
2026 NHL Draft: The Next Generation of Talent
A look at the top college hockey players projected to dominate the 2026 NHL Draft, from record‑breaking freshmen to elite two‑way centers.
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A look at the top college hockey players projected to dominate the 2026 NHL Draft, from record‑breaking freshmen to elite two‑way centers.

The 2026 NHL Draft showcases a strong Penn State contingent, with Gavin McKenna projected as the first overall pick and several other players slated for mid‑round selections.

The Nashville Predators have released their 2026 preseason schedule, outlining a series of games against the Lightning and Hurricanes, along with rookie and training camp dates in September.

General manager Don Waddell is shaping the Columbus Blue Jackets' lineup for the upcoming NHL draft and free‑agency period, aiming to turn a near‑miss into a playoff‑contending squad.

A bipartisan group of Minnesota lawmakers has selected photographs, letters and cultural artifacts to be sealed for discovery in the year 2276, capturing the state’s heritage in a single capsule.

Cam Moore delivered career‑best statistics, signed a two‑year contract and contributed a playoff goal as the Ducks returned to the postseason for the first time since 2018

The 2026 Upper Deck NHL Entry Draft will be held in Buffalo, N.Y., on June 26‑27, with the University of Minnesota looking to extend its record of draft selections.

After a breakout rookie season that saw him tie for the most goals by an Anaheim rookie defenseman in over a decade, Ian Moore has agreed to a two-year, one-way deal that keeps him under contract through the 2027-28 NHL season.

The NHL draft will open in Buffalo, New York, with the Toronto Maple Leafs holding the No. 1 overall pick. Among the six top prospects, Gavin McKenna, Ivar Stenberg, Chase Reid, Caleb Malhotra, Alberts Smits and Keaton Verhoeff are projected to be selected within the top five.

Joel Ward transitions from NHL veteran to head coach of the Henderson Silver Knights, bringing a decade‑plus playing pedigree and recent coaching experience to the AHL franchise.

The United States Hockey League will add six franchises in California and Arizona for the 2027‑28 season, aiming to grow youth participation and reduce travel burdens, with support from hockey icons.
Veteran forward Hilary Knight’s recent contract extension with PWHL Detroit underscores her dedication to the league’s rapid expansion and the city’s passionate hockey culture.

La Salle University’s field hockey program unveiled its 2026 schedule, highlighting a balanced home‑and‑road slate and a clear ambition to capture the program’s first Atlantic 10 Championship since 2023.

The league revealed the format, dates and design details for its 2027 All-Star Classic, set for Jan. 26‑27 in Boise, Idaho, where U.S. and Canadian teams will meet in a 60‑minute game and a six‑event skills competition.

The 2026 NHL Draft will be held in Buffalo, where the Nashville Predators hold the 10th overall pick and are targeting high‑upside defensemen.

The Colorado Avalanche move Jack Drury to Nashville, continuing a pattern of acquiring high‑upside young talent, and Alex Tuch inks an eight‑year, $10.5 million‑per‑season agreement with the Washington Capitals.

Four‑time Olympic speed skater Catherine Raney‑Norman will assume the chief development officer post at the USA Hockey Foundation on July 20, bringing a record of $250 million in secured philanthropic commitments and leadership of the 2034 Utah Games bid.

The Pittsburgh Penguins announced the acquisition of forward Hendrix Lapierre from the Washington Capitals, trading away a 2027 third‑round pick and a 2028 fifth‑round pick.
The Coachella Valley Firebirds are poised for a reshaped roster as they blend promising rookies with veteran departures, setting the stage for the upcoming AHL season

The Panthers have released their four‑game preseason schedule, featuring home-and-away series with the Carolina Hurricanes and Tampa Bay Lightning, with all games broadcast on the regional Scripps Sports network and available to stream at no cost.

A group of elite prospects from the National Team Development Program are preparing for the 2026 NHL Draft in Buffalo, New York, sharing their experiences and the impact of the program on their development.

The Tampa Bay Lightning have released their 2026 preseason schedule, featuring four matchups, two at home, against the Predators and Panthers.

Marie-Philip Poulin will undergo surgery on her ACL and meniscus in July, casting uncertainty over Canada’s roster for the November world championships and challenging the Victoire to defend their title without their star leader.

Despite a severe knee injury, Marie-Philip Poulin led her team to the Walter Cup, reflecting on a career that spans multiple Olympics and world championships.