A gathering of elite talent
From June 1 to June 6, the 2026 NHL Scouting Combine will take place in Buffalo, New York, offering NHL clubs a first‑hand look at the season’s most promising prospects. The event serves as a critical checkpoint for teams to interview, conduct medical evaluations, and test the physical conditioning of players who are on the cusp of the 2026 NHL Draft.
This year’s combine will host 90 athletes, comprising 56 forwards, 29 defencemen and five goaltenders. Among them are several top‑ranked prospects from the Ontario Hockey League, a league that has consistently supplied high‑impact talent to the professional ranks.
Notable OHL invitees
The list of OHL representatives includes Chase Reid, Caleb Malhotra, Nikita Klepov and Ethan Belchetz, each of whom has been highlighted as a potential first‑round selection. Also present is Dan Marr, a seasoned scout whose presence underscores the depth of experience surrounding the prospects.
The draft order is already taking shape, with the Toronto Maple Leafs holding the first overall pick, followed by the San Jose Sharks in the second slot and the Vancouver Canucks slated for the third position. These selections will heavily influence the strategic planning of the teams as they finalize their rosters.
Beyond individual evaluations, the combine provides a unique platform for players to showcase their abilities in a controlled environment, allowing scouts and management to compare talent across different playing styles and physical attributes. The outcomes of these assessments will reverberate throughout the draft period, shaping the narrative of the upcoming season.