As the 2026 NHL Entry Draft approaches, hockey fans are eagerly awaiting the next crop of talented prospects to enter the league. In the latest installment of his popular mock draft series, renowned hockey expert Wheeler shares his final predictions for the first two rounds of the highly anticipated draft. With a deep dive into the top prospects, including Canadian forwards, Finnish defensemen, and American goaltenders, Wheeler's analysis offers a comprehensive look at the potential futures of the next generation of NHL stars. From the top overall pick to the second round sleepers, Wheeler's predictions are a must-read for anyone looking to stay ahead of the curve on the 2026 NHL draft class.


2026 NHL Mock Draft 3.0: Wheeler’s final predictions for the first 2 rounds  The New York Times