NHLDraft Trending News

2026-08-20 15:10:05

2027 NHL Draft Watch List Unveiled with Nine Prospects

ESPN's 2027 NHL draft watch list highlights nine top prospects, led by Landon DuPont. Others include Brock England, Alexis Joseph, Sammy Nelson, Jonah Neuenschwander, Nazar Privalov, Sergei Skvortsov, Milan Sundstrom, and Dima Zhilkin, all vying for early-round selections. read more

2026-06-28 01:10:05

2026 NHL Draft Grades: Sharks, Maple Leafs Earn Top Marks

San Jose Sharks earned an A++ for elite talent acquisition, while Toronto also impressed. Buffalo left value on the board, and New York Rangers passed on potential stars for safe picks. Overall, teams prioritized need over upside. read more

2026-06-27 23:30:05

Sharks draft tallest player in NHL history

San Jose Sharks drafted 7-foot-1 Alexander Karmanov in seventh round, making him the tallest NHL draft pick ever. The 18-year-old Moldovan defenseman, 280 pounds, played in OHL and will join Penn State in 2027. read more

2026-06-27 23:10:07

NHL Draft 2026: Maple Leafs, Sabres, Sharks Win Big

The 2026 NHL draft saw the Maple Leafs win by selecting Gavin McKenna first overall, while the Rangers and Sharks impressed. The Blackhawks baffled by trading the fourth pick for Bowen Byram. Vegas lost Pavel Dorofeyev. read more

2026-06-27 21:20:05

Penguins reunite Ruck twins in NHL draft

Penguins draft twins Markus and Liam Ruck on consecutive days, with Markus joining his brother in Pittsburgh. The siblings, WHL stars, reunite as teammates. Other highlights include Brooks Rogowski choosing hockey over baseball and Vegas forfeiting a pick. read more

2026-06-27 01:20:09

Maple Leafs pick Gavin McKenna first overall

Toronto Maple Leafs selected Gavin McKenna first overall in the 2026 NHL draft. The 18-year-old Penn State winger, known for elite scoring and playmaking, aims to join Auston Matthews. Toronto last held the top pick in 2016. read more

2026-06-26 23:40:07

Maple Leafs draft Gavin McKenna first overall in 2026

The 2026 NHL draft begins Friday in Buffalo, with Toronto selecting Gavin McKenna first overall. McKenna, an elite playmaker from Penn State, projects as a potential 100-point scorer and power-play asset for the Maple Leafs. read more

2026-06-24 12:30:11

Final 2026 NHL Draft Rankings: Top Prospects Revealed

ESPN’s final 2026 NHL draft rankings project Gavin McKenna as top prospect, valuing high-ceiling players like Ivar Stenberg and Carson Carels. Rankings differ from team lists, which consider organizational needs and risk tolerance. read more

2026-06-23 12:30:13

2026 NHL Draft Buzz: Trade Winds Swirl

The 2026 NHL offseason heats up with trades, including Brady Tkachuk to Florida. Draft buzz centers on McKenna vs. Stenberg for No. 1. Free agency looms with Robertson, Bobrovsky, and Larkin uncertainties. read more

2026-06-18 11:40:07

2026 NHL Draft Preview: Every Teams Top Need

Each NHL team has distinct prospect pipeline needs ahead of the 2026 draft, from right-handed defensemen for Boston to centers for Ottawa and high-end skill for Vancouver, with limited picks challenging some clubs. read more

2026-06-10 15:20:08

NHL Combine Buzz: Tuch Trade, Larkin Shock, Draft Intel

The NHL scouting combine showcased top prospects like Gavin McKenna, who solidified his No. 1 draft status. Teams tested players with quirky interviews, dinners, and physical exams. Trade buzz surrounded Alex Tuch, while debates on decentralized drafts and coach stability emerged. read more

2026-05-08 11:50:04

Leafs Win Draft Lottery, McKenna Projected First Overall

The Toronto Maple Leafs win the 2026 NHL draft lottery, selecting Gavin McKenna first overall. San Jose picks defenseman Chase Reid second, while Vancouver takes Ivar Stenberg third. A post-lottery mock draft projects top-16 picks. read more

2026-05-06 00:50:05

Maple Leafs win NHL draft lottery after front office shakeup

Toronto Maple Leafs win 2026 NHL draft lottery with 8.5% odds, securing first pick days after hiring GM John Chayka and legend Mats Sundin. Top prospect Gavin McKenna may transform the franchise's future. read more

2026-05-06 00:40:08

Maple Leafs Win NHL Draft Lottery, Pick First

The 2026 NHL draft order for picks 1-16 was set after the lottery, with Toronto winning the first draw and San Jose the second. The draft occurs June 26-27 in Buffalo. read more

2026-05-05 14:10:09

McKenna Set to Be No. 1 NHL Draft Pick

Gavin McKenna, projected No. 1 in the 2026 NHL draft, thrived under pressure at Penn State after leaving Canadian juniors. His skill, vision, and resilience through scrutiny and adversity made him a top prospect. read more