BUFFALO, N.Y. — Western New York could play host to a major sporting tradition.
News10NBC’s affiliate in Buffalo reports that the Buffalo Sabres are in talks with the NHL to host the 2026 NHL Draft.
Last year, the NHL shifted to a decentralized structure, meaning all the teams operated from their home locations rather than at the draft itself.
The Sabres have hosted the NHL draft three times: 1991, 1998, and most recently in 2016. During the 2016 draft, Toronto Maple Leafs Captain Austin Matthews was picked first overall by the Leafs. The Sabres had the eighth pick in the draft, and drafted Alexander Nylander.
It is not exactly clear yet what the 2026 draft will look like. It is scheduled for June 26-27.
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