3 NHL rookies who will make an immediate impact

The NHL has some intriguing prospects about to hit the ice for the upcoming 2026-27 season, and three players can make immediate impacts for their organizations. Being the first overall pick, Gavin McKenna can have an immediate impact for the Leafs and will get tons of playing time for them. Ivar Stenberg, who some people think is the best player in this class, joins a young Sharks club ready to compete, and Viggo Bjorck of the Winnipeg Jets can be a sneaky good player for them.

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Gavin McKenna, Toronto Maple Leafs

Jun 26, 2026; Buffalo, New York, USA; Gavin McKenna puts on a sweater beside NHL commissioner Gary Bettman and singer Justin Bieber after being selected with the first pick in the first round of the 2026 NHL Draft by the Toronto Maple Leafs at KeyBank Center. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-Imagn Images

Gavin McKenna plays the game at a fast and smooth level. He is one of the smoothest skaters with the puck, and he can be an immediate impact for the Leafs. The Leafs need more guys to step up, and McKenna can fit in beautifully with William Nylander and Auston Matthews. On the power play specifically, the Leafs can be electric with Darren Raddysh quarterbacking the blueline, Matthews on one side, Nylander in the middle, and McKenna dishing passes and setting up goals.

Ivar Stenberg, San Jose Sharks

Jun 26, 2026; Buffalo, New York, USA; Ivar Stenberg puts on a San Jose Sharks sweater beside NHL commissioner Gary Bettman after being selected with the second pick in the first round of the 2026 NHL Draft at KeyBank Center. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-Imagn Images

Ivar Stenberg brings tons of scoring upside for the Sharks. The Sharks have a strong core with Macklin Celebrini, Will Smith, Ivar Stenberg, and Michael Misa. Stenberg helps this team be fast on the offensive side. Stenberg is very dynamic with his skating ability and can put the puck in the net. Swerving around defenders and avoiding big checks is a key part of his game, and winning individual puck battles will help him set up his teammates well for San Jose

Viggo Bjorck, Winnipeg Jets

Jun 26, 2026; Buffalo, New York, USA; Viggo Bjorck reacts beside NHL commissioner Gary Bettman after being selected with the eighth pick in the first round of the 2026 NHL Draft by the Winnipeg Jets at KeyBank Center. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-Imagn Images

Viggo Bjorck is on the smaller end of height, but that doesn’t mean he isn’t relentless with the puck. Bjorck makes everyone around him better, and his ability to set up his teammates is one of his biggest traits. He and Ivar Stenberg were setting each other up for numerous chances when both played on Team Sweden. Expect the same with Bjorck setting up his teammates in the NHL. Not only can Bjorck provide a playmaker mentality, but his shot is very dangerous as well.

These NHL players are poised to make an immediate impact in the league. With McKenna in Toronto, Stenberg in San Jose, and Bjorck in Winnipeg, all three are expected to be standout performers this upcoming season.

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