The 2026 NHL Draft is here, and with it comes a transformative power for struggling franchises.Last year’s draft yielded Matthew Schaefer, who won the Calder Trophy and earned immediate comparisons to generational greats. The 2024 draft produced precocious Macklin Celebrini, who finished fourth in the most recent Hart Trophy race at just 19 years old.So … who’s up next?Answers will be revealed and futures will be sketched out during this weekend’s ceremony. Friday begins with the Toronto Maple Leafs on the clock. Read on for U.S. and Canadian broadcast listings, plus a few draftees to know and the updated first-round order.How to watch the 2026 NHL Draft
Location: KeyBank Center — Buffalo, N.Y.
Dates: June 26-27
TV (U.S.): ESPN, ESPN+ and NHL Network
TV (Canada): Sportsnet and TVA Sports
