April 2026 NHL Mock Draft – Top 16
The race for the final playoff spots in both conferences is getting juicy, but the 2026 NHL Draft is also just two and a half months away. In honor of that, let’s do a top-16 mock draft, with a lottery to determine positioning.
Note: Mock draft lottery (via Tankathon) done before April 4 game slate
1st Overall: Winnipeg Jets, Gavin McKenna, W
Some mid-season rankings had the next player on this list overtaking Gavin McKenna, but he has earned the top spot back after an explosive end to his freshman campaign at Penn State University.
At the end of the day, McKenna is the top playmaker in the class, and this selection reflects that. He should be a top-line game-changer for whoever picks him, and in this mock, it’s the Winnipeg Jets.
The Jets are in an interesting spot. They’ll probably choose to run it back with their core for a few more seasons, but long-term, McKenna will be the new face of hockey in Manitoba.
2nd Overall: Nashville Predators, Ivar Stenberg, W
Another surprising jump in the lottery, the Nashville Predators have the honor of selecting Ivar Stenberg second overall. Regarded as the top prospect in this class by many, it’s hard not to get excited about the potential of a winger of his caliber next to 2025 pick Brady Martin.
Stenberg’s historic production at the Swedish Hockey League (SHL) level speaks for itself. He has a strong 200-foot game, too, which should fit Nashville’s philosophy well.
3rd Overall: Vancouver Canucks, Caleb Malhotra, C
Should the Vancouver Canucks make a head-coaching change, there’s a good chance Manny Malhotra, the American Hockey League (AHL) bench boss, is the next man up. His son, Caleb, just so happens to be eligible for the 2026 NHL Draft and the top center on most people’s boards.
It’d be a feel-good story, but perhaps somewhat problematic. Anyhow, Malhotra would be a welcome addition to the Canucks’ pool.
The Canucks clearly value the center position a lot, acquiring Filip Chytil, Braeden Cootes, and Marco Rossi over the past two seasons. Malhotra has high-end top-six upside, but I’m not yet convinced of the notion that he’s a 1C. It’s possible, but that makes this pick somewhat of a gamble considering the two defensemen below.
4th Overall: Chicago Blackhawks, Keaton Verhoeff, D
Keaton Verhoeff is seen as the top defenseman in this class by many. With size, a strong shot, a high defensive ceiling, and mobility, there’s top-pairing upside here.
This is a tricky spot for the Chicago Blackhawks, though. They could use more talent, but a key priority should be adding forward talent to make Connor Bedard’s life easier. However, with three forwards already off the board in a stacked defensive class, their hand is almost forced here.
It’s probably unlikely that two teams jump them in the lottery, but they should be prepared for a world where McKenna, Stenberg, and even Malhotra are off the board. In that event, they should take their top defenseman.
5th Overall: Calgary Flames, Chase Reid, D
