The 2026 NHL Draft opened a new chapter for every NHL franchise as teams invested in the next generation of talent.

The two-day event began on Friday, June 26, at KeyBank Center in Buffalo, New York. Round 1 is now complete, and Rounds 2-7 are scheduled for Saturday, June 27, at 11:00 a.m. ET. Several trades, such as Buffalo and San Jose, reshaped the first-round order.

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The Toronto Maple Leafs made the biggest move of the night by selecting elite playmaking forward Gavin McKenna with the No. 1 overall pick. Pop superstar and longtime Maple Leafs fan Justin Bieber announced the selection on stage.

Toronto made the selection at the same arena where it drafted current captain Auston Matthews first overall in 2016. So, with that excitement in mind, let’s explore the picks made by all the teams in the 2026 NHL Entry Draft.

Full list of 2026 NHL Draft first-round picks

Here is the complete list of all 32 first-round picks from the 2026 NHL Entry Draft, including each player’s team and position.

The draft continues on Saturday with Rounds 2 through 7, giving every franchise another opportunity to strengthen its prospect pool. After a first round featuring top North American and European talent, teams will continue searching for players who can shape their long-term future.

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After the draft, attention will soon shift to preparations for the 2026-27 NHL season. The Carolina Hurricanes enter the new campaign as defending Stanley Cup champions after defeating the Vegas Golden Knights in six games to capture their second title in franchise history. Their championship run, combined with a fresh class of prospects, sets the stage for another intriguing season.