Scott Wheeler

The Athletic polled 65 of this year's draft prospects and the results were insightful, candid and revealing throughout.

Each prospect's answer provides insight into the way they think about themselves and the style of game they play.

The Athletic Hockey Show's annual mock draft episode offered new insights for how the 2026 draft could unfold.

A collection of the top NHL Draft stories and analysis from our prospects experts Corey Pronman and Scott Wheeler.

Here's how the 2026 NHL Draft class slots across different categories and traits.

Villeneuve, a small defenseman with offensive flair, is described by NHL scouts as one of the draft's most polarizing prospects.

Thirteen scouts (including multiple directors) answered the same three questions on hot-button topics in the 2026 class.

With the draft now days away, Wheeler projects every pick from the Maple Leafs at No. 1 through the Rangers at No. 64.

Should the Maple Leafs take a defender at No. 1? What do the Canucks need to add in this draft?

After a strong year with Kamloops, Hurlbert was NHL Central Scouting's 12th-ranked North American skater.