NHL Draft

The NHL Draft an annual event in which the National Hockey League's thirty teams can select players who wish to join the league.

Early history

The draft was first held on June 5, 1963 in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, where the original six NHL teams each selected four players to join their squads. Originally teams could select players age 17 and older, however this was changed in 1969 to include only players 20 and older.

Draft Process

The draft order is determined first by how teams finish in the Stanley Cup Playoffs. The Stanley Cup champion is given the last or 30th pick, with the runner up following with the 29th pick and so on. The 14 NHL teams that did not qualify for the playoffs are then involved in a draft lottery, where the draft order is finalized.

Eligibility

Since 1980, players are eligible for the NHL draft if they are aged 18-20 and North American. Additionally any player 18 and over from outside North America is eligible for the draft.

Fast Facts

1. First draft held in 1963
2. Draft order determined by lottery drawing
3. 2007 Draft: June 22 and 23
4. 2008 site: Ottawa
5. 2007 1st Selection: Patrick Kane to Chicago
6. 2 sons of former Islanders selected in 2007 1st round:
   1. Colton Gillies (father Clark)
   2. Brandon Sutter (father Brent)

Former #1 Picks

1. Bobby Orr, 1966
2. Denis Potvin, 1973
3. Mario Lemieux, 1984
4. Mike Modano, 1988
5. Eric Lindros, 1991
6. Joe Thornton, 1997
7. Alexander Ovechkin, 2004
8. Sidney Crosby, 2005

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