The Toronto Maple Leafs, San Jose Sharks, and Chicago Blackhawks are open to trading their respective top selections in the 2026 NHL Draft, league sources told The Athletic's Pierre LeBrun.
The Maple Leafs possess the first overall pick after winning the draft lottery earlier in May. They're reportedly not intent on moving the selection, but if a team puts together a package that could help Toronto get back in contention following its 28th-place finish, new general manager John Chayka will at least listen.
The Sharks hold the No. 2 pick after jumping eight spots in the lottery. GM Mike Grier is "absolutely" open to trading the selection, LeBrun said, noting that San Jose is far enough along in its rebuild to part with it. The Sharks also own the 20th pick in the first round.
The Blackhawks own the fourth overall pick, but they would need "a darn good NHL player" to consider dealing it, league sources told LeBrun.
This year's draft doesn't have a consensus top prospect, though Penn State winger Gavin McKenna is the favorite to go first overall. Frolunda winger Ivar Stenberg, who's tallied eight points in seven games for Sweden at the IIHF World Championship, is also a contender.
Brantford center Caleb Malhotra, Soo defenseman Chase Reid, and North Dakota defenseman Keaton Verhoeff are among several candidates to be drafted in the top five.
