Some of the 2026 NHL Draft’s top prospects will look to make their mark over the holidays at the 2026 World Junior Championship in Minnesota.
Others will look to take on even bigger roles on their club team while teammates head to the annual under-20 tournament.
There has been some shuffling around in the top 10 of the NHL draft rankings, but the top four remain the same. Swedish winger Ivar Stenberg holds onto the No. 1 spot, and Tynan Lawrence, Gavin McKenna and Keaton Verhoeff round out the top tier.
Let’s look at how each player is performing a little more than two weeks before the world juniors begin on Dec. 26.
Top 10 NHL draft prospects
1. Frolunda (Sweden) left wing Ivar Stenberg
Poised to be a prominent member of the Swedish squad at the world juniors, Stenberg will look to make a statement at the U-20 event. It will be an opportunity to showcase his talent on the international stage and the first major opportunity for North American scouts to see him in person. Stenberg’s dual-threat offensive game and steady defensive game should be quite effective for Sweden.
2. Muskegon (USHL) center Tynan Lawrence
Lawrence will be the least affected player by the World Junior Championship. With a loaded Canadian roster, he really wasn’t considered for the team, and neither were other Canadian players in the United States Hockey League. Instead, Lawrence will be looking to continue building on his incredibly strong start with Muskegon. After starting the year injured, Lawrence has 13 points in seven games. If he can keep that up, he should stay near the top of draft boards.
3. Penn State (NCAA) left wing Gavin McKenna
Although his start at Penn State has been a bit underwhelming compared to the sky-high expectations, McKenna will head to the world juniors. He was one of the best players on an underperforming Canadian squad last year, and he could look to use this year’s event as a jumping-off point for a big second half. His upside remains as high as anyone in the class, so getting back to that level will be vital.
4. North Dakota (NCAA) defenseman Keaton Verhoeff
It came as no surprise to see Verhoeff invited to the Canadian world junior training camp. The versatile, skilled defender is poised to earn a role with the team barring injury. His do-it-all game should allow him to find a role with any teammate, giving the Canadian coaching staff flexibility on the back end. Verhoeff could assert himself as the top defender in the draft if he plays well at this tournament.
5. Windsor (OHL) left wing Ethan Belchetz
Belchetz may not be heading to the world juniors, but with Windsor captain Liam Greentree going for Canada, the team will look to Belchetz to step up as a leader, since the Ontario Hockey League doesn’t pause for the tournament. The hulking left wing has shown much better mobility this season, allowing him to become a more effective and efficient driver of play. Belchetz could put up some big numbers for the Spitfires as the lead dog.
6. Spokane (WHL) right wing Mathis Preston
The Spokane Chiefs are going through a bit of a trying season, heavily relying on their young players to carry the load. Preston often must drive the play and finish chances, which has affected his offensive numbers as he’s asked to do everything. With some of the top players of other teams off to the world juniors, Preston could have more room to operate and gain some confidence as he heads into the second half.
7. Djurgarden (Sweden) right wing Viggo Bjorck
Another member of the Swedish team, Bjorck has the chance to be an incredibly fun player to watch at the U-20 tournament. Offensive creativity and skill often thrive at the world juniors, and Bjorck has it to burn. Scouts question his size at times, but his offensive production has always been impressive. Bjorck often takes his game to another level internationally as well, so it could be a sight to behold.
8. Jukurit (Finland) defenseman Alberts Smits
Although he plays in Finland, Smits should be on the Latvian U-20 squad when the country announces its world junior roster. His fluidity and two-way impacts should make him one of their top defensemen at the tournament. Latvia always seems to have a player or two that stand out at this event each year. Smits could be that player this year.
9. Blainville-Boisbriand (QMJHL) defenseman Xavier Villeneuve
There was some thought that Villeneuve would have a shot at making the Canadian roster with some open spots on the blueline, but he didn’t even get a camp invite. The high-octane offensive blueliner has been better defensively than he’s given credit for. Villenueve dictates play, something not many on the Canadian blueline can do. It could be interesting if he uses the snub as motivation going forward.
10. Tappara (Finland) center Oliver Suvanto
While not a lock to make the Finnish team at the World Junior Championship, Suvanto has had an unreal start to the season. He’s spent most of his campaign in Finland’s top pro league, and he’s looked quite comfortable and mature at both ends of the ice. Suvanto could be a really sneaky difference-making piece for a Finnish squad looking for some offensive punch.
