Carson Carels Leads 2026 NHL Defensemen Ranking With Schaefer Context
carson carels sits at the center of an early 2026 NHL Entry Draft defensemen ranking, but the broader message is that this class looks different from Matthew Schaefer’s path. The list points to depth across multiple leagues rather than one prospect taking over the way Schaefer did after going number one overall in 2025.
That comparison sets the frame for the ranking. Schaefer went first overall to the New York Islanders in the 2025 NHL Draft, then made the immediate jump to the NHL and played at an elite level for his age. The 2026 group may not produce a defenseman with that same instant rise, but it does feature high-end talent spread through the position.
Matthew Schaefer Benchmark
Schaefer’s quick move from draft pick to NHL contributor is the standard hanging over this class. He was selected number one overall as a defenseman, and his 2025 season gave scouts a clear comparison point for what a top blue-liner can look like almost immediately after being drafted.
That is why the 2026 ranking matters. It is not built around a single runaway name. Instead, the top defensemen are being evaluated as a group, with the scouting reports weighing where each player already competes and how much responsibility he handles.
Adam Goljer And Nikita Shcherbakov
Adam Goljer brings one of the strongest pro-ready resumes in the group. He played in Slovakia’s top professional league during the draft year, ranked 14th among EU skaters by NHL Central Scouting, and logged top-pair minutes with HK Dukla Trencin while handling every situation.
Nikita Shcherbakov took a different route through Russia. He spent time across three leagues, appeared in seven KHL games, and did not record a point there, but Central Scouting still placed him 13th among EU skaters. The ranking reflects how closely scouts are tracking usage and competition level, not just scoring.
William Håkansson And Malte Gustafsson
William Håkansson also moved into the pro game this season, splitting time between the SHL and HockeyAllsvenskan and finishing with six points. Central Scouting ranked him 12th among EU skaters, which keeps him in the same tier of European defense prospects as Goljer and Shcherbakov.
Malte Gustafsson gave Sweden a strong international showing at the 2025 Hlinka Gretzky Cup, where he posted six points in five tournament games. For readers tracking the 2026 board, that mix of pro minutes and tournament production is what makes this class worth watching now rather than later.
