2026 NHL Draft Defensemen: Top Talent Worldwide

0:00On April 2, 8th, the 2026 NHL draft defenseman class and got that instant NHL jumper like last year's number one pick Matthew Schaeffer, but it's stacked with top talent from everywhere. Chase Reed tops the North American skaters at number two for central scouting, dominating in the OHL with Sue Greyhounds. Right behind him overall is Albert submits from Latvia, playing pro in Germany's DEL and even hitting the Olympics. Scouts love Reed's growth potential for early selection, while Mitz brings two-way confidence in physicality, eyeing top pair status. Carson Carroll's leads W.H.L. guys at number three NA, elites skating fuelling his shutdown defense and wrist shot snipes. Keaton Verhoff, the young NCAA freshman at North Dakota, logs heavy minutes with a killer shot, captain in Canada's U18 squad now. Dex and Rudolf rounds out the top five NA with offensive vision and calm defense in the W.H.L. Over in Europe, Juho Piaparinens, the shutdown king, right shot captain for Finland at U18 Worlds.

1:03Big Malte Gustafsen handles pro minutes in Sweden's SHL and guys like William Hawkinson and Nikita Sherbacov bring pro experience from Sweden and Russia. Lower down, Adam Golder thrives against men in Slovakia's top league, jumping rushes with elite skating. This group's deep, blending shutdown specialists, two-way threats and offensive sparks from juniors to pros worldwide. Expect teams to load up on blue liners come June, turning this depth into future NHL anchors across the league. I'm Corey with the story that your NHL news today update AI powered and always on.