The 2026 NHL Draft will kick off on the evening of June 26, with live coverage kicking off at 7:00 p.m. Eastern on Sportsnet in Canada and ESPN in the United States. The excitement will continue into the next day, when rounds two through seven unfold on June 27, beginning at 11:00 a.m. Eastern across the same three platforms.
Broadcast Schedule
Fans in the United States can also tune in to the NHL Network for the second‑day action, ensuring that the draft’s momentum is captured by a broad audience. The schedule is designed to give viewers a clear view of each prospect’s moment, from the first round’s flash to the later rounds’ deep‑cut stories.
Beyond the broadcast details, the draft serves as a showcase for the talent pipelines that have emerged from the Ontario Hockey League’s 20 member clubs. Each franchise has compiled a long record of selections, and the depth of those histories offers a glimpse into the next generation of NHL stars.
A Legacy of Talent
Among the most prolific producers, the London Knights stand out with 202 all‑time picks, highlighted by John Tavares, the 2009 first overall choice who has since become a cornerstone of the sport. The Knights’ legacy is matched by the Kitchener Rangers, who have contributed 174 selections, including Gabriel Landeskog, and the Windsor Spitfires, whose alumni list features Taylor Hall, a former Hart Memorial Trophy winner.
Other clubs also boast impressive pedigrees. The Guelph Storm have produced 84 picks, with Drew Doughty emerging as a top defenseman in 2008, while the Sudbury Wolves claim 138 selections, highlighted by Quinton Byfield, the 2020 first‑overall prospect. The Erie Otters, famous for launching Connor McDavid in 2015, continue to be a fertile ground for elite talent.
The upcoming draft will also spotlight current OHL standouts who are projected to be among the top names on Central Scouting’s final rankings. Players such as Michael Misa, the 2025 top pick from the Saginaw Spirit, and Porter Martone from the Brampton Steelheads are expected to hear their names called early on day two.
Fans watching from the United States will find the same feed on ESPN and the NHL Network, ensuring that the drama reaches a broad audience just as the league’s next chapter begins to take shape.