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 to boast their roster strength. Eligible players include North American athletes aged 18-20 and international players aged 18-21, while older players may enter the league as unrestricted free agents.
Held each year within two to three months after the regular season concludes, the draft allows teams to choose players from junior, collegiate, and international leagues. Notably, the draft format has evolved significantly since its inception in 1963, becoming a televised event in 1984 and implementing a lottery system in 1995 to determine the draft order among non-playoff teams. A recent change implemented in 2022 also add a new dimension to the NHL Draft.
Which NHL team has the most draft picks in 2024?
The Arizona Coyotes led the pack with the most picks in 2024, holding a whopping total of 13 selections. This included a first-round pick and multiple picks in the second and third rounds. However, with their deactivation, all their assets were given to the Utah Hockey Club, the newest NHL franchise. With such a significant number of picks, the Utah Hockey Club has the flexibility to either draft a large number of prospects across various rounds.
The Montreal Canadiens follow them with 12 picks, featuring two first-round selections. Behind them, the Philadelphia Flyers possess 10 picks including two first-round selections. The Ottawa Senators boast nine picks, including two first-rounders, one of which is conditional. Moreover, the San Jose Sharks hold nine picks, including two in the first round, positioning them to bolster their roster with high-potential prospects.
When is the 2024 NHL Entry Draft?
The 2024 NHL Entry Draft will be held at The Sphere Las Vegas on June 28-29, 2024. This iconic venue is known for its impressive LED-covered exterior and expansive interior.
Where can we watch the 2024 NHL Entry Draft?
The 2024 NHL Draft will be held at The Sphere in Las Vegas. The first round of the draft is scheduled for June 28, 2024, starting at 7:00 p.m. Eastern Time (ET).
It will be broadcasted on ESPN, ESPN+, Sportsnet (SN), and TVA Sports (TVAS). The subsequent rounds, from 2 to 7, will take place on June 29, 2024, beginning at 11:30 a.m. ET, and will be broadcasted on ESPN+, NHL Network (NHLN), Sportsnet (SN), and SN1.
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FAQ's On The Most Draft Picks By NHL Team
A. The NHL Draft Lottery is a system used to determine the order of selection for the top picks among non-playoff teams, with weighted odds favoring the teams with fewer points.
A. Players selected in the NHL Draft can be signed to entry-level contracts by the team that drafted them or return to their junior/collegiate teams.
A. Yes, teams can trade their draft picks to other teams, either for players, other draft picks, or future considerations.
A. North American players aged 18-20 and international players aged 18-21 are eligible. Players not drafted can become unrestricted free agents.
A. If a team doesn’t make a selection during their allotted time, they can make a pick later but risk losing their turn if another team selects before them.
