Mock 2026 NHL Draft: Intrigue after Maple Leafs take McKenna

Chicago Blackhawks land elite defenseman in The Athletic's NHL mock draft

The Chicago Blackhawks were able to get the fourth pick in the 2026 NHL Draft, thanks to the ping-pong balls going against them. This was the furthest down they could wind up in the lottery, but there is still a bevy of talent available for them to select. The Athletic did a mock draft following the NHL Draft Lottery, but who did they have the Blackhawks taking? Let’s take a closer look at what general manager Kyle Davidson could do when the tea…

Post-Lottery NHL Mock Draft

NHL Mock Draft The 2026 NHL Draft lottery officially determined the draft order of the first 16 picks on Tuesday night, with the Toronto Maple Leafs shockingly landing the No. 1 overall pick, putting them in position to land the highly touted prospect that is Gavin McKenna. Also interesting was the fact that the San Jose Sharks, who turned things around in a big way this season by nearly sneaking into the Stanley Cup Playoffs off the back of a H…

Mock 2026 NHL Draft: Intrigue after Maple Leafs take McKenna

Smits, Stenberg debated for Sharks at No. 2; Reid could go to Blackhawks or Rangers