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League: NHLSport: HockeyCountry: United StatesCategory: Breaking News

Fifteen international players selected in 2026 NHL Draft's first round

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 27, 2026, 3:52 AM

Last updated Jun 27, 2026

Fifteen international players selected in 2026 NHL Draft's first round
Summary

The first round of the 2026 NHL Draft concluded with the San Jose Sharks selecting Ivar Stenberg second overall. A total of 15 international players were chosen among the 32 picks, marking significant representation. Seven Swedish players highlighted the draft, the most since the 1980s, along with three from Finland, and two from Kazakhstan. Players from Russia, Czechia, and Latvia were also selected. The second through seventh rounds of the draft are set to begin tomorrow.

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Yahoo Sports
Latest Updates
  • •Ivar Stenberg was the second overall pick by the San Jose Sharks.
  • •Fifteen international players were taken in the first round.
  • •Seven Swedish players were selected, the most since the 1980s.
  • •Three Finnish players, two from Kazakhstan, and others from Russia, Czechia, and Latvia were chosen.
  • •The remaining draft rounds will commence tomorrow.
Latest Updates
  • 4:31 AMYahoo Sports — 2026 NHL Draft: Best Players Available After Round 1
  • 3:52 AMYahoo Sports — International Players Drafted In The First Round Of The 2026 NHL Draft
What they're saying
"

Led by second-overall pick Ivar Stenberg, fifteen global prospects ignited the opening round, marking a historic surge in Swedish talent and rare representation from nations like Kazakhstan.

"

Will Mathis Preston, Adam Valentini, Casey Mutryn and other prospects who weren't selected in the first round of the NHL draft make everyone wonder why they weren't selected higher?

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