Every team hopes their selections in the NHL draft improve their Stanley Cup odds at the BetMGM sportsbook, if not immediately, then at some point in the near future.
The Toronto Maple Leafs, Vancouver Canucks, Calgary Flames, and Winnipeg Jets each have a pick in the top 10, with the former getting to select the No. 1 prospect after winning the draft lottery.
When Is the 2026 NHL Draft?
The 2026 NHL draft takes place on June 26 (first two rounds) and June 27 (Rounds 2 through 7).
Related: Gavin McKenna Scouting Report: Why Leafs Will Draft McKenna
Where Is the 2026 NHL Draft?
The NHL draft takes place at KeyBank Center in Buffalo.
Who Will Be the First Pick in the 2026 NHL Draft?
Considering the NHL draft first overall pick odds, the Maple Leafs will likely select Gavin McKenna.
Is the 2026 NHL Draft a Good One?
The top 10 picks are expected to be premier NHL players, stacked with elite defensive talent. The rest of the prospective first-round picks are regarded highly, but there is a notable drop-off after the top 10.
Who Are the NHL Draft 2026 Top Prospects
McKenna and Ivar Stenberg are consensus top two picks, followed by Caleb Malhotra, Chase Reid, Keaton Verhoeff, Carson Carels, Viggo Björck, Alberts Smits, Wyatt Cullen, and Tynan Lawrence.
What Is the Minimum Age for the NHL Draft?
Prospects must be 18 years old on or before Sept. 15 of the draft year to be eligible.
What Is the Maximum Age for the NHL Draft?
North American players cannot be over 20 years old, and international players must not exceed 21.
How Will the 2026 NHL Draft Work?
The first two rounds (64 picks) will take place on June 26, and rounds 2-7 will occur the following day on June 27.
What Is the 2026 NHL Draft Order?
| Pick | Team |
| 1 | Toronto Maple Leafs |
| 2 | San Jose Sharks |
| 3 | Vancouver Canucks |
| 4 | Chicago Blackhawks |
| 5 | New York Rangers |
| 6 | Calgary Flames |
| 7 | Seattle Kraken |
| 8 | Winnipeg Jets |
| 9 | Florida Panthers |
| 10 | Nashville Predators |
| 11 | St. Louis Blues |
| 12 | New Jersey Devils |
| 13 | New York Islanders |
| 14 | Columbus Blue Jackets |
| 15 | St. Louis Blues |
| 16 | Washington Capitals |
| 17 | Los Angeles Kings |
| 18 | Washington Capitals |
| 19 | Utah Mammoth |
| 20 | San Jose Sharks |
| 21 | Philadelphia Flyers |
| 22 | Pittsburgh Penguins |
| 23 | Boston Bruins |
| 24 | Vancouver Canucks |
| 25 | Montreal Canadiens |
| 26 | Seattle Kraken |
| 27 | New York Rangers |
| 28 | Calgary Flames |
| 29 | Buffalo Sabres |
| 30 | Carolina Hurricanes |
| 31 | St. Louis Blues |
| 32 | Ottawa Senators |
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