NHL fans are on the edge of their seats as the highly anticipated 2026 NHL Draft is set to kick off at 5:00 p.m. MT. As the top prospects from around the world prepare to take the stage, teams are finalizing their draft strategies in hopes of securing the next big star. The Colorado Avalanche, fresh off their Stanley Cup win in 2025, will be looking to bolster their roster with a potential franchise player. With a deep pool of talented youngsters, this year's draft is shaping up to be one of the most exciting in recent memory. Will the Avalanche land their next Connor McDavid or will another team swoop in and steal the spotlight?
Open Thread: 2026 NHL Draft (5:00 p.m. MT) Mile High Hockey
![[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)
