2026 NHL Draft
First-round picks Gavin McKenna and Ivar Stenberg have signed three-year entry-level contracts with the Toronto Maple Leafs and San Jose Sharks, respectively. McKenna, the first overall selection, is expected to play for Toronto in the 2026-27 season, while Stenberg is expected to join the Sharks. These signings mark the beginning of the transition for the 32 players chosen in the opening round. Meanwhile, the 2026 Hlinka Gretzky Cup has concluded, with Team Canada and Team USA competing in the gold medal game in Edmonton.
What changed
Gavin McKenna and Ivar Stenberg signed entry-level contracts and the Hlinka Gretzky Cup final was set between Canada and the USA.
Live updates
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Top 2026 NHL Draft Picks Sign Entry-Level Contracts
First-round picks Gavin McKenna and Ivar Stenberg have signed three-year entry-level contracts with the Toronto Maple Leafs and San Jose Sharks, respectively. McKenna, the first overall selection, is expected to play for Toronto in the 2026-27 season, while Stenberg is expected to join the Sharks. These signings mark the beginning of the transition for the 32 players chosen in the opening round. Meanwhile, the 2026 Hlinka Gretzky Cup has concluded, with Team Canada and Team USA competing in the gold medal game in Edmonton.
Why it matters
Entry-level contracts are the first professional step for draft picks before they can compete in the NHL. The timing of these signings often signals a team's intent to integrate a prospect immediately into the active roster. The Hlinka Gretzky Cup serves as a primary scouting event for evaluating draft-eligible talent.
What is confirmed
- Gavin McKenna signed a three-year entry-level contract with the Toronto Maple Leafs on July 3.
- Ivar Stenberg signed a three-year entry-level contract with the San Jose Sharks on July 2.
- Team Canada and Team USA played in the final of the 2026 Hlinka Gretzky Cup in Edmonton.
Still unconfirmed
- The Montreal Canadiens may have found a draft steal in L.J. Mooney, who was selected 113th overall.
What to watch next
- Further entry-level contract signings for the remaining first-round picks
- Roster decisions for 2026 training camps including Oliver Bonk and other Flyers prospects
confidence 95%Sources used for this update (26)
- www.nhl.com — 2026 NHL Draft 1st-round pick signings tracker
- sports.yahoo.com — Blackhawks Expected to Trade Multiple Draft Picks to Land Star
- nypost.com — NHL world shocked over Penguins’ $32 million Ville Koivune deal: ‘Crazy gamble’
- thehockeynews.com — NHL Prospect Pool Overview '26-27: Toronto Maple Leafs First-Overall Pick Gavin McKenna Key To Present and Future
- www.nytimes.com — How confident are you in each NHL team’s front office? Have your say in our annual fan survey
- www.nhl.com — Inside look at Chicago Blackhawks
- www.nytimes.com — Penguins’ 8-year Ville Koivunen contract is one of the franchise’s stranger moves
- sports.yahoo.com — Mooney Another Potential Draft Steal For Canadiens
- sports.yahoo.com — 2026 Hlinka Gretzky Cup Final Could Feature Some Future Canucks
- sports.yahoo.com — 10 Players To Watch In Switzerland's PostFinance Women's League In 2026-27
- thehockeynews.com — 3 Flyers Prospects Who Could Make a Splash at Training Camp
- ca.sports.yahoo.com — Henderson Silver Knights 2026-27 American Hockey League Season Preview
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2026 NHL Draft Cycle and Prospect Updates
The 2026 NHL prospect landscape continues to evolve as the Hlinka Gretzky Cup progresses. Recent developments highlight the growing influence of former NCAA players among NHL rookies for the 2026-27 season. Individual prospect trajectories vary, with the Pittsburgh Penguins noting rapid growth in one of their top-20 left wingers based on tenacity and all-around play. Meanwhile, professional transitions continue as former Maple Leafs forward Semyon Der-Arguchintsev seeks a return to Toronto for the upcoming campaign.
Why it matters
The Hlinka Gretzky Cup serves as a primary scouting ground for the 2026 draft class. These international tournaments, combined with NCAA commitments and AHL assignments, determine the readiness of prospects for the professional level.
Still unconfirmed
- Semyon Der-Arguchintsev aims to return to the Toronto Maple Leafs during the 2026-27 season.
What to watch next
- Final rankings from the Hlinka Gretzky Cup
- Official rookie rosters for the Metropolitan Division
confidence 80%Sources used for this update (5)
- thehockeywriters.com — 10 Best NHL Return Games to Watch in 2026-27
- sports.yahoo.com — The Three Best Ex-NCAA Rookies In The NHL's Metropolitan Division In 2026-27
- sports.yahoo.com — Top-20 Penguins' Prospects 2026, No. 18: Center Impressing With Rapid Growth
- www.pressdemocrat.com — Thornton leads starry 2026 class entering San Jose Sports Hall of Fame
- heavy.com — Former Maple Leafs 25-Year-Old Forward Aiming for Return to Team
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Hlinka Gretzky Cup Begins as Prospects Transition to Collegiate and Pro Levels
The 2026 Hlinka Gretzky Cup starts today, August 3, featuring top prospects competing for gold. While international competition begins, other prospects are making career moves. Joey Cullen committed to the Minnesota Golden Gophers to play with his brothers. In professional circles, Jack Nesbitt led a productive week for Philadelphia Flyers prospects at the World Junior Summer Showcase. Meanwhile, recent roster additions for the Chicago Blackhawks will force some of their prospects to begin their seasons in the AHL.
Why it matters
The Hlinka Gretzky Cup serves as a primary scouting event for the NHL draft. These movements reflect the transition of elite talent from junior and international play to the collegiate and professional ranks.
What is confirmed
- The 2026 Hlinka Gretzky Cup begins on August 3.
- Joey Cullen committed to play hockey at Minnesota.
- Jack Nesbitt is a first-round pick for the Philadelphia Flyers.
Still unconfirmed
- Three Chicago Blackhawks prospects will start the season in the AHL due to new NHL additions.
- Lucas Raymond is projected for 28 goals, 54 assists and 82 points in 2026-27.
What to watch next
- Gold medal results from the Hlinka Gretzky Cup
- Official AHL roster assignments for Chicago Blackhawks prospects
confidence 100%Sources used for this update (5)
- sports.yahoo.com — 2026 Hlinka Gretzky Cup Preview: Top Prospects, Team Breakdowns And Gold Medal Favorites
- www.nhltraderumor.com — Lucas Raymond Point Projections 2026-27: Detroit Red Wings Fantasy Outlook
- kfgo.com — Joey Cullen commits to Minnesota Golden Gophers, set to play alongside brothers
- thehockeynews.com — Flyers Prospect Earns Player of the Game Honors in Summer Showcase Finale
- thehockeynews.com — 3 Blackhawks Prospects Who Will Have AHL Start Due To New NHL Additions
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NHL Prospects Shine Ahead of 2026-27 Season
Several NHL teams are gearing up for the 2026-27 season with promising prospects. The San Jose Sharks have a loaded prospect pool, led by Ivar Stenberg and Celebrini. The Toronto Maple Leafs' prospect pool has improved, with Auston Matthews looking to bounce back from an injury-riddled season. The Boston Bruins' Chris Pelosi has shown promise at the collegiate level.
Why it matters
The 2026 NHL Draft has passed, and teams are now focusing on their prospects ahead of the upcoming season. Training camps are set to open in September, with rookie camps concluding shortly before veterans report. The 2026-27 season will feature several teams with improved prospect pools.
What is confirmed
- The San Jose Sharks' prospect pool is loaded, with Ivar Stenberg as a foundational piece.
- Auston Matthews is looking to bounce back from an injury-riddled season as the Toronto Maple Leafs' captain.
- Chris Pelosi, a Boston Bruins prospect, posted 18 goals, 16 assists, and 34 points in 35 games at Quinnipiac University.
Still unconfirmed
- The Toronto Maple Leafs may not have the top prospect pool in the league, but they're in a better spot compared to last season.
What to watch next
- The start of training camps in September
- Auston Matthews' performance in the 2026-27 season
- The development of Chris Pelosi in the Bruins' system
confidence 80%Sources used for this update (5)
- sports.yahoo.com — ‘He Put The Organization on Watch’ — Devils’ Stanley Cup Champ Ramps Up Expectations for Maple Leafs Captain Auston Matthews
- sports.yahoo.com — 2026 WHL Prospect Pools: Philadelphia Flyers
- thehockeynews.com — NHL Prospect Pool Overview '26-27: San Jose Sharks Will Build Around Celebrini And Stenberg
- thehockeywriters.com — Maple Leafs’ Top 10 Prospects for 2026-27 Season
- thehockeynews.com — All Eyes Should Be On This Exciting Bruins Prospect
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Florida Panthers Prospect Vilho Vanhatalo Excels at World Junior Summer Showcase
Vilho Vanhatalo, a sixth-round pick for the Florida Panthers in the 2026 NHL draft, scored a highlight-reel goal for Finland at the World Junior Summer Showcase. The event also featured seven Nashville Predators prospects and eight Calgary Flames prospects, including Reschny, Carels, and Wyttenbach. These performances precede the 2026-27 NHL season, with training camps scheduled to open across the league during the second week of September. Rookie camps will conclude shortly before veterans report to allow coaching staffs two weeks to evaluate roster battles.
Why it matters
The 2026 NHL Entry Draft concluded over a month ago. Teams are now transitioning from draft evaluations to training camp preparations for the upcoming season.
What is confirmed
- Vilho Vanhatalo was a sixth-round pick for the Florida Panthers in the 2026 NHL draft.
- NHL training camps are scheduled to open during the second week of September.
- The 2026 NHL Entry Draft finished slightly over a month ago.
Still unconfirmed
- John Chayka may be the NHL GM with the most to prove in the 2026-27 season.
What to watch next
- The start of NHL rookie camps in September
- The reporting dates for NHL veterans
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (6)
- sports.yahoo.com — Panthers 2026 NHL Draft Pick With A Standout Performance At World Junior Summer Showcase
- thehockeywriters.com — 3 Early Targets for the Canadiens in the 2027 NHL Draft
- www.bestodds.com — NHL Training Camps Set to Open as Teams Prepare for 2026-27 Season
- www.nhl.com — Blog: Preds Prospects Well Represented at 2026 World Junior Summer Showcase
- www.nhl.com — 'Future of Calgary Flames' on display at World Junior Summer Showcase
- sports.yahoo.com — Where Does Maple Leafs' John Chayka Stand Among NHL GM's With Most To Prove In 2026-27?
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Florida Panthers Draft Pick Vilho Vanhatalo Excels at Summer Showcase
Vilho Vanhatalo, a sixth-round pick for the Florida Panthers in the 2026 NHL draft, scored a highlight-reel goal for Finland during the World Junior Summer Showcase. The 2026 draft concluded just over a month ago, and teams are now shifting focus toward the 2026-27 season and the 2027 draft. NHL training camps are scheduled to open during the second week of September, following the conclusion of rookie camps. This transition period allows coaching staffs to evaluate roster competition for approximately two weeks before preseason play begins.
Why it matters
The league is moving from the draft cycle into active roster preparation. General Managers like Toronto's John Chayka face scrutiny over roster and front office changes heading into the new season.
What is confirmed
- Vilho Vanhatalo was selected by the Florida Panthers in the sixth round of the 2026 NHL draft.
- NHL training camps will open during the second week of September.
- The 2026 NHL Entry Draft finished slightly more than a month ago.
Still unconfirmed
- John Chayka may be the NHL GM with the most to prove in the 2026-27 season.
- Seven Nashville prospects participated in the 2026 World Junior Summer Showcase.
- Eight Calgary Flames prospects appeared at the World Junior Summer Showcase.
What to watch next
- Opening of NHL rookie camps
- Start of official NHL training camps in September
- Roster cuts following the two-week evaluation period
confidence 100%Sources used for this update (6)
- sports.yahoo.com — Panthers 2026 NHL Draft Pick With A Standout Performance At World Junior Summer Showcase
- thehockeywriters.com — 3 Early Targets for the Canadiens in the 2027 NHL Draft
- www.bestodds.com — NHL Training Camps Set to Open as Teams Prepare for 2026-27 Season
- www.nhl.com — Blog: Preds Prospects Well Represented at 2026 World Junior Summer Showcase
- www.nhl.com — 'Future of Calgary Flames' on display at World Junior Summer Showcase
- sports.yahoo.com — Where Does Maple Leafs' John Chayka Stand Among NHL GM's With Most To Prove In 2026-27?
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NHL Draft Updates: McKenna Faces Pressure, Teams Make Roster Moves
The Toronto Maple Leafs' first overall pick Gavin McKenna faces significant pressure. The New Jersey Devils re-signed defenseman Topias Vilen to a one-year contract. Roman Kantserov hopes to build chemistry with Patrick Kane and Connor Bedard on the Chicago Blackhawks. McKenna prepares for his first professional season.
What's confirmed:
- Gavin McKenna was selected first overall by the Toronto Maple Leafs in the 2026 NHL Draft.
- The New Jersey Devils re-signed defenseman Topias Vilen to a one-year, two-way contract with $850,000 at the NHL level and $150,000 at the AHL level.
- Roman Kantserov hopes to build chemistry with Patrick Kane and Connor Bedard on the Chicago Blackhawks.
- Gavin McKenna is preparing for his first professional season with the Toronto Maple Leafs.
confidence 100%Sources used for this update (4)
- Devils Re-Sign Vilen | RELEASE
- Roman Kantserov Hopes To Build Chemistry With Patrick Kane & Connor Bedard
- Gavin McKenna’s Whirlwind Summer: From Training with Macklin Celebrini, Auston Matthews' Welcome And Expectations For This Season With Maple Leafs
- 2026 Calgary Flames Prospect Rankings: #12 Aydar Suniev
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Post-Draft Updates for Gavin McKenna and Xavier Villeneuve
The Toronto Maple Leafs selected Gavin McKenna first overall in the 2026 NHL Draft. Connor McDavid noted that McKenna faces significant pressure in Toronto. Meanwhile, Blackhawks prospect Xavier Villeneuve is sidelined from the World Junior Summer Showcase.
What's confirmed:
- The Toronto Maple Leafs selected Gavin McKenna with the first overall pick.
- Xavier Villeneuve is a second-round pick for the Chicago Blackhawks.
- Xavier Villeneuve is unable to participate in the 2026 World Junior Summer Showcase due to injury.
Still unconfirmed:
- Connor McDavid believes Gavin McKenna has the support needed to succeed despite the pressure in Toronto.
- Forward Sammy Nelson is a player to watch for the 2027 NHL Draft.
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (6)
- Nelson emerging as player to watch for World Juniors, NHL Draft
- Blackhawks 2026 Draft Pick Ruled Out For 2026 World Junior Summer Showcase
- Maple Leafs' Three Most Challenging Contracts For 2026-27 NHL Season
- Revisiting the 1st overall picks in the NHL Draft since 2020
- 2026 World Junior Summer Showcase: 3 things learned on Day 2
- Connor McDavid gives honest take on Maple Leafs No. 1 pick Gavin McKenna
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Maple Leafs Select Gavin McKenna First Overall in 2026 NHL Draft
The 64th NHL entry draft took place June 26-27, 2026, at the KeyBank Center in Buffalo, New York. The Toronto Maple Leafs used the first overall pick to select Penn State star Gavin McKenna. The event consisted of seven rounds with a total of 224 picks.
What's confirmed:
- The 2026 NHL entry draft was held June 26-27, 2026, at KeyBank Center in Buffalo, New York.
- The Toronto Maple Leafs selected Gavin McKenna at No. 1.
- Players eligible for the draft were born between January 1, 2006, and September 15, 2008.
- The draft included 32 teams and 7 rounds.
- The draft featured a total of 224 picks.
Still unconfirmed:
- Ivar Stenberg and Chase Reid were among the top prospects for the 2026 draft.
- Jaxon Cover was selected during the first round.
confidence 100%Sources used for this update (20)
- 2026 NHL entry draft - Wikipedia
- NHL Draft - NHL.com
- 2026 NHL mock draft: Projections for the top 32 picks
- NHL Mock Draft 2026: Gavin McKenna is still No. 1, but intrigue starts early
- NHL Mock Draft: Final Projection For The 2026 NHL Draft From Chris Peters
- 2026 NHL Draft | How to watch, Sabres’ picks and more
- Blackhawks Picks & Everything To Know Before 2026 NHL Draft Begins
- NHL draft tracker LIVE: Scouting reports, how to watch first round
- What Time is the NHL Draft? Date, Draft Order, Streaming Details & More
- PHR’s 2026 NHL Mock Draft
- 2026 NHL Draft 1st-round tracker, analysis
- NHL Draft 2026 live updates: Draft order, start time, how to watch and top prospects as Leafs pick No. 1