Story perspectives

2026 NHL Draft: Leafs Pick McKenna, Sharks Eye Stenberg/Reid

6/25/2026

Summary

Story summary

The 2026 NHL Draft takes place June 26-27 at Buffalo’s KeyBank Center.
Toronto Maple Leafs are expected to select Gavin McKenna with the No. 1 pick.
San Jose Sharks are weighing Ivar Stenberg or Chase Reid for the No. 2 selection.
Various teams' draft positions include Philadelphia's 21st overall pick, Tampa Bay's seven selections, and Colorado's lack of a first-round pick with a trade of its 74th-overall third-round choice despite Valeri Nichushkin’s $6.125 million cap hit.

History

Historical Context

The NHL’s first post-WHA-merger draft took place on August 9 1979 at Montreal’s Queen Elizabeth Hotel, where 21 clubs selected 126 players and the Colorado Rockies chose defenseman Rob Ramage first overall. The new “Entry Draft” name reflected rules allowing former WHA pros and lowering the draft age to 19, a shift that still shapes today’s trade strategies.

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Story summary

The 2026 NHL Draft takes place June 26-27 at Buffalo’s KeyBank Center.
Toronto Maple Leafs are expected to select Gavin McKenna with the No. 1 pick.
San Jose Sharks are weighing Ivar Stenberg or Chase Reid for the No. 2 selection.
Various teams' draft positions include Philadelphia's 21st overall pick, Tampa Bay's seven selections, and Colorado's lack of a first-round pick with a trade of its 74th-overall third-round choice despite Valeri Nichushkin’s $6.125 million cap hit.

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