The first round of the 2026 NHL Draft is underway, and we’ll be providing live updates as every selection is announced. Follow our NHL Draft live tracker for every first-round pick, draft results, trades and instant analysis throughout the night. Whether you’re looking for the latest NHL Draft picks, your favorite team’s selection or complete first-round results, this page will be updated in real time.
Refresh for live updates: We’re tracking every first-round pick, trade and major surprise from tonight’s NHL Draft.
2026 NHL Draft at a Glance
| Date | June 26, 2026 |
| Start Time | 7 p.m. ET |
| Location | Buffalo, New York |
| TV | ESPN, ESPN+, NHL Network |
NHL Draft Live Updates
7:00 p.m. ET — NHL Draft begins
The first round is underway. Follow along for every pick, trade and major update.
Pick No. 1, Toronto Maple Leafs — Gavin McKenna (LW, Penn State)
Instant analysis: No doubter here. A supremely gifted goal-scorer with elite ice vision and underrated defensive skills, McKenna is a just reward for the Maple Leafs after a trying season. He gives them an elite top line scorer to complement Auston Matthews, or to lead the team if Matthews heads elsewhere during the offseason.
Pick No. 2, San Jose Sharks — Ivar Stenberg (LW, Frölunda)
Instant analysis: This is largely viewed as a two-player draft, but it was no guarantee the Sharks would be taking Stenberg here. They’re loaded up front and in desperate need of blue line talent, while also being involved in many trade conversations about their three first-round picks. But GM Mike Grier stands firm, and takes the pro-ready winger with a polished all-around game who will be on Macklin Celebrini’s top line sooner than later.
Pick No. 3, Vancouver Canucks — Caleb Malhotra (C, Brantford)
Instant analysis: This is where things got truly interesting. Vancouver could have gone with Chase Reid to fill the hole on the blueline that Quinn Hughes left behind, but they take the best skater on the board in Caleb Malhotra. He’s an elite passer and skater who plays a cerebral game and thrives in traffic. Though committed to Boston University for the upcoming season, the Canucks are content to wait. His father (and Canucks head coach) Manny Malhotra will be waiting.
Pick No. 4, Buffalo Sabres — Daxon Rudolph (D, Prince Albert)
Instant analysis: Now here’s a surprise. With Buffalo trading into the draft by sending Bowen Byram to the Blackhawks, the assumption was that they’d take a defenseman, and Chase Reid was nearly written in pen with the fourth pick. But GM Jarmo Kekalainen kept us on our toes, picking the late riser Rudolph. The big right-handed defenseman, who will be playing for the University of Denver next year, needs some seasoning in the NCAA without question. But if he pans out, the Sabres are getting a lethal power play quarterback with great size and a defensive presence to match.
Pick No. 5, New York Rangers — Alberts Smits (D, Jukurit)
Instant analysis: Do we have a Chase Reid slide?? Another blueliner is off the board, and the Rangers are going for Alberts Smits. A true bruiser on the defensive line, Smits is one hardcore defender, and loves to lay down a big hit. Smits is built well at 6’3″ and over 200 pounds, and has produced solid offensive results. He’s likely to hit the team sooner than later, and will bring a mean streak to the Rangers.
Pick No. 6, Calgary Flames — Carson Carels (D, Prince George)
Instant analysis: Okay, the slide is officially on. A third straight defenseman not named Chase Reid is off the board. Calgary sticks to their board to take Carson Carels, an awfully impressive point producer from the blue line. Carels was third in the WHL with 27 power-play assists, racking up nearly 80 points for Prince George. The defensive game needs some work, but Calgary just needs to get talent in the door and worry about the rest later; Carels certainly has that talent.
Pick No. 7, Seattle Kraken — Chase Reid (D, Sault Ste. Marie)
Instant analysis: Now the slide ends, and the Seattle Kraken sure didn’t expect to get this kind of talent. Chase Reid was the best all-around defense prospect for my money. He’s a butter-smooth skater who brings great passing vision and a seeing-eye shot from the point. Reid can anchor Seattle’s top pairing and contribute heavily to the power play in future years. Committed to Michigan State for the upcoming season, Seattle will have to be patient, but they hit a home run here.
Pick No. 8, Winnipeg Jets — Viggo Björck (C/W, Djurgården)
Instant analysis: Small but mighty, Björck will be a pest for years to come in the NHL. He’s a dynamic defender who loves to play a physical game, and stepped up in a big way in the World Juniors. Björck is a great skater as well which helps to project his offensive game going forward. At the very least, Björck profiles as a middle-six winger who brings a lot of competitive fire, and has the upside for more.
Pick No. 9, San Jose Sharks — Keaton Verhoeff (D, North Dakota)
Instant analysis: The Sharks certainly won’t be mad with how this draft broke. Our fifth defenseman in nine picks, Verhoeff has an argument for the most talented blue liner in this 2026 class. He’s built for pro hockey at 6’4″ and 210 pounds with a booming slap shot and passing sense that was built to quarterback power plays. Concerns about his turnovers and inconsistent defensive results pushed him down in the draft, but many considered him the best defenseman in the class, and one of the top two or three talents in the class. With San Jose in need of defenders and picking once again, they nabbed a best-case scenario here.
Pick No. 10, Nashville Predators — Wyatt Cullen (RW, USA U-18)
Instant analysis: Now this is a pick with huge upside. Cullen shot up boards as he went through a massive growth spurt, going from 5’5″ to 6’1″ in the U-18 program. The son of longtime NHL vet Matt Cullen, Wyatt is a strong scorer with a competitive edge who made significant strides as a skater, checker, and playmaker. Nashville is sure hoping Cullen’s development continues on an exponential curve.
TRADES!!
Already, we have two picks on the move in this draft. The New York Rangers, after taking Alberts Smits, used their second first-round pick to bolster the forward group. They acquired Golden Knights forward Pavel Dorofeyev, and gave the restricted free agent a seven-year, $77 million deal. In exchange, New York sent the 26th pick to Vegas along with a future first-round pick.
And that’s not all. JJ Peterka is on his way to the Boston Bruins for a pair of picks, including the No. 23 selection this year. That gives Utah the 19th and 23rd picks in this first round.
Pick No. 11, St. Louis Blues — Tynan Lawrence (C, Boston University)
Instant analysis: It’s awfully interesting to see what the Blues will do tonight with their four first-round picks. Tynan Lawrence is the answer for the 11th pick. The youngster got his feet wet at Boston University last year, showing solid offensive instincts and skating talent, and really turned it up towards the end of the year. He’ll be heading back to the Terriers next year, and St. Louis will hope he can polish his game more while filling out his frame.
Pick No. 12, New Jersey Devils — Alexander Command (C, Örebro Jr.)
Instant analysis: With the Devils in a bit of limbo after an odd season, they need someone to get them back on track. Command is that kind of player. He produced strong offensive results in the Swedish junior league, but is most notable for his big frame at 6’1″ and a great defensive game. Command has no issues getting physical and finishing his checks, and plays the passing lanes quite well. New Jersey will love his game as a middle-six pivot behind Nico Hischier.
Pick No. 13, New York Islanders — Malte Gustafsson (D, HV71)
Instant analysis: It feels appropriate that Matthew Schaefer gets to announce this selection, as a new player joins the Islanders blue line. At 6’4″ and over 200 pounds, Gustafsson impressed teams with his maturity and the way he takes care of the puck. He’s quite projectable on the defensive end, a skill that could break him into the team as soon as next year. Gustafsson needs some work to tap into his offensive upside, but at the very least he’ll be positive working through the neutral zone and won’t give the puck away recklessly.
Pick No. 14, Columbus Blue Jackets — Oscar Hemming (LW, Boston College)
Instant analysis: We love a classic power forward, don’t we folks? At 6’4″ and over 200 pounds, Hemming flies around the ice looking for anybody he can ram into. His defensive game stands out as a physical checker with good reach and stick skills. More of a play finisher than a creator on the offensive end, Hemming protects the puck well and drives the net hard. He’s going to be an excellent complementary piece for a Blue Jackets team that could look quite different by puck drop on Opening Night.
TRADE TIME!!!
The Blues were due to make their second pick of this first round, but St. Louis GM Doug Armstrong had other ideas. Mason McTavish is coming to the Gateway City, with the 15th and 29th picks in this draft going back to Anaheim. The uber-talented Ducks center is heading out the door, and Anaheim is on the clock.
Pick No. 15, Anaheim Ducks — Nikita Klepov (RW, Saginaw)
Instant analysis: You can’t say the Ducks don’t have a type. Klepov is an immense offensive talent; he has elite hands, a sharp shot, and great offensive vision. A Michigan State commit for next season, Klepov will have another season to hone his skills in a physical league before attempting to crack Anaheim’s roster. With the Ducks heavy on offensive talents, Klepov adds another gifted forward to the team.
Pick No. 16, St. Louis Blues — Maddox Dagenais (C, Quebec Remparts)
Instant analysis: Why not a third pivot for the Blues? After selecting Tynan Lawrence and trading for Mason McTavish, Doug Armstrong picks up another center. Dagenais is a physical specimen at 6’4″ with elite top-end speed. He can play with skill, but has no issue with a good ol’ dump-and-chase play so he can engage his checkers. He’s sure to need some seasoning, but a great talent play for St. Louis in the middle of the first.
TRADE!!!
I guess the Utah Mammoth couldn’t wait. They’ll be sending the 19th and 83rd picks to the LA Kings in order to jump up to 17. Let’s see who the Mammoth take.
Pick No. 17, Utah Mammoth — Ethan Belchetz (LW, Windsor)
Instant analysis: It’s appropriate that the biggest player taken so far goes to the Mammoth. At 6’5″ and 230 pounds, Belchetz is going to have a long career of handing out bruises in the NHL. He’s a physical presence who isn’t afraid to get in a scrap, and produced a lot of goals in the OHL. Utah’s impressive prospect pool only gets better.
Pick No. 18, Washington Capitals — Oliver Suvanto (C, Tappara)
Instant analysis: It’s a great draft for big, physical forwards. Oliver Suvanto loves to compete at 6’3″, doesn’t shy away from a hit, and has shown some offensive chops. Though his future may be as a winger, Suvanto has tremendous upside as he fills out his game. Washington will hope that Suvanto can add to a team full of big, talented skaters.
Pick No. 19, Los Angeles Kings — Elton Hermansson (RW, Modo)
Instant analysis: This is an interesting upside pick for the Kings. Hermansson played awfully well in the Swedish U-18 league, showcasing good speed and agility with soft hands and a strong shot. His defense is a huge question mark, and may leave teams wanting more, which is why he fell to the middle of the first round. But the Kings are taking a swing for the fences here, and it might pay off.
Pick No. 20, Buffalo Sabres — Ilia Morozov (C, Miami OH)
Instant analysis: Buffalo surprises again in front of their home crowd. Morozov was the youngest player in the NCAA last season, and performed quite well on both ends of the ice. His offensive flashes were big, and there’s reason to believe he can be a two-way contributor as he fills out his frame. Buffalo has done well to inject high-end talent through this draft; now it’s up to the development staff to capitalize.
TRADE!! The Sharks are moving up to No. 21 while sending picks 27, 62, and 120 to the Flyers
Pick No. 21, San Jose Sharks — Ryan Lin (D, Vancouver WHL)
Instant analysis: This is a bit of a zig for the Sharks. With everyone going for size and physicality, the Sharks go for 5’11” Ryan Lin. He has all the talent you’d want to see, but is a few inches shy of being a truly elite prospect. Lin recorded over a point per game with Vancouver WHL, and is a smooth skating right-handed defenseman with a lot of skills offensively. Lin will be heading to the defending NCAA champion Denver Pioneers next year before joining a Sharks team stacked with young talent.
Pick No. 22, Pittsburgh Penguins — Liam Ruck (RW, Medicine Hat)
Instant analysis: The first of the Ruck twins to go off the board, Liam is one heck of a defensive forward, and the offensive results were impressive as well. He drives the net hard, isn’t afraid of a check, and is a playmaker all around the ice. Pittsburgh knows what to do with their talent, and will find a way to get the most out of Ruck. Let’s see when his brother Markus hears his name called.
TRADE: The Red Wings are acquiring the No. 23 pick from the Utah Mammoth for Sebastian Cossa
Pick No. 23, Detroit Red Wings — JP Hurlbert (LW, Kamloops)
Instant analysis: Now this is interesting for the Red Wings. They dealt goalie Sebastian Cossa for the 23rd overall pick, and used it on a guy who will be playing in their backyard. JP Hurlbert, the Michigan Wolverines commit, was an elite goal-scoring talent in the WHL, piling up 42 goals to lead all rookies. Detroit is hoping Hurlbert’s offensive game will translate sooner than later, and that a season in the Big Ten will create a more well-rounded hockey player.
Pick No. 24, Vancouver Canucks — Adam Novotný (LW, Peterborough)
Instant analysis: This is the draft for built, physical wingers. Novotný was excellent for Peterborough as a rookie, and has piled up plenty of medals for the Czech youth team. Novotný carries the puck well and has a very sharp shot. At 6’1″ and over 200 pounds, he has no fears driving the net or taking on big defensemen. As the Canucks continue their rebuild, Novotný could be a fast riser through the farm system if his offense translates.
Pick No. 25, Ottawa Senators — Jonas Lagerber Hoen (RW, Leksands Jr.)
Instant analysis: An injury sure set Lagerber Hoen back in this draft, as he played only nine games last season in the Swedish juniors league. But they were incredible; Lagerber Hoen piled up nine goals and 16 points, showcasing a sharp shot and a real nose for the net. Ottawa is short on picks and seemingly headed for a rebuild after sending Brady Tkachuk south, so taking a huge swing late in the first makes a lot of sense here. If Lagerber Hoen is healthy and those nine games weren’t a complete mirage, he’s going to be one of the steals of the draft.
TRADE: Vegas trades the No. 26 pick to Montreal for pick No. 28 and a 2027 third-round pick
Pick No. 26, Montreal Canadiens — Gleb Pugachyov (RW, Torpedo Nizhny Novgorod)
Instant analysis: Well that’s a fun moment for the Kazakh prospect Gleb Pugachyov. An immense physical talent, Montreal traded up to secure Pugachyov, who made some noise in the Russian juniors league. The size is there, and the offensive flashes were there to boot. If he can build on his defensive game while maintaining offensive consistency, the Canadiens may have a gem here.
Pick No. 27, Philadelphia Flyers — Maksim Sokolovskii (D, London OHL)
Instant analysis: The Flyers heard tell of a giant. We have two Kazakhstan-born players drafted in a row, and it’s Maksim Sokolovskii going to Philly here. At 6’7″, Sokolovskii is a hulking defensive presence with a lot of technique on that end. He’s physical, loves to block shots, and has the profile of an elite defensive defenseman if he continues his development. The offense is a big question mark, but even if he’s a 15-20 point blueliner, Sokolovskii brings value as a shutdown defender.
TRADE: Vegas trades the No. 28 pick to Anaheim for picks No. 29 and 117
Pick No. 28, Anaheim Ducks — Marcus Nordmark (LW, Djurgården)
Instant analysis: Here’s your classic boom-bust pick at the end of the first. Nordmark can really shoot it, feathers his passes well, and has great offensive vision. Unfortunately, he’s about as defense-averse as they come. His hesitance towards physicality would make Mitch Marner frown. After taking Klepov in the middle of the first, Anaheim doubles down on offensively skilled wingers after trading up.
Pick No. 29, Vegas Golden Knights — Juho Piiparinen (D, Tappara)
Instant analysis: After trading back multiple times, the Knights get strong value at the end of the first. Piiparinen is a well-balanced defender who loves marking up and shutting down his man. Not the most explosive offensive talent, Piiparinen is content to hang back and make passes through the neutral zone instead of joining the rush. Piiparinen may not ever be a top-pairing D-man, but the floor is awfully high.
Pick No. 30, Calgary Flames — Jack Hextall (C, Youngstown USHL)
Instant analysis: How about another Michigan State Spartan? Hextall was a very balanced pivot in the USHL. He put up 20 goals and 58 total points, showing a quick right-handed shot with great passing vision. A very fast processor, Hextall’s decision making consistently benefitted his teammates. Calgary will be watching his development in East Lansing with great interest.
TRADE: Nashville trades up to No. 31, sending picks 42 and 57 to the Carolina Hurricanes
Pick No. 31, Nashville Predators — Tommy Bleyl (D, Moncton QMJHL)
Instant analysis: Nashville trades back into the first round again, and we’ve got another Spartan off the board. Tommy Bleyl was an offensive wonder in the QMJHL, racking up 68 assists and leading all defensemen in the league. He skates well, has a great shot, and makes snap passing decisions. At 5’11” and only 170 pounds, Bleyl needs to add some weight in order to last in the NHL, and the Predators will hope he bulks up in his time with Michigan State.
Pick No. 32, Ottawa Senators — Jaxon Cover (LW, London OHL)
Instant analysis: Now this is a cool pick. Jaxon Cover only began his hockey career five years ago, and here he is being selected in the first round of the 2026 NHL Draft. Cover is a bit of a power forward himself, and brings an intensity to the D zone that Ottawa clearly appreciates. The Penn State commit will need some seasoning in the NCAA, but his growth has been exponential, and this is a great bet for the Sens.
That’s all for the first round!!!
2026 NHL Draft First-Round Results
We’ll update the complete first-round results as picks are announced.
| Pick | Team | Player | Position |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Toronto Maple Leafs | Gavin McKenna | LW |
| 2 | San Jose Sharks | Ivar Stenberg | LW |
| 3 | Vancouver Canucks | Caleb Malhotra | C |
| 4 | Buffalo Sabres (from CHI) | Daxon Rudolph | D |
| 5 | New York Rangers | Alberts Smits | D |
| 6 | Calgary Flames | Carson Carels | D |
| 7 | Seattle Kraken | Chase Reid | D |
| 8 | Winnipeg Jets | Viggo Björck | C |
| 9 | San Jose Sharks (from FLA via OTT) | Keaton Verhoeff | D |
| 10 | Nashville Predators | Wyatt Cullen | RW |
| 11 | St. Louis Blues | Tynan Lawrence | C |
| 12 | New Jersey Devils | Alexander Command | C |
| 13 | New York Islanders | Malte Gustafsson | D |
| 14 | Columbus Blue Jackets | Oscar Hemming | LW |
| 15 | Anaheim Ducks (from STL via DET) | Nikita Klepov | RW |
| 16 | St. Louis Blues (from WAS) | Maddox Dagenais | C |
| 17 | Utah Mammoth (from LAK) | Ethan Belchetz | LW |
| 18 | Washington Capitals (from ANA) | Oliver Suvanto | C |
| 19 | Los Angeles Kings (from UTA) | Elton Hermansson | RW |
| 20 | Buffalo Sabres (from EDM) | Ilia Morozov | C |
| 21 | San Jose Sharks (from PHI) | Ryan Lin | D |
| 22 | Pittsburgh Penguins | Liam Ruck | RW |
| 23 | Detroit Red Wings (from BOS via UTA) | JP Hurlbert | LW |
| 24 | Vancouver Canucks (from MIN) | Adam Novotný | LW |
| 25 | Ottawa Senators (from TBL) | Jonas Lagerber Hoen | RW |
| 26 | Montreal Canadiens (from VGK) | Gleb Pugachyov | RW |
| 27 | Philadelphia Flyers (from SJS) | Maksim Sokolovskii | D |
| 28 | Anaheim Ducks (from VGK) | Marcus Nordmark | LW |
| 29 | Vegas Golden Knights (from ANA) | Juho Piiparinen | D |
| 30 | Calgary Flames (from VGK) | Jack Hextall | C |
| 31 | Nashville Predators (from CAR) | Tommy Bleyl | D |
| 32 | Ottawa Senators | Jaxon Cover | LW |
The 2026 NHL Draft first round features 32 selections as teams look to add the next generation of NHL talent. We’ll continue updating this tracker with every first-round pick, trade and notable moment as they happen.
