The London Knights had two players selected in the first round of the 2026 NHL Draft, held June 26 in Buffalo, N.Y. Defenseman Jaxon Cover and forward Maksim Sokolovskii were both chosen in the opening round, marking the first time since 2021 that the Knights had two first-round picks.
Cover and Sokolovskii Go Early
Cover, a 6-foot-2, 190-pound defenseman, was selected 15th overall by the Nashville Predators. He recorded 18 goals and 42 assists for 60 points in 68 regular-season games with the Knights in 2025-26, leading all OHL defensemen in scoring. Sokolovskii, a 6-foot-1, 185-pound center, went 22nd overall to the Calgary Flames. He tallied 34 goals and 51 assists for 85 points in 66 games, finishing second on the Knights in scoring.
Knights' Draft History
The last time the Knights had two first-round picks was 2021, when they selected defenseman Oliver Bonk (Philadelphia Flyers, 22nd overall) and forward Denver Barkey (Philadelphia Flyers, 30th overall). The 2026 draft class continues a strong pipeline from London to the NHL, with 13 Knights drafted in the first round since 2010.
“It’s a special night for both players and our organization,” said Knights general manager Mark Hunter in a statement. “Jaxon and Maksim have worked incredibly hard, and we’re proud to see them achieve this dream.”
Impact on the Knights
The departures of Cover and Sokolovskii leave significant holes in London's lineup for the 2026-27 season. Cover anchored the blue line and quarterbacked the power play, while Sokolovskii provided elite scoring and playmaking. The Knights will rely on returning players like 2025 first-round pick Ethan Belchetz and a strong 2026 draft class to fill the void.
The NHL Draft continues June 27 with rounds 2-7, where several other Knights are expected to be selected.
