How many rounds is the NHL Draft?

Last Modified Jun 27, 2024 05:56 GMT
How many rounds is the NHL Draft
NHL Draft(Source: Getty Images)

The NHL Entry Draft is an annual event held by the league where teams select eligible players to add to their rosters. It is the primary way for NHL teams to select new young talent from different junior leagues, collegiate level and from the European Leagues. At the draft, teams usually take turns at selecting players with a possibility of nearly 224 players getting selected.

Matter of factly, the draft order is generally determined by the teams' performance in the previous season. As a result, the team with the worst record usually gets the first pick, while the Stanley Cup champion gets the last pick in each round.

Read More : Where to watch nhl draft?

NHL Draft Rounds

The NHL Draft consists of seven rounds with each of the 32 NHL teams typically making one selection per round. However, the number of picks can vary due to trades and compensatory picks. The draft order is determined based on the teams' performance in the last season with the team having the worst record getting the first overall pick, although this order can be controlled by the NHL Draft Lottery for the top picks.

The first round features the top prospects available from around the globe with each team getting a chance to pick one player, making 32 picks in total. For the following rounds, the order stays the same, but the number of picks can vary because of trades and special picks. Usually, each team gets one pick per round, so there are about 192 more players that can be chosen over the next six rounds. This means that teams can still find talented players even after the first round.

After being drafted, the players usually stay in junior leagues, college, or are sent to the American Hockey League (AHL) if they are ready for pro play. This provides enough time to the players to improve their skills and gain experience before joining their NHL team.

Know More : How many players are drafted in the Nhl each year?

FAQ's On How many rounds in nhl draft

A. Each of the 32 NHL teams can make one selection per round, meaning that there can be a total of 224 players selected.

A. At the conclusion of the regular season, the sixteen teams that did not qualify for the playoffs are entered in a weighted lottery to determine the initial draft picks in the first round. The following rounds see all the teams pick players until the last round is done.

A. The NHL Draft will be taking place on June 28 and June 29 at Sphere in Las Vegas. 

A. The San Jose Sharks won the 2024 NHL draft lottery, securing the first overall pick.

A. Yes, the NHL Draft is an annual event, taking place nearly two or three months after the conclusion of the regular NHL season.

Related Stories

Zach Hyman opens up on injury return as Oilers star shares uncertainty over season opener Zach Hyman opens up on injury return as Oilers star shares uncertainty over season opener
Zach Hyman opens up on injury return as Oilers star shares uncertainty over season opener
1d
NHL analyst weighs in on $38,500,000 winger's Olympic chances, citing proven chemistry with Connor McDavid NHL analyst weighs in on $38,500,000 winger's Olympic chances, citing proven chemistry with Connor McDavid
NHL analyst weighs in on $38,500,000 winger's Olympic chances, citing proven chemistry with Connor McDavid
5 NHL stars who will likely represent their country for the last time at 2026 Olympics ft. Brad Marchand 5 NHL stars who will likely represent their country for the last time at 2026 Olympics ft. Brad Marchand
5 NHL stars who will likely represent their country for the last time at 2026 Olympics ft. Brad Marchand
1d
In Photos: Sidney Crosby & Connor McDavid join Canadian women’s hockey stars Marie Philip Poulin & Sarah Nurse for star-studded round of golf In Photos: Sidney Crosby & Connor McDavid join Canadian women’s hockey stars Marie Philip Poulin & Sarah Nurse for star-studded round of golf
In Photos: Sidney Crosby & Connor McDavid join Canadian women’s hockey stars Marie Philip Poulin & Sarah Nurse for star-studded round of golf
1d
"Very manipulative": NHL analyst gives his thoughts on Connor McDavid's latest eye-opening statement about Oilers contract extension drama "Very manipulative": NHL analyst gives his thoughts on Connor McDavid's latest eye-opening statement about Oilers contract extension drama
"Very manipulative": NHL analyst gives his thoughts on Connor McDavid's latest eye-opening statement about Oilers contract extension drama
NHL analyst entertains blockbuster Canadiens mock trade for young 2C in exchange for Jacob Fowler NHL analyst entertains blockbuster Canadiens mock trade for young 2C in exchange for Jacob Fowler
NHL analyst entertains blockbuster Canadiens mock trade for young 2C in exchange for Jacob Fowler
1d
Capitals’ Alex Ovechkin shuts down retirement rumours once and for all Capitals’ Alex Ovechkin shuts down retirement rumours once and for all
Capitals’ Alex Ovechkin shuts down retirement rumours once and for all
19h
Seattle Kraken slammed the door on NJ Devils’ pursuit of $25,000,000 star forward: Reports Seattle Kraken slammed the door on NJ Devils’ pursuit of $25,000,000 star forward: Reports
Seattle Kraken slammed the door on NJ Devils’ pursuit of $25,000,000 star forward: Reports
19h
NFL legend Tom Brady chips in as Leafs' Max Domi pens heartfelt birthday message for girlfriend Estelle NFL legend Tom Brady chips in as Leafs' Max Domi pens heartfelt birthday message for girlfriend Estelle
NFL legend Tom Brady chips in as Leafs' Max Domi pens heartfelt birthday message for girlfriend Estelle
NHL Rumors: Atleast four teams eyeing to offer Carter Hart PTO once cleared for return NHL Rumors: Atleast four teams eyeing to offer Carter Hart PTO once cleared for return
NHL Rumors: Atleast four teams eyeing to offer Carter Hart PTO once cleared for return
Sportskeeda logo
Close menu
WWE
WWE
NBA
NBA
NFL
NFL
MMA
MMA
Tennis
Tennis
NHL
NHL
Golf
Golf
MLB
MLB
Soccer
Soccer
F1
F1
WNBA
WNBA
down arrow icon
More
bell-icon Manage notifications