The Ontario Hockey League (OHL) has announced that the Oshawa Generals will pick first in the 2026 OHL Priority Draft. This marks a significant achievement for the Generals, who last held the top selection in 2005. During that draft, they selected John Tavares, who later became the OHL’s all-time leading goal-scorer.
Details of the 2026 OHL Draft Lottery
The draft lottery results revealed that the Oshawa Generals had a considerable 40 percent chance of landing the top pick. Other teams participating included:
- Erie Otters – 30 percent chance
- Brampton Steelheads – 20 percent chance
- Sarnia Sting – 10 percent chance
The final decision was made using a computerized random number generator, supervised by legal partner Robert Bayne from Filion Wakely Thorup Angeletti LLP.
Historical Context and Previous Picks
In addition to selecting Tavares, the Generals also chose Tom McCarthy as the first overall pick in the 1977 OHA Draft, who later played in the NHL. Last season, the Generals had an unfortunate record of 19-45-3-1 but had previously enjoyed back-to-back titles in the Eastern Conference.
Upcoming Events Related to the 2026 OHL Priority Draft
The 2026 OHL Priority Selection, presented by Real Canadian Superstore, will occur on June 12-13, 2026. This event returns to an in-person format at Slush Puppie Place in Kingston after 25 years. Tickets for this anticipated event will go on sale to the public starting April 14 at 10:00 AM.
2026 OHL Priority Selection First Round Order
| Position | Team |
|---|---|
| 1 | Oshawa Generals |
| 2 | Erie Otters |
| 3 | Brampton Steelheads |
| 4 | Sarnia Sting |
| 5 | Sudbury Wolves |
| 6 | Saginaw Spirit |
| 7 | Guelph Storm |
| 8 | Owen Sound Attack |
| 9 | Niagara IceDogs |
| 10 | Kingston Frontenacs |
| 11 | North Bay Battalion |
| 12 | Soo Greyhounds |
| 13 | Peterborough Petes |
| 14 | London Knights |
| 15 | Flint Firebirds |
| 16 | Windsor Spitfires |
| 17 | Barrie Colts |
| 18 | Ottawa 67’s |
| 19 | Kitchener Rangers |
| 20 | Brantford Bulldogs |
Additionally, the lottery results will inform the order for both the 2026 OHL Under-18 Priority Selection, scheduled for June 8, and the 2026 CHL Import Draft.
