Making the Case NHL Draft 2026

Making the Case: Alberts Smits

A mobile, physical defenseman with top-pair potential, Alberts Smits checks nearly every box for teams drafting near the top of the first round.

Making the Case NHL Draft 2026

Making The Case: Keaton Verhoeff

A big, well-rounded defenseman fresh off a visit to the Frozen Four, Keaton Verhoeff could have one of the highest chances to be chosen by the Rangers.

Making the Case NHL Draft 2026

Making the Case: Tynan Lawrence

The Rangers may be betting on projection over current production if they call Lawrence’s name at fifth overall.

Making the Case NHL Draft 2026

Making the Case: Viggo Björck

There are safer picks at five, but few players in this draft bring Björck’s mix of skill, intensity, and production. The question is whether the Rangers are willing to bet on talent over size.

Making the Case NHL Draft 2026

Making The Case: Ethan Belchetz

Belchetz has 40-goal upside and checks every box the Rangers prioritize. But a broken clavicle and a defense-heavy draft class would make using the fifth pick on him a real gamble.

Making the Case NHL Draft 2026

Making The Case: Oscar Hemming

Oscar Hemming has the size, the shot, and the net-front game the Rangers sorely needs. So is he the right pick at fifth overall? Making The Case weighs his upside against deeper positional needs.

New York Rangers Prospects

Feldman's 2026 Mock Draft: First Edition

Chris's first mock draft ranks the top 32 prospects—and this one's based purely on player merit. See where the top 32 prospects shake out, which names Rangers fans should be quietly rooting to slip to fifth overall, and who could become a late-first-round steal.

New York Rangers Prospects

Roberto's 2026 Mock Draft: First Edition

The 2026 NHL Draft class is loaded with intrigue beyond the top two. Here's a full first-round projection, including the defenseman with the highest upside, the center whose playoff run silenced the skeptics, and a few sliding names worth watching at the end of the round.

Making the Case NHL Draft 2026

Making The Case: A New York Rangers 2026 Draft Preview Series

With the Rangers picking fifth, the path to the right prospect isn't obvious. Over the next few weeks, we make the case—for and against—10 of the top names in this draft class, from Ivar Stenberg to Ethan Belchetz.