The 2026 NHL draft unfolds on Friday for Round 1 and Saturday for Rounds 2 through 7 at KeyBank Center in Buffalo.

This page acts as your central hub throughout the event, with every choice listed below plus scouting observations and roster compatibility breakdowns for the first-round selections.

More: Prospect rankings
Needs for all 32 teams

1. Toronto Maple Leafs: Gavin McKenna, LW

Team: Penn State (BIG10)
DOB: 12/20/2007 | Ht: 5-11 | Wt: 170 | Shot: L
2025-26 stats: GP: 35 | G: 15 | A: 36 | P: 51

Scouting notes: The premier talent in this class views the sport as a strategic game. Following the highest points-per-game rate (2.30) ever recorded in a draft-minus-one CHL campaign, McKenna's NCAA year began unevenly. Yet upon return from the world juniors he surged with 33 points across 19 contests, aligning with production levels from Jack Eichel and Macklin Celebrini in college.

His deception and skill at outmaneuvering opponents stand out as elite. He varies speed, exploits leaning defenders and delivers precise passes. A strong combine showing eased worries over physical strength. Lingering questions involve defensive lapses, limited physical battles and a preference for measured pacing. With room to grow, McKenna could become a 100-point scorer and top power-play contributor.

How he fits: Hockey's biggest open secret received added emphasis. Selecting Justin Bieber's "Yukon" as his entrance track, McKenna was chosen by Bieber representing the Maple Leafs.

McKenna arrives ready to contribute right away, filling a pressing need for Toronto. His playmaking will boost the power play. Under new coach Jim Hiller, known for offensive focus from his assistant days, McKenna gains chances to thrive next to Auston Matthews and restore the captain's 50-goal form. The Leafs may have landed a top playmaker poised for stardom.

2. San Jose Sharks: Ivar Stenberg, LW

Team: Frolunda (SWEDEN)
DOB: 09/30/2007 | Ht: 5-11 | Wt: 183 | Shot: L
2025-26 stats: GP: 43 | G: 11 | A: 22 | P: 33

Scouting notes: Blending elite hockey IQ and skill, Stenberg delivered the second-most productive draft-eligible SHL season on record while guiding Sweden to world junior gold. Superior processing lets him bend coverage and locate passes others cannot see. He exploits narrow openings, sets up backdoor chances and moves the puck centrally with high efficiency.

Despite the 5-11 build prompting questions, Stenberg can join the top six at once. His commitment on both sides distinguishes him from offense-only wingers, positioning him to handle tough minutes while adding scoring, much like Sam Reinhart in Florida.

How he fits: Following the William Eklund trade, the Sharks cleared space for another Swedish winger, and Stenberg looks set to excel there.

An NHL-ready forward, Stenberg brings a strong two-way game. The Sharks lack many top-six players who impose physically. Stenberg will secure pucks for Macklin Celebrini, generate opportunities and influence games from his first season. He enters the lineup as a dependable two-way option who competes hard and can reach 60 points as a rookie. Another building block for San Jose.

3. Vancouver Canucks: Caleb Malhotra, C

Team: Brantford (OHL)
DOB: 06/02/2008 | Ht: 6-1.75 | Wt: 182 | Shot: L
2025-26 stats: GP: 67 | G: 29 | A: 55 | P: 84

Scouting notes: Malhotra climbed draft lists rapidly thanks to exceptional output in the latter half of the year. He is a detail-focused center blending two-way dependability with strong playmaking.

Many in the league see him as a future captain and the "kind of player teams win with." His hockey sense and composure under pressure rank highly. Development accelerated during the season, though limited scoring earlier raises some flags.

The model sees top-line potential, valuing his balanced style and offensive feel. Reaching the level of an impactful two-way pivot depends on further skating gains and added strength. Currently, Malhotra projects as a top-six center with upside to mirror Jonathan Toews at his best.

How he fits: The Canucks weighed Chase Reid against Malhotra. Recent drafts have emphasized need, and Malhotra addresses the center spot directly. His production rose sharply late in the year, and he carries potential as a strong two-way pivot. He remains at least a year or two from the lineup, acceptable during the early rebuild phase.

Some considered Reid to add talent and sidestep any awkwardness with Malhotra's father Manny on the coaching staff. Need prevailed, and Vancouver hopes Malhotra anchors the center position long term.

4. Buffalo Sabres: Daxon Rudolph, D

Team: Prince Albert (WHL)
DOB: 03/06/2008 | Ht: 6-2.5 | Wt: 206 | Shot: R
2025-26 stats: GP: 68 | G: 28 | A: 50 | P: 78

Scouting notes: Rudolph serves as a genuine two-way scorer who simplifies the game regularly. Offensive instincts rank among the best. He anticipates developing plays, finds ideal spots and finishes by shooting or feeding teammates after drawing attention.

Defensive reliability and handling NHL speed without extra support keep his model probability modest at 41 percent. Production cannot be overlooked, and offensive ceiling carries star potential. In one-on-one battles he stays tight to the puck and seldom loses position. Coverage awareness, lane recognition and threat identification require growth to reach full potential.

A higher-risk choice with elite offensive traits and the hockey sense to improve defensively, he could develop into a dependable top-pair blueliner.

How he fits: The draft's first surprise. Buffalo often swings for high skill, and Rudolph possesses plenty. The Sabres obtained the No. 4 pick via the Bowen Byram deal and applied it to one of the draft's smartest offensive defenders.

With Buffalo's defensive depth, Rudolph gains time to refine his game at Denver. No urgency exists to promote him. Once in Buffalo he will generate offense from the back end and direct a power-play group. Though Chase Reid and Carson Carels remained available, Rudolph's high-end offensive traits align with what the Sabres favor.

5. New York Rangers: Alberts Smits, D

Team: Munchen (GERMANY)
DOB: 12/02/2007 | Ht: 6-3 | Wt: 205 | Shot: L
2025-26 stats: GP: 5 | G: 0 | A: 1 | P: 1

Scouting notes: The Latvian defenseman ranks higher on team boards than public lists because he is a large defender viewed by many as a lock for a top-four role as early as next season. Clubs prefer lower-risk options with modest ceilings over gambling on a potential Norris winner who might stall as a power-play specialist or No. 5.

Smits brings a commanding physical frame whose growth curve rose sharply. The 6-3 size paired with solid skating, nonstop motor and physical dominance appeals to teams seeking stability on the back end. He projects as a defensive specialist who logs tough minutes, kills penalties and protects leads. Offense will not be his focus, yet he should complement a dynamic partner who controls play.

Factors lowering his ranking include limited star upside, as few similar profiles reach elite NHL status. Knee stability draws some attention given skating demands, though continued lower-body work should mitigate risk. He stands among the most polished prospects and could debut next season.

Refining passes and decisions could elevate him to a solid No. 2, yet he more likely resembles a Rasmus Ristolainen or Mike Matheson type immediately, which suits a club aiming for playoffs.

How he fits: The Rangers were linked to Smits due to interest in immediate contributors. They bypassed upside in Reid and Carels to address the need for a big, competitive defender to support the current group.

If the Rangers seek faster contention, Smits fits because other defenders may not be NHL-ready at the start. The draft-night addition of Pavel Dorofeyev signals a focus on the present core rather than youth. Smits offers the best option for heavy minutes next season, even with a lower ceiling than players passed over.

6. Calgary Flames: Carson Carels, D

Team: Prince George (WHL)
DOB: 06/23/2008 | Ht: 6-1.75 | Wt: 198 | Shot: L
2025-26 stats: GP: 58 | G: 20 | A: 53 | P: 73

Scouting notes: The draft's most complete defensive prospect led the WHL in ice time and surged offensively late with a 1.35 points-per-game mark. Carels merges high-end mobility with NHL-projectable shooting and pace control.

A true play stopper, his physical edge stands out as he lines up attackers and finishes forcefully. A rare 17-year-old world junior pick on the blue line, he showed he could manage elite competition. Comparisons to Charlie McAvoy and Jake Sanderson arise from his off-puck work, transition control and offensive impact.

Carels projects as a top-pair defender who neutralizes opponents with genuine No. 1 potential if creativity keeps advancing. Add the view that he will become a future captain and cornerstone for a Cup contender, and his appeal becomes clear.

How he fits: The Flames clearly hoped Carels would last to this selection after extensive scouting. Carels will impact both ends for Calgary. Whether paired with Simon Nemec or Zayne Parekh, he supplies steadiness. He instantly ranks as the organization's top prospect with star potential.

When games intensify, Carels elevates. He plays physically, dictates pace and leads through action. The Flames may have selected their future captain.

7. Seattle Kraken: Chase Reid, D

Team: Sault Ste. Marie (OHL)
DOB: 12/30/2007 | Ht: 6-2.5 | Wt: 195 | Shot: R
2025-26 stats: GP: 45 | G: 18 | A: 30 | P: 48

Scouting notes: Reid blends high-end mobility, solid size, strong physical tools, elite hockey sense and both playmaking and shooting skills.