The 2026 NHL Draft is set to kick off on June 26, marking the start of a highly anticipated selection process that will shape the next wave of talent for teams across the league.
The first round will unfold at 4:00 p.m. Pacific Time, giving fans a prime evening of anticipation as the opening picks are announced.
Rounds two through seven will follow the next morning, beginning at 9:00 a.m. PT on June 27, ensuring a full day of action for teams eager to fill out their rosters.
Kraken’s Draft Strategy
Seattle Kraken have positioned themselves with a clear plan, highlighted by the acquisition of forward Mackie Samoskevich in exchange for the 25th overall pick, a move that frees up additional assets for later rounds.
The club’s scouting department has invested heavily in personal evaluations, including dinner meetings with top prospects at the NHL Draft Combine, underscoring a hands‑on approach to talent assessment.
Among the prospects the Kraken have earmarked are defenseman Daxon Rudolph, winger Ryan Roobroeck, scorer Evan Jardine, Latvian goaltender Patriks Plumins, and Swedish forward Ludvig Andersson, each bringing distinct strengths to the table.
Rudolph, a Prince Albert Raiders product, is praised for his hockey sense and offensive instincts, while Roobroeck’s scoring touch from the Niagara IceDogs comes with questions about consistency and skating speed. Jardine’s USHL dominance, Plumins’s record‑setting save percentage as a teenage netminder, and Andersson’s tenacity in the Swedish U20 circuit add depth to the Kraken’s options.
The team’s limited presence in the early portion of the draft — holding just a single selection in a 91‑pick stretch between their top pick and the first fourth‑round slot — places added emphasis on each decision, especially after the trade that sent pick No. 25 to the Florida Panthers.
With a blend of seasoned prospects and high‑upside projects, Seattle aims to reinforce its roster and maintain momentum as the draft unfolds, a narrative that will be closely followed by analysts and fans alike.