The 2026 NHL Draft hasn’t even started yet, and we already have a deal on the books. The Boston Bruins and Utah Mammoth are finalizing a trade that sends winger JJ Peterka to Boston, according to Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman. No official confirmation from either team, but the word around the arena is this thing is close to done.
That kind of pre-draft action sets the tone for what could be a chaotic night. The first round is deep, and there’s been more chatter about trades in the last 48 hours than we’ve seen in the last three drafts combined. Toronto holds the No. 1 pick, and if the rumors are anything to go by, they might not even be done dealing.
The Leafs Are on the Clock. After That, Who Knows?
Toronto has the top selection for the first time in franchise history. Everyone assumes they’re taking a forward, but the board is wide open after that. The Sharks at No. 2, the Canucks at No. 3, and the Sabres at No. 4 (via Chicago) all have options. Multiple teams have been calling around to move up, and a few are trying to get out of the first round entirely.
This isn’t your typical draft where the top five picks are locked in by January. Scouts have been going back and forth on this class for months. Some say there’s no clear superstar. Others argue the depth is better than people think. Either way, it makes for good TV.
Robertson, Larkin, and the Trade Rumor Mill
The draft floor is buzzing with names that might not be on the board long. Jason Robertson has reportedly rejected multiple trade proposals from the Stars, but that doesn’t mean Dallas is done shopping him. The team has not confirmed anything, but the speculation is loud enough that multiple beat writers have mentioned it on their podcasts this week.
Then there’s Dylan Larkin. He requested a trade from Detroit weeks ago, and Red Wings GM Steve Yzerman is listening. The return would have to be significant, but the consensus around the league is that Larkin gets moved tonight or tomorrow. The Blues have been linked to him. So have the Islanders. A lot of eyes are on St. Louis, which holds three first-round picks and has the cap space to make something happen.
Bruins Moving First
Back to the Peterka deal for a second. This is the kind of trade that tells you Boston thinks it can compete now. They’ve been quiet in free agency, but adding a 25-year-old winger who’s scored 20-plus goals in each of the last two seasons is a statement. Utah gets assets in return, presumably picks and probably a prospect. We’ll update the full terms once the league announces them.
The draft itself kicks off at 7 p.m. ET. We’ll have live updates on every pick, every trade, and every rumor that crosses the wire. Stick with us.
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