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It’s make-or-break time for 2026 NHL draft prospects, as the playoffs are in full swing.
The NCAA National Championship tournament begins in the coming days, the CHL regular season wrapped up on the weekend, and we’ve already seen prospects like Viggo Bjorck eliminated from the playoffs in Europe.
But as we head into the critical part of these players’ season, we revisit our top 10, with Gavin McKenna continuing to lead the way, and on the brink of truly separating himself from the pack.
Elsewhere, we finally see Chase Reid return from his injury, and a new stud right-handed defenseman works his way into the top 10.
1. Gavin McKenna
- Position: LW
- Current team: Penn State (NCAA)
- Measurables: 5'11", 170 pounds
The start of McKenna’s biggest test date comes this week. Penn State takes on the University of Minnesota-Duluth in the first round of the NCAA Tournament Albany Regional.
The Bulldogs’ strong netminder, Adam Gajan, has been solid in the NCHC playoffs with a .925 save percentage through two games. McKenna may be the X-Factor in an offense-versus-defense matchup on March 27 at 7 p.m. EST.
2. Ivar Stenberg
- Position: LW/RW
- Current team: Frolunda (Sweden)
- Measurables: 5'11", 183 pounds
Frolunda lost their first quarterfinal game to Lulea HF 3-2 in overtime. However, it would not have gone the distance to the extra frame if not for Ivar Stenberg’s timely assist on the game-tying goal. The second contest for Frolunda is on March 27, at 12 p.m. EST per FloHockey. I would be surprised if Stenberg didn’t get on the board this go around.
MORE: 2026 NHL Draft Rankings: Viggo Bjorck rises following strong performances
3. Chase Reid
- Position: D
- Current team: Sault Ste. Marie (OHL)
- Measurables: 6'2", 188 pounds
Reid made his long-awaited return to the lineup after being out since Feb. 1. He had a modest one assist in the trio of contests last weekend. It is a bit disappointing, for sure, but I attribute it to Reid readjusting to the game after such a lengthy absence. If this dip continues in the playoffs, then there may be concerns.
4. Keaton Verhoeff
- Position: D
- Current team: North Dakota (NCAA)
- Measurables: 6'4", 208 pounds
The University of North Dakota had the week off as the NCHC Playoffs wrapped up. Verhoeff and the Fighting Hawks face Merrimack College in the first round of the NCAA Tournament Sioux Falls Regional. Merrimack is a scrappy team, so the North Dakota defensive core, including Verhoeff, needs to be on their game.
MORE: Predicting NCAA's Hobey Baker Hat Trick Finalists: McKenna, Wyttenbach Highlight Top 10
5. Tynan Lawrence
- Position: C
- Current team: Boston Univ. (NCAA)
- Measurables: 6'0", 185 pounds
With Boston University not selected for the 2026 NCAA Tournament, Tynan Lawrence’s season is finished. This could be a blessing in disguise for Lawrence, giving the rising sophomore more time to heal from his nagging injury. Here’s to a 100% healthy Tynan Lawrence in 2026-27.
Lawrence's final opportunity to showcase himself will likely be at the U-18s and the NHL draft combine.
6. Viggo Bjorck
- Position: C/W
- Current team: Djurgarden (Sweden)
- Measurables: 5'9", 177 pounds
Djurgarden was eliminated this past Saturday by Malmo RedHawks, 3-1. Still, Bjorck put up three points (1 goal + 2 assists), including a secondary helper on Anton Frondell’s Game 1 overtime winner.
Like Tynan Lawrence, Bjorck’s 2025-26 campaign has now come to a close. Bjorck fought hard during this round of 16 and has nothing to hang his head about. He, too, will likely feature in the U-18s after posting an impressive four goals and eight points at this event last year.
7. Carson Carels
- Position: D
- Current team: Prince George (WHL)
- Measurables: 6'1", 175 pounds
Carels went without a point this weekend for the first time all season. However, this is an exception, not the rule. The Canadian World Juniors underager has been consistent all season, racking up 73 points (20 goals and 53 assists) in 58 games.
Prince George faces the offensively minded Spokane Chiefs in the first round of the WHL Playoffs starting Friday, March 27. Carels’ two-way defensive game will be crucial as these two teams go head-to-head.
MORE: Prospect Power Rankings: NCAA Hobey Baker List Shrinks As Everett Dominates WHL
8. Alberts Smits
- Position: D
- Current team: EHC Red Bull Munchen (Germany)
- Measurables: 6'3", 205 pounds
Red Bull Munchen started their series against ERC Ingolstadt today. As Red Bull looks to rally, Smits will be an important piece in all three zones. Germany is a much more physical league than Finland, where he spent most of this season, so Smits is still in the adjusting phase despite the playoffs being underway.
9. Caleb Malhotra
- Position: C
- Current team: Brantford (OHL)
- Measurables: 6'1", 182 pounds
The Bulldogs and Malhotra split the weekend in terms of production. Malhotra earned three assists on Friday, propelling the Bulldogs to a 6-5 win over North Bay. The ensuing Sunday, Malhotra was held off the scoresheet as Brantford fell to Brampton 6-1.
From my view, this is a good thing for Malhotra’s draft stock. It shows Malhotra’s importance to Brantford as an offensive catalyst, something that teams will no doubt take an interest in.
MORE: Eight Of The Top 2026 NCAA Free Agents
10. Daxon Rudolph
- Position: D
- Current team: Prince Albert (WHL)
- Measurables: 6'2", 202 pounds
Rudolph has been one of the first guys off my list the past few weeks, but this week, he cracks the top ten. His four assists over the past three outings increase his ten-game total to 14 points (4 goals and 10 assists).
What intrigues me about Rudolph is his good perimeter work and physical potential. He isn’t known for cutting to the middle as much as staying to the perimeter, wheeling and dealing. Rudolph’s speed allows this style to work, and he is learning to be more intense, especially given his size. When Rudolph embraces his frame further, he will continue to rise.
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