2026 NHL Draft Preview: Key Prospects and Team Needs Revealed

WHO:

The New York Times - Corey Pronman, Scott Wheeler, Chris Coduto, Michael Miller, Brandon Taylor, Steven Ellis, Natalie Shaver, Richard T Gagnon, Johan Bernström, Patrik Uhlir, Dale Preston, and others are involved in the NHL Draft analysis.

ESPN - The Carolina Hurricanes, Boston Bruins, Buffalo Sabres, Detroit Red Wings, Florida Panthers, Montreal Canadiens, Ottawa Senators, Tampa Bay Lightning, Toronto Maple Leafs, Chicago Blackhawks, Colorado Avalanche, Dallas Stars, Minnesota Wild, Nashville Predators, St. Louis Blues, Utah Mammoth, Winnipeg Jets, Anaheim Ducks, Calgary Flames, Edmonton Oilers, Los Angeles Kings, San Jose Sharks, Seattle Kraken, and Vegas Golden Knights are mentioned as NHL teams.

WHAT:

The Athletic - The Athletic and FloHockey will host a live 2026 NHL Draft show, featuring experts Corey Pronman, Scott Wheeler, and Chris Peters.

The Athletic - The live stream will occur during the entire first round on June 26 at 7 p.m. ET on The Athletic Hockey Show’s YouTube channel, across FloHockey’s platforms, and on Amazon Prime (U.S.) and Fubo (Canada).

The New York Times - The 2026 NHL Draft is projected to take place with 223 picks, including a seven-round mock draft.

The New York Times - Gavin McKenna is projected as the first overall pick by the Toronto Maple Leafs.

ESPN - The first round of the 2026 NHL Draft is scheduled for June 26, and the second through seventh rounds will occur on June 27.

ESPN - The Carolina Hurricanes won the Stanley Cup.

ESPN - The Bruins have a need for right-handed defensemen and have three selections in the fourth round.

ESPN - The Sabres have one pick in the first three rounds and need to address their left side on defense and left winger positions.

ESPN - The Red Wings need to add left-handed defenders to their organization.

ESPN - The Panthers may trade their first-round pick and need a player who can contribute immediately.

ESPN - The Senators need to add young forwards with skill and upside to their draft.

ESPN - The Capitals need centers in their prospect pipeline.

WHERE:

The New York Times - The NHL Draft will take place in the United States.

ESPN - The teams mentioned are located in various cities across North America, including Boston, Buffalo, Detroit, Florida, Montreal, Ottawa, Tampa Bay, Toronto, Chicago, Colorado, Dallas, Minnesota, Nashville, St. Louis, Utah, Winnipeg, Anaheim, Calgary, Edmonton, Los Angeles, San Jose, Seattle, and Las Vegas.

WHEN:

The Athletic - The first round of the 2026 NHL Draft is scheduled for June 26, and the second through seventh rounds will occur on June 27.

ESPN - The first round of the 2026 NHL Draft is on June 26, and the second through seventh rounds are on June 27.

WHY:

ESPN - Teams are looking to address specific needs in their prospect pipelines to improve their competitive standings.

HOW:

The New York Times - The draft process involves a mock draft and predictions based on team needs and player evaluations.

ESPN - Teams are expected to target specific players based on their needs and the available talent in the draft.

The Athletic and FloHockey are set to host a live show for the 2026 NHL Draft, featuring experts Corey Pronman, Scott Wheeler, and Chris Peters. This live stream will cover the entire first round on June 26 at 7 p.m. ET, available on The Athletic Hockey Show’s YouTube channel, FloHockey’s platforms, and through Amazon Prime in the U.S. and Fubo in Canada, with the second through seventh rounds taking place the following day, June 27.