Best picks in the 2026 NHL Draft

Kyle AmoreMon, Jun 29, 2026·3 min read

The 2026 NHL Draft has come and gone. Teams were able to add prospects with the potential to change the trajectory of their organizations. Only time will tell which teams hit the nail on the head with their selections. Here are the five best picks from the 2026 NHL Draft.

MORE: Avalanche complete blockbuster trade ahead of NHL Draft

5. Ryan Roobroeck, Chicago Blackhawks

Entering this past season, Roobroeck was a top 10 player to watch. Things didn’t go as planned, and his stock took a hit. This turned out to be part of Chicago’s fortune in the second round of the draft. His instincts and elite shooting make him a high boom-or-bust player at the next level.

AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisement

The Blackhawks organization will take their time with Roobroeck’s development. If he develops into his elite potential, Chicago’s roster will feature a player whose NHL comparison is Jason Robertson. In the end, the Blackhawks may have left the second round of the draft with two elite players that other teams passed on.

4. Alberts Smits, New York Rangers

It may have been shocking when the Rangers took Smits 5th overall, but the team got one of the best defensive prospects in the draft. Smits’ offensive prowess will have an immediate impact on New York’s production by a defenseman.

The Rangers needed an upgrade at defense and selected arguably the top offensive-minded defenseman in the 2026 NHL Draft. Alberts Smits will feature on New York’s top power play line within the first few months of the 2026-2027 season.

AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisement

3. Chase Reid, Seattle Kraken

It was a surprise for Seattle to see Chase Reid’s name available at pick seven. Seattle’s defense gets an instant upgrade with the addition of Reid. His playmaking and shooting ability will give the team an immediate impact on day one.

Reid will make his way into Seattle’s top power play line in his rookie season. Reid’s production will have him on the shortlist for the Calder Memorial Trophy.        

2. Nikita Klepov, Anaheim Ducks

Anaheim took the league by storm last season. At 15th overall, the Ducks added one of the best offensive prospects in Nikita Klepov. He doesn’t offer much offensively, but he possesses tremendous offensive upside.

AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisement

Klepov is coming off a season in which he was the first OHL rookie scoring champion in over 50 years. The addition of the right winger adds another outstanding young player to a roster that saw elite production from rookie Beckett Sennecke.

1. Xavier Villeneuve, Chicago Blackhawks

Selecting Villeneuve at 34th overall was an absolute steal for the Chicago Blackhawks. On talent alone, only Gavin McKenna is ranked above Xavier Villeneuve. The defenseman’s elite offensive ability fills a glaring void for the Blackhawks.

There has been much debate about Chicago trading the 4th overall pick for Bowen Byram, but Byram and Villeneuve are the future top defensive pairing for the Chicago Blackhawks. On skill and potential alone, Chicago’s selection of Villeneuve was the best selection in the 2026 NHL Draft. Chicago may have landed two second-round gifts in Ryan Roobroeck and Xavier Villeneuve.

— Enjoy free coverage of the top news & trending stories on The Big Lead —