The 2026 NHL Draft approaches, prompting frequent mock drafts and prospect rankings. A collaborative mock draft has Wheeler, Pronman, and Max Bultman making selections as if they were general managers, choosing players based on team needs rather than predicting real decisions. Although Toronto is widely expected to draft Gavin McKenna first overall, Pronman recommends defenseman Chase Reid instead. The rationale is that Toronto is in win-now mode while struggling in possession, requiring work to return to contention. Pronman suggests McKenna, Ivar Stenberg, and Alberts Smits may offer more immediate help, but he doubts they will impact the NHL next season. He also questions relying on prospects to change outcomes two years out, while viewing Reid as the best chance to become an impact player.
"Reid is, by the slimmest of margins, the best player on my board. The Maple Leafs are in a tough situation, though. They're in win-now mode despite being a bottom-five possession team this season, so they have a lot of work to do to get back to contending,"
"I think Gavin McKenna, Ivar Stenberg and potentially Alberts Smits could provide more immediate help. I don't think any of them make an impact in the NHL next season, though. I'm not even sure it's a smart bet to count on anyone in this draft truly moving the needle by two years out. Reid has the best chance of anyone in this draft to become an impact player at a premium"
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