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With the 2026 NHL draft in just two days, scouts around the league are finalizing their rankings of players at every position, including the centers.
This class features some intriguing two-way pivots with star potential at the NHL level, highlighted by Caleb Malhotra and Viggo Bjorck.
Let’s take a look at the top 10 centers who will be up for grabs at the KeyBank Centre in Buffalo on June 26-27. We’ve completed rankings for goaltenders, defensemen, and wingers.
1. Caleb Malhotra, Brantford (OHL)
Caleb Malhotra plays a detailed two-way game and is one of the biggest risers in this class. He emerged as a dynamic offensive player in the OHL this season, recording 84 points in 55 games with the Brantford Bulldogs.
Malhotra has good hands, has improved his playmaking, and has showcased the ability to make high-end plays with pace. His defensive habits and stick details are impressive for his age, providing him the opportunity to become an all-situations, top-six center in the right environment.
MORE: Top 10 wingers in the 2026 NHL draft include Gavin McKenna, Ivar Stenberg, and Wyatt Cullen
2. Viggo Bjorck, Djurgarden (Swe.)
Viggo Bjorck is a hard-nosed, competitive center who has been on a continuous upward trajectory. He started his season in a checking role with Djurgarden in the SHL after setting the J18 scoring record as a 15-year-old and the J20 scoring record as a 16-year-old last year.
He then had an outstanding world juniors and was one of the most important players for Sweden on its gold-medal run, worked his way into a top-line role in the SHL, earned a spot on Team Sweden’s World Championship roster, and now enters the draft as a potential top-10 pick.
Bjorck has passed every test with flying colors.
3. Tynan Lawrence, Boston University (NCAA)
Tynan Lawrence entered the season widely regarded as the top center in this draft, but a turbulent season filled with injuries and struggles at the NCAA level caused his stock to drop.
Lawrence is a dynamic transition player with creative rush patterns and skating ability that could make him an impactful middle-six forward, but the top-line upside he once had is now in question.
4. Oliver Suvanto, Tappara (Fin.)
Oliver Suvanto has some of the best physical skills in this draft, projecting as a reliable third-line centre with strong net-front skills and stout defensive commitment.
Suvanto took a unique path, jumping straight from the U18 junior hockey circuit in Finland to the professional ranks of Liiga, skipping the U20 program and establishing himself in a middle-six role on a solid Tappara team. He has a much more projectable floor than others in this class, making him an attractive asset in the draft.
5. Alexander Command, Orebro Jr. (Swe.)
Offense doesn’t come as naturally to Alexander Command as it does to other centers in this class, lacking a standout tool that makes it difficult to justify his projection being any higher than a third-line forward at this stage of his development.
However, he’s got a high compete level and work ethic that he uses to constantly make the opposition uncomfortable, which are admirable traits that can be built on.
MORE: Chase Reid, Carson Carels, and Keaton Verhoeff highlight the top 10 defensemen in the 2026 NHL draft
6. Jack Hextall, Youngstown (USHL)
Jack Hextall possesses many pro habits and, when he’s at his best, is a versatile scoring forward capable of playing center or on the wing. He’s shown flashes of offensive creativity along with an NHL-caliber shot that suggest he would be capable of becoming a second-line centre, but not at a consistent enough level for that projection to remain sturdy.
7. Ilia Morozov, Miami (Ohio) (NCAA)
Ilia Morozov was one of the youngest forwards in college hockey this year and played top-line minutes with Miami, finishing with 20 points in 36 games.
He’s got an above-average shot and has a good vision for offense, but is missing the high-end skill to consistently execute. He’s still undeniably one of the best two-way forwards in this class and has a variety of outcomes for his NHL career.
MORE: Top 5 goaltenders of the 2026 NHL draft
8. Maddox Dagenais, Quebec (QMJHL)
Maddox Dagenais found his scoring touch in the QMJHL this season, putting together a 30-goal campaign with the Quebec Remparts. It was an intriguing development for Dagenais, who already has a ton of great physical tools and profiles as a middle-six power forward at the NHL level.
His shot is his biggest offensive weapon, and if he improves his skating and shows he can consistently play in high-paced environments, there’s a real path for him to become a top-six center in the NHL.
9. Markus Ruck, Medicine Hat (WHL)
Markus Ruck led the WHL in assists (87) and points (108) in what was a dominant season alongside his twin brother, Liam, with the Medicine Hat Tigers. Markus thrives on the cycle, with effective give-and-go passes and elite overall vision in the offensive zone.
He turned into arguably the best playmaker in the WHL. Still, as an undersized forward, he’ll have to elevate his skating to become a regular offensive contributor at the NHL level.
MORE: Top 30 2026 NHL UFAs: Alex Tuch, Rasmus Andersson, John Carlsson highlight free agent board
10. Brooks Rogowski, Oshawa (OHL)
Right now, Brooks Rogowski has what it takes to be plugged in as a fourth-line centre in the NHL with his gigantic 6-foot-7 build and strong motor, but if he becomes more creative as an offensive player, there’s an incredibly high ceiling for him.
So much of his development will come down to what a team views his projection to be, because an emphasis on defense will limit what he can become.
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