The Tampa Bay Lightning kick-started their rebuild with a strong showing at the 2026 NHL Draft, selecting six players in the first round. Among their picks were a highly touted defenseman from the Western Hockey League and a skilled forward from the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League. The selections are seen as a positive step for the Lightning, who are looking to retool their roster after a disappointing playoff run last season. As the team looks to contend for a championship in the near future, these young prospects will be crucial in shaping their future success.
Lightning select six players at 2026 NHL Draft NHL.com
![[Dreger] The Blues front office is changing with Kevin Maxwell and Peter Chiarelli leaving the club to pursue other opportunities. Chiarelli is a candidate in NSH interview process and Maxwell is expected to return to NYR in a management role.](https://preview.redd.it/8hs9m3tumlrg1.jpeg?width=640&crop=smart&auto=webp&s=ce4550e1caea7b79f0c63dd506935cd41dc4d243)
