McKenna, Martone and Stenberg: the top young prospects to watch in the 2026–27 season

Gavin McKenna, the Toronto Maple Leafs’ first pick in the 2026 draft, is expected to lead a group of young talents looking to make an impact when the 2026–27 season gets underway on September 29. After failing to qualify for the Stanley Cup playoffs for the first time since 2016, Toronto hopes the presence of an offensive prospect like McKenna will help bring back positive results.

As NHL.com reports, McKenna is an 18-year-old forward with high potential: as a freshman at Penn State he scored 51 points (15 goals, 36 assists) in 35 NCAA games and starred for Canada at the 2026 World Under-20 Championship with 14 points (4 goals, 7 assists) in seven games. In his first preseason game, on September 19 at Scotiabank Arena, he logged 20:39 of ice time, recorded three shots on goal and appeared alongside John Tavares and William Nylander on the left wing; his frame (1.80 m, 77 kg) is seen as a foundation that still needs to be built up as he adapts to the professional level.

Beyond McKenna, the list of rookies with expectations includes names that have shown consistency in Europe, the AHL and at international level. Viggo Björck proved worthy at Djurgården and with Sweden’s U-20 national team, while Victor Eklund showed adaptability in the SHL and in the AHL with Bridgeport, offering hope for a reliable role in attack.

In other positions, Jacob Fowler proved he can handle the level of responsibility in goal with solid numbers in the AHL and a few games at the top level; Anton Frondell brings strength and a dangerous shot, while James Hagens is seen as a high-tempo center with playmaking ability. All of them have elements that can give their new teams dynamism in the top lines or as important rotation options.

Konsta Helenius reached 63 points in 63 games with Rochester and showed character in the playoffs, including key goals; Cole Hutson promises to be a director of the attack from the blue line after his strong college statistics and a few appearances at the professional level; Porter Martone brings size and a professional feel after a successful year with Michigan State and appearances in regular-season and playoff games; Ilya Protas stands out for his size and his ability to cause problems for opponents; and Ivar Stenberg, the second pick in the 2026 draft, brought stability and creativity at Frölunda and in Sweden’s U-20 championship.

According to NHL.com, these players make up the group that could change the face of their teams during the 2026–27 season and will be important names to follow throughout the year.

Source: NHL.com