The upcoming National Hockey League draft in June will be hosted by the Buffalo Sabres, as announced by commissioner Gary Bettman. The event will feature highly touted prospect Gavin McKenna as the focal point. Bettman revealed the news alongside Sabres executives, including team owner Terry Pegula, at a press conference before the team’s game against the Florida Panthers.
Describing Buffalo as a fantastic sports town and a thriving hockey market, Bettman praised the enthusiastic and knowledgeable fans, citing the city’s strong organizational support and ownership. The two-day draft is scheduled for June 26-27 and will maintain a decentralized format for the second consecutive year, allowing prospects and their families to attend while teams make selections from their respective home markets.
Unlike last year’s event at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, this year’s draft will take place at the Sabres’ home arena, KeyBank Center. Buffalo has been a hub for the NHL’s annual pre-draft combine since 2015 and will once again welcome the league’s top prospects this spring.
This marks the fourth time the Sabres will host the draft, following Montreal’s 27 hosting instances, with the most recent being in 2016 when Auston Matthews was chosen as the top pick. Gavin McKenna, the standout Penn State freshman forward, is expected to be the highly anticipated No. 1 selection in the 2026 draft.
With the NHL Central Scouting releasing midseason prospect rankings, McKenna leads the list of North American prospects, surpassing Keaton Verhoeff from North Dakota. Internationally, Swedish forward Ivar Stenberg claims the top spot.
McKenna, hailed as a “generational talent,” transitioned from the Canadian Hockey League to Penn State, making an impact with his remarkable skills. The 18-year-old from Whitehorse, Yukon, has been a standout player, amassing impressive stats in his college games. Despite the challenges of competing in the NCAA against older players, McKenna has excelled and garnered attention for his exceptional talent.
Terry Pegula, a Penn State alumnus and significant donor to the university’s hockey programs, expressed pride in McKenna’s achievements. As a key member of Canada’s bronze medal-winning team at the recent world junior championships, McKenna showcased his prowess on the international stage. His success at Medicine Hat underscores his remarkable career thus far, setting the stage for a promising future in the NHL.