In 2026, the NHL Rookie Faceoff will mark its second consecutive year in San Jose, this time with a much bigger exposure where hockey fans can watch some of the young talent destined to become the best in the sport. There will be six teams that will compete this year, double the number of teams last year when it was a Golden State Rookie Faceoff.
The 2026 tournament will feature San Jose hosts at Tech CU Arena and Sharks Ice September 12-15. The teams involved are the Sharks, Anaheim Ducks, Los Angeles Kings, Colorado Avalanche and the Utah Mammoth and Vegas Golden Knights.
It’s an extended tournament that’ll be a big chance for prospects to play against other teams before training camp is over. It’s a tremendous opportunity for teams to assess and observe young athletes vying for a position on a professional team.
The team entering San Jose will be a team with some interesting prospects. There are 2025 second overall picks Michael Misa and Igor Chernyshov and Quentin Musty on the Sharks’ team. For those at home, there will also be the addition of 2026 second overall pick Ivar Stenberg.
The fighting starts Sept. 12 when Colorado plays Anaheim, Utah plays Vegas and Los Angeles plays San Jose. Three more games will be played the next day, and there will be a practice day September 14. The tournament wraps up with a game against Los Angeles on Sept. 15.
With six organizations involved and several highly regarded prospects expected to participate, the 2026 Rookie Faceoff should offer a fascinating preview of the next generation of NHL talent. It’s a chance for those who love the game to witness the development of future superstars making some big leaps.
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