The 2026 NHL Draft in Buffalo set a new benchmark, with nineteen current or incoming college hockey players chosen in the opening round, eclipsing the earlier record of eleven.
Programs Making History
Toronto selected Gavin McKenna, a Penn State standout, first overall, marking the sixth time a college player has been the top pick, while Michigan State celebrated five first‑round selections, a record for a single program.
North Dakota, Boston University, Denver and other programs also contributed multiple picks, underscoring the depth of talent across the collegiate landscape.
The surge reflects a growing trend of elite prospects opting for NCAA routes after Major Junior, a shift that has been accelerating over the past season.
Analysts note that nearly every non‑European prospect drafted this year is either already in the NCAA or committed to joining it, signaling a decisive move toward the college game as a development hub.