Who Is This Year's Beckett Sennecke? Two 2026 NHL Draft Prospects Could Go Higher Than Expected
The 2024 draft saw the Anaheim Ducks select Beckett Sennecke third overall. The selection shocked not only the hockey world but Sennecke himself.
Going into draft day, Sennecke was viewed as a mid-first-round pick. But Anaheim fell in love with his skill, skating development, playoff performance and size.
They have been proven right so far as the 6-foot-3 right winger's rookie season ended with 60 points in 82 games, as well as a playoff appearance.
This year's NHL draft is extremely intriguing. Here are two names who are ranked low by the media, but have a chance to shock the world and end up much higher than their expected draft position.
2026 NHL Draft: Seven Prospects Either Boosted Or Hurt Their Stock At World U-18s
Some projected first-round prospects from Canada and Sweden could hear their names called earlier than initially expected after their performance at the World U-18s. Others hurt their draft stock.
Malte Gustafsson, D, HV71, 6-foot-4, 201 Pounds
Average ranking: 18
One of the reasons Sennecke went so high was his skating improvement throughout his draft year. Malte Gustafsson has become a solid skater throughout this season, mainly his edges and agility.
At the under-18 worlds, Gustafsson put up five points in six games for Sweden, who went on to win the tournament.
What makes the left-handed defenseman such a great prospect is his shift-to-shift consistency. No matter the score, you can bet that he will be physical in front of the net, win puck battles, and play at a great pace for a more defense-minded player.
HV71 wasn't great this past season in the SHL. They finished tied for last place, but a tiebreaker saved them from being relegated.
I don't imagine Gustafsson goes back, but if he is selected in the top portion of the draft, there's a good chance he makes the NHL for that team out of camp.
He's shown a high level of play in transition this year. He evades forecheckers well, can push the pace in the neutral zone, and he's very consistent with his outlet passes.
NHL teams will see a 6-foot-4 blueliner with a projectable transition game, strong puck-moving instincts and pest-like play in his own zone.
Owen Cameron is an intern with The Hockey News.
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This story was originally published May 9, 2026 at 9:38 AM.