The Buffalo Sabres are getting ready to host one of hockey’s biggest events, the 2026 NHL Draft, at KeyBank Center. The event is expected to bring thousands of visitors and boost business across the city. Local leaders believe it will help tourism, support local businesses, and strengthen Buffalo’s reputation as a hockey city.

According to reports by WGRZ, the draft could bring more than $3.5 million to the local economy. The first round will take place on Friday night, and rounds two through seven will be held on Saturday.

Hotels, restaurants, bars, and other downtown businesses are expected to see more customers because of visiting fans, media members, and NHL team staff.

In the same report by WGRZ, Patrick Kaler, president and CEO of Visit Buffalo Niagara, spoke about how important the event is for Buffalo’s image and hockey reputation.

“The eyes of the world are on Buffalo when it comes to hockey, and now that we're hosting the NHL Draft, it's another opportunity.”

His comments show that Buffalo has been getting more attention in the hockey world, especially because of the excitement around the Buffalo Sabres.

Local businesses are also getting ready for more visitors. Frank LiPuma, general manager of Sidelines Sports Bar, said that the bar often welcomes visiting hockey fans because it is located near several major hotels.

“We take a lot of pride in representing Buffalo and Buffalo food, whether it's chicken wings or beef on weck.”

The NHL has already reserved more than 2,000 hotel rooms for people attending the draft. This shows how large the event is expected to be and how much it could help the local economy.

NHL Draft Also Gives Buffalo Sabres a Chance to Showcase Its Transformation

The WGRZ report said that city leaders see the NHL Draft as more than just a chance to make money. They also see it as an opportunity to show visitors how much Buffalo has changed since it last hosted the event 10 years ago.

Patrick Kaler said the city now has many new restaurants, hotels, attractions, and redevelopment projects. He believes hockey fans returning to Buffalo will see a very different city compared to their previous visits.

“To be able to showcase how our community has evolved and changed... hockey fans coming back in 2026 will have a completely different experience.”

Local fan Jackie Brown shared the same community feeling around the event. She said that sports can bring people from different backgrounds together.

With thousands of visitors expected and millions of dollars projected to enter the local economy, Buffalo’s leaders hope the 2026 NHL Draft will be both a celebration of hockey and a chance to show how much the city has grown.

What do you think? How could the 2026 NHL Draft help Buffalo grow economically and attract future events? Comment down below. 

Read more at the NHL Fan Central.

Written by

Kapil Manghnani

Edited by

Kaamna Dwivedi