Here’s the latest around NHL mock drafts for 2026 based on recent outlets.
Bleacher Report’s latest mock draft updates (early May 2026) include prospect moves and position changes across the top 32, with teams like Florida, San Jose, and Nashville featured prominently in the early-to-mid first round. This edition also notes some smaller-name prospects who could rise during the season’s stretch run. [cite ]
ClutchPoints’ 2026 mock drafts have continued to project first-round fittings ahead of and just after the Olympic break, with Gavin McKenna and other top collegiate players frequently landing near the top depending on performance and team needs. First-round order in their updates is typically aligned with Tankathon’s draft order as of that date. [cite ][cite ]
Other outlets keep updating their boards around the draft lottery results, trade activity, and World Junior/season performances. For example, post-draft-lottery pieces often re-align picks after the lottery, re-evaluating top prospects like McKenna, Belchetz, and Šmits based on recent showings. [cite ][cite ]
A few sources present hypothetical first-round scenarios if specific teams win the lottery, such as the Blackhawks or Canucks, illustrating how the top picks could impact fits for McKenna, McKenna-adjacent talents, and European/minor-league standouts. These are useful for understanding potential team pipelines and need. [cite ]
Illustration of a typical top-10 scenario (example, not predictive):
If you’d like, I can consolidate the latest three to five mock drafts into a single updated top-32 list and highlight notable risers/fallers, plus provide a short glossary of any players you’re unfamiliar with. I can also create a quick chart showing projected picks by outlet for a visual snapshot.
No sooner did Auston Matthews say he wasn't sure whether he'd be back in Toronto in the fall than the Toronto Maple Leafs won the draft lottery. It's as if the universe said: "Hold it right there. We're sending you a reason to stay."
bleacherreport.comWith the NHL preparing to break for the Olympic Games, ClutchPoints is presenting its third 2026 NHL Mock Draft of the season.
clutchpoints.com2026 NHL Mock Draft and NHL Draft History. 2026 NHL Draft prospect videos, stats, and written profiles updated throughout the year.
www.mynhldraft.comWhat would the 2026 NHL Draft look like if the Chicago Blackhawks win the lottery? This mock gives some insight.
thehockeynews.comWith less than a week to go before the 2026 NHL Trade Deadline, ClutchPoints presents its fourth 2026 NHL Mock Draft.
clutchpoints.comSometimes players move around in mock drafts or draft boards because they did something stupid (or many somethings stupid). Sometimes they move because of where a particular team spot lands in a mock draft. And sometimes they just move because the person writing—hi, that's me—has watched a lot more game footage since the last go-round.
bleacherreport.comFull round 2026 NHL mock draft projections, with trades and compensatory picks based on weekly team projections and college and amateur player rankings.
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