With McKenna as the top prospect, NHL chooses Buffalo Sabres to host draft in June, AP source says
January 12, 2026
With highly prized prospect Gavin McKenna as the centerpiece, the NHL has selected the Buffalo Sabres to host its annual draft in June, a person with knowledge of the decision told The Associated Press. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the league had yet to reveal its plans. The news was first reported by ESPN. The formal announcement will be made during a news conference that will include NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman, and held in Buffalo on Monday night. The two-day draft will be held June 26-27. McKenna is a freshman forward at Penn State and has long been projected to be the No. 1 pick.