Its make-or-break time for 2026 NHL draft prospects, as the playoffs are in full swing. The NCAA National Championship tournament begins in the coming days, the CHL regular season wrapped up on the weekend, and weve already seen prospects like Viggo Bjorck eliminated from the playoffs in Europe. But as we head into the critical part of these players season, we revisit our top 10, with Gavin McKenna continuing to lead the way, and on the brink of truly separating himself from the pack. Elsewhere, we finally see Chase Reid return from his injury, and a new stud right-handed defenseman works his way into the top 10. Here are our top 10 2026 NHL draft rankings for the week of March 24: 1. Gavin McKenna Position: LW Current team: Penn State (NCAA) Measurables: 5'11", 170 pounds The start of McKennas biggest test date comes this week. Penn State takes on the University of Minnesota-Duluth in the first round of the NCAA Tournament Albany Regional. The Bulldogs strong netminder, Adam Gajan, has been solid in the NCHC playoffs with a .925 save percentage through two games. McKenna may be the X-Factor in an offense-versus-defense matchup on March 27 at 7 p.m. EST. 2. Ivar Stenberg Position: LW/RW Current team: Frolunda (Sweden) Measurables: 5'11", 183 pounds Frolunda lost their first quarterfinal game to Lulea HF 3-2 in overtime. However, it would not have gone the distance to the extra frame if not for Ivar Stenbergs timely a sist on the game-tying goal. The second contest for Frolunda is on March 27, at 12 p.m. EST per FloHockey. I would Jeremiah Martin Jersey be surprised if Stenberg didnt get on the board this go around. MORE : 3. Chase Reid Position: D Current team: Sault Ste. Marie (OHL) Measurables: 6'2", 188 pounds Reid made his long-awaited return to the lineup after being out since Feb. 1. He had a modest one a sist in the trio of contests last weekend. It is a bit disappointing, for sure, but I attribute it to Reid readjusting to the game after such a lengthy absence. If this dip continues in the playoffs, then there may be concerns. 4. Keaton Verhoeff Position: D Current team: North Dakota (NCAA) Measurables: 6'4", 208 pounds The University of North Dakota had the week off as the NCHC Playoffs wrapped up. Verhoeff and the Fighting Hawks face Merrimack College in the first round of the NCAA Tournament Sioux Falls Regional. Merrimack is a scrappy team, so the North Dakota defensive core, including Verhoeff, needs to be on their game. MORE : 5. Tynan Lawrence Position: C Current team: Boston Univ. (NCAA) Measurables: 6'0", 185 pounds With Boston University not selected for the 2026 NCAA Tournament, Tynan Lawrences season is finished. This could be a ble sing in disguise for Lawrence, giving the rising sophomore more time to heal from his nagging injury. Heres to a 100% healthy Tynan Lawrence in 2026-27. Lawrence's final opportunity to showcase himself will likely be at the U-18s and the NHL draft combine. 6. Viggo Bjorck Position: C/W Current team: Djurgarden (Sweden) Measurables: 5'9", 177 pounds Djurgarden was eliminated this past Saturday by Malmo RedHawks, 3-1. Still, Bjorck put up three points (1 goal + 2 a sists), including a secondary helper on Anton Frondells Game 1 overtime winner. Like Tynan Lawrence, Bjorcks 2025-26 campaign has now come to a close. Bjorck fought hard during this round of 16 and has nothing to hang his head about. He, too, will likely feature in the U-18s after posting an impre sive four goals and eight points at this event last year. 7. Carson Carels Position: D Current team: Prince George (WHL) Measurables: 6'1", 175 pounds Carels went without a point this weekend for the first time all season. However, this is an exception, not the rule. The Canadian World Juniors underager has been consistent all season, racking up 73 points (20 goals and 53 a sists) in 58 games. Prince George faces the offensively minded Spokane Chiefs in the first round of the WHL Playoffs starting Friday, March 27. Carels two-way defensive game will be crucial as these two teams go head-to-head. MORE : 8. Alberts Smits Position: D Current team: EHC Red Bull Munchen (Germany) Measurables: 6'3", 205 pounds Red Bull Munchen started their series against ERC Ingolstadt today. As Red Bull looks to rally, Smits will be an important piece in all three zones. Germany is a much more physical league than Finland, where he spent most of this season, so Smits is still in the adjusting phase despite the playoffs being underway. 9. Caleb Malhotra Position: C Current team: Brantford (OHL) Measurables: 6'1", 182 pounds The Bulldogs and Malhotra split the weekend in terms of production. Malhotra earned three a sists on Friday, propelling the Bulldogs to a 6-5 win over North Bay. The ensuing Sunday, Malhotra was held off the scoresheet as Brantford fell to Brampton 6-1. From my view, this is a good thing for Malhotras draft stock. It shows Malhotras importance to Brantford as an offensive catalyst, something that teams will no doubt take an interest in. MORE : 10. Daxon Rudolph Position: D Current team: Prince Albert (WHL) Measurables: 6'2", 202 pounds Rudolph has been one of the first guys off my list the past few weeks, but this week, he cracks the top ten. His four a sists over the past three outings increase his ten-game total to 14 points (4 goals and 10 a sists). What intrigues me about Rudolph is his good perimeter work and physical potential. He isnt known for cutting to the middle as much as staying to the perimeter, wheeling and dealing. Rudolphs speed allows this style to work, and he is learning to be more intense, especially given his size. When Rudolph embraces his frame further, he will continue to rise. More NHL News Julius Erving Jersey