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Blueshirt Banter’s First 2026 Mock Drafts Put McKenna First, Stenberg Second

The site ramps up coverage ahead of the Rangers’ first top-five pick since 2020.

Overview

  • Blueshirt Banter published two first-edition mock drafts that agree on Gavin McKenna at No. 1 and Ivar Stenberg at No. 2.
  • The New York Rangers hold the fifth overall pick, which the outlet notes is their highest slot since selecting Alexis Lafrenière first in 2020.
  • The authors argue McKenna’s 51-point year as a 17-year-old at Penn State supports his top ranking after he chose NCAA play to grow his game.
  • Stenberg’s case rests on a standout scoring run in Sweden’s top pro league, the SHL, which the writers say vaulted him to the clear No. 2.
  • The publication says its draft coverage will expand in the lead-up to late June, with more mock drafts and ongoing analysis planned.