Two Ukrainian Ice Hockey Players Could Be Selected in the 2026 NHL Draft

Ukrainian Prospects in the 2026 NHL Draft: What We Know

According to Главком: The 64th NHL Draft is scheduled for June 26–27, 2026, in Buffalo at the home arena of the Buffalo Sabres. According to early projections, forward Gavin McKenna is expected to be the first overall pick. The draft lottery has already taken place, and the Toronto team-which had an 8.5% chance of winning before the lottery-will have the first selection. Ukrainian hockey players Mykola Kosarev and Illia Shybinskyi are among those who could hear their names called during this event.

Player Profiles

• Mykola Kosarev: An 18-year-old defenseman who did not make the NHL's scouting rankings but appears in the top 100 of other lists. This season, he played in Norway for the Stavanger Oilers, recording 4 points (4 goals, 1 assist) in 15 games. He also appeared in Canada's Western Hockey League with the Victoria Royals, notching 1 point (0 goals, 1 assist) in 21 contests.
• Illia Shybinskyi: An 18-year-old forward currently playing in the OHL. In the ongoing season, he has accumulated 44 points in 60 games and ranks 181st in the NHL's scouting rankings for the draft.

These promising young athletes represent Ukrainian hockey on the international stage, and their potential selection in the 2026 NHL Draft could mark a significant milestone in their careers. Notably, the Ukrainian national team recently defeated France 3:2 at the 2026 Ice Hockey World Championship. Goals for Ukraine were scored by Hrebenyk, Merezhko, and Trakht. Under coach Khrystych, the team currently sits in second place in the standings with 6 points from 3 games. Ukraine's next match is scheduled for May 7 against Kazakhstan.

The presence of Ukrainian players in the NHL draft is a key indicator of the sport's growth in Ukraine. Source: Sports Event Analytics

The emergence of talents like Kosarev and Shybinskyi reflects the improving hockey infrastructure and youth development programs in the country. International successes, such as the victory over France, further highlight the potential of Ukrainian hockey and may draw greater attention to the sport both within Ukraine and abroad.

As the excitement builds around the potential of Ukrainian players in the upcoming draft, it's also worth noting the remarkable performance of the Ukrainian national team in the 2026 Ice Hockey World Championship. Their recent victory against France showcases the growing talent within Ukrainian hockey. For a closer look at their next challenge and the betting odds for the upcoming match against Poland, check out this article on Ukraine's Ice Hockey team.