As the 2026 NHL draft approaches, general managers and scouts are busy evaluating the needs of their teams. The New York Times takes a closer look at each of the 32 franchises, identifying their biggest areas of need as they prepare to select the next crop of talent. From bolstering depleted defensive cores to addressing a lack of scoring punch, every team has its own unique challenges to address. With the draft just around the corner, NHL fans can get a sneak peek at the potential moves that could shape the future of their favorite teams.

What’s every NHL team’s biggest need entering the 2026 draft?  The New York Times