Overview
- The first round of the 2026 NHL Draft starts at 7:00 p.m. ET on Friday, June 26, at the KeyBank Center in Buffalo and will be broadcast on ESPN, Sportsnet and TVA Sports.
- Toronto holds the No.1 overall pick after its 2026 selection reverted to the club under the top-five protection from the 2025 Brandon Carlo trade with Boston.
- Coverage and scouting outlets list Penn State winger Gavin McKenna as the consensus favorite to go first, following extensive vetting by Maple Leafs general manager John Chayka.
- San Jose owns No.2 and general manager Mike Grier has said the pick is available for the right deal, creating a live trade possibility that could reshuffle the top selections.
- Scouts describe the class as top-heavy with star talent and several offensively skilled defensemen in the top 10, a shape that raises upside and projection risk for teams building long-term rosters.