on the right side, but he should be among its first defensive recalls. Reinbacher projects as a reliable second-pair defensemen who can kill penalties, retrieve pucks and make efficient outlet passes. His best fit would be alongside an aggressive, puck-moving, left-shot partner.

21. Anton Silayev, D, New Jersey Devils

After three seasons in the Kontinental Hockey League, Silayev now will play in North America, likely with Utica of the AHL to begin the season, giving the 20-year-old an opportunity to adjust to the smaller ice sheet. Selected with the No. 10 pick of the 2024 draft, Silayev (6-7, 211) established himself as a physical force in the KHL, finishing third on Torpedo last season with 124 hits in 61 games. He's regarded as a strong skater who needs to develop his offensive game, and he could become the perfect complement to one of New Jersey's more offensive-minded defensemen, Luke Hughes or Dougie Hamilton.

22. Caleb Malhotra, F, Vancouver Canucks

Malhotra (6-2, 182) had 84 points (29 goals, 55 assists) in 67 regular-season games and a team-leading 26 points (13 goals, 13 assists) in 15 playoff games for Brantford of the OHL. The 18-year-old son of longtime NHL center and current Canucks coach Manny Malhotra, he was chosen with the No. 3 pick in the 2026 draft. Caleb has received consistent praise for his intelligence, leadership, competitiveness and mature two-way game. He'll be tested this season at Boston University, but the Canucks envision Malhotra developing into a top-six center who should produce offensively, be dependable defensively and contribute on the penalty kill. It wouldn't be a surprise to see him in an NHL lineup after his college season ends.

23. Roman Kantserov, F, Chicago Blackhawks

Kantserov (5-9, 176) is expected to play right wing on one of the Blackhawks' top two lines and energize an offense that was tied for 30th in the NHL last season at 2.56 goals per game. The forward, who will turn 22 on Sept. 20, had one of the most dominant offensive seasons in KHL history, leading the league with 36 goals in 63 games for Magnitogorsk, and setting league records for most goals and points (64) in a season by a player age 22 or younger. Selected in the second round (No. 44) of the 2023 draft, he also has championship experience, scoring three game-winning goals to help Magnitogorsk win the Gagarin Cup in 2024.

24. Jacob Fowler, G, Montreal Canadiens

Fowler (6-1, 223) has developed into one of hockey's premier young goaltenders. The 21-year-old played well during a 17-game NHL audition last season, going 9-6-2 with a 2.43 goals-against average, .908 save percentage and one shutout, and was the backup to Jakub Dobes during the Stanley Cup Playoffs, replacing him in one game during the second round. He could return as Dobes' backup this season or be the No. 1 goalie with Laval of the AHL, where he was 19-7-1 with a 2.23 GAA, .916 save percentage and three shutouts in 27 games last season. His composure, positioning and consistent success at previous levels suggest above-average starting potential.

25. Keaton Verhoeff, D, San Jose Sharks

Verhoeff (6-4, 208) made a solid jump from the WHL to NCAA hockey as a 17-year-old and had 20 points (six goals, 14 assists) in 36 games as a freshman at North Dakota last season. He turned 18 on June 19, a week before the Sharks selected the right-handed shot with the No. 9 pick of the 2026 draft. Verhoeff will return for at least one more college season and is expected to have a top-pair role for Canada at the 2027 World Juniors, but it likely won't be long before he's filling a top-four defense spot in San Jose, maybe on a plus-size top pair with left-handed shot Sam Dickinson (6-3, 200).

26. Trey Augustine, G, Detroit Red Wings

Augustine will move into professional hockey full time this season after arguably being the top goalie in college during his three seasons at Michigan State. Selected by the Red Wings in the second round (No. 41) of the 2023 draft, the 21-year-old was 66-25-7 with a 2.40 goals-against average, .922 save percentage and nine shutouts in 99 college games. Last season he won his second straight Big 10 goalie of the year award when he was 24-9-1 with a 2.11 GAA, .929 save percentage and three shutouts, was voted the winner of the Mike Richter Award as the top men's NCAA goalie and was a top-10 finalist for the Hobey Baker Award as the top men's NCAA hockey player. Augustine got a taste of pro hockey last season, playing two AHL games with Grand Rapids, and will have the chance to be the No. 1 goalie there this season. Augustine's tracking, composure and extensive international experience compensate for average NHL size (6-1, 183), and he should be ready to compete for the No. 1 job with the Red Wings potentially as soon as 2028-29.