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2026 NHL draft big board: Ranking the top prospects available
The first round begins Friday. Which players will hear their names called? Here's our final updated rankings list.
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Every team's biggest prospect pipeline need -- and the players who could fill them
Each club is in a different place in its contention cycle. These are the positions each should target in the draft.
TOP HEADLINES
OFFSEASON PLAYER MOVEMENT
Trade grades for all the NHL swaps made on a chaotic Tuesday: Bowen, Kyrou, Nemec, more
Bill Wippert/NHLI via Getty Images
Latest rumblings on NHL trades, signings, picks during draft week
Hockey Hall of Fame
Who makes the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2027? Ranking the top candidates
Debora Robinson/NHLI via Getty Images
TKACHUK BROTHERS REUNITED
Brady Tkachuk ready for next chapter with brother Matthew in Florida
1:26
AROUND THE LEAGUE
Five storylines already dominating the 2026 NHL offseason
Gregory Shamus/Getty Images
HOORAY FOR THE HURRICANES
The jock, the nerd and the Stanley Cup championship
Illustration by ESPN
Nicolas Deslauriers signs extension during Hurricanes' parade
0:26
NHL
Gavin McKenna's NHL draft profile
0:44
Top Headlines
- Blackhawks acquire Byram in trade with Sabres
- Bettman: 'Level of decorum' expected of Babcock
- NHL exploring Austin, Houston for expansion team
- Babcock returns to NHL coaching to lead Oilers
- Senators land Eklund from Sharks for No. 9 pick
- Caps acquire veteran Kyrou in trade with Blues
- Devils deal rights to Nemec, Tsyplakov to Flames
- Brady Tkachuk: Trade 'wasn't about' Matthew
- 📈 Way-too-early 2026-27 NHL Power Rankings
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NHL trade candidate rankings: Which players could be on the move?
Which difference-makers could be swapping franchises this summer?
- Brian Babineau/NHLI via Getty Images
NHL teams' offseason keys, including free agency, draft needs
We explore the next moves each team should make this summer and forecast expectations for 2026-27.
- Bill Wippert/NHLI via Getty Images
NHL free agency rankings: Tiers of players available on July 1
From All-Stars and award winners down to diamonds in the rough, here's who will be available this summer.
- Josh Lavallee/NHLI via Getty Images
Why goalie tandems have taken over the NHL -- even in the playoffs
A variety of factors has resulted in the workhorse goaltender becoming an endangered species.
