2026 NHL Draft | How to watch, Sabres’ picks and more

The 2026 NHL Draft takes place in Buffalo on Friday and Saturday, and the Sabres are expected to be in the middle of the action, with six total picks headlined by Nos. 4 and 20 in the first round.

Whether you’re coming to KeyBank Center or watching from home, here’s everything you need to know as things get underway.

• Read: Sabres’ biggest remaining questions as offseason heats up

How to watch

Round 1 – Friday at 7 p.m.

• U.S.: ESPN, ESPN+
• Canada: Sportsnet, TVA Sports

Rounds 2-7 – Saturday at 11 a.m.

• U.S.: NHL Network, ESPN+
• Canada: Sportsnet

Draft Reaction Show

Tune into the Sabres' Facebook, X and YouTube channels or the Sabres App following both picks of the first round for live reaction from Brian Duff and Dan Dunleavy.

Sabres’ picks

Things can change by the minute, as this week has shown, but the Sabres enter Friday with six selections in the 2026 NHL Draft:

• 1st round, 4th overall (acquired from CHI)
• 1st round, 20th overall (originally EDM, acquired from SJS)
• 2nd round, 45th overall (originally NYI, acquired from CHI)
• 4th round, 124th overall
• 5th round, 156th overall
• 6th round, 188th overall

Scouting the prospects

Sabres.com has taken a look at possible targets for Buffalo in this year’s draft:

• Potential prospects at pick No. 4
• Potential forwards at pick No. 20
• Potential defensemen at pick No. 20
• 6 goalies to watch

NHL Draft Fan Fest

Both days, Ticketmaster Alumni Plaza will have food and beverage, entertainment and activities for the whole family. And the top prospects will arrive on the red carpet before Friday’s Round 1.

Full details