As the 2026 NHL Entry Draft approaches, hockey fans are abuzz with anticipation. The latest mock draft from a leading expert has been released, and it's business as usual at the top, with Gavin McKenna still projected to be the first overall pick. However, the intrigue begins to build as early as the fifth slot, where a talented winger from the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League has emerged as a dark horse candidate. With several top prospects experiencing a breakout season, this year's draft is shaping up to be one of the most unpredictable in recent memory, with teams scrambling to identify the next generation of stars.

NHL Mock Draft 2026: Gavin McKenna is still No. 1, but intrigue starts early  The New York Times