The first round of the 2026 National Hockey League draft took place in Buffalo, with the Toronto Maple Leafs selecting right winger Gavin McKenna from Penn State with the first overall pick. The draft featured a mix of highly-touted prospects and some surprises, as teams looked to bolster their futures.
Top 10 Picks Overview
McKenna, who held the top spot in Central Scouting Bureau rankings all year, is known for his creativity and physical play. The Maple Leafs added a dynamic forward who can both score and deliver hits. The San Jose Sharks followed by selecting left winger Ivar Stenberg from Frolunda in Sweden, a potential dynamic linemate for Macklin Celebrini. The Vancouver Canucks chose center Caleb Malhotra from the Brantford Bulldogs, whose father Manny will serve as his coach in the OHL. Buffalo Sabres moved up to draft defenseman Daxon Rudolph from Prince Albert, a 6-foot-3 college-bound thumper. The New York Rangers picked defenseman Alberts Smits from Munich DEL, the youngest Olympian on Team Latvia, slightly higher than expected.
Defensive Depth and International Talent
The Calgary Flames selected defenseman Carson Carels from the Prince George Cougars, who will attend North Dakota after a 73-point, 66-penalty-minute season. The Seattle Kraken took defenseman Chase Reid from the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds, the first American picked, who maintained a point-a-game pace for multiple seasons. The Winnipeg Jets chose center Viggo Bjorck from Djurgarden in Sweden, who plays bigger than his 5-foot-9 frame and provides a psychological lift. The San Jose Sharks added defenseman Keaton Verhoeff from North Dakota, a well-travelled right-handed shot who fell slightly below projections. The Nashville Predators rounded out the top 10 by selecting left winger Wyatt Cullen from the US National Development Program, a 6-foot-1 son of three-time Stanley Cup winner Matt Cullen, who experienced a growth spurt last year.
Notable Trends and Team Strategies
The draft saw a strong emphasis on defensemen, with half of the top 10 picks being blueliners. Teams also looked to international leagues, with players from Sweden, Latvia, and Germany selected early. The Maple Leafs' pick of McKenna addresses a need for offensive creativity, while the Sharks continue to build around Celebrini. The Sabres' trade-up for Rudolph signals their commitment to strengthening their defense. As the draft continues, more players will be selected, and the full impact of these picks will be seen in the coming seasons.
