2026 NHL Draft rankings: Stenberg leads May list as Buffalo combine approaches
The NHL draft rankings for the 2026 NHL Draft released in May place Swedish winger Ivar Stenberg at the top as teams turn their attention to the upcoming combine and the June draft in Buffalo. The May rankings, compiled from season-long scouting and recent international play, signal a deep class with a mix of pro-level experience from the SHL, NCAA standouts and high-end WHL and OHL performers. With the NHL Combine set for May 31–June 6 in Buffalo and the draft later in June, clubs are finalizing their boards and gearing up for in-person testing and interviews.
Stenberg confirmed as the top prospect
Ivar Stenberg sits atop the May 2026 NHL Draft rankings as the class’s premier winger, praised for full-ice impact, competitive drive and situational versatility. Playing in Sweden’s SHL this season, Stenberg produced 11 goals and 22 assists and is part of Sweden’s senior roster at the World Championship, traits that boost his readiness profile for NHL clubs.
Scouts describe Stenberg as a future first-line forward capable of playing in all situations, combining play-driving instincts with a reliable shot and strong three-zone awareness. His blend of pro experience and international exposure is a key factor in why he leads these May rankings.
Top centres and rising NCAA talents
The May rankings highlight depth down the middle, with Caleb Malhotra and several NCAA entrants emerging as premium centre options for teams. Malhotra’s OHL production — including an elevated playoff performance — positions him as the leading centre on the list and a prospect who handles both offensive creation and dependable defensive minutes.
NCAA standouts such as Gavin McKenna and Tynan Lawrence also feature prominently, with McKenna’s late-season surge at Penn State and Lawrence’s transition to Boston University underscoring the value clubs place on collegiate development. The combination of high minutes, special-teams deployment and two-way responsibility figures heavily in evaluators’ assessments ahead of June.
Defencemen combine size, mobility and offensive upside
The May board reflects a prominent cohort of defencemen who mix reach and mobility with puck skill, giving teams multiple pathway fits for their drafting needs. Keaton Verhoeff, Carson Carels, Chase Reid and Daxon Rudolph are among the top blueliners noted for their varied profiles — from Verhoeff’s right-shot range to Rudolph’s heavy two-way game and physical edge.
Several of these defenders have logged significant minutes at the junior and NCAA levels, with production that pairs defensive reliability and transition impact. Teams seeking top-pairing potential or a high-end “3D” option will be closely weighing these names at the combine and during pre-draft meetings.
International pros and tournament performances matter
Scouts emphasize the importance of pro league experience and international tournaments in this year’s evaluation cycle, and that trend is visible in the May rankings. Prospects from the SHL, Liiga and Switzerland’s NLA — including Stenberg, Viggo Bjorck and several Finnish and Swedish defencemen — have enhanced their draft standing through professional minutes against older competition.
Notable U18 and world junior showings also shifted perceptions, with players such as Alexander Command and Elton Hermansson earning praise for tournament production and competitive tenacity. Those short-window, high-stakes performances are expected to factor heavily into teams’ final draft decisions in Buffalo.
Late-first and early-second-round names to watch
Beyond the top 15, the May rankings identify a deep pool of players who could come off the board late in round one or early on Day 2. Big forwards like Ethan Belchetz and power-centre Maddox Dagenais, plus versatile two-way defenders such as Alberts Smits and William Hakansson, create a group of draftable options that blend size and role-specific traits.
Several prospects project as immediate contributors in middle-six roles or as future second-pairing defenders, making them attractive targets for clubs looking for reliability and clear role projection. The upcoming combine will give teams a final window to validate athletic testing and medical status before committing picks.
Final paragraph
As the 2026 NHL Draft approaches, the May rankings offer a snapshot of where scouts currently value talent, blending pro experience, collegiate growth and standout junior production. With the combine in Buffalo scheduled for May 31–June 6 and the draft later in June, expect clubs to refine their boards based on interviews, on-ice medical reviews and testing results before making final selections.
