when is nhl draft
The next NHL Draft is scheduled for June 26–27, 2026, at KeyBank Center in Buffalo, New York.
Quick Scoop: When is the NHL Draft?
- Dates: June 26 and June 27, 2026.
- Location: KeyBank Center, home of the Buffalo Sabres, in Buffalo, New York.
- Format:
- Round 1: June 26, 7 p.m. ET (ESPN, ESPN+, SN, TVAS).
* Rounds 2–7: June 27, 10 a.m. ET (NHLN, ESPN+, SN).
* Teams operate from their home markets in a decentralized setup.
Fans can circle late June 2026 on the calendar: it’s a two‑day event, with Friday night drama for Round 1 and a busy Saturday for the remaining rounds.
Key Facts in One Glance
| Item | Answer |
|---|---|
| When is NHL Draft? | June 26–27, 2026. | [1][5][7][9][3]
| Where is it held? | KeyBank Center, Buffalo, New York. | [5][9][3]
| Round 1 time (ET) | June 26, 7 p.m. ET. | [3]
| Rounds 2–7 time (ET) | June 27, 10 a.m. ET. | [3]
| Draft format | Decentralized; teams drafting from home markets. | [7][5][3]
Why this date matters now
- The 2026 draft is already framed as a big event, with Buffalo hosting for the first time since 2016.
- Prospects like Gavin McKenna are drawing early hype as potential top picks, making this draft a major talking point in hockey circles heading into summer 2026.
TL;DR: If you’re planning to watch or follow along, block off June 26–27, 2026—Friday night for Round 1, Saturday morning and afternoon for the rest, live from Buffalo.
Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.