Guide to the 2026 NHL Draft: How to watch, top prospects, and local story lines

Gavin McKenna is ready for his crowning moment.

The Penn State forward has been seen as the top pick in the 2026 NHL Draft for years, well before he committed to Happy Valley and posted 51 points in 36 games. His star exploded when he led Team Canada to gold at the 2024 U18 World Championship with 20 points, including a hat trick in the gold-medal game against the United States, at just 16.

Read more Last-place Mets fire manager Carlos Mendoza and name Andy Green interim manager

Here’s everything you need to know ahead of the draft:

When: Friday, 7 p.m. (first round) and Saturday, 11 a.m. (Rounds 2-7).

Where: KeyBank Center, Buffalo.

How to watch: ESPN (first round), NHL Network (Rounds 2-7). ESPN+ will stream both days.

The Bruins own eight picks, highlighted by their first-round selection (No. 23 overall).

The Bruins moved their own fourth-rounder (No. 120) and the rights to Boston College’s Andre Gasseau to the Sharks for picks 104 and 157. In dealing enforcer Jeffrey Viel to Anaheim, the Bruins acquired the Ducks’ fourth-rounder, which was originally Detroit’s.

Boston also owns Tampa Bay’s fourth-round pick from a deal made last year, for their 2025 fourth-rounder.

The Bruins acquired Lukas Reichel from the Canucks at last season’s trade deadline for their sixth-round pick.

Here’s where the Bruins are scheduled to make selections:

First round: 23rd

Second round: 56th

Third round: 88th

Fourth round: 104th (from Sharks via Panthers), 111th (from Red Wings), 122nd (from Lightning)

Fifth round: 157th (from Sharks via Canadiens)

Sixth round: None

Seventh round: 216th

FIRST-ROUND DRAFT ORDER

1. Maple Leafs; 2. Sharks; 3. Canucks; 4. Sabres (from Blackhawks); 5. Rangers; 6. Flames; 7. Kraken; 8. Jets; 9. Sharks (from Senators via Panthers); 10. Predators; 11. Blues; 12. Devils; 13. Islanders; 14. Blue Jackets; 15. Blues (from Red Wings); 16. Blues (from Capitals); 17. Kings; 18. Capitals (from Kings); 19. Mammoth; 20. Sabres (from Sharks via Oilers); 21. Flyers; 22. Penguins; 23. Bruins; 24. Canucks (from Wild); 25. Senators (from Panthers via Kraken and Lightning); 26. Rangers (from Hurricanes via Stars); No. 27 Sharks (from Sabres); 28. Canadiens; 29. Blues (from Islanders via Avalanche); 30. Flames (from Golden Knights); 31. Hurricanes; 32. Senators.

The Bruins made seven picks in 2025, headlined by BC forward James Hagens at seventh overall. Hagens recorded 23 goals and 24 assists in 34 games for the Eagles before signing a tryout deal with the Providence Bruins and appearing in six games. He signed his three-year, entry-level contract with Boston and played a pair of games in the regular season and three in the playoffs.

Will Moore and Liam Pettersson, a center and a defenseman, were Boston’s second-round selections. High school forward Cooper Simpson was selected in the third round. Vashek Blanar, Cole Chandlerm and Kirill Yemelyanov rounded out the picks.

Read more ‘A smoldering volcano:’ French soccer fans bring a quiet intensity to Boston’s World Cup scene

Gavin McKenna, LW, 6-0, 170 (Penn State, NCAA)

This is a player you build around. He’s got a high-level release, but his ability to see the ice and find passing lanes round out his game as an elite point producer, finishing second in the NCAA in points per game. He’s a step above his peers when he’s playing with a chip on his shoulder.

Ivar Stenberg, RW, 6-0, 181 (Frölunda, Swedish)

He’s competed against men in the Swedish Hockey League the last two years, jumping from 3 points in 25 games to 33 in 43 games this past season. Against professional (and NHL) competition at the World Championship, he had four goals with four assists in eight games.

Chase Reid, D, 6-2, 194 (Sault Ste. Marie, OHL)

Reid and the Sharks have been frequently mentioned together because of San Jose’s need for a right-shot blue liner. Reid’s skating and ability to gain offensive-zone entry drive the play. His 18-30—48 line, accompanied by a plus-30 rating, commanded the ice for the Greyhounds. The Chesterfield, Mich., resident is committed to Michigan State.

Caleb Malhotra, C, 6-2, 185 (Brantford, OHL)

The son of Canucks coach and 991-game NHL veteran Manny Malhotra (and nephew of Steve Nash), Caleb is a master of short-area passes and uses his large frame to his advantage. He’s a 200-foot player who racked up 84 points in 67 games and is committed to Boston University next season. Will the Canucks use the third pick to unite the Malhotras?

Casey Mutryn, F, 6-3, 203, (USNTDP, USHL)

The pride of Norwell, Mutryn broke out with a 14-23—37 line in 55 games for the US National Team Development Program U18 team. Mutryn played at St. Sebastian’s and for the Boston Jr. Eagles, and has long been lauded for his leadership and competitiveness, which comes now with a burgeoning offensive game. He’s jumped from a second-round grade to someone who could sneak into the first. He’s committed to BC.

Rian Chudzinski, F, 6-1, 190 (Moncton, QMJHL)

Another product of St. Sebastian’s and the Boston Jr. Eagles, the Needham native transferred to Dexter Southfield before making the jump to the “Q”. The move proved fruitful, as Chudzinski had 21 goals and 38 points in 54 games. Chudzinski hunts loose pucks with ferocity, using his physicality and motor to wear down opponents. Mocked as a third-rounder, Chudzinski will play at BU.

Myles Brosnan, D, 6-0, 183 (Dexter Southfield)

On a team with top-end talent up and down the roster, Brosnan was the best player. Dexter coach Dan Donato utilized Brosnan as a puck-moving maestro, able to walk the line and distribute in every zone. A 7-44—51 line in 30 games for the Shields, not including stops with USNTDP U18 team and Sioux City Musketeers, earned him Globe All-Scholastic honors. The Winchester resident will play at Harvard.

Will Manchuso, F, 6-0, 192 (St. Mark’s)

Manchuso first stood out as an instinctive wrecking ball on Concord-Carlisle’s first line. He made the jump to prep hockey two years ago and saw his stock take off. In 30 contests, he posted 32 goals and 25 assists. Just a junior, who is committed to Dartmouth, Manchuso plays with pace and physicality, yet his most impressive trait is a cannon of a shot. NHL Central Scouting ranked Manchuso 104th among North American skaters.

Brian McFadden, D, 6-5, 183 (Thayer Academy)

Armed with a long reach, McFadden’s shutdown play is a nightmare for opposing forwards. He eliminates space and uses his body well. The Holbrook resident, who spent the 2023-24 season at Catholic Memorial, totaled 20 points in 29 games for the Tigers and has committed to Northeastern.

Read more Buttigieg was briefly separated from his children after police say he was target of false report