2026 NHL Draft Order: Where each team will pick in the 1st round
The lottery balls are set to be pulled to determine the first half of the 2026 NHL Draft order.
It's almost time for lottery balls to determine the No. 1 overall pick at the 2026 NHL Draft. Tuesday night's NHL Draft Lottery will once again make use of the league's live lottery ball drawing format, which will see the No.
1 overall pick be awarded live in front of the whole world. Given the drama of the moment, many hockey fans are set to tune in to see which team will be awarded the top pick for the draft in June. NHL DRAFT LOTTERY: The 2026 NHL Draft Lottery’s live format, explained .
Forward Gavin McKenna out of Penn State is the projected No. 1 overall pick of this year's draft class. McKenna has stunning talent and though he didn't have eye-popping numbers in college, his skill with the puck is undeniable and makes him the frontrunner as of now.
Quite a get for winning the lottery, wouldn't you say? With the draft lottery set to begin, check back for the full list of the top-16 selections and the winner of the draft lottery after the broadcast ends! Toronto Maple Leafs What channel is the 2026 NHL Draft Lottery on?