The NHL Entry Draft is an annual event where NHL teams select eligible ice hockey players. Notably, the National Hockey League (NHL) introduced the first-ever draft in 1963 and it was originally known as the NHL Amateur Draft. However, it was renamed in 1979 and has gone through several notable changes over the years.
Prior to 1995, the draft order was based solely on regular season standings. Moving on, the NHL introduced a draft lottery in 1995 for teams that missed the playoffs. As a result, the lottery winner could move up to four places in the draft order, so only the five lowest-ranked teams had a chance at the first pick. The odds favored the teams with the worst records.
During the 2013-15 phase, the lottery winner automatically received the first overall pick. The subsequent years saw the top three picks decided by lottery, with teams moving down no more than three spots. Later on, in 2021, the system changed to two lottery winners deciding the top two picks, with teams moving down no more than two spots. Nonetheless, a rule change in 2022 stated that lottery winners can move up no more than ten places, meaning only the bottom eleven teams by regular season points can win the first pick. If a team outside the bottom eleven wins the lottery, they move up ten spots, and the team with the worst record gets the first overall pick.
What is the location of the NHL Draft?
The 2024 NHL Entry Draft is going to take place at the Sphere in Las Vegas on June 28 and 29. The first two rounds are scheduled on June 28, starting at 7 p.m. ET, and rounds 2-7 will occur on June 29, 2024, beginning at 11:30 a.m. ET.
The Sphere is situated at 255 Sands Ave, Paradise, Nevada and is owned and operated by Sphere Entertainment Co. and Vici Properties. Moreover, the venue has a seating capacity of 18,600 fans and has hosted multiple concerts and award shows over the years. Additionally, it can host ring sports events such as boxing and mixed martial arts as well as esports tournaments.
NHL Draft Tickets and Broadcast
Fans can book the NHL Draft tickets through Ticketmaster. Additionally, they can be bought in-person at the Sphere concierge, operating one hour before the start of each show.
People who want to enjoy the NHL Entry Draft enjoy the event can watch the full coverage on ESPN/ESPN+ for the USA audience, while in Canada, it will be aired on Sportsnet or on TVA Sports.
FAQ's On NHL Draft Location
A. The NHL Entry Draft is an annual event where NHL teams select eligible amateur players to join their teams.
A. The 2024 NHL Entry Draft is going to take place at the Sphere in Las Vegas on June 28 and 29 2024.
A. NHL draft tickets range from $59.63 to $110.09 depending on the section and row one wants to be at.
A. The San Jose Sharks won the Draft Lottery and will be having the first draft pick at the 2024 NHL Entry Draft.
A. Fans can book the NHL entry Draft tickets through Ticketmaster.
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