The first round of the 2026 NHL Draft is complete after a night filled with blockbuster trades, surprise selections and plenty of movement across the draft board.
Gavin McKenna went No. 1 overall to the Toronto Maple Leafs, while several teams traded into the first round to reshape their futures before the opening night came to a close.
Below you’ll find every first-round pick, complete draft results, major trades and Chris Peters’ prospect analysis from the opening night of the 2026 NHL Draft.
2026 NHL Draft Picks: First Round
Here’s the full first round of draft picks, analysis, trades and best available.
Best Available Players After Round 1 – 11:16 p.m. ET
Based on Chris Peters’ 2026 NHL Draft Rankings.
Xavier Villeneuve, D, Blainville-Boisbriand ArmadaBrooks Rogowski, C/W, Oshawa GeneralsSimas Ignatavicius, RW, Genève-ServetteAlessandro Di Iorio, C, Sarnia StingWilliam Håkansson, D, LuleåAdam Goljer, D, TrencinCasey Mutryn, RW, U.S. National Under-18 TeamRudolfs Berzkalns, C, Muskegon LumberjacksChase Harrington, LW, Spokane ChiefsMathis Preston, RW, Vancouver Giants2026 NHL Draft Results: Every First-Round Pick – 11:16 p.m. ETToronto Maple Leafs – Gavin McKenna, LW, Penn StateSan Jose Sharks – Ivar Stenberg, LW, FrölundaVancouver Canucks – Caleb Malhotra, C, Brantford BulldogsBuffalo Sabres (via CHI) – Daxon Rudolph, D, Prince Albert RaidersNew York Rangers – Alberts Šmits, D, Jukurit/MunichCalgary Flames – Carson Carels, D, Prince George CougarsSeattle Kraken – Chase Reid, D, Soo GreyhoundsWinnipeg Jets – Viggo Björck, C, Djurgårdens IFSan Jose Sharks (via FLA/OTT) – Keaton Verhoeff, D, North DakotaNashville Predators – Wyatt Cullen, LW, USNTDPSt. Louis Blues – Tynan Lawrence, C, Muskegon Lumberjacks/Boston UNew Jersey Devils – Alexander Command, C, ÖrebroNew York Islanders – Malte Gustafsson, D, HV71Columbus Blue Jackets – Oscar Hemming, LW, Boston CollegeAnaheim Ducks (via DET/STL) – Nikita Klepov, RW, SaginawSt. Louis Blues (via WSH) – Maddox Dagenais, C, QuebecUtah Mammoth (via LAK) – Ethan Belchetz, LW, WindsorWashington Capitals (via ANA) – Oliver Suvanto, C, TapparaLos Angeles Kings (via UTA) – Elton Hermansson, LW, MoDoBuffalo Sabres (via EDM/SJS) – Ilia Morozov, C, Miami UniversitySan Jose Sharks (via PHI) – Ryan Lin, D, Vancouver GiantsPittsburgh Penguins – Liam Ruck, RW, Medicine Hat TigersDetroit Red Wings (via BOS/UTA) – J.P. Hurlbert, LW, Kamloops BlazersVancouver Canucks (via MIN) – Adam Novotny, RW, Peterborough PetesOttawa Senators (via TBL/SEA/FLA) – Jonas Lagerberg Hoen, RW, Leksands IFMontreal Canadiens (via VGK/NYR/DAL/CAR) – Gleb Pugachyov, RW, Nizhny NovgorodPhiladelphia Flyers (via SJS/BUF) – Maksim Sokolovskii, D, London KnightsAnaheim Ducks (via VGK/MTL) – Marcus Nordmark, LW, Djurgårdens IFVegas Golden Knights (via ANA/COL/STL) – Juho Piiparinen, D, TapparaCalgary Flames (via VGK) – Jack Hextall, C, Youngstown PhantomsNashville Predators (via CAR) – Tommy Bleyl, D, MonctonOttawa Senators – Jaxon Cover, LW, London KnightsSenators Select Jaxon Cover At No. 32 – 11:11 p.m. ET
The Ottawa Senators selected left wing Jaxon Cover from the London Knights with the No. 32 overall pick in the 2026 NHL Draft.
Predators Select Tommy Bleyl At No. 31 – 11:03 p.m. ET
Chris Peters’ analysis: “Perhaps the best overall skater in this draft, Bleyl had an explosive season in the QMJHL. He posted 81 points, most by a rookie defenseman in the history of the Q and most by any defenseman for the Moncton Wildcats in their franchise’s history. I thought he was incredible during Moncton’s playoff run, playing heavy minutes and dictating play while on the ice.”
Projection: Second-pairing defensemanNHL comparable: Shayne GostisbeherePredators Trade Up To No. 31 With Hurricanes – 10:58 p.m. ET
The Nashville Predators acquired the No. 31 overall pick from the Carolina Hurricanes in exchange for the No. 42 overall pick and the No. 57 overall pick in the 2026 NHL Draft.
Calgary Flames Select Jack Hextall At No. 30 – 10:50 p.m. ET
Chris Peters’ analysis: “Hextall put himself in position to be a first-round pick with a high-end motor, good competitive drive and the ability to make plays. He was nearly a point-per-game player on the USHL’s best team in the regular season and a real driver in Youngstown. He had 20 goals with a good shot and excellent on-ice instincts.”
Projection: Third-line centerNHL comparable: J.T. Compher
Golden Knights Select Juho Piiparinen At No. 29 – 10:46 p.m. ET
Chris Peters’ analysis: “A 6-foot-3, right-shot defenseman with good mobility and a good first pass, Piiparinen seems to have the tools to execute as a quality two-way defenseman. He has a lot of the tools teams look for, but it’s hard to see him in a top-four role if the offensive trend continues.”
Ducks Select Marcus Nordmark At No. 28 – 10:41 p.m. ET
Chris Peters’ analysis: “A super-talented player, Nordmark’s skill should put him much higher on this list. He has good enough size, too. The hand skills are near the top of this class, though. I have concerns about his hockey sense and his ability to battle through adversity on the ice.”
Golden Knights Trade No. 28 Pick To Ducks – 10:39 p.m. ET
The Vegas Golden Knights traded the No. 28 overall pick to the Anaheim Ducks in exchange for the No. 29 overall pick and the No. 117 overall pick in the 2026 NHL Draft.
Flyers Select Maksim Sokolovskii At No. 27 – 10:34 p.m. ET
Chris Peters’ analysis: “Some teams might just see a 6-foot-7 defenseman and be sold enough to select him much higher than I have him here. He is super physical and has that mean streak that teams are going to love. His reach is outrageous, too, which allows him to make up for some of the skating concerns.”
Montreal Select Gleb Pugachyov At No. 26 – 10:30 p.m. ET
Chris Peters’ analysis: “Among the more intriguing players in the draft, Pugachyov has a size profile and physical game that makes him stand out in the crowd. He’s hard to knock off pucks and, while he doesn’t possess the most natural skill, he can drive the middle and use his physical advantages well.”
Projection: Middle-six energetic scoring wingNHL comparable: Valeri NichushkinGolden Knights Trade No. 26 Pick To Canadiens – 10:26 p.m. ET
The Vegas Golden Knights traded the No. 26 overall pick to the Montreal Canadiens in exchange for the No. 28 overall pick and a 2027 third-round pick.
Senators Select Jonas Lagerberg Hoen At No. 25 – 10:21 p.m. ET
The Ottawa Senators selected Jonas Lagerberg Hoen with the No. 25 overall pick in the 2026 NHL Draft. Hoen was not included in Chris Peters’ final Top 75 NHL Draft Rankings, making him one of the biggest surprises of the first round.
Vancouver Select Adam Novotny At No. 24 – 10:15 p.m. ET
Chris Peters’ analysis: “Novotny is a physically developed, strong winger with a good work rate off the puck, a willingness to be physical and good sense of how to challenge opposing players. He’s very hard to knock off the puck, can drive the middle of the ice and can also absolutely wire the puck.”
Projection: Middle-six two-way wingerNHL comparable: Alex KillornRed Wings Select J.P. Hurlbert At No. 23 – 10:08 p.m. ET
Chris Peters’ analysis: “Hurlbert burst onto the scene in the WHL to become a dominant scorer in the league. He put up 97 points, including 42 goals in 68 games, and showcased a number of tools needed to score at the next level. His shot, hand skills and vision are all higher-end traits that should allow him to translate.”
Projection: Secondary scoring wingerNHL comparable: Troy TerryRed Wings Acquire No. 23 Pick From Mammoth – 10:06 p.m. ET
The Detroit Red Wings acquired the No. 23 overall pick from the Utah Mammoth in exchange for goaltender Sebastian Cossa.
Penguins Select Liam Ruck At No. 22 – 9:59 p.m. ET
Chris Peters’ analysis: “A competitive, skilled winger that finished second in WHL scoring this season with 104 points in 68 games. Liam is a creative, shifty player who also has a good motor. The offensive skills required to score at the next level seem to be there for him.”
Projection: Middle-six scoring wingerNHL comparable: Travis KonecnySharks Select Ryan Lin At No. 21 – 9:53 p.m. ET
Chris Peters’ analysis: “With high-end hockey sense and a growing all-around game, Lin can move pucks, he can defend and he can probably fit into a variety of roles. Because of his hockey sense and commitment to all-around play, I think Lin is going to find a way to be a strong No. 4 in the NHL with some power-play capabilities as well.”
Projection: Second-pairing defensemanNHL comparable: Sam MalinskiSharks Trade Up To No. 21 With Flyers – 9:51 p.m. ET
The San Jose Sharks acquired the No. 21 overall pick from the Philadelphia Flyers in exchange for the No. 27 overall pick, the No. 62 overall pick and the No. 120 overall pick.
Buffalo Sabres Select Ilia Morozov At No. 20 – 9:41 p.m. ET
Chris Peters’ analysis: “There’s some clear hand skills and power tendencies in his game that will get him opportunities. He’s a pretty physical presence, too, and was a handful for college opponents last season. As he continues to gain experience and a better understanding for how he needs to play, he is going to be a force.”
Projection: No. 3 centerNHL comparable: Eetu LuostarinenLA Kings Select Elton Hermansson At No. 19 – 9:34 p.m. ET
Chris Peters’ analysis: “In a draft that doesn’t have a ton of players with dynamic skill, Hermansson has plenty of skill. He’s among the better puckhandlers in the draft and displays higher-end creativity in his ability to use the offensive zone to his advantage. He can score, though, and in a class that doesn’t have a ton of those naturally gifted offensive players, I could see a team betting on his scoring and skill capabilities.”
Projection: Middle-six scorerNHL comparable: Tyler ToffoliCapitals Select Oliver Suvanto At No. 18 – 9:29 p.m. ET
Chris Peters’ analysis: “Suvanto has the profile of a powerful two-way center that makes things difficult on opposing teams’ top players. Big centers with defensive acumen, physicality and high-compete play a lot and for a long time. There have been glimpses of skill and his hockey sense that suggest he can sit in the middle of a team’s lineup and make things more challenging for the opposition.”
Projection: Middle-six center, tough matchupsNHL comparable: Radek FaksaUtah Select Ethan Belchetz At No. 17 – 9:21 p.m. ET
Chris Peters’ analysis: “Belchetz has good hand skills and can really finish with a high-end shot. He hits, he will drop the gloves and when he plays with aggression, his game actually seems to be even better. I think the ceiling is pretty high and if he can add a gear to his skating, he has a chance to be an impressive player.”
Projection: Middle-six power wingerNHL comparable: Quinton ByfieldUtah Move Up To No. 17 In Trade With Kings – 9:15 p.m. ET
The Utah Mammoth acquired the No. 17 overall pick from the Los Angeles Kings in exchange for the No. 19 overall pick and the No. 83 overall pick in the 2026 NHL Draft.
St. Louis Select Maddox Dagenais At No. 16 – 9:04 p.m. ET
Chris Peters’ analysis: “Dagenais is the kind of prospect that has all of the things you want to see. He has size, he has higher-end skill for a bigger player, a goal-scorer’s shot, and when he turns it up he can be a competitive, physical player. While there may only be flashes of his higher-compete game, the skill he possesses is much harder to come by in a player of his size.”
Projection: Middle-six forward (likely wing)NHL comparable: Alex TuchAnaheim Select Nikita Klepov At No. 15 – 9:02 p.m. ET
Chris Peters’ analysis: “With high-end hand skills and a quick release, Klepov led the OHL in scoring this season with 97 points. He also scored 37 goals. Among the more offensively gifted and creative players in this class, Klepov’s game is mostly offensive as his defensive details still need a lot of work.”
Projection: Top-six scorer (boom-or-bust)NHL comparable: Andrew MangiapaneMason McTavish Traded To Blues – 8:55 p.m. ET
The St. Louis Blues acquired center Mason McTavish from the Anaheim Ducks in exchange for the No. 15 overall pick and the No. 29 overall pick in the 2026 NHL Draft.
Columbus Select Oscar Hemming No. 14 – 8:46 p.m. ET
Chris Peters’ analysis: “Hemming had a bizarre season in that he attempted to play in the OHL, but was denied the chance due to IIHF transfer rules, then had to find a Plan B. He joined Boston College for the second semester and had some good early results. Hemming is a big forward with some scoring pop and physicality. He has power winger potential and likely provides a source of some secondary scoring. Hemming was an extremely tough eval this year due to his absence in the first half and coming into a college season for a Boston College team that had its ups and downs this year.”
Projection: Middle Six Winger With Scoring PopNHL comparable: Will CuylleIslanders Select Malte Gustafsson At No. 13 – 7:41 p.m. ET
Chris Peters’ analysis: “Gustafsson has put himself into the tier of the best defensemen in this draft. He’s 6-foot-4, over 200 pounds and knows his way around the sheet. Gustafsson is a solid defender, who plays with some physicality and is at his best when he’s got a bit of snarl to him. His skating is smooth and allows him to cover ground efficiently.”
Projection: Top Four DefensemanNHL comparable: Seth JonesNew Jersey Select Alexander Command At No. 12 – 8:35 p.m. ET
Chris Peters’ analysis: “A 6-foot-1 two-way center with an unrelenting motor and enough skill to suggest he can provide secondary scoring, Command is an intriguing player in a weak center class. His competitiveness in all areas of the ice resonates, and as he gets physically stronger, he should only become more effective as a puck hunter and a thorn in the side of his opposition.”
Projection: Middle-Six Center, Tough MatchupsNHL comparable: Brayden SchennBlues Select Tynan Lawrence At No. 11 – 8:28 p.m. ET
Chris Peters’ analysis: “He got hurt in training camp, missed a bunch of time then came back and performed well for the Muskegon Lumberjacks. Then he went to Boston University mid-season and had seven points in 18 games. The full body of work on Lawrence has some really great things like being the MVP of the Clark Cup Playoffs in the USHL at 16 and some not so great. Lawrence is a higher-end skater who can also play with some skill that allows him to create. He has a motor that keeps running and is dogged in puck pursuit.”
Projection: Middle-Six CenterNHL comparable: Dylan HollowayNashville Select Wyatt Cullen At No. 10 – 8:22 p.m. ET
Chris Peters’ analysis: “One of the fastest-rising prospects in this draft, Cullen is among the most fascinating prospects this year. He has been on a rapid physical growth trajectory, growing about half a foot since entering the NTDP. What I like most is that he was super skilled as a smaller player and hasn’t lost that as he grew into a 6-foot-1 winger who may not be done growing. In a draft that lacks high-end skill at a lot of positions, Cullen may have one of the best projectable profiles in terms of pure point production this side of McKenna and Stenberg.”
Projection: Top Six Scoring WingerNHL comparable: Tim StützleSan Jose Select Keaton Verhoeff At No. 9 – 8:15 p.m. ET
Chris Peters’ analysis: “Among the defensemen in this class, Verhoeff may have the highest overall ceiling. As a 6-foot-4, 212-pound defenseman with good mobility and a strong athletic toolkit, there’s a lot to like. Having seen the complete body of work, I believe Verhoeff has more offense than he showed this year and that he’ll be a more effective player next season given the steep learning curve for him this year.”
Projection: Top Four DefensemanNHL comparable: Aaron EkbladWinnipeg Select Viggo Björck At No. 8 – 8:09 p.m. ET
Chris Peters’ analysis: “This is the epitome of a player who has just about everything but size. Björck is a competitor, he’s skilled, he’s incredibly intelligent and just flat out knows how to play. Despite his youth, he has been a leading player at the professional level, getting tough matchups and being handed a lot of responsibility. He was essentially the No. 1 center on Sweden’s golden World Junior team and essentially played top six for the senior national team despite being the youngest player on both squads.”
Projection: Top Six CenterNHL comparable: Logan Stankoven
Kraken Select Chase Reid At No. 7 – 8:03 p.m. ET
Chris Peters’ analysis: “Reid checks so many boxes and I had a long consideration for him as the No. 1 player on this list. Instead, he’s the No. 1 defenseman in a loaded class and the player I think most helps an NHL team a few years down the line. Reid has the size, athleticism and skating ability to be a real difference maker. His hockey sense has come along, while his defending continues to improve.”
Projection: Top-Pairing Defenseman / No. 1 power playNHL comparable: Zach WerenskiCalgary Flames Select Carson Carels At No. 6 – 7:57 p.m. ET
Chris Peters’ analysis: “Perhaps the most complete defenseman of this class, Carels does a little bit of everything, topped off with high-end skating and mobility. While he may not have the most skill of the available defensemen, he still produced 20 goals and 73 points in 58 games in the WHL this year. On top of that, he plays a physical brand of defense that makes him difficult to play against.”
Projection: Top Four DefensemanNHL comparable: Charlie McAvoyNY Rangers Select Alberts Šmits At No. 5 – 7:51 p.m. ET
Chris Peters’ analysis: “He seems to be on a fairly rapid trajectory to the top level thanks to his strong understanding of the game, his competitive drive and his strong skating ability. He looks physically as ready as any prospect to jump into an NHL lineup. My sense is that the best path forward for him is AHL next season and be in the NHL on a full-time basis as soon as 2027-28.”
Projection: Top Four DefensemanNHL comparable: Ryan McDonaghSabres Select Daxon Rudolph At No. 4 – 7:45 p.m. ET
Chris Peters’ analysis: “Rudolph had an incredible season, leading Prince Albert with 78 points in 68 games. He had 27 more points in 19 playoff games as the Raiders fell just short of the WHL title. While the offensive elements of his game are more pronounced than his defending, Rudolph is a two-way player that has the size and mobility to fit into a prominent role in any lineup.”
Projection: Top Four Defenseman / Top Power PlayNHL comparable: Shea TheodoreCanucks Select Caleb Malhotra At No. 3 – 7:35 p.m. ET
Chris Peters’ analysis: “Hockey sense, character, compete, skill. The list goes on and on. While Malhotra is not going to get you out of your seat with the plays he makes, he’s involved in so many things on the ice, you won’t care. Malhotra projects as a No. 2 center with a chance at being a No. 1 as he develops.”
Projection: Top Six Center / All Situations PlayerNHL comparable: Bo HorvatPavel Dorofeyev Traded To Rangers – 7:34 p.m. ET
The Vegas Golden Knights are sending Pavel Dorofeyev to the New York Rangers in exchange for the No. 26 overall pick, the No. 92 overall pick and a conditional 2028 first-round pick (top-10 protected).
San Jose Sharks Select Ivar Stenberg At No. 2 – 7:29 p.m. ET
Chris Peters’ analysis: “By all accounts, Stenberg is a high-end winger with a competitive edge and the ability to score. He is quick, has a good motor on him and is excellent in puck pursuit.”
Projection: Top-line scoring wingNHL comparable: Lucas Raymond
Maple Leafs Select Gavin McKenna At No. 1 – 7:18 p.m. ET
Chris Peters’ analysis: “He has the chance to be a special producer at the next level. His production in college was in line of previous players that ascended to starring roles in the NHL. I don’t think many doubt his ability to make an impact.”
Projection: Top-line scoring wing / Top-20 scorerNHL comparable: Artemi PanarinLast Five No. 1 Overall Picks – 6:29 p.m. ET
With Gavin McKenna set to head to the Toronto Maple Leafs, let’s look at the last five No. 1 overall picks.
2025 – Matthew Schaefer, D, New York Islanders2024 – Macklin Celebrini, C, San Jose Sharks2023 – Connor Bedard, C, Chicago Blackhawks2022 – Juraj Slafkovský, LW, Montreal Canadiens2021 – Owen Power, D, Buffalo Sabres
Look at how proud Gavin McKenna’s mom is on the red carpet 🥹 pic.twitter.com/ZblHNPwd11
— FloHockey (@FloHockey) June 26, 2026Confirmed Trades – 6:05 p.m. ET
There’s been a flurry of business between NHL teams aiming for high picks, especially over the last week.
June 26: The Sabres acquired defenseman Olen Zellweger from Anaheim, with the Ducks receiving Anton Wahlberg and the No. 45 overall pick.June 25: The Blue Jackets added veteran forward Valeri Nichushkin from Colorado in a deal centered around the No. 43 overall pick.June 25: The Devils strengthened their forward depth by acquiring Amadeus Lombardi from Detroit for the No. 108 overall pick.June 23: The Sabres jumped into the top five after striking a deal with Chicago for the No. 4 overall pick.June 23: The Sharks picked up the No. 9 overall selection from Ottawa in the blockbuster deal that sent William Eklund to the Senators.June 23: The Blues added another first-round pick, acquiring No. 16 overall from Washington in exchange for Jordan Kyrou.June 21: Ottawa’s trade of Brady Tkachuk sent the No. 9 and No. 25 overall picks to the Senators, although No. 9 was later flipped to San Jose.March 6: St. Louis also owns Detroit’s first-round pick, now No. 15 overall, from the Justin Faulk trade completed at the deadline.Final NHL Mock Draft 2026 Projects McKenna No. 1 – 4:40 p.m. ET
Chris Peters’ final 2026 NHL Mock Draft has Gavin McKenna going No. 1 overall to the Toronto Maple Leafs. According to Peters, they’ll get a player with 100-point potential who is a natural long-term replacement for Mitch Marner.
Read Chris Peters’ final 2026 NHL Mock Draft.
How To Watch NHL Draft 2026
The 2026 NHL Draft will be held June 26-27 at KeyBank Center in Buffalo, New York. Round 1 begins Friday night, followed by Rounds 2-7 on Saturday morning. Fans in the United States can watch on ESPN, NHL Network and ESPN+, while Canadian coverage is available on Sportsnet.
Round 1
Date: Friday, June 26Time: 7:00 p.m. ETTV: ESPN (USA), Sportsnet (Canada)Streaming: ESPN+ (USA)
Rounds 2-7
Date: Saturday, June 27Time: 11:00 a.m. ETTV: NHL Network (USA), Sportsnet (Canada)Streaming: ESPN+ (USA)Watch The Athletic Hockey Show / FloHockey NHL Draft Live
Looking for live analysis throughout the draft? The Athletic Hockey Show x FloHockey NHL Draft Live will provide reaction, prospect breakdowns, interviews and analysis from Buffalo during both days of the 2026 NHL Draft.
Live coverage schedule:
Friday, June 26: 7:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m. ETSaturday, June 27: 5:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. ET
Watch on FloHockey.tv, the FloSports app, the FloHockey 24/7 channel on Prime Video, Fubo, YouTube, Bell Fibe (Canada), the Roku Channel (Canada) and The Athletic Hockey Show’s YouTube channel.
Where To Watch NHL Draft 2026
The 2026 NHL Draft will be broadcast on ESPN in the United States and Sportsnet in Canada.
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