Overview
- The Buffalo Sabres are in discussions to host the 2026 NHL Draft, with ESPN’s John Buccigross and The Buffalo News’ Mike Harrington highlighting a strong bid.
- Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman reports the league has not selected a host yet, with multiple cities still in the mix, including Montreal.
- Harrington reports Buffalo is specifically pushing to stage the first round, reflecting the league’s shift in how the event is organized.
- The NHL adopted a decentralized format in 2025, keeping team staffs in their home cities, and managers voted to continue that approach for 2026.
- Buffalo previously hosted the draft in 1991, 1998, and 2016, and the 2026 event is scheduled for June 26–27.