2026 NHL Mock Draft: Top 16 Picks Including Caleb Malhotra for Blackhawks

The recent trade of Brady Tkachuk to the Florida Panthers has stirred up the waters of the 2026 NHL Draft, shaking up the dynamics of the top ten picks. However, the Chicago Blackhawks remain steadfast, with their fourth overall selection unaffected by this move. As the draft approaches, all eyes are on the Toronto Maple Leafs, San Jose Sharks, and Vancouver Canucks, who hold the top three picks.

Initially, there were murmurs suggesting that the San Jose Sharks might opt for a defenseman, which could open the door for Ivar Stenberg to fall to the Blackhawks, should the Canucks decide to select Caleb Malhotra, the son of their new head coach. Yet, recent speculation indicates that Vancouver might not go in that direction after all, potentially altering the landscape of the draft.

In this mock draft, here’s how the top picks could unfold:

1. Toronto Maple Leafs – Gavin McKenna, LW, Penn State
   The Maple Leafs are poised to enhance their already impressive forward lineup by selecting Gavin McKenna. If Toronto holds onto their current roster, McKenna could thrive alongside stars like Auston Matthews and William Nylander on the power play.
2. San Jose Sharks – Chase Reid, D, Sault St. Marie
   Despite their recent roster changes, the Sharks are still in need of a top-tier defenseman. Chase Reid would fill that void perfectly, adding depth to their blue line.
3. Vancouver Canucks – Ivar Stenberg, LW, Frolunda
   In a surprising twist, the Canucks pass on Malhotra’s son, opting instead for Ivar Stenberg. Known for their success with Swedish forwards, Vancouver could see Stenberg reach his considerable potential.
4. Chicago Blackhawks – Caleb Malhotra, C, Brantford
   With McKenna and Stenberg off the board, the Blackhawks seize the opportunity to draft Caleb Malhotra, the third-best forward available. This selection could lead to a positional shift for either Anton Frondell or Frank Nazar, who may transition back to the wing.
5. New York Rangers – Keaton Verhoeff, D, North Dakota
   The Rangers take a calculated risk with their fifth overall pick, selecting Keaton Verhoeff. His high ceiling offers a promising complement to Adam Fox, particularly if Fox’s speed becomes a concern.
6. Calgary Flames – Carson Carels, D, Prince George
   Following their acquisition of Simon Nemec, the Flames are looking to bolster their defensive lineup further by considering Carson Carels, a player with immense potential.
7. Seattle Kraken – Alberts Smits, D, Jukurit
   The Kraken aim to secure a future star in Alberts Smits, whose performance in international competitions has made waves. His selection could be a crucial step in Seattle’s quest for standout talent.
8. Winnipeg Jets – Daxon Rudolph, D, Prince Albert
   As the depth of defensemen diminishes, the Jets look to Daxon Rudolph, who fits seamlessly into their system known for developing young talent.
9. San Jose Sharks via Ottawa Senators via Florida Panthers – Viggo Bjorck, RW, Djurgarden
   This ninth overall pick has changed hands multiple times, but the Sharks ultimately use it to draft Viggo Bjorck, a player who showcased his skills across various competitions this season.
10. Nashville Predators – Tynan Lawrence, C, Boston University
    The Predators, coming off a rebound year, will look to maximize their top-ten pick with Tynan Lawrence, a versatile forward who has the potential to evolve into a key player.
11. St. Louis Blues – Ryan Lin, D, Vancouver
    With three picks in the draft, the Blues begin by selecting Ryan Lin, addressing their defensive needs while keeping options open for further selections.
12. New Jersey Devils – Wyatt Cullen, F, USDP
    Cullen’s speed aligns with the Devils’ offensive strategy, making him a fitting choice to join their roster alongside talents like Jack Hughes.
13. New York Islanders – Ethan Belchetz, LW, Windsor
    The Islanders look to build on their previous draft success by selecting Belchetz, who will have the opportunity to refine his skills at Michigan State.
14. Columbus Blue Jackets – Adam Novotny, LW, Peterborough
    Novotny’s goal-scoring prowess makes him an appealing addition for the Blue Jackets as they continue to cultivate their young talent.
15. St. Louis Blues via Detroit Red Wings – Oscar Hemming, RW, Boston College
    Acquired in a trade, the Blues eye Oscar Hemming as a high-end forward prospect to complement their roster after moving Jordan Kyrou.
16. St. Louis Blues via Washington Capitals – Malte Gustafsson, LD, HV71
    With their third pick, the Blues consider Malte Gustafsson, focusing on strengthening their defense as they look to bolster their overall roster.

Note: This recap is an independently written summary based on publicly available reporting.