Although the season is over, NHL fans have one last thing to look forward to before heading into a lengthy offseason — the 2026 Draft.
This year’s draft is set to bring some elite young talent into the league, hailing from across the country and world. The projected No. 1 pick is 18-year old winger Gavin McKenna, who declared for the draft after just one year at Penn State. If McKenna goes first, he’ll end up in Toronto with the Maple Leafs.
Of course, nothing is set in stone. Experts predict the margin will be slim between McKenna and Ivar Stenberg, who’s currently a winger for Frölunda HC of the Swedish Hockey League. Other notable prospects include Caleb Malhotra, Chase Reid and Carson Carels.
Be sure to tune in as picks are unveiled.
Here’s everything you need to know about the 2026 NHL Draft, including TV channel and streaming options for each round.
What channel is the NHL Draft on today?
- TV channel: ESPN (Round 1) | NHL Network (Rounds 2-7)
- Live stream: fubo
The 2026 NHL Draft begins with Round 1 on Friday, June 26, and concludes with Rounds 2-7 on Saturday, June 27.
Fans in the U.S. can catch the broadcast on ESPN for the first round and switch to NHL Network for Saturday’s coverage. Cord-cutters can stream the action live on fubo.
Fubo offers a free trial for new U.S. subscribers, so you can try the service before you buy. Stream ESPN, ABC, CBS, Fox and 100+ top channels of live TV and sports without cable. (Participating plans only. Taxes and fees may apply.)
What time does the 2026 NHL Draft start today?
- Date: Friday, June 26
- Time: 7 p.m. ET
The first round of the 2026 NHL Draft will take place on Friday, June 26 at 7 p.m. ET. Rounds 2-7 will take place on Saturday beginning at 11 a.m. ET.
NHL Draft order 2026
First round
| Pick | Team |
| 1 | Maple Leafs |
| 2 | Sharks |
| 3 | Canucks |
| 4 | Blackhawks |
| 5 | Rangers |
| 6 | Flames |
| 7 | Kraken |
| 8 | Jets |
| 9 | Senators (from Panthers) |
| 10 | Predators |
| 11 | Blues |
| 12 | Devils |
| 13 | Islanders |
| 14 | Blue Jackets |
| 15 | Blues (from Red Wings) |
| 16 | Capitals |
| 17 | Kings |
| 18 | Capitals (from Ducks) |
| 19 | Mammoth |
| 20 | Sabres (from Oilers via Sharks) |
| 21 | Flyers |
| 22 | Penguins |
| 23 | Bruins |
| 24 | Canucks (from Wild) |
| 25 | Senators (from Lightning via Kraken via Panthers) |
| 26 | Rangers (from Stars via Hurricanes) |
| 27 | Sharks (from Sabres) |
| 28 | Canadiens |
| 29 | Blues (from Avalanche via Islanders) |
| 30 | Flames (from Golden Knights) |
| 31 | Hurricanes |
| 32 | Senators |
