The NHL has released the full draft order for its 2026 draft, set to take place in Buffalo. Toronto Maple Leafs hold the top selection after winning the lottery.
Toronto will pick first for the first time in ten years. The club is widely expected to select Penn State forward Gavin McKenna with the opening choice.
The draft returns to KeyBank Center in Buffalo, the same venue that hosted the event in 2016 when Toronto selected Auston Matthews. New general manager John Chayka now faces the task of using the pick to help rebuild the team after a difficult 2025/26 season.
San Jose Sharks hold the second selection, followed by Vancouver Canucks. Among the top Swedish prospects, Frölunda's Ivar Stenberg is viewed as a possible early choice, potentially as high as second overall.
The first round begins at 01:00 Swedish time on 27 June, with rounds two through seven starting at 17:00 the following day.