Chris Feldman's 2026 Mock Draft: Second Edition

With the NHL Draft just 24 days away and the majority of teams locked in to their drafting position, it's time for another go at the mock draft. In case you missed it, Roberto and I released the first editions of our mock drafts in mid-April, which centered around the players themselves and where they could be selected based solely on their individual skill level.

To reiterate, those initial mock drafts focused more on how we view the prospects overall, as opposed to where they may be taken on draft day. For example, I had Chase Reid ranked sixth, even though I know he will likely go somewhere in the top three. Roberto had Daxon Rudolph ranked 14th even though he's a player who could certainly get top ten consideration. This version will be the first that considers both player rankings as well as factoring in the team making the pick at each position.

That said, let's get to it.

1) Toronto Maple Leafs - Gavin McKenna, Left Wing

This should be an absolute no brainer. That being said, with the Leafs under John Chayka, things could get a little crazy. The only way I see them passing up is if they really like Ivar Stenberg and his efforts at the IIHF World Championship Tournament reinforce that sentiment. Even still, I’m writing McKenna’s name in Sharpie in the first overall position. I feel his superstar potential isn’t being spoken about enough and he should be the unanimous choice at the top of this year's draft class. 

2) San Jose Sharks - Chase Reid, Right Defense

The Sharks have the luxury of already having an insanely talent core of young forwards. They’re in dire need of defensemen, and while I still believe Carson Carels is the best defenseman in this class, I expect the Sharks to bank on upside and go with the “safe play” in Chase Reid. That said, they should seriously look to trade down for a team that wants the second overall pick, because I don't know how you pass up on Stenberg.

3) Vancouver Canucks - Caleb Malhotra, Center

As much as I’d love for Malhotra to fall to the Rangers at fifth overall, it certainly feels like Vancouver has their heart set on him. Now, if Stenberg's still on the board—again—I'm not sure how you pass up on him. However, as of last night, the Canucks officially promoted Manny Malhotra from their AHL head coach, to their NHL head coach. You would think this only increases the chances of Caleb becoming a Canuck. Although, Scott Wheeler of The Athletic did mention on an episode of the Steve Dangle Podcast that there is belief that Manny would prefer not to coach Caleb. This is a pick I might change ahead of my final mock draft, but for now I'm sticking with Malhotra at third.

4) Chicago Blackhawks - Ivar Stenberg, Left Wing

Assuming this is how things play out, the Blackhawks are hitting the lottery landing Stenberg fourth overall. They need someone to ride shotgun with Connor Bedard and, aside from McKenna, there isn’t a better player in this draft class to take on that role. Not to mention, the Blackhawks already have Anton Frondell, a fellow country men of Stenberg’s who could not only make Stenberg's transition to the NHL easier, but could make for an outstanding trio of young stars to build around.