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The NHL Entry Draft, officially known as the NHL amateur draft until 1979, is an annual event where NHL teams select eligible ice hockey players. It began in 1963 and became a public event in 1980, with live TV coverage starting in 1984. At the beginning, teams selected based on their standings, but since 1995, a draft lottery has determined the top picks. However, with rules evolving over the years, younger players and those from European leagues can be drafted alongside players from junior leagues and collegiate programs. Recently, changes were made to limit how far teams can move up in the draft order based on lottery results. The draft's format will decentralize starting in 2025, accommodating remote participation. Each year around 224 players are drafted depending on the number of picks a team has accumulated prior to the trade. For the 2024 season, the San Jose Sharks hold the right to draft the first overall pick after winning the 2024 NHL Draft Lottery.
NHL Draft Players
The NHL Entry Draft is an annual event where teams from the National Hockey League (NHL) select eligible players to join their rosters. Players eligible for the draft include North Americans aged 18-20 and international players aged 18-21, while others become unrestricted free agents and is typically held a few months after the conclusion of the NHL season. At the draft, teams take turns to pick amateur players from junior or collegiate leagues, as well as professional players from European leagues. Furthermore, many players entering the NCAA have already been drafted by NHL teams before they start college. The U.S. Junior League (USHL) and Canadian provincial junior leagues are significant sources for NCAA players. Once in the NCAA, some players are drafted directly to the NHL, while others may sign as free agents after completing their degrees.
When is the 2024 NHL Draft?
The 2024 NHL Draft is scheduled to take place on Friday, June 28 and Saturday, June 29, at The Sphere in Las Vegas, Nevada. The first round of the draft will begin on June 28 at 4:00 p.m. Pacific Time, followed by rounds 2 through 7 on June 29 starting at 8:30 a.m. PT. This year marks the NHL's 62nd draft, where all 32 NHL clubs will select eligible prospects, including players born between January 1, 2004, and September 15, 2006, and undrafted non-North American athletes born in 2003. The event will be broadcast live on ESPN, ESPN+, Sportsnet, TVA Sports, NHL Network, SN1, and other platforms.
Who are the top prospects of NHL Draft 2024?
The top prospects for the 2024 NHL Draft showcase a mix of elite talent across both forwards and defensemen. Leading the pack is Macklin Celebrini, a highly touted center who is poised to be the first overall pick. Remarkably, Celebrini's exceptional skills and potential have solidified his status as the standout prospect of this draft class. Following closely behind is Ivan Demidov, a dynamic Russian winger known for his offensive prowess and playmaking abilities.
On the defensive front, Artyom Levshunov and Zeev Buium stand out prominently. Levshunov is a right-shot defenseman from Michigan State who has impressed with his size and scoring ability, putting up impressive numbers in the NCAA. Buium, on the other hand, played a pivotal role in University of Denver's NCAA championship win. Anton Silayev, a towering presence at six-foot-seven with a notable KHL performance, also ranks high and brings a combination of size and skill to the draft table.
FAQs
A. The NHL Entry Draft is an annual event where NHL teams select eligible ice hockey players to join their organizations.
A. The first NHL Entry Draft, known then as the NHL amateur draft, took place on June 5, 1963, in Montreal, Quebec.
A. The draft order is primarily determined by regular season standings, with the teams that didn't qualify for the playoffs having higher picks. A draft lottery also influences the top selections.
A. The NHL draft lottery was introduced in 1995 to determine the order of selection for the top picks among non-playoff teams.
A. North American players aged 18–20 and European/international players aged 18–21 are eligible. Older players and undrafted prospects may enter the league as unrestricted free agents.
