NHL Teams Lose 2026 First-Round Draft Picks Due to Trade Conditions

Maple Leafs, Panthers, Oilers among teams that may forfeit picks this year

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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Nearly one-third of the first-round picks in the 2026 NHL draft have already conditionally changed hands as part of completed trades. This means most contenders don't have a first-round pick to put in play before the March 6 trade deadline. The article examines the various trade conditions that could result in teams like the Maple Leafs, Panthers, Oilers, and others losing their 2026 first-round selections.

Why it matters

The loss of a first-round draft pick can have significant long-term implications for an NHL team's roster and competitiveness. Teams that traded away their 2026 first-rounders may now be regretting the conditions they agreed to, as unexpected circumstances like injuries or poor performance have put those picks at risk of being forfeited.

The details

The article details the specific trade conditions that could result in the loss of a 2026 first-round pick for several NHL teams. For example, the Maple Leafs' pick is top-five protected and could end up going to the Bruins, while the Panthers' pick is top-10 protected and could go to the Blackhawks. The Oilers, Flames, Hurricanes, Rangers, Canucks, and Kraken also have 2026 first-rounders that are subject to various protections and conditions.

  • The Maple Leafs, Panthers, and Oilers trades were made on March 1, 2025, March 7, 2025, and March 7, 2025 respectively.
  • The Flames trade was completed on March 6, 2024.
  • The Senators will forfeit their 2026 first-round pick as a penalty announced on November 1, 2023.

The players

Seth Jones

NHL player traded to the Chicago Blackhawks.

Brandon Carlo

NHL player traded to the Boston Bruins.

Jake Walman

NHL player traded to the San Jose Sharks.

Noah Hanifin

NHL player traded to the Calgary Flames.

Mikko Rantanen

NHL player traded to the Carolina Hurricanes.

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What they’re saying

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— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

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— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.