2026 NHL Mock Draft Final Predictions

The 2026 NHL draft has been one of the most anticipated in recent history, with many teams scrambling to find the next star forward or shutdown defenseman. But despite the hype, the top two picks have been a done deal for weeks, with the Arizona Coyotes selecting projected number one overall pick, Connor Bedard, and the Chicago Blackhawks choosing second-ranked, Logan Cooley.

The real question on everyone’s mind is, who will select third? For years, the Dallas Stars have been one of the league’s top teams, but after a disappointing finish to the season, they’ve slid down the draft board. The Minnesota Wild, on the other hand, have been quietly building a strong young core, and many believe they’re due for a breakthrough. With several talented prospects to choose from, it’ll be interesting to see which direction they take. The Colorado Avalanche, meanwhile, have been linked to several players, but it’s unclear if they’ll make a bold move or stick with a safe pick.

As we all know, the NHL draft is just as much about the business side of things as it is about finding the next big star. Teams must weigh the risks and rewards of selecting a player with potential, versus drafting a more polished prospect who can contribute immediately. For some, the decision comes down to which player will help them win a championship sooner. For others, it’s about building for the future and stocking the farm system.

As the clock ticks down to the first round, teams are getting ready to make their picks. But for those of us who’ve been following these players for months, there’s more on the line than just a jersey and a hat. We’re talking about the next generation of NHL players, and the potential to make a real impact on the sport.

Will the Dallas Stars take a chance on a high-risk, high-reward prospect, or will they play it safe with a more polished player? And what about the Minnesota Wild, will they continue to build their core of young talent, or make a bold move to shake things up? The wait is almost over, as the 2026 NHL draft is just hours away.

As the NHL draft nears, fans and analysts alike are wondering what the future holds for these young players. Who will be the next Connor McDavid, Sidney Crosby, or Alex Ovechkin? The possibilities are endless, and it’s up to the teams to decide which path they’ll take.

The stakes are high, but one thing is clear – this draft is going to be one for the ages. With several top prospects to choose from, and teams looking to make a splash, anything can happen. And as the dust settles, we’ll have a better idea of what the future holds for the NHL.

As the big day approaches, here are a few key takeaways:

* The Arizona Coyotes are expected to select Connor Bedard with the number one overall pick.
* The Chicago Blackhawks are likely to choose Logan Cooley with the second overall pick.
* The Dallas Stars are considering several players with the third overall pick, including Juraj Slafkovsky and Kevin Bahl.

For fans looking to get in on the action, the 2026 NHL draft will be broadcast on ESPN, with coverage beginning at 7:00 PM ET on Friday, June 26th.