Top Ten NHL Rookies to Watch in the 2026‑27 NHL Season

September 30, 2026
| No Comments
Gavin McKenna Leafs

The NHL’s youth movement is alive and well, and the 2026‑27 season promises one of the most intriguing rookie classes in years. With teams across the league injecting fresh talent into their lineups, fans can expect speed, creativity, and plenty of highlight‑reel moments. These ten NHL rookies from the 2026 NHL Draft class may be poised to make noise right out of the gate.

1. Gavin McKenna – LW, Toronto Maple Leafs

    Toronto landed a potential franchise winger in Gavin McKenna, whose blend of elite skating, vision, and competitive fire made him the headliner of the 2026 draft. He’s the type of player who changes the tempo of a game the moment he touches the puck.

    • 2025‑26 (Medicine Hat, WHL): 68 GP, 34 G, 62 A, 96 PTS
    • 2026‑27 NHL Projection: 74 GP, 22 G, 31 A, 53 PTS, 16:45 ATOI, +4

    McKenna should thrive in Toronto’s offensive system, especially if he earns early power‑play time. He was an uninspiring dash two in his first regular season NHL qame, but lets chalk that up to nerves shall we?

    2. Ivar Stenberg – C, San Jose Sharks

    Stenberg arrives in San Jose with a mature two‑way game and pro‑ready habits. He’s reliable, smart, and strong on draws — exactly the type of center a rebuilding team needs.

    • 2025‑26 (Frölunda, SHL): 51 GP, 15 G, 18 A, 33 PTS
    • 2026‑27 NHL Projection: 72 GP, 15 G, 27 A, 42 PTS, 16:10 ATOI, –6

    Expect him to be a stabilizing presence down the middle. He had a hat-trick for the Sharks in a 10- win over the Anaheim Ducks in an NHL pre-season game. So he just might become a 50-60 point producer on a Sharks team loaded with youthful talent.

    3. Caleb Malhotra – C, Vancouver Canucks

    Malhotra is a dynamic, creative center with excellent edgework and a deceptive release. Vancouver sees him as a future top‑six pivot, and his development curve suggests he’ll get there sooner than later.

    • 2025‑26 (London Knights, OHL): 64 GP, 29 G, 47 A, 76 PTS
    • 2026‑27 NHL Projection: 70 GP, 18 G, 28 A, 46 PTS, 15:55 ATOI, +2

    His playmaking should mesh well with Vancouver’s fast‑paced attack. Not sure if he will make the team right away, especially as his father is the coach of the team.

    4. Daxon Rudolph – D, Buffalo Sabres

    Rudolph is a smooth‑skating defender with strong transition instincts and excellent puck control. He reads pressure well and rarely panics — a trait Buffalo desperately needs on its blue line.

    • 2025‑26 (Moose Jaw, WHL): 66 GP, 10 G, 42 A, 52 PTS
    • 2026‑27 NHL Projection: 68 GP, 5 G, 21 A, 26 PTS, 18:20 ATOI, –3

    He should earn penalty‑kill time early and grow into a top‑four role. How many games he gets into this season is a big question though.

    5. Alberts Šmits – RW, New York Rangers

    Šmits brings a high‑octane offensive game and a lethal shot. He attacks defenders with pace and isn’t shy about driving the middle of the ice.

    • 2025‑26 (Leksands IF, SHL): 48 GP, 18 G, 12 A, 30 PTS
    • 2026‑27 NHL Projection: 67 GP, 17 G, 19 A, 36 PTS, 15:20 ATOI, +5

    He could become one of the Rangers’ most exciting young weapons over the next few years.

    6. Carson Carels – LW, Calgary Flames

    Carels plays a heavy, north‑south game with a knack for scoring in tight. Calgary loves his competitiveness and willingness to battle for space.

    • 2025‑26 (Red Deer, WHL): 65 GP, 31 G, 28 A, 59 PTS
    • 2026‑27 NHL Projection: 69 GP, 14 G, 17 A, 31 PTS, 14:50 ATOI, –2

    He projects as a middle‑six winger with upside. Expect Calgary to give him a shot at some point this season.

    7. Chase Reid – C, Seattle Kraken

    Reid is a cerebral center with excellent puck control and strong two‑way instincts. He’s the type of player coaches trust quickly.

    • 2025‑26 (University of Denver, NCAA): 34 GP, 14 G, 26 A, 40 PTS
    • 2026‑27 NHL Projection: 66 GP, 12 G, 23 A, 35 PTS, 15:35 ATOI, +1

    Seattle’s forward depth gets a major boost with his arrival. Huge potential for this player, how will the Kraken ease him into NHL action?

    8. Viggo Björck – D, Winnipeg Jets

    Björck is a rangy, mobile defender with strong puck‑moving instincts. He thrives under pressure and excels at breaking up plays early.

    • 2025‑26 (Djurgårdens IF, SHL): 50 GP, 6 G, 20 A, 26 PTS
    • 2026‑27 NHL Projection: 71 GP, 4 G, 18 A, 22 PTS, 17:40 ATOI, +3

    He should fit seamlessly into Winnipeg’s defensive structure. As the jets look to lose Connor Hellebucyk via trade at some point, Winnipeg fans will need something else to cheer about. Enter their rookie blueliner.

    9. Keaton Verhoeff – D, San Jose Sharks

    Verhoeff brings size, reach, and shutdown ability. He’s a stabilizing presence who complements San Jose’s offensive‑minded prospects.

    • 2025‑26 (Brandon Wheat Kings, WHL): 64 GP, 5 G, 27 A, 32 PTS
    • 2026‑27 NHL Projection: 65 GP, 3 G, 15 A, 18 PTS, 18:05 ATOI, –5

    Expect him to earn penalty‑kill minutes early.

    10. Wyatt Cullen – RW, Nashville Predators

    Cullen is a high‑motor winger with a quick release and strong forechecking instincts. He fits Nashville’s identity perfectly.

    • 2025‑26 (Sarnia Sting, OHL): 63 GP, 27 G, 31 A, 58 PTS
    • 2026‑27 NHL Projection: 68 GP, 16 G, 20 A, 36 PTS, 15:00 ATOI, +2

    He could become a fan favourite quickly.

    Top Four Calder Trophy Contenders (Projected)

    Which NHL rookie can you see winning the Calder trophy as rookie of the year?

    • Gavin McKenna — Elite upside, top‑six role, PP1 potential.
    • Caleb Malhotra — Dynamic playmaker with strong deployment.
    • Ivar Stenberg — Pro‑ready center with two‑way reliability.
    • Daxon Rudolph — NHL‑ready defender logging meaningful minutes.
    Predictions