When Is The NHL Draft?

The NHL draft is an important event for any hockey fan. But when is it? Read on to find out!

Introduction

The NHL Draft is an annual event in which each of the thirty NHL teams selects new players for their roster. Eligible draft picks are typically eighteen years old or younger, although some players may be older if they have not yet been drafted. The NHL Draft usually takes place in late June or early July, after the conclusion of the Stanley Cup Finals.

What is the NHL Draft?

The NHL Entry Draft is an annual event in which every team in the National Hockey League (NHL) selects a certain number of young players (18-20 year olds) who have either been drafted out of junior hockey leagues, or are unsigned free agents.

The NHL Entry Draft has been held every year since 1963, and is generally held towards the end of June. It is one of the most important events on the NHL calendar, as it allows teams to restock their rosters with young talent.

The first overall pick in the NHL Entry Draft is often considered to be one of the most coveted positions in all of sports, as it gives that player a chance to start their career with a franchise that is rebuilding, or one that is already very successful.

When is the NHL Draft?

The NHL Draft is held every June, with the exact date varying from year to year. The NHL Draft is a seven-round event in which each of the 31 NHL teams select amateur players who have been eligible to be drafted.

Who is eligible for the NHL Draft?

All players who will be 18 years old by September 15 of the draft year, or who were born on or after this date, are eligible to be drafted. For example, a player who turns 18 years old in December of 2020 would be eligible for selection in either the 2020 NHL Draft or the 2021 NHL Draft.

What happens at the NHL Draft?

The NHL Entry Draft is an annual meeting in which every franchise of the National Hockey League (NHL) systematically selects the rights to available amateur players who meet draft eligibility requirements (North American players 18–20 years old and European/international players 18–21 years old). The NHL Entry Draft is held once every year, generally within two to three months after the conclusion of the previous season. During the draft, teams take turns selecting amateur players from junior, collegiate, European, and high school levels.

A total of 217 prospects were selected in the seven rounds of the 2018 NHL Entry Draft. Of these 217 prospects, 43 were defenseman, 127 were forwards, and 47 were goaltenders. Out of these 217 prospects drafted in 2018, 41 came from the Canadian Hockey League (CHL). Some notable CHL players who were drafted in 2018 include Ottawa Senators’ prospect Brady Tkachuk (second overall), Arizona Coyotes’ prospect Barrett Hayton (fifth overall), Detroit Red Wings’ prospect Filip Zadina (sixth overall), Vancouver Canucks’ prospect Quinn Hughes (seventh overall), and Chicago Blackhawks’ prospect Adam Boqvist (eighth overall).

The first pick of the 2018 NHL Entry Draft belonged to the Buffalo Sabres and they used it to select Swedish defenseman Rasmus Dahlin.

Conclusion

The NHL draft is held annually, typically in June or July. The date and location of the draft are usually announced in advance, so fans can plan accordingly.