The NHL is preparing to interrupt for the Olympic Games in Milan. On February 4th, teams will see their rosters freeze, putting a temporary pause on any potential trade activity across the league. Before any last-second moves — equivalent to a possible Artemi Panarin trade — shake up the primary round, ClutchPoints is presenting its third 2026 NHL Mock Draft of the season.
The primary-round order is accurate as of the evening of Saturday, January thirty first, in keeping with Tankathon.
Previous 2026 NHL Mock Drafts: NHL Mock Draft 1.0, NHL Mock Draft 2.0
1. Vancouver Canucks – Gavin McKenna, LW Penn State (NCAA)
The nice debate atop the primary round of the 2026 NHL Draft continues to wage on. Gavin McKenna and Ivar Stenberg are the clear 1-2 punch of this class. And a few have turn into to return around on Stenberg being the highest pick for a wide range of reasons.
Nonetheless, McKenna’s clear elite talent is difficult to disregard. His flaws have been exposed over the course of the season. Furthermore, he didn’t hit the bottom running in college, either. More recently, though, McKenna has found his stride for Penn State. Even the predominant concerns around his game have not looked as concerning. Mix this together with his performance on the World Juniors, and McKenna stays the highest selection in our NHL Mock Draft.
2. Calgary Flames – Ivar Stenberg, LW, Frolunda HC (SHL)
The Calgary Flames definitely cannot complain about this result, though. The Flames are going to enter a rebuild soon, and they’ll need a foundational player to construct around. The Chicago Blackhawks have Connor Bedard, while the San Jose Sharks have Macklin Celebrini. Ivar Stenberg may very well be that player for Calgary. He’s a robust player in all facets of the sport. The Swedish star could definitely change the trajectory of a franchise for the higher.
3. St. Louis Blues – Keaton Verhoeff, RHD, North Dakota (NCAA)
The St. Louis Blues made the postseason in 2025, but that is unlikely to occur this yr. For whatever reason, St. Louis has just not been the identical team it was a yr ago. In relation to the longer term of this franchise, there are one among two ways to go about it. Add one other elite center, or grab a defenseman.
On this NHL Mock Draft, the Blues elect to take Keaton Verhoeff, one of the best defenseman in the category. St. Louis has a promising defender in Philip Broberg. Beyond him, though, they’ve little else of promise. The situation could change if the Blues elect to trade Robert Thomas across the NHL Trade Deadline. For now, Verhoeff is the pick.
4. Latest York Rangers – Tynan Lawrence, C, Boston University (NCAA)
The Latest York Rangers are entering what they call a retool. General manager Chris Drury made it public not too way back with a letter to the fanbase. To some extent, it’s admirable that Latest York recognizes that change is required. Nonetheless, making this all public only adds to the pressure on the front office to get this right.
Tynan Lawrence has struggled since a midseason shift to Boston University. Nonetheless, he stays one of the best center in the category. He consistently wins battles, and he maintains a level of confidence that is relatively impressive despite results not going his way. Lawrence has a probability to turn into a real No. 1 center within the NHL.
5. Winnipeg Jets – Caleb Malhotra, C, Brantford Bulldogs (OHL)
The Winnipeg Jets have been quite bad this season, and so they may very well be seeking to make some big moves. With a top-five pick of their pocket, they’ll potentially speed up any retool or rebuild with the suitable pick. Caleb Malhotra has been a fast-rising prospect within the 2026 NHL Draft. Some consider him one of the best center in the category, and admittedly, the gap between him and Lawrence is closing. Malhotra, son of former NHLer Manny Malhotra, has a few of one of the best hockey IQ on this class.
6. Chicago Blackhawks – Albert Smits, LHD, Jukurit (Liiga)
The Chicago Blackhawks could go in a lot of directions here. Chicago could definitely add one other forward to pair with Bedard. And to some extent, that could be preferable. Nonetheless, they may use a little bit of defensive cover, as well. He can truly do all of it, though his offensive ability is what has impressed teams. Smits has a ton of potential, and he could easily find himself sneaking into the highest five when the 2026 NHL Draft rolls around.
7. Nashville Predators – Oliver Suvanto, C, Tappara (Liiga)
The Nashville Predators have played a bit higher recently than they did to start the yr. Nonetheless, the problems with their roster in our last NHL Mock Draft still persist today. Nashville needs a middle, and Oliver Suvanto is a relatively intriguing prospect. He profiles as an influence forward who can complement expert wingers. It’s hard to knock him around, and while he is not elite at anyone thing, he’s definitely a capable player with top-six potential within the NHL.
8. Boston Bruins (via TOR) – Chase Reid, LHD, Soo Greyhounds (OHL)
We’ve our first traded pick on this 2026 NHL Mock Draft. The Boston Bruins received this pick within the Brandon Carlo trade with the Toronto Maple Leafs last season. It’s value noting that this pick is top-five protected.
The Bruins could use some depth on the defensive end of their prospect pipeline. Mainly, they need a left-handed shot. Chase Reid is a really intriguing prospect that some have a top-10 grade on. He’s extremely competitive, likes to pinch down within the offensive zone, and has some very impressive defensive impacts. He’s a jack of all trades player that the Bruins could definitely fall in love with.
9. Washington Capitals – Ryan Lin, RHD, Vancouver Giants (WHL)
The Washington Capitals didn’t envision being here when the season crossed the halfway point. But they did pick Ryan Leonard in the highest 10 back in 2023, and he’s shown promise since his debut. They might strike gold again with Ryan Lin. The Vancouver Giants star is the most effective defensemen in the category. He’s undersized, but he’s an absolute workhorse, skating about 26 minutes an evening this yr. He makes great decisions with the puck and is a really expert passer. His size could see him drop, but when a team is willing to bet on his skill, they may walk away with a gem.
10. Philadelphia Flyers – Ethan Belchetz, LW, Windsor Spitfires (WHL)
The Philadelphia Flyers chosen Porter Martone within the 2025 NHL Draft, so going with one other winger could also be overkill. Nonetheless, the Flyers need high-end talent greater than anything presently. Ethan Belchetz is the most effective wingers on this class. He’s a hulking winger who absolutely rips the puck. One major knock on him is his skating, as it isn’t great. Moreover, he has had some lackluster ends in recent events. Still, the potential and skill are there, and it could give the Flyers some high-end producers for his or her top-six down the road.
11. Latest Jersey Devils – Ilia Morozov, C, Miami University (NCAA)
The Latest Jersey Devils have a fairly good 1-2 punch down the center with Jack Hughes and Nico Hischier. Nonetheless, their center depth drops off from there. And that becomes crystal clear when Hughes or Hischier are out of the lineup for whatever reason. Ilia Morozov is a fast-rising prospect on this class, and an entertaining player to observe. Consider that Morozov is the youngest player in college hockey and playing 20 minutes an evening. He brings size that teams covet while being relentless on the forecheck and backcheck. He has shutdown middle-six center written throughout him.
12. Ottawa Senators – Forfeited
As mentioned within the previous two NHL Mock Drafts, the Senators have forfeited this pick as a part of the Evgeni Dadonov trade fiasco from a pair years ago. There shall be no pick made here in consequence.
13. Anaheim Geese – Adam Novotný, LW, Peterborough Petes (OHL)
The Anaheim Geese chosen Adam Novotný in our last NHL Mock Draft, and his stock has risen since then. Consequently, there’s not a reason to make a change here. Novotný wasn’t an offensive threat on the World Juniors, but off-puck play was phenomenal. His offense got here around throughout the OHL Top Prospects Game, though, and that has acted as a launching pad of sorts. He has been firing pucks every game, and that’s something the Geese could use a bit of their lineup.
14. Utah Mammoth – Mathias Preston, RW, Vancouver Giants (WHL)
Mathias Preston was a high draft pick in our last NHL Mock Draft. Nonetheless, his stock has dropped slightly bit since then. There are still some whispers of his name in the highest five, but they’re noticeably quiet as of late. This does not imply he is not an exciting player, though. A midseason trade from the Spokane Chiefs to the Vancouver Giants didn’t help matters, either.
Preston is a pest on the ice, and that is his predominant calling card. He has the power to supply offensively, and that can carry him into the primary round. Nonetheless, his value is in entering into the opposing team’s face and making their night difficult. A team just like the Utah Mammoth could definitely use a player like this.
15. Columbus Blue Jackets – Viggo Bjorck, RW, Djugardens IF (SHL)
The Columbus Blue Jackets need skill all around the ice at this point. Viggo Bjorck has a ton of fans amongst scouts for the 2026 NHL Draft. He can contribute anywhere within the offensive zone and brings positional versatility, capable of play center if needed. His size will likely keep him on the wing, but in any event, that is the kind of shot the Blue Jackets ought to be taking within the draft this yr.
16. Chicago Blackhawks (via FLA) – Marcus Nordmark, LW, Djurgardens IF (SHL)
The Chicago Blackhawks added a defenseman to their ranks earlier on this NHL Mock Draft. Nonetheless, they may still use a winger to pair alongside Connor Bedard. Tyler Bertuzzi has stepped up this season under Jeff Blashill, who also coached him when the 2 were with the Detroit Red Wings. Nonetheless, they need a younger player who can develop alongside Bedard. Marcus Nordmark must refine his off-puck play, but when he puck is on his stick, he’s a threatening presence within the offensive zone.
17. Los Angeles Kings – Yegor Shilov, C, Victoriaville Tigres (QMJHL)
The Los Angeles Kings will see Anze Kopitar retire at the top of this season. Whether their season ends with the regular season or within the postseason stays to be seen. Nonetheless, they need to begin deepening the middle position for the years ahead. Yegor Shilov has some doubters as a result of playing in an offensive-friendly QMJHL. Some query whether the production and skill are legit. Those questions are a bit harsh on the player. He’s a legitimate offensive force, and will definitely make waves within the NHL if he can pick up his work ethic.
18. Seattle Kraken – Dax Rudolph, RHD, Prince Albert Raiders (WHL)
The Seattle Kraken have never drafted a defenseman in the primary round. Considering the depth within the pipeline, it is a bit of a mystery as to why. Seattle has intriguing offensive prospects, but it surely needs a headliner on the blueline. Dax Rudolph opened the season as the most effective rearguards on this class. He has been a really imposing offensive presence as of late, and he maintains strong defensive play in addition. Nonetheless, there are questions over how his game will translate, which has dropped his stock a bit.
19. San Jose Sharks – Nikita Klepov, LW, Saginaw Spirit (OHL)
The San Jose Sharks are up with the primary of two picks on the trot here. With this primary selection, they return to the Saginaw Spirit well that saw them select Michael Misa last yr. Klepov didn’t play with Misa, spending last season within the USHL. His debut season within the O has gone quite well, despite the Spirit being a relatively lackluster team. He can shoot and pass with great skill, but when he’s surrounded with the playmakers the Sharks have, he could definitely be the finisher they’re searching for.
20. San Jose Sharks (via EDM) – Malte Gustafsson, LHD, HV71 (SHL)
The Sharks own this pick through the Jake Walman trade near last yr’s trade deadline. Perhaps its fitting, then, that they use the choice to take a defenseman on this NHL Mock Draft. Malte Gustafsson is a hulking defender on the backend, and despite his young age, he greater than holds his own against Sweden’s top pros. He’s a solid skater who all the time moves and makes it his mission to smother opposing players in his end of the ice. The Sharks can definitely work with a player like this.
21. Latest York Islanders – J.P. Hurlbert, RW, Kamloops Blazers (WHL)
J.P. Hurlbert has gone higher in our previous mocks. Nonetheless, as time has gone on, his flaws have gotten increasingly more evident. His skating shouldn’t be great, and he’s relatively slow. Moreover, he shouldn’t be great off the puck, either. Still, his shoot is something to behold, especially on one-time shots. The Islanders chosen Cole Eiserman a pair seasons ago, so they are not afraid of a shoot-first forward with legitimate concerns in other areas of the sport.
22. Boston Bruins – Oscar Hemming, LW, Boston College (NCAA)
Oscar Hemming handled a contract dispute in Finland earlier within the season, delaying his debut with Boston College. He’s been on the radar all season, but with none game time, his projection was nigh unattainable. Thankfully, he’s taken to the ice, and he looks really good. His production has cooled off since his first few games, but he’s a high-energy power forward who would slot in like a glove on the Boston Bruins.
23. Montreal Canadiens – William Hakansson, LHD, Lulea HF (SHL)
The Montreal Canadiens need a defenseman of their pipeline. And in addition they know that their Atlantic Division rival Detroit Red Wings are coming up with the following selection. Detroit has a knack for locating gems in Sweden, so the Habs elect to stop that from happening here. William Hakansson is an excellent defensive presence that hasn’t shown anything major offensively. Still, his defensive ability shall be coveted, especially when discussing his work on the penalty kill.
24. Detroit Red Wings – Carson Carels, LHD, Prince George Cougars (WHL)
The Red Wings do not get their Swede, but they get a player who has the eye of a whole lot of people. Carson Carels has drawn some top-10 consideration, with some viewing him as a top-four lock on the blueline. Our evaluation doesn’t put him in the highest 10, but he should still be a first-rounder. He ticks off a whole lot of boxes for the Red Wings, including his two-way skill and robust hockey sense. The Red Wings need depth on the left side of the blueline, and net an intriguing prospect with this selection.
25. Pittsburgh Penguins – Juho Piiparinen, RHD Tappara (Liiga)
The Pittsburgh Penguins could use a little bit of defensive depth in their very own right, and a run on defensemen has begun. Juho Piiparinen will likely stick around the underside half of the primary round as a result of his lack of offensive skill. Nonetheless, you would be hard-pressed to search out a greater shutdown defender on this class. He could definitely help stifle Pittsburgh’s opposition while helping send the puck the opposite way for an offensive rush.
26. Buffalo Sabres – Xavier Villeneuve, LHD, Blainville-Boisbriand Armada (QMJHL)
The Buffalo Sabres are on an incredible run as of now, and seem like a possible playoff team. In relation to their prospect pipeline, they’ll afford to persist with one of the best player available. Xavier Villeneuve stands out as a player Buffalo would really like. He’s one of the expert offensive defensemen on this class. The Sabres could lose Bowen Byram inside the following couple of seasons, which creates a necessity for an offensively expert defenseman to step in on the left side.
27. Vancouver Canucks (via MIN) – Elton Hermansson, RW, MoDo Hockey (HockeyAllsvenskan)
The Canucks traded Quinn Hughes to the Minnesota Wild for this selection, and elect to proceed stockpiling their forward depth. Elton Hermansson is dominant on the puck, and prioritizes generating scoring possibilities for his teammates. There are concerns about his defensive impact. He’s simply not great defensively. Nonetheless, his ability on the puck should make him a candidate to go late in the primary round.
28. Latest York Rangers (via CAR/DAL) – Maddox Dagenais, C, Quebec Remparts (QMJHL)
This pick went to the Latest York Rangers within the K’Andre Miller trade from the summer. Here, the Rangers elect to double up on their depth down the center. Maddox Dagenais is a captivating late riser on this draft. He’s a hulking player, but his skill stands out. He’s more of a shooter, but he has the power to string the needle with a pass once in a while. He uses his size well when competing along the boards, too. Some team will take a probability on his size-and-skill combo within the 2026 NHL Draft.
29. Calgary Flames (via VGK) – Brooks Rogowski, C, Oshawa Generals (OHL)
The Calgary Flames received this selection within the Noah Hanifin trade a pair years ago. After taking Ivar Stenberg with their first pick, they draft a middle to potentially go together with him. Brooks Rogowski stands 6’7″ tall and competes hard all around the ice. There are questions on his offensive ability, but he has some intriguing tools that would make him a first-round pick.
30. Carolina Hurricanes – Jack Hextall, C, Youngstown Phantoms (USHL)
In our last NHL Mock Draft, Jack Hextall was a top-15 pick. Since then, though, his stock has nearly fallen off a cliff. His skill has been inconsistent as of late, and there are concerns around his skating, in addition to his defensive awareness. Nonetheless, the skill he has shown over the course of the season leads us to consider he could be an efficient middle-six player. The Carolina Hurricanes need to improve their center depth and take a flier on Hextall here.
31. Seattle Kraken (via TB) – Alessandro Di Iorio, C, Sarnia Sting (OHL)
The Oliver Bjorkstrand trade from last season resulted on this pick going to the Seattle Kraken. While they may use one other defenseman, the worth at this point is within the crop of intriguing forwards. Alessandro Di Iorio is a powerful play driver who has the power to attain on his own. He’s responsible with the puck, and is great in transition. He’s a solid player that the Kraken can become a very important piece of their future.
32. Latest York Islanders (via COL) – Alexander Command, C, Orebro HK (SHL)
Finally, we reach the top of this 2026 NHL Mock Draft. The Islanders use their pick from the Brock Nelson trade to bolster their center depth. Alexander Command is the definition of a late riser. NHL Central Scouting was low on him, and he didn’t even make Sweden’s Hlinka Gretzky Cup squad. Nonetheless, he’s shown some flashes of being a top quality NHL prospect. There’s nothing exactly dynamic or eye-opening about his game. In saying this, he’s a solid contributor with the kind of offensive upside that will make him seem like the steal of the primary round if he can sneak in.