NHL draft begins in Buffalo with first-round selections

The 2026 NHL draft opened Friday at KeyBank Center in Buffalo. Round 1 selections were made on Friday, with Rounds 2-7 scheduled for Saturday. The first selection went to a team that chose a left winger from Penn State. The player posted 51 points in 35 games during the 2025-26 season and recorded 33 points in 19 games after returning from the world junior championships.

Scouting notes for top selections Scouting notes described the first overall pick as the most talented prospect in the draft. The player demonstrated elite deception and passing ability while addressing prior concerns about physical strength at the scouting combine.

A second selection went to a team that chose a left winger from Frolunda in Sweden. That player recorded 33 points in 43 games and led Sweden to a world junior gold medal.

Additional draft developments Several trades involving draft picks and players were completed during draft week. A team acquired a winger from another club, while another team sent a forward to a different organization in exchange for two first-round picks.

A team also acquired a goalie prospect from a different organization. Officials confirmed shoulder surgery for one player that is expected to sideline the individual for four to six months.