First-round selections
The 2026 NHL Draft concluded with several notable selections across its seven rounds. Among the early picks, Viggo Bjorck was chosen eighth overall by the Winnipeg Jets. This came after Daxon Rudolph was selected fourth by the Buffalo Sabres and Alberts Smits went to the New York Rangers one pick later, causing a shift in the draft order. Bjorck is described as a dynamic player with a well-rounded skill set, capable of playing a sturdy game despite not being tall. He produced goals and assists playing professionally for Djurgardens in the SHL.
The Seattle Kraken selected Chase Reid seventh overall, marking their first time using a first-round pick on a defenceman. Reid’s journey to the draft included being cut from USHL Waterloo and moving to NAHL Bismarck. He later played for Sault Ste. Marie in the OHL, where he recorded 40 points in 39 games. Reid also played for Team USA at the 2026 world juniors, leading the power play when Cole Hutson was out of the lineup. He possesses qualities such as elite passing skills, a strong shot, and skating prowess.
Mid-round prospects
In the second round, the New Jersey Devils acquired Matias Vanhanen 37th overall. Vanhanen, who was eligible for the previous year’s draft, is recognized as a playmaker with strong vision and a combination of passing and shooting abilities. Additionally, he had goals and assists in 23 playoff games, including the Memorial Cup.
The Pittsburgh Penguins selected Tomas Galvas 54th overall. At 20 years old, Galvas was eligible for his third draft. Despite being considered small for a defenceman at 5-foot-10 and 190 pounds, he had goals and points in Extraliiga games. Galvas also played a significant role for Czechia at the 2026 world juniors, where he tied for the team lead with a plus-7 rating and led the defence corps with goals and points in a silver medal effort. His father, Lukas Galvas, played 911 games over 22 seasons in Czechia’s top league.
The third round saw the Utah Mammoth pick Adam Valentini 96th overall. Valentini, listed at 5-foot-9 and 183 pounds, is a versatile player who can play both wing and centre. As a true freshman at the University of Michigan, he contributed goals and assists in 40 games, accumulating 46 penalty minutes. He is seen as a potential middle-six or secondary scorer for the Mammoth.
The Colorado Avalanche selected Beckett Hamilton 74th overall. Hamilton showed consistent improvement during his time in Red Deer, rising in NHL Central Scouting’s rankings. After a season with 14 goals and 25 points playing mostly on the wing, a move to centre resulted in a season with goals and points. His performance helped the Rebels secure a spot in the WHL playoffs.
In the fourth round, the Los Angeles Kings drafted Thomas Vandenberg 103rd overall. Vandenberg, born on September 8, 2008, was one of the younger players in this draft class. He contributed goals and assists for the Ottawa 67’s, with 11 power-play goals. He also played for Team Canada at the U18 World Championship, demonstrating his flexibility in an energy/checking role. Vandenberg is projected as a third-line forward with the hockey sense to play either centre or wing.
Later-round surprises and diversity
The draft also featured several players who were considered surprise picks. Connor Davis, a right wing from the Cedar Rapids RoughRiders, was selected by the Vancouver Canucks. Davis became a significant even-strength scorer in the USHL and is committed to the University of North Dakota. He is known for his constant motion, strong work ethic, and physicality, creating loose pucks and capitalizing around the slot. He is expected to start in a checking role at North Dakota.
Tyler Deakos, a right wing from the Waterloo Black Hawks, was the final pick of the draft by the Montreal Canadiens. Deakos, who was injured in late January, showed potential as an NHL-calibre shooter with a knack for getting open in the slot. He is also a skilled handler and exhibits flashes of physicality. Deakos is signed to the Penticton Vees for the 2026-27 season.
Parker Von Richter, a right defenceman from the Barrie Colts, was picked 111th overall by the Pittsburgh Penguins. This was his third time being eligible for the draft. Von Richter is a play-killing defender known for his physicality, precision, and quick reactions. He is committed to New Hampshire for next season. Finn Kearns, a left defenceman from St. Andrew’s College, was selected by the Seattle Kraken at 131st overall. Kearns is noted for his combination of mobility and physicality, often looking to engage opponents along the boards. He will return to Sudbury for another season before heading to UMass in 2027-2028.
Mikhail Cherepanov, a left defenceman from the New Hampshire Mountain Kings, was drafted by the Dallas Stars. Cherepanov, a rare pick directly from the NAHL, displays a high-octane, creative, and physical style of play. He is committed to Lake Superior State for 2027-28. Cullen McCrate, a right defenceman from the Fargo Force, was a seventh-round selection by the Boston Bruins. McCrate is described as a game manager who limits risk and keeps play moving up the ice. He became a top-pair defenceman for Fargo this season.
The 2026 NHL Draft also showcased diversity, with at least 12 players of Black, Indigenous, Asian, South Asian, Hispanic, and Samoan heritage being selected. The draft took place at KeyBank Center in Buffalo on Friday and Saturday.
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Source: sportsnet.ca
