In a press conference today in Buffalo, New York, NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman and Sabres Owner Terry Pegula announced that the 2026 NHL Entry Draft will be held in Buffalo. This will be the fourth time in NHL history the event has been held in Western New York. 1991, 1998, and 2016 are the three other years the draft was in Buffalo. Let’s get into the details.
Proud to bring another marquee event to Buffalo & @KeyBankCtr #sabrehood #LetsGoBuffalo pic.twitter.com/NZd2oYtPmk
— Pete Guelli (@PeteGuelli) January 13, 2026
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When and Where?
The draft date will be on June 26th and 27th. In addition, this will be the second-straight year that the draft will be a decentralized format. Meaning prospects and their families will be attending the event in Buffalo, while team executives will make their picks from their local markets. The event is set to take place either around Keybank Center, where the Sabres play in downtown Buffalo. Or around Highmark Stadium, where the Buffalo Bills play. Moreover, Highmark Stadium is in Orchard Park, New York, where some of the Sabres offices actually are located. The location around Highmark Stadium would allow more space for spectators and fans, rather than the downtown location.
Top Prospects
All the eyes will continue to be on Gavin McKenna. The 17-year old talent who made headlines going from the Western Hockey League to Penn State to play collegiate hockey. The consensus number one overall pick a year ago isn’t as much of a sure thing as everyone though it would be. Alongside him, Ivar Stenberg is having an unbelievable year. The 18-year-old has 24 points in 25 games in the SHL, the top league in Sweden. Similarly, Keaton Verhoeff continues to impress at the University of North Dakota. In collegiate play, Verhoeff has 12 points in 18 games played this season as a defenceman.
All three young men are expected to be top picks in the 2026 NHL Entry Draft. Furthermore, they will be in Buffalo in the spring as well if they choose. Buffalo hosts the pre-draft combine for NHL prospects, and will do so once again.
Main Photo Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports