Prospect Info: The 2026 NHL Draft First Round Thread - Part 4

[lawrence]

It definitely throws those "lazy" allegations in the air. Still on ice is a different story but it definitely shines a positive light on McKenna.

This YouTuber did a very good video on McKennas lack of back checking and the “floater” like observation. His research showed that Patrick Kane was like this in draft year.

Pity we didn’t win the lottery. I will very happy with McKenna.

On the side note, just found out, (correct me if I’m wrong) that veheroff is the only d-1 to score 20 goals as a defender in the whl.

 

[StreetHawk]

This YouTuber did a very good video on McKennas lack of back checking and the “floater” like observation. His research showed that Patrick Kane was like this in draft year.

With McKenna, I think if you are a Leafs fans, you should be realistic and expect him produce at around the 90 point clip that Marner did. Stature wise, very similar size in around 6 ft and drafted in around 170 lbs.

Can McKenna move into the Kane/Kuch territory? Maybe. but I think best to go in with the expectation of Marner and hope he can be more elite. Plus, maybe he ends up with the right linemates to maximize his skillset.

 

[VanJack]

With McKenna, I think if you are a Leafs fans, you should be realistic and expect him produce at around the 90 point clip that Marner did. Stature wise, very similar size in around 6 ft and drafted in around 170 lbs.

Can McKenna move into the Kane/Kuch territory? Maybe. but I think best to go in with the expectation of Marner and hope he can be more elite. Plus, maybe he ends up with the right linemates to maximize his skillset.

'Size' is an important issue with McKenna nobody seems to be talking about. He's listed at 5'11" and 170. I mean we're not talking about the next Rick Nash here.

For context, Jonathan Lekkerimaki of the Canucks is currently listed on Hockey DB at 5'11" and 172. Now granted he's three years older. And it's not inconceivable that McKenna will add 15-20 pounds after two or three years in the NHL.

But you get the picture. As a 5'11" winger, you have to be exceptionally talented to carve out a scoring role in the NHL. And it's almost a given that he might struggle in his first few years in the NHL.

 

[rypper]

I know the knock on them is 'size and skating'. But Hockey DB has them listed at 6' and 177. So it isn't inconceivable that they're 20 pounds heavier by the time they hit the NHL. That's not 'big' but it's not 'small' either.

From the combine weighing.

 

[StreetHawk]

'Size' is an important issue with McKenna nobody seems to be talking about. He's listed at 5'11" and 170. I mean we're not talking about the next Rick Nash here.

Marner is listed at 6 ft and 180 lbs. McKenna measured in at 5'11 plus but under 6 ft at the combine. Figure over time, McKenna will get to 180 lbs give or take.

But, I think like Jack Hughes, so was very light as a rookie, he didn't really take off until after his signed his new contract. Feels like McKenna likely to be in a similar situation.

 

[David71]

So trade 24 and 33 for what prospect?

lekkermaki. what is everyone thoughts on keaton verhoff ? Biggest guy in the top 10. Captain material. RHD. Premium to acquire in free agency or trade.

 

[JanBulisPiggyBack]

Pugachyov at 24 or Harrington at 33 are two guys I’m very interested in who fit that profile. I’m just hoping Debrusk can get us a later 1st so we don’t miss out on one of the big C’a as well.


I can totally see Chicago taking him at 4th OA if Stenberg is taken.

I’m all about Gleb but 33 or 41

 

[Grub]

Would only draft him if he was the BPA at the Canucks position lets say 33, but if there are still the guys that we want at #24, I think we really need to think of size. Other then that seems like a good Canadian kid, but he is definately on the small size, I was high on the Rucks before but their playoffs left a lot wanting. I don't think they would be built for the playoffs and it would mean commiting to 2 of them in our top 6.

 

[lawrence]

Would only draft him if he was the BPA at the Canucks position lets say 33, but if there are still the guys that we want at #24, I think we really need to think of size. Other then that seems like a good Canadian kid, but he is definately on the small size, I was high on the Rucks before but their playoffs left a lot wanting. I don't think they would be built for the playoffs and it would mean commiting to 2 of them in our top 6.

I was originally high on them, than wasn't now more information has come about, now I'm ok with them. Its a weak draft, I get it, also cams consensus seems to have Liam Ruck in the early 20's a long with other indpedant sports journalist, so it seems like Liam is a legit mid 20's pick. I'm ok. 2nd highest point producer in the CHL. I will be quite excited. the other players are most likely 3rd liners and so for, so might as well bring some excitement back. Sell hope. who else has slow feet? Brayden Point.

lekkermaki. what is everyone thoughts on keaton verhoff ? Biggest guy in the top 10. Captain material. RHD. Premium to acquire in free agency or trade.

I'm a fan of Keaton Vherhoff. only d-1 player in WHL to score 20 goals. 20 goals is extremely difficult to do. He did it as a d-1. He also went to the NCAA for his draft year. He could have easily stayed in the WHL pad his stats, and probably be the number 1 rated dman in this draft. But it looks less appealing because he was playing against much more difficult league, with older and more matured players, he did this as a 17 year old, so it was tough for him. 0.56PPG is extremely difficult to do as a 17 year old, much harder than 1.06 PPG chase Reid, (not eye popping as per cam Robinson) But I don't think he's 3 worthy. I'm more towards Caleb , Stenberg or Carels.