NHL Mock Draft 2026: All 32 first-round picks projected by Corey Pronman
Starting with Gavin McKenna going No. 1 to the Maple Leafs, Corey Pronman makes picks for all of Round 1 of the 2026 NHL Draft.
NHL
11th May 2026
All 12 Stanley Cup Final matchups left in play, ranked purely on narratives
It's the pinnacle of the NHL season, but the Stanley Cup Final is always just a little more interesting with something more at stake.
Ducks vs. Golden Knights Game 4: Key takeaways as Anaheim never trails, evens series
The Ducks' power play came through with two crucial goals.
NHL 2025-26 Stanley Cup playoff chances and projected standings
Welcome to our 2025-26 NHL projections where you will find each team’s projected point total and chances of winning the Stanley Cup.
Canadiens' roaring new era is galvanizing Montreal and resurrecting Stanley Cup dreams
Montreal’s stellar young core and a rocking Bell Centre have sparked a visceral, city-wide pursuit of a 25th title.
Canadiens vs. Sabres Game 3: Key takeaways as Montreal electrifies Bell Centre in win
Power-play goals from Cole Caufield and Juraj Slafkovský powered the Canadiens in their first home game of the series.
Ottawa Charge eliminate Boston Fleet in double overtime in PWHL semifinal
After a five-goal second period, a goalie duel between Aerin Frankel and Gwyneth Philips was decided by Michaela Cava's first Charge goal.
Where to watch Buffalo Sabres vs. Montreal Canadiens Game 3 NHL playoffs: Live stream, start time, odds, TV channel for Sunday, May 10
The Buffalo Sabres and Montreal Canadiens meet in Game 3 of their second-round playoff series. The series is tied 1-1 after the Canadiens won 5-1 in Game 2. The Canadiens are favored by 1.5 goals in Game 3. How to watch Buffalo Sabres vs. Montreal Canadiens.
Where to watch Vegas Golden Knights vs. Anaheim Ducks Game 4 NHL playoffs: Live stream, start time, odds, TV channel for Sunday, May 10
The Anaheim Ducks are looking to even their second-round playoff series against the Vegas Golden Knights in Game 4. Vegas took a 2-1 lead in the series with a 6-2 victory in Game 3. Vegas is favored by 1.5 goals. The over/under is set at 6.5.How to Watch Vegas Golden Knights vs Anaheim Ducks.
Macklin Celebrini to captain Team Canada at World Championship: 'Everyone can learn from him'
Veterans Ryan O'Reilly and John Tavares will serve as alternate captains.
10th May 2026
Avalanche face big goalie decision for Game 4 vs. Wild after first loss of playoffs
Scott Wedgewood has allowed 11 goals in just over seven periods against the Wild and was relieved by Mackenzie Blackwood on Saturday.
'It shows it works:' How Wild beat Avalanche is a blueprint for making this a series
There’s still a long way to go, but the type of performance we saw in Game 3 looked like a template to beat the Presidents' Trophy winners.
Canadiens rookie goalie Jakub Dobeš turning heads in his crease, and around the NHL
The activity in Dobeš' crease is increasing as the Sabres series moves along, just like his reputation around the league.
With another sweep, Hurricanes show they're ready to level up in playoffs
Carolina became the first NHL team in decades to start 8-0 in the playoffs. Can it stay on track even after a potential long layoff?.
Flyers outclassed by Hurricanes in playoff sweep, but young team 'gave it all'
Philadelphia gained first-hand knowledge of what it will take to beat a team like Carolina in the future.
After exiting Game 3, Mark Stone's status is a major concern for Golden Knights
For eight years, the Golden Knights have gone as Stone goes. If he misses significant time now, it will be a major hit to Vegas’ chances.
NHL 2025-26 Stanley Cup playoff chances and projected standings
Welcome to our 2025-26 NHL projections where you will find each team’s projected point total and chances of winning the Stanley Cup.
Wild vs. Avalanche Game 3: Key takeaways as Minnesota bounces back, gets in the series
Playing with a Game 7 mentality, the Wild came out of the gates flying in Game 3 and won to narrow the Avalanche's series lead to 2-1.
Hurricanes vs. Flyers Game 4: Takeaways as Carolina makes history with another sweep
The Hurricanes became the first NHL team since 1985 to open the postseason with eight straight wins, beating Philly in overtime in Game 4.
Canadiens, Sabres weigh creative risk vs. restraint as high-octane styles collide
Montreal and Buffalo see their own fast-paced DNA across the ice, balancing highlight-reel play with a low-risk style.
Where to watch Colorado Avalanche vs. Minnesota Wild Game 3 NHL playoffs: Live stream, start time, TV channel for Saturday, May 9
The Minnesota Wild are looking for their first win of their NHL second-round playoff series with the Colorado Avalanche in Game 3. The Avalanche won the series’ first two games in Denver. Minnesota will be home for the next two games. The Avalanche are favored by 1.5 goals.
Where to watch Carolina Hurricanes vs. Philadelphia Flyers Game 4 NHL playoffs: Live stream, start time, odds, TV channel for Saturday, May 9
The Carolina Hurricanes will try to sweep the Philadelphia Flyers in Game 4 of their second-round NHL playoff series. The Hurricanes own a commanding 3-0 lead and will advance with one more victory. Carolina is favored by 1.5 goals.
9th May 2026
Wild's Jesper Wallstedt ready to rebound as Game 3 starter, with 'no bad feelings' over Game 2 snub
After allowing eight goals in Game 1, then not starting in Game 2, Wallstedt is back in net for Minnesota in Game 3.
Want to score in the NHL? The slam-dunk case for the slot-line pass
There's danger to the play, but it can take a low-percentage scoring position and turn it lethal.
The old Gabriel Landeskog is back for the Avalanche — and he was 'worth the wait'
After working his way back after previously missing three seasons, Landeskog is bringing exactly what Colorado has missed in past playoffs.
Leafs in chaos mode, plus Wemby's playoff takeover moment
Welcome to The Pulse, The Athletic's daily newsletter.
Nikolaj Ehlers finds playoff home as Hurricanes' third-line game breaker
Ehlers' breakaway goal put the finishing touches on Carolina's 4-1 win over the Flyers in Game 3 of the second round on Thursday night.
Can Sabres' Tage Thompson find his game after 'disaster' in Game 2 blowout?
Thompson didn't score and was a disaster in every area of the game for the Sabres on Friday.
Young Canadiens continue to display a maturity that is beyond their years
The Canadiens have not lost consecutive games in nearly two months, and the growth they've shown in that time is shining through now.
Mitch Marner buries the Ducks in Game 3 — and the narrative about his playoff impact
Marner recorded his first playoff hat trick and became the leading scorer of this postseason in Vegas' big victory.
NHL 2025-26 Stanley Cup playoff chances and projected standings
Welcome to our 2025-26 NHL projections where you will find each team’s projected point total and chances of winning the Stanley Cup.
Ducks vs. Golden Knights Game 3: Key takeaways as Marner takes NHL playoff scoring lead with hat trick
Vegas jumped out to a five-goal lead and took a 2-1 lead in the second-round series.
Minnesota Frost storm back vs. Montreal Victoire, forcing Game 5 in PWHL semifinals
The Minnesota Frost avoided elimination with a 3-1 comeback win against the Montreal Victoire on Friday night.
Canadiens vs. Sabres Game 2: Key takeaways from Montreal's counterpunch to tie series
Since mid-March, the Canadiens are now 8-0 in games immediately after losses.
Zegras, Tocchet reflect on relationship after heated moment in Flyers' Game 3
Philadelphia will need all facets of the team to click if it hopes to come back from a 3-0 series deficit against the Hurricanes.
Where to watch Vegas Golden Knights vs. Anaheim Ducks Game 3 NHL playoffs: Live stream, start time, odds, TV channel for Friday, May 8
The Vegas Golden Knights and the Anaheim Ducks face off in Game 3 of their second-round NHL playoff series. The teams split the first two games in Las Vegas. Game 3 is in Anaheim. The Golden Knights are slight favorites in Game 3 at 1.5 goals.How to watch Vegas Golden Knights vs. Anaheim Ducks.
Where to watch Montreal Canadiens vs. Buffalo Sabres Game 2 NHL playoffs: Live stream, start time, odds, TV channel for Friday, May 8
The Montreal Canadiens face the Buffalo Sabres in Game 2 of their second-round NHL playoff series. The Sabres won Game 1 4-2. Buffalo is also favored in Game 2 by 1.5 goals.How to watch Montreal Canadiens vs. Buffalo Sabres.
Wild's Joel Eriksson Ek practices, is a possibility to return in Game 3 vs. Avalanche
Hynes also said he knew who Saturday's starting goalie would be between Jesper Wallstedt and Filip Gustavsson but had not yet told him.
NHL names Hart Trophy finalists: McDavid, MacKinnon, Kucherov up for league MVP
All three players are previous winners of the award, which is voted upon by the Professional Hockey Writers Association.
Roman Kantserov terminates KHL contract, opening door to signing with Blackhawks
The 21-year-old forward told The Athletic he hopes to negotiate a contract with the Blackhawks soon.
How the Hurricanes and Avalanche can make NHL playoff history
Carolina and Colorado are chasing the 1985 Oilers for a stunning postseason feat.
8th May 2026
Sharks Stanley Cup contender checklist: Most important piece in place but still a ways to go
San Jose is ahead of the curve, and now opens the door to a new challenge.
What might the San Jose Sharks do with the NHL Draft's No. 2 pick?
San Jose will pick in the top two for the third straight year, a run that hasn't happened in 14 years.
Jordan Staal is the Hurricanes' captain, conscience and tone-setter
The 20-year veteran is the foundational piece for a Carolina team that's now 7-0 in the playoffs.
From 'Burnzie Zoo' to NHL's Ironman: Brent Burns' career comes 'full circle' in playoffs vs. Wild
The Cup-chasing Avalanche defenseman played his first seven seasons with the Wild, back when he had only one missing tooth and four tattoos.
Ranking McKenna vs. recent No. 1 picks, Malhotra's comparables and second-round breakouts
Now that U18 worlds and the lottery are in the rearview, it's the perfect time for a mailbag about the 2026 NHL Draft.
In Sabres-Canadiens playoff series, Rasmus Dahlin and Lane Hutson are the real show
Dahlin and Hutson play different styles but are both among the best defensemen in the NHL and will be in the Norris conversation for years.
Connor Bedard's next Blackhawks contract is franchise-defining — and he has leverage
Bedard will command a hefty payday from a team flush with cash. So, what does a fair deal look like? Let's dig in.
Early NHL free agent big board: The top 20 UFA targets to watch this offseason
The upcoming UFA class is a little short on headline names, but there are plenty of quality players eligible to hit the market on July 1.
PWHL 2025-26 playoff chances, projected standings and player ratings
Welcome to our 2025-26 PWHL projections where you will find each team’s projected point total and chances of winning the Walter Cup.
Hurricanes vs. Flyers Game 3: Key takeaways as Carolina rolls to 3-0 series lead
Game 4 is scheduled for Saturday night in Philadelphia, where the Canes will go for their second straight sweep.
QMJHL commissioner Mario Cecchini on expansion, relationship with NCAA and USHL, fighting rule, more
Mario Cecchini has seen a lot of change in major junior hockey in his three years as QMJHL commissioner.
Where to watch Carolina Hurricanes vs. Philadelphia Flyers Game 3 NHL playoffs: Live stream, start time, odds, TV channel for Thursday, May 7
The Philadelphia Flyers enter their second-round NHL playoff series against the Carolina Hurricanes needing a victory to avoid falling into a 3-0 hole.
How close-knit Flyers are led by 3 'best friends' with California connections
Jamie Drysdale, Cam York and Trevor Zegras have known each other for years. Their chemistry has paid off for Philadelphia this season.
NHL reveals Norris Trophy finalists: Makar joins Werenski, Dahlin in top 3
Werenski and Dahlin are seeking their first Norris Trophy wins, while Makar is competing for the third Norris Trophy of his career.
Penguins sign winger Connor Dewar, defenseman Ilya Solovyov to contract extensions
Between Dewar and Blake Lizotte, the Penguins have two-thirds of their effective fourth line locked up.
7th May 2026
Ducks pull off the improbable against the Golden Knights: a tight defensive game
The Ducks shook off the narrative that they don't have what it takes defensively by putting on a masterclass on that side of the puck.
This Week in Sports Trivia: May 7, 2026
How closely were you following the sports news this week? Find out and test your knowledge by taking The Athletic's weekly quiz.
Beyond intensity, Canes coach Rod Brind'Amour leans on preparation, staff to lead
Brind'Amour is known for his fiery bench demeanor, but his tactical acumen has been equally meaningful for Carolina in the playoffs.
This Sabres-Canadiens playoffs series looks like the future of the Atlantic Division
So many players on both sides of this series are picking up playoff experience as they go. It's a fun watch — and a glimpse at the future.
2026 NHL Mock Draft 1.0: Scott Wheeler predicts the entire first round
Starting with Gavin McKenna going No. 1 to Toronto, Scott Wheeler makes picks for all of Round 1 of the 2026 NHL Draft.
How late-blooming Avalanche goalie Scott Wedgewood became one of the NHL playoffs' best stories
Wedgewood is 6-0 with a .923 save percentage for the Avalanche in the playoffs after coming into the season as a career backup.
Maple Leafs Stanley Cup contender checklist: A draft lottery win changes everything
The draft lottery has changed everything for the Maple Leafs. It’s a gift to a franchise that desperately needed one.
What I'm hearing about PWHL expansion: Why San Jose is a strong candidate to land a team
With Wednesday's news that the PWHL is expanding to Detroit, where else might the league be considering adding teams?.
Regular-season games that changed the outcome of the 2026 NHL Draft Lottery
The Maple Leafs won the No. 1 pick with long-shot odds. With the full benefit of hindsight, some very specific games had their say.
Projecting the careers of 2026 NHL Draft's top 12 prospects: Optimist vs. pessimist
What are the floor and ceiling outcomes for some of the 2026 NHL Draft's most promising players?.
NHL 2025-26 Stanley Cup playoff chances and projected standings
Welcome to our 2025-26 NHL projections where you will find each team’s projected point total and chances of winning the Stanley Cup.
Ducks vs. Golden Knights Game 2: Key takeaways as Anaheim dominates to even the series
The Ducks poured on the pressure to send the series to Anaheim tied at 1-1 and home-ice advantage in their favor.
Sabres vs. Canadiens Game 1: Key takeaways as Buffalo charges to tone-setting home win
The Sabres played their most complete home game of the playoffs, scoring five minutes into the game and racing to a 1-0 series lead.
Flyers vs. Bruins: Who gets the Maple Leafs' next two first-round draft picks?
The Maple Leafs' lottery win has muddied the waters on 2027 and 2028 first-round picks traded to Philadelphia and Boston.
Flyers' Noah Cates out for remainder of series against Hurricanes with lower-body injury
The Hurricanes lead the best-of-seven series 2-0. Game 3 is at Xfinity Mobile Arena on Thursday night.
2026 NHL Selke Trophy finalists: Will it be Suzuki, or a different first-time winner?
The trophy will go to a new winner after Aleksander Barkov's injury.
Where to watch Anaheim Ducks vs. Vegas Golden Knights Game 2 NHL playoffs: Live stream, start time, odds, TV channel for Wednesday, May 6
The Anaheim Ducks take on the Vegas Golden Knights in Game 2 of their second-round NHL playoff series. The Golden Knights won Game 1 3-1. Vegas is favored by 1.5 goals in Game 2. The over/under for the game is set at 6.5 goals.How to watch Anaheim Ducks vs. Vegas Golden Knights.
Where to watch Montreal Canadiens vs. Buffalo Sabres Game 1 NHL playoffs: Live stream, start time, odds, TV channel for Wednesday, May 6
The Montreal Canadiens and Buffalo Sabres open their East second-round series in the NHL playoffs. The Canadiens beat the Tampa Bay Lightning in seven games in the first round. The Buffalo Sabres beat Montreal 4-2 in the first round.
PWHL expanding to Detroit for 2026-27 season
The bid to bring a pro women's hockey team to Detroit was led by Ilitch Sports and Entertainment, which owns the Red Wings.
Should the Maple Leafs take Gavin McKenna? The debate begins
Gavin McKenna is the likely No. 1 pick in the NHL Draft, but the Maple Leafs have options to explore.
6th May 2026
Submit your questions for Scott Wheeler's 2026 NHL Draft mailbag
With the conclusion of the lottery, the countdown to the 2026 NHL Draft is on.
Breaking down Canes-Flyers as series moves to Philly: What to watch in Game 3
Grab your beer skates, enjoy a breather before Game 3, and catch up on the second-round series with our writers' analysis.
NHL playoffs: The statistical gap between Eastern and Western goalies has been staggering
Even in a sample size that remains fairly small, the gap between the two conferences is pretty shocking.
Wild's goalie flip was an unnecessary risk in a series with no margin for error
The decision to play Filip Gustavsson over Jesper Wallstedt in Game 2 was a flop. Will it cost Minnesota the series?.
Your NHL lottery team knows where their pick is now. Here's why they should trade it
It's rare for teams to move picks in the top half of the first round. That doesn't mean all 15 GMs shouldn't at least consider it.
Inside the Sabres' power-play issues: Can Buffalo find a solution against Montreal?
The Sabres scored exactly one power-play goal in the month of April. Here's how they can turn it around in May.
What we learned about the 8 NHL teams eliminated in Round 1
As eight teams shift into offseason mode, let’s take a look at what their losses say about their future trajectories.
How much better can Gavin McKenna make the Maple Leafs right away?
Getting McKenna will make a huge impact for 2027-28 and beyond, the kind of lottery-ball bounce that can turn a franchise around.
PWHL 2025-26 playoff chances, projected standings and player ratings
Welcome to our 2025-26 PWHL projections where you will find each team’s projected point total and chances of winning the Walter Cup.
Wild vs. Avalanche Game 2: Key takeaways as Colorado takes a commanding 2-0 series lead
For the ninth time in franchise history, the Wild are facing an uphill climb from 2-0 down to attempt to win a series.
NHL Mock Draft 2026: Gavin McKenna to the Toronto Maple Leafs as we pick for every lottery team
After the lottery concluded Tuesday, a collection of our NHL reporters combined for a mock draft of the first 16 picks.
2026 NHL Draft Lottery takeaways: Gavin McKenna's readiness, Caleb Malhotra's ascent and more
Here’s everything Scott Wheeler is thinking about and hearing after Tuesday night's NHL Draft Lottery.
2026 NHL Calder Trophy finalists: Islanders' Schaefer remains heavy favorite
The Islanders' standout was joined by the Canadiens' Ivan Demidov and the Ducks' Beckett Sennecke in the award's top three.
NHL Draft Lottery 2026: Maple Leafs to select first overall
It will be the Toronto Maple Leafs selecting first overall at the 2026 NHL Draft in what is unlikely to be a popular development among most NHL fans. Toronto won the draft lottery, performed live on ESPN, on Tuesday after a sequence of four ping-pong balls bounced their way.
Toronto Maple Leafs win No. 1 pick at 2026 NHL Draft Lottery
Penn State forward Gavin McKenna is the projected top pick in the NHL Draft, which will be held in Buffalo in late June.
Beer sabres, skates and tusks: NHL, NBA teams surpassing MLB in souvenir cup innovations
While NHL teams introduce creative souvenir cups that are commanding big value, MLB teams are falling behind.
Lightning captain Victor Hedman reveals he missed end of season to focus on mental health
The Tampa Bay Lightning announced in March that captain Victor Hedman would be taking a temporary leave of absence, which wound up extending to the end of their season. Hedman revealed why on Tuesday.pic.twitter.
2026 Stanley Cup odds: Hurricanes, Avalanche lead the way ahead of Golden Knights, Canadiens
As the second round of the playoffs gets going, Carolina and Colorado are the current favorites to win the Stanley Cup.
Wild turn to Filip Gustavsson in net for Game 2 vs. Avalanche after allowing 9 goals in Game 1
Gustavsson and Jesper Wallstedt shared the Wild net in the regular season, but Wallstedt has started every playoff game so far.
Deciphering Evgeni Malkin’s NHL future: Penguins contract, new team or retirement?
Malkin's situation is complex. Here's a rundown of the intricacies and implications of each possible path.
Where to watch Minnesota Wild vs. Colorado Avalanche Game 2 NHL playoffs: Live stream, start time, TV channel for Tuesday, May 5
The Minnesota Wild face the Colorado Avalanche in Game 2 of their second-round NHL playoff series. The Avalanche won a wild 9-6 game in the series opener on Sunday. Fourteen different players scored the 15 total goals in the game.
NHL frenzy peaks with lottery luck, front-office drama and playoff heroics
This is a frantically busy time in the hockey world, but fear not, we're here to help you keep up.
5th May 2026
Victor Hedman stepped away from Lightning to focus on his mental health
The 35-year-old defenseman missed the team’s final 15 regular-season games and the first round of the Stanley Cup playoffs.
Ten years later, Brett Howden is the unlikely fuel in Golden Knights' playoff run
Howden, a first-round pick by Tampa Bay in 2016 who took a bit of time to stick in the NHL, is Vegas' leading goal scorer in the postseason.
