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As another week passes, we are one step closer to the NHL draft, but before then, NHL draft-eligible players will continue to elevate their draft stock with their respective junior, college, or European teams.
Unsurprisingly, the top two remain the same, as Gavin McKenna and Ivar Stenberg have all but cemented their place as the first two picks in the 2026 NHL draft.
Elsewhere, a strong weekend from Viggo Bjorck has increased his draft stock, while a quiet weekend from Caleb Malhotra has lowered his for the time being.
Without further ado, let's take a look at our top 10 draft rankings as of March 17.
1. Gavin McKenna
- Position: LW
- Current team: Penn State (NCAA)
- Measurables: 5'11", 170 pounds
Penn State advanced to the Big Ten Semifinal with a 6-2 win over the University of Minnesota. The Nittany Lions ultimately came up short of a Big Ten Championship berth, falling 5-2 against the University of Michigan. Through the ups and downs, McKenna earned three points (one goal and two assists) in the two games. McKenna stays at No. 1, helping Penn State’s offense through inconsistencies.
2. Ivar Stenberg
- Position: LW/RW
- Current team: Frolunda (Sweden)
- Measurables: 5'11", 183 pounds
Stenberg notched an assist in Frolunda’s only loss of the weekend, a 3-1 defeat against Djurgardens on March 12. He has plateaued down the stretch, but I am confident he will elevate his game going into the SHL Playoffs. As the No. 2 Seed, Frolunda awaits their opponent in the quarterfinals while on a bye.
MORE: 2026 NHL Draft Rankings: New names emerge, players shift within top 10 as playoffs approach
3. Chase Reid
- Position: D
- Current team: Sault Ste. Marie (OHL)
- Measurables: 6'2", 188 pounds
Chase Reid’s absence continues to haunt the Greyhounds. Soo dropped two of their last three games, including a 3-0 shutout to Brantford on March 15. The most dynamic defenseman in the draft has been out “day-to-day” since Feb. 1, according to The Sault Star.
"I’m very anxious to start playing," Reid said in a March 11 interview with Peter Ruicci, "It’s very hard sitting out, but you have to do what you have to do. I’m just trying to make sure I’m 100 per cent so I can start playing again."
If Reid is dialling up the pressure on himself to be ready, I can’t wait to see what he brings upon his return.
4. Keaton Verhoeff
- Position: D
- Current team: North Dakota (NCAA)
- Measurables: 6'4", 208 pounds
As said last week, Verhoeff has had to shift to a more second-pairing defenseman role in the NCHC playoffs. Verhoeff’s most recent outing gives him room for growth in this area, going minus-4 in the 5-1 loss to the University of Minnesota-Duluth.
However, this does not concern me; rather, it shows that Verhoeff is willing to push himself in his game. He’s always going to be a more offensive defenseman, but Verhoeff is riding the learning curve to round out his game.
5. Tynan Lawrence
- Position: C
- Current team: Boston Univ. (NCAA)
- Measurables: 6'0", 185 pounds
Lawrence’s slow burn heated up in Boston University's Hockey East Tournament play. The freshman put up three points (one goal and two assists) through the Terrier’s two games, ultimately eliminated by 5-3 by the University of Connecticut.
If Boston University had earned an at-large NCAA Tournament Bid, he could have shone brightly. I could see him going higher in the draft if a team already has a loaded defensive pool.
MORE: Prospect Power Rankings: Future NHL Players Are On Fire As The Playoffs Approach
6. Viggo Bjorck
- Position: C/W
- Current team: Djurgarden (Sweden)
- Measurables: 5'9", 177 pounds
Djurgarden secured the penultimate Swedish playoff spot, which means Viggo Bjorck has the same postseason opportunity as every player above him except Tynan Lawrence. Bjorck put up two points (one goal and one assist) in two critical wins that punched Djurgarden’s ticket. Should Djurgarden win, there is a high possibility that Bjorck lines up across from Ivar Stenberg. If Bjorck thrives in that setting, his draft stock will jump.
7. Caleb Malhotra
- Position: C
- Current team: Brantford (OHL)
- Measurables: 6'1", 182 pounds
The Bulldogs did well this weekend, capturing five of six points. Malhotra was solid, picking up two points (one goal and one assist) in those three games. He also kept his plus-34 rating, staying within the OHL’s top ten. Four regular-season games remain for the best team in the OHL before the playoffs start. I expect Malhotra, like many others, to take a step forward in the postseason.
8. Alberts Smits
- Position: D
- Current team: EHC Red Bull Munchen (Germany)
- Measurables: 6'3", 205 pounds
Smits took a bit of time to settle in, but he earned his first point with Munchen on March 13. As stated previously, Smits came from a struggling Jokerit to a playoff-bound EHC Red Bull. The 10-1 win over Straubing, where Smits got his assist, was the perfect place to build confidence. Munchen’s first round series against ERC Ingolstadt starts March 24. Smits’ youth could give Red Bull some extra energy.
MORE: NHL Draft-Eligible Harrison Boettiger Carves Out One Of Hockey's Most Interesting Development Paths
9. Carson Carels
- Position: D
- Current team: Prince George (WHL)
- Measurables: 6'1", 175 pounds
Carson Carels has been on fire. The blueliner had another stellar week, racking up seven points (one goal and six assists) in three games. This puts Carels second in the WHL with 53 assists on the season. Prince George currently sits at fourth place in the WHL’s Western Conference with 84 points, with three games remaining in the regular season.
Carels’ production could easily help the Cougars leapfrog the Kelowna Rockets into third place, securing an important playoff seed.
10. Oscar Hemming
- Position: LW
- Current team: Boston College (NCAA)
- Measurables: 6'4", 193 pounds
Hemming has embraced a grittier role as the season has progressed, and as a result, he hasn’t had a point in his last six games. Boston College would significantly improve its Tournament chances if they beat the offensively gifted University of Connecticut. All hands need to be on deck to overcome the Huskies. This is a massive opportunity for Hemming to shine.
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