By the numbers: Breaking down 2026 NHL Draft order
The 2026 Upper Deck NHL Draft takes place June 26-27 at the KeyBank Center in Buffalo. Round 1 begins Friday at 7 p.m. ET, with Rounds 2-7 following Saturday at 11 a.m. ET. The Maple Leafs, Sharks, and Canucks own the top three picks.
What changed
The league released the full seven-round selection order and specific event start times.
Live updates
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2026 NHL Draft Order and Schedule Announced
confidence 90%The 2026 Upper Deck NHL Draft takes place June 26-27 at the KeyBank Center in Buffalo. Round 1 begins Friday at 7 p.m. ET, with Rounds 2-7 following Saturday at 11 a.m. ET. The Maple Leafs, Sharks, and Canucks own the top three picks.
What's confirmed:
- The 2026 Upper Deck NHL Draft will be held June 26-27 at the KeyBank Center in Buffalo.
- Round 1 occurs Friday, June 26 at 7 p.m. ET.
- Rounds 2-7 occur Saturday, June 27 at 11 a.m. ET.
- The Maple Leafs, Sharks, and Canucks own the top 3 picks.
- The Vegas Golden Knights will forfeit a 2nd-round pick for flagrant violations of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs Media Regulations.
Still unconfirmed:
- The New York Rangers secured the first overall pick.
- The Carolina Hurricanes won the 2026 Stanley Cup Final by defeating the Las Vegas Golden Knights in Game 6.
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2026 NHL Draft Order Finalized
confidence 100%The 2026 NHL Draft will take place June 26-27 at the KeyBank Center in Buffalo. The Carolina Hurricanes won the 2026 Stanley Cup Final by defeating the Las Vegas Golden Knights in Game 6. Toronto holds the No. 1 overall pick for the first time since 2016.
What's confirmed:
- The 2026 NHL Draft is scheduled for June 26-27 at the KeyBank Center in Buffalo.
- Toronto holds the No. 1 pick for the first time since 2016.
- The Carolina Hurricanes defeated the Las Vegas Golden Knights in Game 6 to win the 2026 Stanley Cup Final.
Still unconfirmed:
- St. Louis and Calgary are among the teams with the largest draft capital.
- Gavin McKenna is a top prospect linked to the Maple Leafs in mock drafts.