Rangers and Flames Eye Moves Up 2026 NHL Draft Board

San Jose holds the second overall pick for the second consecutive year and remains open to moving it just weeks before the 2026 NHL Draft.

Rangers and Flames Lead Pursuit of Higher Selections

The New York Rangers have signaled interest in climbing the draft order to secure a higher selection than their current slot. Dave Pagnotta reported on NHL Tonight that the Rangers plan to explore possibilities at the top of the board. This interest aligns with the team’s need for immediate-impact talent after recent roster adjustments.

Calgary Flames general manager Craig Conroy has directed his staff to pursue upward movement from the sixth overall pick. The Flames entered the offseason expecting a stronger draft position but now view trading up as essential to landing a franchise cornerstone. Conroy has also kept multiple roster players available in discussions to facilitate such deals.

Chicago’s willingness to entertain offers on the fourth overall pick creates a natural target for both clubs. The proximity of the fifth and sixth selections further concentrates activity in this narrow window. Teams holding picks immediately behind these slots now face decisions on whether to match or exceed incoming bids.

Vancouver and Additional Teams Join Conversations

Vancouver’s front-office overhaul positions the Canucks to inquire about the second overall pick held by San Jose. New leadership has already begun evaluating draft capital as a route to accelerate the rebuild. Pagnotta noted that discussions with the Sharks could surface within days as the Canucks finalize coaching staff changes.

San Jose’s openness on the second pick extends beyond Vancouver. Multiple clubs have initiated contact, increasing the probability of at least one significant pre-draft swap. Chicago mirrors this posture on the fourth selection, expanding the pool of potential suitors.

Last year’s draft produced limited top-10 movement. Pagnotta expressed that this offseason’s activity level should exceed that benchmark once teams finalize their boards closer to the event.

Draft Timing and Expected Fireworks

The 2026 NHL Draft sits roughly one month away from the May 26, 2026 broadcast. This compressed timeline accelerates negotiations as teams finalize scouting rankings and salary-cap projections. Early conversations between the Rangers, Flames, and the holders of the second and fourth picks indicate momentum building rapidly.

Calgary’s dual posture—aggressive on moving up while remaining flexible on outgoing players—maximizes leverage. The Rangers’ exploratory approach similarly keeps options open without committing capital prematurely. Both strategies increase the likelihood that one or more top-five selections will be exchanged before the draft opens.