Misryoum breaks down a post-lottery NHL Top 16 mock draft and what the Maple Leafs’ No. 1 pick could mean for their rebuild.
A potential franchise-defining moment is taking shape at the top of the NHL Draft 2026, with the Maple Leafs’ No. 1 pick now firmly in focus.
With the postseason moving aside and the Draft Lottery complete. Misryoum can now look at a clearer selection order for the first 16 spots.. In this latest mock projection. the key focus is the Toronto Maple Leafs’ choice with the first overall pick. a position that could set the tone for their next chapter.
What stands out most in this draft outlook is how the early conversation revolves around wing talent. even as teams often lean toward centres and defence when building depth for the long run.. While Gavin McKenna and Ivar Stenberg are expected to be selected among the first three. the spotlight quickly shifts to the prospects projected to follow them. including a pair of defenceman/centre profiles that could reshape how teams view positional priorities.
Misryoum insight: Draft boards can look like pure guesswork, but early picks usually reveal a team’s immediate identity shift. Toronto’s top slot, in particular, signals how aggressively the franchise wants to accelerate its rebuild.
In the mock. Toronto lands Gavin McKenna as the first overall selection. with the rationale tied to adding high-end skill and vision as the Leafs plan their forward mix.. The next two picks then pivot to the defensive and centre questions: San Jose is projected to go for Chase Reid. a right-shot defenceman. while Vancouver’s selection is framed around Caleb Malhotra. a centre expected to bring system fit and organizational familiarity.
From there. Chicago is projected to pick Ivar Stenberg. New York targets a two-way defensive element with Keaton Verhoeff. and Calgary swings to Tynan Lawrence at centre.. Meanwhile. Seattle’s angle is offence with Nikita Klepov. Winnipeg’s board features Carson Carels. and Florida is projected to add Viggo Bjorck. a move designed around long-term hockey IQ and puck control.
Misryoum insight: Even when teams don’t draft their “perfect” player, the common thread is balancing immediate needs with the type of prospect that can grow into a core role. That makes the top-10 stretch feel especially meaningful for roster direction.
The rest of the Top 16 projection continues that theme of positional balance and upside.. Nashville is slated for Daxon Rudolph at defence, St.. Louis is projected to select Alberts Smits, and New Jersey adds Oscar Hemming for size up front.. The Islanders are projected to choose Ethan Belchetz. Columbus selects Ryan Lin. and the Blues round out the first half with J.P.. Hurlbert before Washington closes the group with Ilia Morozov at centre.
Misryoum insight (final): A lottery reshuffle doesn’t just change draft order, it can change strategy. For teams that are building, landing in the top tier of selections often becomes the clearest signal of how boldly they intend to reshape their future.