Home / Sports / Top NHL Draft Prospects Shine at World Juniors
Top NHL Draft Prospects Shine at World Juniors
10 Dec
Summary
- Top four NHL draft prospects remain unchanged.
- Ivar Stenberg leads the draft class at No. 1.
- World Juniors showcase top talent before draft.
The stage is set for the 2026 World Junior Championship in Minnesota, where many of the NHL Draft's premier prospects will aim to elevate their profiles. Among them, Swedish winger Ivar Stenberg holds the top spot in draft rankings, with Tynan Lawrence, Gavin McKenna, and Keaton Verhoeff rounding out the elite tier.
These young athletes are poised to make significant impacts. Stenberg, a dual-threat offensive player with strong defensive skills, is expected to be a key contributor for Sweden. Meanwhile, Lawrence, unaffected by World Juniors roster selections, is focused on his strong performance in the USHL, while McKenna looks to use the tournament as a springboard for a dominant second half at Penn State.
Defensive talents like Keaton Verhoeff of North Dakota are also in the spotlight, potentially solidifying their status as top defensemen if they perform well. Other notable prospects, such as Ethan Belchetz and Mathis Preston, will seize opportunities to lead their club teams in the absence of teammates participating in the tournament, aiming to boost their draft stock.
