Overview
- The Hockey Writers on Wednesday identified Alberts Šmits, Ivar Stenberg, Viggo Björck, Gavin McKenna, and Oliver Suvanto as the five most NHL-ready players in the 2026 draft class.
- Alberts Šmits skated at the 2026 Winter Olympics, averaged about 19 minutes in four games against NHL-caliber competition, and logged top-pairing minutes in Finland’s Liiga and a loan stint in the DEL.
- Ivar Stenberg produced a historic 33 points in 43 SHL games, led Frölunda in scoring, won World Junior gold for Sweden, and is playing for Sweden at the 2026 IIHF World Championship.
- Viggo Björck earned first-line center minutes in the SHL, was one of Sweden’s best at the World Juniors, and has continued that role at the World Championship while Oliver Suvanto posted steady middle-six minutes in Finland’s Liiga with strong size and two-way play.
- Gavin McKenna ran up 51 points in 35 NCAA games and earned national awards but faces a reported January felony aggravated assault charge that teams must factor into their draft evaluations ahead of the June 26–27 NHL Entry Draft in Buffalo.