2026 NHL Draft: Fisher’s Final Rankings, Top 224

[Larry Fisher]

It’s finally draft week for the National Hockey League and thus time to reveal my final rankings — my Top 224 for 2026:

2026 NHL Draft: Fisher’s Final Rankings, Top 224

As always, I welcome and appreciate the feedback from our HF community. Mock Draft is now in progress (stay tuned) but I will check back for comments in a bit!

 

[Icebreakers]

What is the reasoning for ranking Verhoeff as the #1 D in the draft class?

So prone to errors, not the best defensive IQ and not the best skater. Also doesnt use his size particularly well.

Dont see him QBing a PP1 in the future either.

 

[czech]

Fisher is great! Respect!
16 Czechs! Even if half as many goaltenders are selected, the result will still be excellent - 11.5 picks.

 

[emptyNedder]

Thanks Larry. Always informative and thought-provoking ranking.

 

[Larry Fisher]

What is the reasoning for ranking Verhoeff as the #1 D in the draft class?

So prone to errors, not the best defensive IQ and not the best skater. Also doesnt use his size particularly well.

Dont see him QBing a PP1 in the future either.

I wondered if the first question would be about Verhoeff as the top D. I am a huge fan, obviously. He was more dominant in junior as a 16-year-old than Carels or Reid in their draft year. College was a huge step up, a big challenge for him but I thought he handled himself well in pretty unprecedented territory as an underager. His strong games were very strong. Watch what he does as a sophomore, now that he knows what to expect and with a better supporting cast at North Dakota.

I don't think we saw the best version of Verhoeff at the international showcases and that will stand out for many oberservers, but I watched his development closely in Victoria where he was an absolute beast. That is the Verhoeff I'm anticipating in the NHL, an imposing figure who can tilt the ice as a minute muncher in all situations.

I do agree that Reid came on as the sexier prospect, the better pick for your fantasy draft, but when it gets to Game 7, give me Verhoeff as a young Pronger/Weber!

 

[pgfan66]

Do goalies live in packs?

 

[emptyNedder]

Larry. I notice you have Floris in a signficantly higher tier than most. I think he makes sense around 50--though do think Alalauri is at least one tier higher.

Any particular aspects of Floris's game you found compelling?

 

[Larry Fisher]

Do goalies live in packs?

It would appear so … they do live in tiers here! Ruzicka not quite grouped with the Big 3 but still a second-round candidate. I do have them listed in order of personal preference within those “packs” but teams will have vastly different orders, obviously!

 

[Larry Fisher]

Larry. I notice you have Floris in a signficantly higher tier than most. I think he makes sense around 50--though do think Alalauri is at least one tier higher.

Any particular aspects of Floris's game you found compelling?

Projecting upside with some of those rankings, Dravecky and Floris, for example. Floris could be a fourth-rounder around 100 like Vashek Blanar last year but I like his upside enough to bump him into that tier.