Everything to know about the 2026 NHL Draft
Photo: TIMOTHY T. LUDWIG / USA TODAY SportsThe 2026 NHL Draft is already shaping up to be one of the most intriguing classes in recent years. At the top sits a mix of dynamic forwards and high end defensemen, with Sweden’s Ivar Stenberg and Canadian phenom Gavin McKenna widely viewed as the headliners of the class.
Stenberg has taken major strides in the SHL with Frölunda, blending elite puck skill with a relentless pace that allows him to attack defenders in waves. McKenna, meanwhile, continues to put up eye catching offensive numbers and is widely considered one of the most creative offensive talents available in the 2026 class.
Behind them sits a deep group of prospects across multiple leagues. Two way defensemen like Keaton Verhoeff and Chase Reid headline the blue line talent, while centers such as Tynan Lawrence and Sweden’s Viggo Björck bring a mix of skill, speed, and versatility.
Further down the projected top ten, offensive defensemen and high scoring wingers round out a class that scouts believe could produce several future NHL stars.
Top prospects for the 2026 NHL Draft
Below is the current Elite Prospects top 10 ranking for the 2026 NHL Draft class. Click here to explore all of our NHL Draft Rankings.
With this kind of depth near the top of the board, the order of selections could shift dramatically depending on team needs and how players develop during their draft season.
To understand the full process from eligibility rules to how teams make their selections, see How does the NHL Draft Work
When is the NHL Draft 2026?
The 2026 NHL Draft will take place June 26–27, 2026 at KeyBank Center in Buffalo, New York. Buffalo has hosted the event several times before and remains one of the league’s traditional draft destinations. The event will again be spread across two days, with the first round held in prime time and the remaining rounds taking place the following day.
The schedule is structured as follows:
Round 1: Friday, June 26, 2026 at 7:00 PM ET
Rounds 2–7: Saturday, June 27, 2026 at 11:00 AM ET
The first round draws the largest audience each year, as teams select the top prospects in the class and franchises often reveal the direction of their rebuilds or long term plans. For viewers in Central Europe, the opening round begins shortly after midnight.
When is NHL Draft Lottery 2026?
Before the draft order is finalized, the NHL determines the top selections through the Draft Lottery. The 2026 NHL Draft Lottery is expected to take place in May 2026, shortly after the regular season concludes. The lottery determines the order of the top picks among the teams that miss the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Two separate drawings are held to determine the first and second overall selections. While the teams with the worst records receive the highest odds, the system still allows teams further down the standings to move up in the order.
To understand the full system and odds behind the draw, see How does the NHL Draft Lottery work
NHL Draft Lottery odds
The NHL uses a weighted lottery system designed to give struggling teams better odds while preventing guaranteed outcomes. Even the team that finishes last in the standings has less than a one in five chance of winning the first overall pick. The current odds for the No. 1 overall selection are as follows.
Looking ahead to the 2026 NHL Draft
With a deep class headlined by elite talent like Ivar Stenberg and Gavin McKenna, the 2026 NHL Draft already has the makings of a memorable one. The combination of high end forwards, dynamic defensemen, and unpredictable lottery results means plenty can still change between now and draft night. As always, the months leading up to the event will bring rankings shifts, breakout performances, and plenty of debate about who should go first overall. One thing is certain though. When June 26 arrives in Buffalo and the first pick is called, the next chapter of NHL talent will officially begin. See you at the draft.