2026 NHL Draft – Top 5 Snipers – Hockey Writers – NHL Entry Draft

Teams are always looking for the complete package with prospects when using high draft picks, but these players have one thing in common: their top shots. Here are the top five rookies eligible for the 2026 NHL Draft.

5. Marcus Nordmark, LW, Djurgårdens IF (U20 Nationell)

Due to some defensive concerns, Marcus Nordmark is considered a dangerous draft pick. But his skill level is very high. He has a real chance to produce in the NHL, especially with his shooting.

Nordmark recorded 14 goals and 24 assists in 25 games for Djurgårdens IF in Sweden’s top league. He played well abroad, adding 19 goals and 18 assists in 25 games. Back in August, he had the highest goal and total points in the Hlinka Gretzky Cup.

Among other offensive tools, Nordmark has juice in his picture. He might be a good fit in the first round of this year’s class.

4. Adam Novotný, LW, Peterborough Petes (OHL)

Adam Novotný is one of the most complete players in the class. He plays with a ton of energy, combining skill and physical presence. Most importantly, his shot is outstanding.

For the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) Peterborough Petes, Novotný recorded 34 goals and 31 assists in 58 games this season. He had three assists at the U20 World Junior Championship this winter in Czechia and won a silver medal.

Novotný, on top of his car, has a cannon. He has the ability to be strong on the run (with his shooting) and inside the offensive zone (with his body).

3. Ivar Stenberg, LW, Frölunda HC (SHL)

Ivar Stenberg hardly needs an introduction. With 11 goals and 22 assists in 43 games, he scored the highest score by a draft-year prospect in the Swedish Hockey League (SHL) since Daniel and Henrik Sedin came into the limelight. The 18-year-old is the best player in the class, and has been for some time.

Stenberg has many quality attributes, and his shooting is one of them—both accurate and powerful. He may be the NHL’s best assist man, but opponents should be aware of his scoring ability, too.

2. Niklas Aaram-OlsenLW, Örebro HK (U20 National)

Niklas Aaram-Olsen has good engagement and good sliding, but above all else, his release is excellent. He’s projected to go in the second round right now, but with his shot, he could be a steal.

Aaram-Olsen scored 20 goals and had many assists in 29 games for Sweden’s U20 Nationell, a strong performance. Internationally, his heroics in the U20 World Championship Division I led to promotion for Norway. He recorded a tournament-leading six goals and added four assists in five games. He scored four more goals in five games at the U18 World Championship.

Aaram-Olsen doesn’t brag about high prices for no reason. As already mentioned, his release is in the first round. He could be worth 32 picks in just one.

1. Mathis Preston, RW, Vancouver Giants (WHL)

After being considered a borderline top-five prospect in the class of 2026 entering this season, Mathis Preston has seen his stock drop significantly—he’s consistently ranked in the mid-20s to early 30s. However, the level of skill here is something special. The shooting, in particular, is probably the best this year has to offer.

Preston’s production this season doesn’t really speak to his scoring ability. He recorded 18 goals and 26 assists in 46 games in the Western Hockey League (WHL) and added two goals and four assists in Canada’s U18 World Championship.

But Preston’s release is a game. If anyone defines the word “sniper,” it’s No. 96. He’s incredibly dangerous in the open ice, and with his skating ability, he’s hard to stop.

Stenberg is guaranteed to be selected with a top-four pick in the 2026 NHL Draft, but without him, this list contains mock prospects in their late teens, 20s, and 30s. It will be interesting to see where they go and what they become.