Today is my second attempt to project the first round of the 2026 NHL Draft. This is based on my best understanding of the range I think players could go in, team preferences, needs and any other information I’ve heard over the past few weeks.1. Toronto Maple Leafs: Gavin McKenna, LW, Penn State (NCAA)McKenna is the consensus favorite for the top pick, and sources in the league still believe he is the likeliest outcome at this slot. However, it is a tight top group, and when new Toronto GM John Chayka was in Arizona, he was a huge public proponent of premium positions in the draft. You can read into that as you will, but my hunch is McKenna is still very likely the pick here.2. San Jose Sharks: Chase Reid, RHD, Sault Ste. Marie (OHL)If McKenna goes first, the Sharks face a massive debate between adding another high-skill forward into what’s becoming a crowded young power play or anchoring their blue line. Reid’s name comes up often in those conversations as arguably the draft’s most talented defender who can quarterback the power play with those forwards for a decade. Most of the league thinks that’s who San Jose will go with.3. Vancouver Canucks: Caleb Malhotra, C, Brantford (OHL)The Malhotra noise in Vancouver has become palpable to the point where I question a bit how much of it is real, as do some sources in the league, but I still think the smart money is on Malhotra at this pick, even if Ivar Stenberg or Reid would very much be in the conversation here, too.4. Chicago Blackhawks: Ivar Stenberg, LW, Frölunda (SHL)This is an ideal scenario for Chicago. They get a dynamic offensive player, even if he’s yet another small player, to line up with Connor Bedard and add to a promising young core. If Stenberg is gone, it becomes a bit trickier, and I would guess the Blackhawks would lean toward a defenseman with this pick.5. New York Rangers: Carson Carels, LHD, Prince George (WHL)If the board goes like this to start, I think you will see a run on defensemen, as there is a very good top group of blueliners remaining. Carels’ heavy, competitive style to go with some offense will certainly fit what the Rangers like from their defenders.6. Calgary Flames: Keaton Verhoeff, RHD, North Dakota (NCAA)Calgary needs everything right now in its rebuild, except probably a power-play QB after taking Zayne Parekh. Verhoeff’s combination of size, feet and offense will be hard to pass up at No. 6.7. Seattle Kraken: Daxon Rudolph, RHD, Prince Albert (WHL)Seattle has heavily drafted forwards in recent years, leading to early speculation that they might pivot to the blue line with this pick. Talent evaluators around the league love Rudolph; his elite brain makes him a strong top-10 pick candidate, and he offers the type of steady, high-end projection they need with the potential to run a power play in a few years.8. Winnipeg Jets: Alberts Šmits, LHD, Munchen (DEL)Winnipeg has a track record of coveting big, rangy defensemen. Šmits offers great size and mobility along with decent offensive skills, which could make him a prime target if they look for someone to play major NHL minutes in their top four.9. Florida Panthers: Wyatt Cullen, LW, NTDP (USHL)It’s been a while since Florida picked this high, so it’s hard to get a read on the Panthers’ preferences. Cullen’s massive recent growth spurt has his stock rising, making him one of the true wild cards of the top 10 due to his elite skill level. Guys with late helium tend to keep rising, and he’s been one of the real late risers in this draft cycle.10. Nashville Predators: Viggo Björck, C, Djugarden (SHL)Where Björck lands will be fascinating because he is extremely talented and competitive, but he is also 5-foot-9. Teams will wrestle with whether he’s more like Brayden Point or closer to Marco Rossi or Matt Savoie. Nashville takes the swing on his immense ceiling as the team looks to add some needed high-end skill to its depth chart.11. St. Louis Blues: Malte Gustafsson, LHD, HV71 (SHL)Gustafsson’s name has generated a lot of buzz in this range recently after a great U18 worlds. His excellent gap control, good puck-moving skills and rugged play make him an easy projection for a top-four in the NHL. He and Adam Jiricek would project to play a lot of minutes for the Blues over the next decade.