The NHL Draft opened its first day at the KeyBank Center in Buffalo, New York, where 32 prospects took the stage for the opening round.
The event will spill into a second day on Saturday, with the league promising a steady stream of announcements as each selection is made official.
Analysts and fans alike are turning to PHR’s Gabriel Foley’s mock draft as a reference point, using it to gauge the accuracy of early projections.
Round Highlights
Among the teams making their picks, the Toronto Maple Leafs, San Jose Sharks and Vancouver Canucks were among the first to announce selections, setting the tone for the night.
Saturday’s action will see the Vancouver Canucks, Chicago Blackhawks and New Jersey Devils each adding to their rosters, while the Calgary Flames, Chicago Blackhawks and New York Rangers prepare for the third round.
Later rounds will bring opportunities for the Vancouver Canucks, Florida Panthers, Seattle Kraken and others, as the draft unfolds across seven stages.
The atmosphere in Buffalo remains electric, with each pick drawing cheers and speculation about how the new talent will shape the upcoming season.