The Canadian Hockey League has finalized the selection order for the 2026 CHL Import Draft, scheduled for Tuesday, June 30, at 11 a.
m. ET.
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The draft introduces modified age regulations for international prospects across its three member leagues.
The Oshawa Generals of the Ontario Hockey League secured the first overall selection. The Halifax Mooseheads moved into the second spot following a trade with the Baie-Comeau Drakkar.
The Lethbridge Hurricanes and Guelph Storm round out the top four selections.
The draft consists of three rounds to accommodate a league maximum of three import players per roster.
New Age Eligibility Rules
League officials instituted updated eligibility criteria for this edition.
Twenty-year-old import players can be selected in any round, while 16-year-old international players are restricted strictly to the opening round.
CHL franchises face a limit of one 16-year-old import player per season.
Clubs that release or delete a 16-year-old prospect during the regular season will see their roster capacity restricted to two import players for the remainder of the year and playoffs.
Trade Activity and Team Strategies
Several teams adjusted their draft assets through trades prior to the deadline.
The Medicine Hat Tigers acquired the 73rd overall pick from the Everett Silvertips in exchange for a 2030 sixth-round selection.
The Saint John Sea Dogs climbed to the 66th overall spot by trading their 78th pick and a 2027 eighth-round selection to the Chicoutimi Saguenéens.
