How Four Teams' New 2026 First-Round Picks Reshape Rebuilds

Buffalo acquired the fourth overall pick by trading Bowen Byram and Jordan Greenway to Chicago for the fourth and 45th selections in 2026.

Buffalo Sabres target high-motor center

Buffalo enters the draft with no major roster holes after moving Alex Tuch. The club therefore seeks a plug-and-play forward who can drive play immediately. Viggo Bjorck recorded a motor comparable to an F-150 engine while centering Djurgarden’s top line. At 5-foot-9 he projects as a future top-two center behind the current Sabres depth chart. His high-level processing allows him to complement skilled linemates without requiring top-line ice time from day one. The Sabres hold both the fourth and 45th picks, giving them flexibility to add supporting pieces around Bjorck if they stay at four.

San Jose Sharks add two-way defenseman

San Jose moved William Eklund, Kasper Halttunen and Brandon Svoboda to Ottawa to obtain the ninth overall selection originally belonging to Florida. The Sharks sit at the tail end of a likely defenseman run and could trade up if a premium blueliner falls. If they remain at nine, Daxon Rudolph brings 6-foot-2 size and three-zone impact. Rudolph posted 28 goals in the WHL regular season and added nine goals with 27 points in 19 playoff games. He is expected to quarterback Denver’s power play next season under coach David Carle, addressing prior defensive-detail concerns. The pick gives San Jose a transition driver who can log heavy minutes by 2028.

St. Louis Blues seek skilled two-way pivot

St. Louis sent Jordan Kyrou to Washington for the 16th overall pick, Connor McMichael and Milton Gastrin. The Blues already hold selections at 11, 15 and 29, creating multiple paths to add centers. Alexander Command displays the same high hockey IQ and processing speed that defined Alex Steen’s playing style. Command’s vision and pace allow him to play both wing and center while creating offense through smart positioning. Dalibor Dvorsky has already reached the NHL level at center, yet Command supplies a complementary skill set that could accelerate the return to Stanley Cup contention. The 16th pick therefore functions as a high-floor addition rather than a pure project.

Ottawa Senators emphasize defensive reliability

Ottawa traded Brady Tkachuk to Florida for the ninth and 25th overall picks in 2026 plus future assets. After acquiring William Eklund, the Senators added forward skill and now seek defensive detail at 25. Jack Hextall posted strong puck-battle numbers in the USHL with Youngstown, winning loose pucks through physical engagement. His frame and retrieval game align with Ottawa’s preferred style of play. Hextall retains offensive upside that can emerge once he secures a bottom-six role. The 25th selection therefore supplies a reliable two-way piece that complements the skill already added via Eklund.

The four teams now hold clear building blocks that address specific roster gaps rather than generic high-end talent.