Do playoffs affect NHL draft order?

The NHL Entry Draft is an annual event where NHL teams select young, eligible ice hockey players to join their team. Notably, the Entry Draft includes North American players aged 18-20 and European/international players aged 18-21, while others can enter the league as unrestricted free agents. The event takes place each year two typically in June with the draft allowing teams to choose from amateur players in junior or collegiate programs and professionals from European leagues. Notable players that will be eligible to be drafted at the 2024 NHL Draft, includes Celebrini Macklin, Tij Iginla, John Parsons, Zayne Parekh, Zeev Buium, Cayden Lindstrom, Sam Dickinson, Emil Hemming, Eemil Vinni, Konsta Helenius, Michael Hafe, Henry Mews and Anton Silayev. Additionally, the event will take place at the Sphere, in Las Vegas.

Do playoffs affect NHL draft order?

Playoffs affect the NHL draft order in a way where teams that do not qualify for the playoffs are entered into the NHL Draft Lottery. Their draft order is primarily determined by their regular-season standings, with the worst-performing teams having the highest chances of winning the lottery and securing higher draft picks. The lottery determines the top two picks, and the remaining non-playoff teams are ordered by their regular-season point totals.

Teams that make the playoffs are ordered based on their performance in the postseason. The Stanley Cup winner gets the last pick (32nd overall), and the runner-up gets the second-last pick (31st overall). The rest of the playoff teams are ordered by their points in the regular season and how far they advanced in the playoffs, with teams eliminated in earlier rounds picking before those that advanced further.

Do NHL Draft picks go straight to the NHL?

No, the NHL draft picks do not typically go straight to the NHL. Instead, most players spend additional time developing their skills in junior leagues, at collegiate level , or in European professional leagues before making their debut in the NHL. This period allows them to mature physically and mentally, ensuring they are better prepared for the rigors of professional hockey.

Top draft picks, especially those chosen in the first round, often have a better chance of joining the NHL team sooner, sometimes even in the same year they are drafted. However, even highly regarded prospects often spend a few years in junior leagues, developmental territories, European leagues to develop their skills.