2026 NHL Draft begins with Toronto Maple Leafs selecting first

Yahoo Sports1 min read • Latest: Jun 26, 2026, 10:10 PM

Last updated Jun 26, 2026

2026 NHL Draft begins with Toronto Maple Leafs selecting first
Summary

The 2026 NHL Draft commenced in Buffalo on June 26, with the Toronto Maple Leafs holding the No. 1 pick. Gavin McKenna and Ivar Stenberg are top candidates for selection. The Pittsburgh Penguins will pick 22nd, while several rebuilding teams, like the Chicago Blackhawks and San Jose Sharks, are set to make impactful choices. The draft will conclude over the weekend, with rounds 2 through 7 still to come.

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By the Numbers
  • Toronto Maple Leafs have first overall pick for the first time since 2016
  • Gavin McKenna is a leading prospect
  • Pittsburgh Penguins hold No. 22 pick
  • A total of seven rounds are scheduled for the draft
  • Draft concludes on June 27
Latest Updates
  • 10:10 PMYahoo SportsNHL Draft Tracker 2026: Full Results, List of Picks From Rounds 1-7
What they're saying
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Follow along right here for the full results from the 2026 NHL Draft on Friday and Saturday night.

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