2026 NHL Draft prospects: Chase Reid, Alberts Smits and Keaton Verhoeff top Pronman's ranking

Today, I release my long list for the 2026 NHL Draft, showing where I stand on the top prospects in this draft class.Overall, I think the 2026 class is below average, led by a strong group of defensemen but a slightly underwhelming group of top forwards. The bulk of the first round is typical, but the very top lacks premier talent. The goalie crop is quite decent, being one of the better collections of netminders since the run of first-round goalies over five years ago.Advertisement