2026 NHL draft grades: Best, worst, most surprising picks

ESPN has released its grades for the 2026 NHL Draft, evaluating each team's selections and highlighting the best, worst, and most surprising picks of the event. Some franchises earned high marks for identifying top prospects and making shrewd selections, while others drew criticism for questionable choices that may not align with their organizational needs. The draft also produced several unexpected picks that caught analysts and fans off guard, sparking debate about player valuations and team strategies.