2026 NHL Draft Top-5 Scenarios: Maple Leafs Grab McKenna, Blackhawks Draft Verhoeff – The Hockey Writers – NHL Entry Draft

With three top fives in the books, the fourth might be a little unusual. However, we looked at what each team needed and, instead of finding the best, we tried to make sense for each of the top five teams.

While the second scenario involves trading up in the draft, this one has each team picking where they are expected to go in the 2026 NHL Draft. From there, we will see three forwards and two defenders selected in this situation, similar to the first one we set.

With John Chayka and the Toronto Maple Leafs on the clock, it’s likely — yes, likely — given who they take with the first pick when the draft begins.

Maple Leafs Make McKenna Number One

Nothing is 100 percent set in stone, but it’s as close as you can get to a sure thing that the Maple Leafs will make Gavin McKenna the first pick. Following the moves the Maple Leafs have made this offseason so far, it’s unlikely they’ll go with a defenseman and – if only – Ivar Stenberg hasn’t received the same level of consideration in the Maple Leafs camp based on discussions between the organization and the player.

So, that being said, the Maple Leafs will look to the highly regarded, highly skilled Whitehorse product as their first pick in the draft and a player who can make the jump to the NHL quickly to help bolster the roster. His vision and hockey IQ will produce the offensive boost the Maple Leafs desperately need, while his hint of arrogance will serve him well in the market that is Toronto.

Sharks Ride Stenberg For Second Place

With the second overall pick, the San Jose Sharks snagged Stenberg to add to their already impressive offense. While quarterback may have been an option a few weeks ago, Mike Grier added Michael Kesselring recently which makes it more likely that they will select Stenberg at number two.

The transition to the NHL shouldn’t be difficult for the Swede who already plays in the SHL in Sweden. Add to that the Sharks’ cult of young forwards – including Macklin Celebrini, Michael Misa and Will Smith – and it might be easy to put him in there in the near future.

The Canucks Land Reid at Number Three

While the Vancouver Canucks could undoubtedly use a strong forward to build around, the acquisition of Zeev Buium and the addition of another strong defensive line could shape the future of the team’s blue line. That’s why, third overall, taking Chase Reid would be a tough move for the Canucks.

Reid gives the team a top defensive prospect in the draft, as well as a right-handed option with a ton of offensive upside. Add to that his strong two-way game and the Canucks could be looking to bolster their back end with this pick as part of a major rebuild.

Blackhawks Add Verhoeff Fourth Overall

Although he was a top-five pick this past season, the Chicago Blackhawks’ need for a solid defenseman may lead them to take Keaton Verhoeff fourth overall, in addition to some forward options in the draft. Verhoeff’s size and ability are hard to ignore and despite a slight transition to the NCAA game last season, he remains an excellent option for a team looking to bolster the backfield.

The Blackhawks have a piece of the net in Spencer Knight and are led up front by Connor Bedard and Anton Frondell. The addition of Verhoeff would be a huge step in completing the rebuilding of this Original Six franchise.

Rangers Draft Malhotra to Close Top Five

Rounding out the top five, the New York Rangers take Caleb Malhotra – a kid who dominated the Ontario Hockey League last season and showed how much talent he has. It will be difficult for the top four teams to get past, but if they consider some of their needs they could fall to Rangers in the top five.

If that is the case, there is no way the Rangers can pass on this athletic and talented team. They, too, are in a rebuilding phase and Malhotra has the hockey IQ and talent to help speed up this turnaround for a team that can’t handle too many failures in a frustrated market.

Of course, remember that these are hypothetical situations and, as such, the parties could go in different directions. That said, this is a potential pick based on the needs of the top five teams in the 2026 NHL Draft, which is imminent.