About this episode

The episode discusses the top prospects and trade predictions ahead of the 2026 NHL Draft.

Here's what Katie Gaus, Ryan Kennedy and Michael Traikos discussed in this episode: 0:00: Breaking down the top five prospects ahead of the 2026 NHL draft 2:27: Is Gavin McKenna ready for the NHL spotlight? 4:45: How will the San Jose Sharks handle the second overall pick? 6:39: What is Chase Reid's ceiling as a prospect? 8:15: Who will the Buffalo Sabres target with the fourth overall pick? 9:38: How much undecidedness is there among the top five prospects? 13:58: Which prospect will be the biggest riser and faller of the draft? 19:45: Bold trade predictions for the NHL draft 21:38: What are the Toronto Maple Leafs looking to get in return for Morgan Rielly? 25:20: Reacting to the Columbus Blue Jackets' acquisition of Valeri Nichushkin 28:53: Is Alex Ovechkin more likely to return to the Washington Capitals after their recent trades? 32:10: Could Jason Robertson end up earning more than $15-million per season? 35:50: Who are the top remaining free agents to target this summer? 38:15: Reflecting on funny moments when star players leave a city 39:50: Will there be a goaltender drafted in the first round? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

People in this episode

Hosts: Katie Gaus, Ryan Kennedy, Michael Traikos

Topics covered

• 2026 NHL Draft
• prospects analysis
• NHL trade predictions
• team strategies
• free agency

Keywords

• NHL Draft
• prospects
• Gavin McKenna
• San Jose Sharks
• Buffalo Sabres
• Morgan Rielly
• Valeri Nichushkin
• Alex Ovechkin
• Jason Robertson

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: San Jose Sharks, Buffalo Sabres, Columbus Blue Jackets

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