"Hockey Fans Gear Up for the 2026 NHL Draft in Buffalo. The National Hockey League has announced that the highly anticipated 2026 NHL Draft will take place at the iconic KeyBank Center in Buffalo, New York. The event, expected to attract thousands of fans and hockey enthusiasts, will kick off on June 26 with the first round, airing live on ESPN, ESPN+, Sportsnet, and TVA Sports at 6 p.m. CT. The following day, rounds 2-7 will unfold on June 27 at 10 a.m. CT, streaming on the NHL Network, ESPN+, and Sportsnet. As the league's top prospects prepare to take their first steps towards professional hockey careers, fans are eagerly awaiting the opportunity to witness the next generation of NHL stars in action."

The 2026 NHL Draft will be held at KeyBank Center in Buffalo. The first round is set for June 26 (6 p.m. CT; ESPN, ESPN+, SN, TVAS), with rounds 2-7 on June 27 (10 a.m. CT; NHLN, ESPN+, SN).