The first round of the 2026 NHL Draft has concluded, and it was a night full of strategic moves and exciting selections. Let's dive into who emerged as the big winners and who might be licking their wounds after an eventful evening.
Winner: San Jose Sharks steal the spotlight
San Jose Sharks' GM Mike Grier was a maestro in the days leading up to the draft, and his efforts paid dividends on draft night. By trading William Eklund to Ottawa for the No. 9 pick, the Sharks were able to secure winger Ivar Stenberg at No. 2, a move that solidified their offensive future without stretching for a defenseman.
The Sharks didn't stop there. They capitalized on their position to draft the best available defenseman at No. 9, selecting right-handed defenseman Keaton Verhoeff. While Verhoeff has some areas to refine, particularly in skating and puck management, his potential is sky-high, making him a valuable asset for the Sharks' blue line.
Adding to their haul, San Jose traded up to snag Ryan Lin at No. 21, a talented left-handed defenseman who, despite his smaller stature, brings a dynamic presence to the ice.
Winner: Seattle Kraken find a beacon of hope
It's been a challenging stretch for the Seattle Kraken, with high-profile rejections from stars like Artemi Panarin and Jason Robertson. However, the Kraken found a silver lining by drafting Chase Reid, a right-handed defenseman with top-tier skating skills reminiscent of Zach Werenski. Reid marks a significant milestone as the first defenseman selected by the Kraken in the first round, offering a promising new chapter for the franchise.
Winner: Teams bet on skill and potential
The draft was a showcase of skilled, dynamic players. Winnipeg's selection of undersized center Viggo Bjorck at No.
8, Nashville's choice of electric winger Wyatt Cullen at No. 10, and San Jose's pick of shifty defenseman Ryan Lin at No. 21 all highlight a trend towards valuing skill and agility. Pittsburgh added to this narrative with hyper-productive winger Liam Ruck at No. 22, while Ottawa rounded out the first round with Cayman Islands prodigy Jaxon Cover at No.
- These picks reflect a league-wide commitment to skillful playmakers.
TBD: New York Rangers make a bold move
The Rangers shook up their roster by acquiring star sniper Pavel Dorofeyev, a two-way winger with two 30-goal seasons under his belt before turning 26. The cost was steep, including the No. 26 pick and future assets, but Dorofeyev's potential impact could be transformative. The Rangers also earned praise for drafting Alberts Smits at No. 5, positioning themselves as potential winners depending on how these moves pan out.
TBD: Anaheim Ducks in a transitional phase
The Ducks made a savvy move by trading Mason McTavish for two first-round picks. However, losing key defensemen John Carlson and Jacob Trouba to free agency without immediate replacements leaves a gap. While No. 15 pick Nikita Klepov shows promise, the Ducks' short-term competitiveness remains uncertain.
Loser: Pittsburgh Penguins face disappointment
The Penguins faced a tough break when San Jose leapfrogged them to draft Ryan Lin, a player Pittsburgh had heavily scouted. Missing out on Lin stings, especially to a rival team.
Loser: Columbus Blue Jackets hit hard
The mood in Columbus was somber as rumors swirled about the potential departures of stars Zach Werenski and Kirill Marchenko. Instead of a night of celebration, it felt more like a setback for the Blue Jackets' faithful.
As the draft continues with rounds 2-7, teams will look to build on their first-round successes or recover from their missteps. The drama of draft night sets the stage for another thrilling chapter in the NHL.
In Other News...
Rangers Fans Can Feel Another Drury Twist Coming After Dorofeyev
The Rangers have already made one notable addition in Pavel Dorofeyev as part of their offseason retooling, and the sense around the team is that Chris Drury is not done shaping the roster. With free agency looming, the names being floated as possibilities tell you a lot about the kind of balance the front office is chasing, from experienced depth to more size and edge in the middle of the lineup.
Chris Drury has kept his plans close to the vest by declining media availability until around July 1, which only adds to the feeling that another move could be coming before long. Mats Zuccarello, Beck Malenstyn and Mason Marchment have all been mentioned as fits in one way or another, and for Rangers fans, the waiting game is now part of the story as much as the transaction itself. [Read more 🡒]
Ducks Prospect Is Suddenly Getting Serious League-Wide Draft Buzz
The 2026 NHL Draft already has a few names separating themselves, and for the Rangers, Alberts Smits is the one to watch. The young defenseman landed in New York with a profile that made him stand out from the rest of the class, giving the organization a prospect with real upside on the blue line and a chance to become a difference-maker faster than most players at his position.
What has made Smits especially intriguing is how quickly his reputation has grown around the league. He is being talked about not just as a strong defensive prospect, but as the top offense-minded defenseman in the draft, which puts him in a different conversation than the usual long-term project. If his development keeps moving in the same direction, the Rangers could be looking at a player who forces his way into a prominent role much sooner than expected. [Read more 🡒]
Rangers Fans Just Got Their First Real Look At This Return
Liam Greentree finally got a chance to put on Rangers colors in a meaningful setting this week, taking part in the clubs annual development camp after signing his entry-level contract. The 2024 first-rounder is now officially on the path toward pro hockey, and for a team that is always hunting for the next wave of skill, his arrival offered the first real look at what this return could become.
The next step is likely a familiar one for a young forward: a fall start to his professional career, with AHL Hartford the expected landing spot. Greentree still has a long runway ahead, but development camp gave Rangers fans a glimpse of a player whose timeline is moving forward and whose future role could become a lot more interesting once the games start to matter. [Read more 🡒]