NHL Scouting Combine Concludes in Buffalo Ahead of 2026 Draft and Free Agency
Prospects met with teams for interviews and testing this week in Buffalo. The 2026 NHL draft is set for June 26 and 27.
sportsnet.caThe NHL scouting combine took place in Buffalo, New York, this week, bringing draft prospects together for interviews and physical testing ahead of the June 26 and 27 draft. Teams used the sessions to assess off-ice traits and decision-making under pressure.
The Montreal Canadiens asked prospects to throw a puck from the back of the room into a trash can, warning that a miss would mean they would never play for the team.
The Canadiens also posed a hypothetical to goalie Tobias Trejbal of the USHL's Youngstown Phantoms. '" Trejbal said. He answered that he would use the bat on the person with the water, stating, "Yeah, your family is at home.
Pittsburgh Penguins general manager Kyle Dubas showed prospects video clips and asked them to explain their decisions. Prospects said the Penguins presented negative clips and walked them through their thought process. Gavin McKenna of Penn State maintained his position as the projected first overall pick.
The combine also included Wingate testing as part of the physical evaluations. Free agency opens July 1, giving teams a short window after the draft to complete roster moves.
