NHL mock draft 2026: Who’s taken after Gavin McKenna in first round?

We at Red Line Report like this draft class.

The top end of the first round has star power, the top 10 is jam-packed with big, strong skating, offensively gifted defensemen, and there are strong options right on down through the mid-20s.

Given that, it surprised that so many first round picks have been traded so far. The St. Louis Blues have four first-rounders and the San Jose Sharks have three.

The following mock draft has a number of significant differences from Red Line’s own value board. The purpose of Red Line Report is to be a pure scouting service, and ultimately rank prospects in the order we would select the available players if we lived in a vacuum where “needs” and other outside forces never entered the equation.

The purpose of mock drafts, on the other hand, is vastly different. This mock draft merely represent a fun exercise in scenarios that we think might actually play out on NHL draft day.)

A desperately needed lottery win gives the Maple Leafs an opportunity to replace the offense lost when Mitch Marner went to Vegas. Like Marner, McKenna is a playmaking winger. How long have we been talking about McKenna? There shouldn’t be any debate.

2. San Jose Sharks — D Chase Reid

Other GMs would take Ivar Stenberg at No. 2, but unless the Sharks are fooling everyone, they desire an offensive-minded defenseman to round out their collection of young talent. It’s a bonus that he’s a right shot. Teams would like to move up, but the Sharks require an incredible offer to get their attention.

This move is a logical step because the Canucks desperately need a strong center. Malhotra boasts skill, moxie and NHL DNA in his blood. And his father, Manny, is Vancouver’s head coach.

Sabres general manager Jarmo Kekalainen said he’s listening to offers on this pick. If he keeps the pick, he’ll go after the best player available, which describes Stenberg if he drops this far, If not, could be take a defenseman?

Do you like him better than Reid? Some scouts do. The Rangers will be delighted with this pick. He scored 20 goals this season and projects to be a No. 1 defenseman.

He’s 6-4 and a well rounded defenseman. Earlier this season, it was thought he could go in the top two or three picks.

Possesses breakaway speed and is a dynamic offensive player who is already comfortable in the Swedish Hockey League. He’s on the small side, but he handles it. He recently became the youngest player (18 years old) to score a goal for Sweden at the men’s world championships.

Scored 28 goals and produced 78 points in 68 games. This draft has five highly desirable blueliners available in the top 10, and he is clearly the most underrated. Combines his offense with size and some truculence.

9. San Jose Sharks (from Florida via Ottawa) — LW Ethan Belchetz

He’s a unicorn at 6-foot-5, 230 pounds with soft hands and scoring touch. Coupled with his 34 goals and 59 points, that makes him a top 10 pick.

The NHL always has time for big, physically dominant centers with skill. He plays a two-way game, similar in approach to fellow countryman Aleksander Barkov.

11. St. Louis Blues — C Tynan Lawrence

This is a highly skilled and tenacious player who had 10 goals and 17 points in 13 games for Muskegon in the United States Hockey League before heading to Boston University midseason, where he produced fairly well while making a major adjustment to college hockey.

The Devils are looking to add scoring to their prospect pool. Novotny is a two-way player who scored 34 goals and plays a rugged game.

He’s a 6-foot-3 defenseman who skates well and offers an aggressive physical presence to go along with outstanding offensive skills.

He’s an aggressive puck hound who plays the game with great pace and energy, and always applies pressure on defenders. He also led the Ontario Hockey League in scoring.

15. St. Louis Blues (from Detroit) — D Malte Gustafsson

Huge, smooth-skating defenseman. If you are working with a Detroit pick, aren’t you obligated to draft a Swedish player?

16. St. Louis Blues (from Washington) — RW Liam Ruck

He scored 45 goals and was the hottest player in all of junior hockey for about 2 1/2 months. True finisher has a great release.

He’s a massive 6-foot-4 winger with a hellacious shot who projects to grow into a punishing power forward.

What’s better than having one smallish but supremely offensively gifted puck mover (Cole Hutson) on your blue line? How about having two of them?

Big pivot generated strong offense and played a mature two-way game as one of the youngest players in college hockey.

20. Buffalo Sabres (from Edmonton via San Jose) — LW J.P. Hurlbert

When a player produces 45 goals and 97 points in the tough Western Hockey League, you have to take notice. He’s a creative player heading to the University of Michigan.

This dynamic offensive defenseman could really liven things up for a team that has had some trouble getting hemmed into its own end. He’s a one-man breakout machine who will put a jolt into the Flyers’ power play as well.

22. Pittsburgh — C Maddox Dagenais

He’s a 6-foot-4 power forward who can produce offense and play a physical game.

He’s the son of highly respected former NHLer Matt Cullen, and that DNA is a major plus. But the kid was also the most skilled and intense forward at the U.S. National Team Developmental Program this year.

24. Vancouver Canucks (from Minnesota) — C Jack Hextall

A distant relative of Ron Hextall, he may not be quite as combative, but he is a competitor. Plus, he scored 20 goals this past season.

25. Ottawa Senators (from Tampa Bay via Seattle and Florida) — C Alexander Command

Put up 40 points in 37 games and got so much better throughout the season. He offers grit and a high compete level to go with his skill.

26. New York Rangers (from Dallas via Carolina) — D Juho Piiparinen

He’s a mature 6-foot-3 mobile, defensive-minded blueliner who is consistent in his effort. Doesn’t get caught out of position and has nimble footwork.

27. San Jose Sharks (from Buffalo) — RW Casey Mutryn

He’s a power forward with good defensive instincts who is a rugged north-south player.

The Canadiens are still searching for that elusive second-line center. He’s a gifted playmaker with excellent vision and hands.

29. St. Louis Blues (from Colorado via Islanders) — LW Marcus Nordmark

Exceptionally high skill level, but there is considerable debate about his defensive play and level of engagement. Can you convince him to be the best version of himself?

30. Calgary Flames (from Vegas) — D Ben MacBeath

Smooth skater and puck mover put up 51 points this season as a WHL rookie, and now gets to go to “the school of defense” at Denver University.

He’s a 6-foot-6 giant who had 42 points in 46 games. Long-term project needs time to develop, and now he’s going to Michigan State to hone his skills. Intriguing upside prospect.

32. Ottawa Senators — D Xavier Villeneuve

He’s a super dynamic defenseman who elicits comparisons to Lane Hutson. Remember, Hutson went a lot lower than this.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: NHL mock draft: Gavin McKenna projected No. 1; who follows?

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