Winners, losers from the first round of the 2026 NHL Draft

Winner: Seattle Kraken get a lifeline

The Seattle Kraken have had a rough few months. It was publicly reported in March that winger Artemi Panarin turned down a massive contract in a potential trade to Seattle. That story played out again this week with the even more shocking news that Jason Robertson turned down $15 million a year to play in Seattle in a potential sign-and-trade with Dallas. That trade would have included Seattle's No. 7 overall pick.

The consolation prize took the form of right-handed defenseman Chase Reid, a top-end skater compared in some circles to Zach Werenski. Reid became the first defenseman selected by the Kraken in the first round in the franchise's short history as a result.

Winner: Compelling, skilled players

Undersized center Viggo Bjorck went No. 8 to Winnipeg. Electric winger Wyatt Cullen went No. 10 to Nashville. Shifty defenseman Ryan Lin went No. 21 to San Jose while similar defender Tommy Bleyl went No. 31 to Nashville. Hyper productive winger Liam Ruck went No. 22 to Pittsburgh. Cayman Islands prodigy Jaxon Cover went with the final pick at No. 32 to Ottawa. These aren't the only examples, but teams bet on skill.

TBD: New York Rangers get creative in acquiring star sniper.

The Rangers' promised 'retool' looked like a dud heading into the day — at least until the acquisition of top restricted free agent Pavel Dorofeyev. He's an elite shooting two-way winger who already has two 30-goal seasons before age 26 in Vegas. 

It cost the Rangers the No. 26 overall pick, one of their four third-round selections and a 2028 first-round selection that's top-10 protected. This is an almost perfect trade except for one major concern — it's really hard to know how good the Rangers are going to be in 2028. That will be a story to monitor.

The Rangers, overall, had a good night — earning solid reviews for drafting Alberts Smits at No. 5 overall. This one leans winner — for now.

TBD: Anaheim Ducks get worse, but is it temporary?

The Ducks did a great job recouping two first-round picks for a defensively deficient former No. 3 overall pick in forward Mason McTavish. Still, the Ducks took a major step forward this season and then failed to use McTavish to acquire immediate help as they watched two of their top four defenseman from the postseason (John Carlson and Jacob Trouba) head to free agency. 

They could get out of the loser column, but it's not likely that No. 15 overall pick Nikita Klepov will be NHL-ready this year.

Loser: Will Ruck be worthy consolation for the Pittsburgh Penguins?

It has to sting knowing how close the Penguins — heavily reported to be high on defenseman Ryan Lin — were to snagging him. San Jose traded up with the Pens' arch rival and took him one spot ahead of Pittsburgh.

Loser: Columbus Blue Jackets organization, fans take a body blow.

Reports are swirling that both superstar defenseman Zach Werenski and winger Kirill Marchenko are likely on their way out of Columbus. The NHL Draft is supposed to be a celebration for franchises, but it felt like a wake for the Jackets as the information trickled out on draft night.

Day 2, encompassing Rounds 2-7 of the 2026 NHL Draft, begins at 11 a.m. EST on Saturday.