The NHL entry draft is an annual event where each National Hockey League (NHL) team selects the rights to young ice hockey players eligible for the draft. Notably, it occurs within two to three months after the NHL regular season ends with teams taking turns to choose players from junior or collegiate leagues, as well as professionals from the European leagues.
Established in 1963, initially as the NHL amateur draft, it became a public event in 1980 and was televised for the first time in 1984. The draft order was historically based on regular season standings, but since 1995, a draft lottery has determined the top picks, favoring teams with poorer records to promote parity in the league.
Draft picks per NHL teams?
In the NHL, each team receives a specific number of draft picks each year, covering the NHL Entry Draft, which is typically held in late June. Here's a breakdown of the draft picks each NHL team receives:
1. First-Round Picks: Each of the 32 NHL teams (as of the 2023-24 season) are eligible to make one selection in the first round of the NHL Entry Draft. These picks are based on the team's regular-season standings, with the team finishing last overall receiving the first pick.
2. Second to Seventh-Round Picks: Following the first round, teams are scheduled to pick in reverse order of their regular-season standings, from the team with the worst record to the best record. Each team is allocated one pick per round from the second round through to the seventh round.
To summarize, each NHL team receives at least seven draft picks annually, one per round from the first to the seventh round. This standard allocation ensures parity and fairness across all teams participating in the draft process.
Who Is Eligible To Be Selected In The NHL Draft?
To be eligible for selection in the NHL Draft, a player must meet certain criteria established by the National Hockey League. Generally, players are eligible for the NHL Draft in the calendar year they turn 18 years old.
Players eligible for the 2024 NHL Entry Draft must have been born between January 1, 2004, and September 15, 2006. This age range ensures that players are typically 18 or 19 years old during their draft year. Non-North American players who were born in 2003 are also eligible for the 2024 NHL Entry Draft, provided they were not previously drafted in a prior NHL Draft.
Players who were drafted in the 2022 NHL Entry Draft but were not signed by an NHL team and who were born after June 30, 2004, are eligible to re-enter the draft. This rule allows these players another opportunity to be selected if they have developed further since their initial draft year.
Who are the Top prospects of the 2024 NHL entry draft?
The top prospects for the 2024 NHL Entry Draft, as ranked by NHL Central Scouting as of 2024, showcase a mix of North American and European talent across different positions. Leading the pack among the North American skaters is Macklin Celebrini from Canada, followed closely by fellow Canadians Cayden Lindstrom and Zeev Buium, who excel at centre and defence respectively.
On the European side, Anton Silayev of Russia tops the rankings as a defenseman, with Ivan Demidov also from Russia and Konsta Helenius from Finland following suit. The goaltending prospects include Mikhail Yegorov of Russia and Eemil Vinni from Finland.
FAQ's On NHL team
A. The NHL Draft is an annual event where NHL teams select the rights of amateur hockey players who meet eligibility criteria.
A. The NHL Draft is typically held within two to three months after the conclusion of the NHL regular season.
A. There are seven rounds in the NHL Draft, where each team has the opportunity to make a selection.
A. The draft order is based on the reverse order of the NHL standings from the previous season, with the team finishing last having the first overall pick.
A. In total, 223 players were selected in the 2023 NHL Draft, with seven rounds consisting of 32 picks each.
