The next generation of NHL stars will officially hear their names called Friday night as the 2026 NHL Draft gets underway from KeyBank Center in Buffalo, New York. Round 1 of the NHL Draft begins Friday, June 26 at 7 p.m. ET, with all 32 teams looking to add franchise-changing talent. The draft continues on Saturday with Rounds 2-7 beginning at 11 a.m. ET.

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Fans looking for how to watch the 2026 NHL Draft can catch Round 1 live on ESPN and ESPN+, while Day 2 coverage will air on NHL Network and ESPN+ in the United States. Canadian viewers can watch the draft on Sportsnet and TVA Sports.

How to Watch the 2026 NHL Draft

• Date: Friday, June 26 (Round 1)
• Start Time: 7 p.m. ET
• Location: KeyBank Center (Buffalo, New York)
• TV Channel: ESPN, ESPN+
• Live Stream: Fubo (watch for free)

The 2026 NHL Draft returns to Buffalo for the fourth time in league history and is expected to be one of the busiest drafts in recent memory following several blockbuster trades involving first-round picks during the week leading up to the event. The hometown Buffalo Sabres own two first-round selections, including the No. 4 overall pick after acquiring it from the Chicago Blackhawks in the Bowen Byram trade.

2026 NHL Draft Order (Top 10)

1. Toronto Maple Leafs
2. San Jose Sharks
3. Vancouver Canucks
4. Buffalo Sabres
5. New York Rangers
6. Calgary Flames
7. Seattle Kraken
8. Winnipeg Jets
9. San Jose Sharks (from Florida via Ottawa)
10. Nashville Predators

Toronto enters the draft with the No. 1 overall pick after winning the NHL Draft Lottery and is widely expected to select Penn State star Gavin McKenna. The Sharks own two picks inside the top 10, while host Buffalo will make the fourth overall selection in front of its home crowd. Multiple first-round picks have changed hands in recent days, making this one of the most intriguing opening rounds in years.

Whether you’re following your favorite team, tracking the top prospects or waiting to see if any blockbuster trades unfold, the 2026 NHL Draft promises to kick off another exciting NHL offseason. Fans can tune in beginning at 7 p.m. ET on ESPN or stream every first-round pick live on ESPN+.

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