Buffalo Sabres Will Host 2026 NHL Draft at KeyBank Center, Dates and TV Info Revealed

The Buffalo Sabres will be under the NHL spotlight this summer.

Buffalo announced Monday it will host the 2026 NHL draft at KeyBank Center on June 26 and 27. 

The first round will be on the 26th and air on ESPN and ESPN+ in the United States and Sportsnet in Canada, while the second through seventh rounds will take place on the 27th and air on NHL Network and ESPN+ in the United States and Sportsnet in Canada.

"I look forward to both the atmosphere and significance of hosting the NHL Draft in Buffalo," Sabres president Terry Pegula said. "Being able to share in that excitement with our fans and fans around the league is a unique opportunity. Our community stays connected to hockey year-round, and the Draft is a big part of that. I have no doubt the people of Buffalo will embrace this remarkable event."

Buffalo previously hosted the draft in 1991, 1998 and 2016, but this year's event will be different since it will be the second draft with a decentralized format.

Last year's draft at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles was the NHL's first decentralized draft where the prospects and their families were in attendance while the team executives made their decisions from their own home markets.

Buffalo being a four-time host isn't its only connection to the NHL draft. It has also hosted the league's predraft combine since 2015 and will do so again this year.

Once the draft begins in Buffalo, all eyes will be on prospect Gavin McKenna.

The Penn State forward previously played in the Canadian Hockey League and arrived stateside to play collegiately after the NCAA lifted its ban on the eligibility of CHL players.

ESPN noted McKenna has long been seen as a "generational talent" and the presumed No. 1 pick of the 2026 NHL draft. He helped lead Canada to a bronze medal at the world junior championships and can be a foundational offensive player for whichever team drafts him if he lives up to expectations.

And that NHL journey will begin in Buffalo during the draft.