The New York Islanders will have the 13th overall pick in the 2026 National Hockey League Draft, which is scheduled for June 26. The team’s draft position was confirmed after the NHL Draft Lottery held on May 5.
The Islanders entered the lottery with the 13th-best odds and remained in that spot after the results were announced. This means their projected position did not change as a result of the lottery.
In last year’s draft, New York made three first-round selections—Matthew Schaefer, Victor Eklund, and Kashawn Aitcheson—picking them at first, sixteenth, and seventeenth overall respectively. The team has previously held the thirteenth pick twice before: selecting Dean Chynoweth in 1987 and Derek King in 1985.
The upcoming draft will take place in Buffalo, New York. Round one will be conducted on Friday, June 26, followed by rounds two through seven on Saturday, June 27. The Toronto Maple Leafs hold this year’s first-overall selection while the San Jose Sharks have secured the second pick.
Looking ahead to next season’s roster development, fans are encouraged to stay engaged as preparations continue for both this summer’s draft and membership opportunities for future seasons.
