2026 NHL Draft in Buffalo draws record NCAA presence

The 2026 NHL Draft is set for June 26‑27 at KeyBank Center in Buffalo. NHL Central Scouting’s final rankings list a record 147 current or committed NCAA Division I players – the most since tracking began in 2013. Penn State forward Gavin McKenna tops the North American skater rankings, joined by several other college players among the top fifteen prospects.

Pre‑draft analysis highlights aggressive front‑office moves. Chicago traded its fourth‑overall pick to Buffalo, which in turn acquired goaltender Connor Hellebuyck from Winnipeg. San Jose is projected to select Latvian defenseman Alberts Smits at ninth overall, while Winnipeg is expected to use its fourth and eighth picks on defenseman Carson Carels and forward Wyatt Cullen. These transactions illustrate teams’ willingness to reshape rosters ahead of the upcoming season.

The draft is the first in Buffalo since 2024 and follows a strong 2025 season for the Sabres, underscoring the city’s growing role in the league’s future.