The Rangers are entering the 2026 NHL Draft with the 5th overall pick, and the strongest public reporting suggests they’re weighing several defense-first or high-upside options rather than a clearly locked-in name. The most commonly mentioned possibility in recent coverage is Caleb Desnoyers being available at No. 5, with other mock-draft discussion also circling players like Roger McQueen and Jake O’Brien depending on how the top four shake out.

What the buzz says

Recent draft previews say the Rangers have a major decision to make at No. 5 and may prioritize immediate impact because they’re retooling the roster. Other roundup-style coverage notes that New York has 11 total picks, including two in the first round, which gives them flexibility to address multiple needs instead of betting everything on one prospect.

Most likely outcomes

  • Caleb Desnoyers is the name most often tied to the Rangers in current first-round chatter.
  • Roger McQueen is another frequently mentioned upside option if the board breaks a certain way.
  • Jake O’Brien also appears in projection conversation as a possible fit depending on who is available.

Why it’s uncertain

The Rangers’ pick depends heavily on the four teams ahead of them, and mock drafts vary a lot this close to the draft. The current reporting is better read as a range of likely targets than a single confirmed selection.

Straight answer

So, the best current answer is: the Rangers are most often projected to draft Caleb Desnoyers, but Roger McQueen and Jake O’Brien are also realistic possibilities.