2026 NHL Mock Draft and Rumours: Maple Leafs, Canucks, Flames, Jets all picking in top-10

It’s the first major event of the new league year as the 2026 NHL draft gets underway Friday night at 8 p.m. ET in Buffalo, New York.

This has been one of the busier draft weeks in terms of trades and there are no shortage of rumours leading up to draft day.

Because so much is up in the air, our mock draft of the top-10 was done with where the picks currently stand. It’s important to note, however, that there is a lot of smoke around some of these picks being traded, particularly San Jose’s No. 2 and No. 9 selections.

With all that in mind, here’s our mock draft for the top-10 picks.

Make sure to check out Sports Interaction’s complete list of NHL futures.

1. Toronto Maple Leafs

Gavin McKenna, LW, Penn State (NCAA)

This is as close to a slam-dunk as it gets. While Toronto will never admit it publicly, they’re taking Gavin McKenna and there’s already rumours they quietly told him he will be their selection.

Almost every No. 1 overall pick starts in the NHL and that should be the case with McKenna. Matthew Knies is reportedly on the trade block, which opens a spot for McKenna to start on Auston Matthews’ wing in the fall.

2. San Jose Sharks

Ivan Stenberg, LW/RW, Frolunda (SHL)

San Jose has had a lot of high draft picks in recent years, so I would be shocked if they don’t trade one of their two top-10 picks for a roster player ready to make an impact right now. Despite a glaring hole on defence, Sharks GM Mike Grier has said he’ll take the best available player, which should be Swedish winger Ivan Stenberg at No. 2.

Stenburg could slot right into San Jose’s top-six as a replacement for the recently traded William Eklund, who was sent to Ottawa for the ninth overall pick. If the Sharks keep the second pick, I expect them to draft Stenburg, if they keep the ninth and trade the second, they could circle a defenceman.

3. Vancouver Canucks

Chase Reid, D, Sault Ste. Marie (OHL)

While Caleb Malhotra seemed like an ideal fit for Vancouver over the last few months, recent rumours have discussed the Canucks’ desire to take a defenceman third overall. Staying away from Malhotra, could also alleviate some awkwardness with Malhotra’s father, Manny, taking over head coaching duties.

Vancouver was reportedly impressed with Reid after taking him to dinner at the draft combine. He’s an offensive threat and a can’t-miss prospect that should anchor the Canucks’ blue line for years now that Quinn Hughes jumped ship for Minnesota.

4. Buffalo Sabres (from Chicago)

Caleb Malhotra, C, Brantford (OHL)

Buffalo received a massive haul in return for defenceman Bowen Byran, including this year’s fourth overall draft pick. It was a tidy bit of work from the Sabres in exchange for a defenceman who was well down their depth chart.

Because Buffalo’s D-core is so loaded, I would expect them to target a top-six forward to replace Alex Tuch. Malhotra fits the bill here as it creates more flexibility adding another high-end centre to the group.

5. New York Rangers

Albert Smits, D, Jukurit (Liiga)

I don’t expect Malhotra to be available in this spot, so the Rangers will likely pivot to a defenceman. There’s been talk about New York liking Albert Smits’ confidence and his ability to jump to the NHL right away.

That confidence is a perfect fit in a city like New York. With defencemen generally taking longer to develop than forwards, the bright lights of Madison Square Garden won’t be took big for Smits.

6. Calgary Flames

Carson Carels, D, Prince George (WHL)

Calgary has been focused on upgrading their blue line, swinging a massive trade with New Jersey for 22-year-old stud defenceman Simon Nemac, a former second overall pick. I don’t think the Flames are done on the back end.

Carson Carels reportedly had a stronger interview with Calgary and the Western Canadian kid would slot in perfectly on the left side beside Zayne Parekh.

7. Seattle Kraken

Daxon Rudolph, D, Prince Albert (WHL)

Seattle is looking for a positive story after they had a deal in place for a sign-and-trade with pending Stars forward Jason Robertson, only for Robertson to turn down a massive $15 million-per-year contract.

I think the Kraken pivot to a defenceman, a position they have never drafted in the first round. Seattle took several top tier defencemen out to dinner at the combine, but if they really want to make a splash, Daxon Rudolph is one of the most offensively talented blue liners in the draft.

8. Winnipeg Jets

Viggo Bjorck, C/RW, Djurgardens IF (SHL)

Winnipeg is reportedly ready to take Rudolph if he’s available, but if he’s not, I could see them shifting focus to Viggo Bjorck.

Bjorck is the biggest climber in the draft rankings since the end of the season and he would immediately slot in as the Jets’ best prospect down the middle of the ice as a potential second line centre of the future.

9. San Jose Sharks (from Florida)

Keaton Verhoeff, D, North Dakota (NCAA)

If San Jose elects to keep both top-10 picks, which I doubt, they could do worse than nabbing a star forward and defenceman in the same draft.

As good as the Sharks’ prospect pool is, they lack a true blue chip blue liner, but that problem would be solved with Keaton Verhoeff, who is reportedly receiving interest from almost every team in the top-10.

10. Nashville Predators

Ethan Belchetz, LW, Windsor (OHL)

Nashville doesn’t seem ready to compete for a few years, so it makes sense for them to target a player like Ethan Belchetz, who is committed to attending Michigan State this fall.

Belchetz is a big playmaking forward with high-end skill and top-six potential. He’ll also get a chance to develop some chemistry with fellow Predators prospect Ryker Lee at MSU.