About NHL Draft
The NHL Draft is an annual event where National Hockey League (NHL) teams select eligible players to join the league. Typically held after two or three months, it consists of seven rounds where teams pick in reverse order of their regular-season standings, with the team with the worst record picking first. This system ensures a competitive balance of teams picking their talents, allowing weaker teams to access top new talent.
Notably, the draft includes players from junior leagues, collegiate levels, and European Leagues aged 18-21. The NHL draft is a key event that often leads these players to become future stars.
NHL Draft 2024
The 2024 NHL Entry Draft will be the 62nd NHL Entry Draft and is scheduled for June 28-29, 2024, at Sphere in Las Vegas.
Remarkably, for the 2024 NHL Entry Draft, the San Jose Sharks will have the right to claim the first overall pick. This will also be the first instance that the team will have the right to claim the first overall pick. On the other hand, players born between January 1, 2004, and September 15, 2006, are eligible. Additionally, undrafted non-North American players born in 2003 and players drafted in 2022 but not signed and born after June 30, 2004, can re-enter the draft.
Notably, the draft rights of the deactivated Arizona Coyotes were transferred to the new Utah team before the Draft.
NHL Draft Format
The NHL Draft Lottery determines the order of the draft for the sixteen teams that do not make the playoffs. Each of these teams is given a percentage chance of winning the top pick based on their standings. The lower a team finishes, the better their chances, however the last-place team is not guaranteed the first pick.
The lottery involves two draws: one for the first overall pick and another for the second pick. This is a change from the previous format, which had three draws for the top three picks. Remarkably, several new rules were implemented starting with the 2022 draft to limit how far up teams can move and how often they can win. Presently, teams can move up a maximum of 10 spots if they win a lottery draw, so those ranked 12-16 cannot get the first pick. Additionally, a team can only win the lottery twice in five years (Wins before 2022 do not count toward this limit).
Once the top two picks are determined, the remaining teams are slotted based on their standings, ensuring the team with the worst record picks no later than third. Accordingly, these teams then pick players in turns for seven rounds with each team getting a chance every round to pick a player.
NHL Draft Schedule
The schedule for the 2024 Upper Deck NHL Draft is set, with the first round taking place on June 28 at 7 p.m. ET with live broadcast on ESPN, ESPN+, SN, and TVAS.
Rounds 2-7 are scheduled for June 29, at 11:30 a.m. ET, and will be available on ESPN+, NHLN, SN, and SN1.
NHL Draft Date
The 2024 NHL Draft is scheduled to take place on June 28–29, 2024, at Sphere in Las Vegas. The first round will be taking place on June 28 and rounds two to seven will be taking place on June 29.
NHL Draft Time
The 2024 NHL Entry Draft first round is scheduled for June 28, 2024, starting at 7 p.m. ET, and rounds 2-7 will occur on June 29, 2024, beginning at 11:30 a.m. ET.
NHL Draft Location
The venue of NHL 2024 Draft will be held at Sphere, a music and entertainment arena located in Paradise, Nevada on the east of the Las Vegas Strip
Notably, the venue has a seating capacity of 18,600 and can accommodate 20,000 including floor space. It also features 23 executive suites and is owned and operated by Sphere Entertainment Co. and Vici Properties.
Know More : NHL Draft Location
NHL Draft Tickets
Tickets for events hosted at Sphere are available for purchase through Ticketmaster, accessible via thesphere.com. Additionally, they can be bought in-person at the Sphere concierge, operating one hour before the start of each show. NHL draft tickets range from $59.63 to $110.09 depending on the section and row. Seats closer to the stage or center tend to be more expensive.
Where to watch the NHL Draft?
Fans can watch the NHL Draft on various television networks and streaming platforms. In the United States, it will be broadcasted on ESPN/ESPN+, while in Canada, it will be aired on Sportsnet or on TVA Sports. Additionally, NHL Network often provides coverage of the draft.
Streaming options may include the official NHL website or app, as well as streaming services like Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV, or Sling TV, depending on availability and region.
Read More : Nhl Draft Eligibility
FAQ's On 2024 NHL Draft
A. The 2024 NHL Entry Draft first round is scheduled for June 28, 2024, starting at 7 p.m. ET, and rounds 2-7 will occur on June 29, 2024, beginning at 11:30 a.m. ET.
A. The San Jose Sharks will get the chance to pick the first overall pick in the 2024 NHL Entry Draft.
A. Seventeen-year-old Macklin Celebrini is considered as a top prospect for the 2024 NHL Entry Draft.
A. Players born between January 1, 2004, and September 15, 2006, are eligible for the 2024 NHL Entry Draft.
A. Yes, teams can trade their draft picks to other teams, either for players, other draft picks, or future considerations.
