Latest NHL draft update reveals a growing fight for second place

November 25, 2025 Oliver Obel

The 2026 NHL Draft picture continues to sharpen, and according to TSN Director of Scouting Craig Button, the conversation still starts with Penn State winger Gavin McKenna. Button told TSN that despite the adjustment from junior hockey to the NCAA, nothing he has seen this fall has changed his view of the 17-year-old as the most complete prospect available.

McKenna has 18 points through 16 games with Penn State, but Button emphasized that his evaluation leans heavily on the forward’s long track record — including the 129-point season that helped Medicine Hat secure a WHL championship. “Gavin McKenna has had a big, big sample size of exceptional play,” Button said. “No question that he’s the best player in the draft for me.”

Stenberg Strengthens His Case in Sweden

Right behind McKenna is Swedish winger Ivar Stenberg, who moves into the No. 2 slot. Button pointed to Stenberg’s production in the SHL — five goals and 20 points — as well as his consistent play for Sweden’s national program as reasons for the bump. His showing at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup and U18 events confirmed what Button calls a “steadily rising” profile.

A Cluster Forming on the Blue Line

What’s emerging below the top two, Button said, is a group of defencemen who could easily shuffle positions as the season progresses. He currently lists North Dakota’s Keaton Verhoeff, Tappara’s Juho Piiparinen, Sault Ste. Marie’s Chase Reid, and Prince George’s Carson Carels in positions three through six.

Reid’s jump in production for the OHL’s Greyhounds — highlighted by his ability to transition the puck under pressure — has been one of the early stories of the season. “You’ve got to be able to think fast and skate fast,” Button said, calling Reid “well-rounded” for his age.
Carels has impressed in a different way, showing the same blend of mobility and composure that Button likened to Winnipeg Jets defenceman Josh Morrissey.

Villeneuve Rising in the QMJHL

Among this year’s more intriguing risers is Blainville-Boisbriand defender Xavier Villeneuve. Now ranked 15th by TSN, Villeneuve leads all QMJHL blueliners in scoring and has modeled parts of his game after Montreal prospect Lane Hutson. Button said Villeneuve’s creativity and vision make him a player who could develop into a high-end puck mover.

Two Centres Making Noise

Tappara centre Oliver Suvanto has made one of the bigger jumps in Button’s rankings, climbing to No. 8 from No. 21. Button highlighted the 18-year-old’s ability to recognize momentum shifts in a game and deliver plays at key moments. “You need a play? I’ll give you a play,” he said of Suvanto’s timing.

Saskatoon Blades centre Cooper Williams, now at No. 19, continues to build on his strong rookie season in the WHL. Button compared his style to Ryan O’Reilly, citing his blend of intelligence and two-way reliability.

Uncertainty Surrounding Hemming

Finnish forward Oscar Hemming remains a wild card. Button left him at No. 10 despite the fact he hasn’t played this season due to eligibility issues in Finland. His 35-goal performance last year with Kiekko-Espoo’s U18 team still carries weight. “He’s too good,” Button said, stressing that the priority is simply finding a place for him to resume playing.

A Draft With a Clear Leader and an Unsettled Field

Button’s latest rankings reinforce McKenna’s position as the early favorite while highlighting how much movement is still possible elsewhere. With a tightly packed group of defencemen, several forwards on the rise, and a top-10 talent stuck in limbo, the 2026 class is far from settled as the season continues.

Source: TSN