The first round of the 2026 Upper Deck NHL Draft was full of excitement and big expectations. Before the draft started, one special moment caught everyone's attention.

A video shared by the official NHL Media X account showed New York Islanders defenseman Matthew Schaefer giving top draft prospect Gavin McKenna a warm hug before the event began. The cameras captured the friendly moment between two of hockey's top young players.

McKenna came into the 2026 NHL Draft as the favorite to be the No. 1 overall pick after a strong season at Penn State. He became one of the top young forwards in college hockey.

Schaefer was already an NHL defenseman after winning the Calder Trophy in his first season with the New York Islanders.

In another interview during the NHL Draft, Schaefer talked about the excitement around the event. He also shared how special it was to watch the next group of young players take the first step toward the NHL.

“Yeah, like, just like the trade alerts coming up and stuff," Schaefer said. "Honestly, like it’s as little as that, but like I’m getting goosebumps sitting here. You know, seeing McKenna go up, someone I have played with, and seeing all these players go up. I mean, honestly, it’s such a dream come true, and you only have one draft ever."

Schaefer credited the New York Islanders organization and his teammates for making his transition to the NHL smooth, stressing that his success was built on team support rather than individual effort.

After the draft announcement, he again caught up with McKenna.

Matthew Schaefer shares a heartfelt message for McKenna

Schaefer, dressed in a suit, interviewed his Canadian junior teammate. McKenna again thanked those who helped him get here, and Schaefer shared his own thoughts.

“Enjoy the night,” Schaefer said as found in the clip posted by Sportsnet. “I was really pulling for you. I knew it wasn’t really much of a secret or anything, a lot of people knew it. Growing up in Toronto, you know, I think you’re in a great place. Obviously I’m a big Islanders fan now, and we’re gonna have some good rivalries. So good luck with everything, man. You deserve it, you’re the best.”

For Schaefer, watching the ceremony felt different. Having gone first overall just a year earlier, he now stood on the other side of the experience. He was already established in the NHL, while new prospects stepped into the spotlight for the first time.

Beyond the emotional draft moments, the first round of the 2026 NHL Draft, from Buffalo, also shaped the league’s future.

The Toronto Maple Leafs used the No. 1 pick on McKenna, valuing his elite playmaking and vision, while other teams also added key young players expected to lead their rebuilds.

The San Jose Sharks added Swedish forward Ivar Stenberg with the No. 2 overall selection. Caleb Malhotra was drafted third overall by the Vancouver Canucks in the first round. A committed two-way player, the 18-year-old ranked second among Ontario Hockey League rookies with 84 points.

What is your favorite moment from the 2026 NHL Draft? Let us know in the comments.

Read more at the NHL Fan Central.

Written by

Kapil Manghnani

Edited by

Soheli Tarafdar