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As another week pa ses, 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 a sists) in the two games. McKenna stays at No. 1, helping Penn States offense through inconsistencies. 2. Ivar Stenberg Position: LW/RW Current team: Frolunda (Sweden) Measurables: 5'11", 183 pounds Stenberg notched an a sist in Frolundas only lo s 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 : 3. Chase Reid Position: D Current team: Sault Ste. Marie (OHL) Measurables: 6'2", 188 pounds Chase Reids 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. "Im very anxious to start playing,"Reid said ,"Its very hard sitting out, but you have to do what you have to do. Im just trying to make sure Im 100 per cent so I can start playing again." If Reid is dialling up the pre sure on himself to be ready, I can Chris Bosh Jersey 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. Verhoeffs most recent outing gives him room for growth in this area, going minus-4 in the 5-1 lo s 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. Hes 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 Lawrences slow burn heated up in Boston University's Hockey East Tournament play. The freshman put up three points (one goal and two a sists) through the Terriers 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 : 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 a sist) in two critical wins that punched Djurgardens ticket. Should Djurgarden win, there is a high po sibility that Bjorck lines up acro s 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 a sist) in those three games. He also kept his plus-34 rating, staying within the OHLs 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 . 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 a sist, was the perfect place to build confidence. Munchens first round series against ERC Ingolstadt starts March 24. Smits youth could give Red Bull some extra energy. MORE : 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 a sists) in three games. This puts Carels second in the WHL with 53 a sists on the season. Prince George currently sits at fourth place in the WHLs 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 progre sed, and as a result, he hasnt 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 ma sive opportunity for Hemming to shine. More NHL News Patrick McCaw Jersey |
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