The National Hockey League (NHL) draft is a cornerstone of the league’s structure, shaping the future of ice hockey by introducing fresh talent to the sport. Since its inception, the draft has been a pivotal event in the hockey calendar, influencing team trajectories and the careers of countless players.
The first NHL entry draft, originally called the NHL amateur draft, took place on June 5, 1963, at the Queen Elizabeth Hotel in Montreal, Quebec. This historic moment marked the start of a systematic process for teams to select young players, replacing the earlier contentious system of sponsored players and amateur forms.
For fans of storied franchises like the Montreal Canadiens, Boston Bruins, and Toronto Maple Leafs, the draft is more than procedural—it’s a moment of hope and anticipation. Whether you support the Detroit Red Wings, Chicago Black Hawks, or newer teams like the Vegas Golden Knights, the NHL draft seeds dreams of Stanley Cup glory and unveils the next generation of hockey stars.
Exploring the history of NHL draft picks reveals how this event has evolved, the significant changes that shaped it, and its lasting impact on the league and its players. From its early amateur beginnings to today’s highly scrutinized process, the NHL draft remains a vital part of the league’s fabric.
The Origins and Evolution of the NHL Draft
The First NHL Draft (1963)
The inaugural NHL amateur draft, held on June 5, 1963, at the Queen Elizabeth Hotel in Montreal, Quebec, marked a pivotal moment in the history of the National Hockey League. Orchestrated by NHL President Clarence Campbell, the draft replaced the outdated system where NHL teams sponsored amateur teams and players. This sponsorship system often tied young players to a single team, limiting their opportunities and creating an uneven playing field among league clubs.
In this first draft, a total of 21 selections were made over four rounds. Garry Monahan, a 16-year-old center, made history as the first-ever player chosen in an NHL draft when he was selected by the Montreal Canadiens. Campbell’s vision for the draft was to provide a “uniform opportunity for each team to acquire a star player.” Eligibility for the draft was strictly limited to amateur players who would turn 17 between August 1, 1963, and July 31, 1964.
Teams were restricted from discussing professional contracts with these players until they turned 18. At that point, teams had a 72-hour window to sign them or place them on their negotiation list.
Changes and Expansion
Since its inception, the NHL draft has undergone numerous changes and expansions. One of the earliest and most significant changes was the elimination of the sponsorship system, ensuring equal access to young talent for all teams.
Over the years, the draft has grown in both complexity and scope. Adjustments were made to the number of rounds and eligibility criteria. For example, the draft expanded to include more rounds and eventually evolved into a multi-day event, reflecting the increasing pool of talented players from across the globe.
The introduction of the NHL Entry Draft in 1969 further formalized the process, and by the 1970s, the draft had become an essential part of the league’s annual calendar. Today, the modern draft consists of seven rounds, is broadcast globally, and attracts significant media attention and a large audience.
This evolution has not only enhanced the draft’s transparency and fairness but has also contributed to the globalization of the sport, enabling players from diverse backgrounds to join the NHL.
Notable Draft Picks and Their Impact
Superstars from the Draft
The NHL draft has been instrumental in uncovering some of the greatest talents in hockey history. One of the most notable examples is Steve Yzerman, drafted by the Detroit Red Wings with the fourth overall pick in the 1983 NHL Entry Draft.
Yzerman went on to have a legendary career, winning three Stanley Cup championships, the Conn Smythe Trophy, and the Frank J. Selke Trophy, among numerous other accolades. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest leaders and players in NHL history.
Another standout example is Martin Brodeur, selected by the New Jersey Devils with the 20th overall pick in the 1990 NHL Draft. Brodeur became the winningest goalie in NHL history, with 691 wins, and holds records for games played by a goalie (1,266) and shutouts (125). He was a key figure in the Devils’ three Stanley Cup wins and was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2018.
The draft has also produced international stars who have made significant impacts on the league. For instance, Sergei Fedorov, drafted by the Detroit Red Wings in the fourth round of the 1989 NHL Draft, had to be smuggled out of the Soviet Union to join the team. He went on to become a Hart Trophy winner and a three-time Stanley Cup champion, cementing his place in the Hockey Hall of Fame.
Draft Busts
While the NHL draft has uncovered many superstars, it has also seen its share of draft busts – players who failed to live up to the expectations associated with their high draft positions. One of the most notable examples is Brian Lawton, the first overall pick in the 1983 NHL Entry Draft by the Minnesota North Stars.
Despite playing nearly 500 NHL games, Lawton’s career was significantly overshadowed by the success of players drafted immediately after him, such as Pat LaFontaine, Steve Yzerman, and Tom Barrasso. Lawton is often cited as one of the biggest draft busts in NHL history due to the immense talent that followed him in that draft.
Other notable draft busts include Alexandre Daigle, the first overall pick in the 1993 NHL Entry Draft by the Ottawa Senators. Despite high expectations, Daigle’s career did not match the hype, and he is often mentioned alongside other high-profile draft disappointments. These examples highlight the unpredictability and challenges inherent in the NHL draft process.
Recent Trends and the Modern Draft
International Influence
The modern NHL draft has witnessed a remarkable increase in the influence of international players. The talent pool has expanded globally, with top prospects emerging from countries such as Sweden, Czechia, and Russia.
For the 2025 NHL Draft, players like Victor Eklund from Sweden and Ivan Ryabkin from Russia are highly touted. Eklund, who plays for Djurgarden in the Swedish second league, is renowned for his competitiveness, defensive awareness, and high hockey IQ, drawing comparisons to Travis Konecny of the Philadelphia Flyers.
International showcases, such as the U18 World Championship, have become important platforms for these players to demonstrate their skills. The 2025 IIHF World Under-18 Championship, for example, features top draft eligibles like Anton Frondell of Sweden, Radim Mrtka of Czechia, and Cullen Potter of Team USA. These events provide valuable opportunities for scouts to evaluate the best young talent from around the world, underscoring the increasingly global nature of the NHL.
Technological and Analytical Advances
The modern NHL draft is also defined by the extensive use of technological and analytical tools. Advanced statistics, video analysis, and scouting software have become indispensable in evaluating prospects.
The NHL Central Scouting Bureau, for instance, utilizes detailed reports and rankings to assist teams in making informed decisions. This includes analyzing a player’s competitiveness, athleticism, and hockey sense, as well as their performance in various game situations.
Moreover, the integration of data analytics enables teams to assess players more comprehensively. Metrics such as goals-against average, save percentage for goalies, and points per game for skaters are closely scrutinized.
For example, Joshua Ravensbergen, a top goalie prospect, is evaluated not only on his raw statistics but also on his quickness, lateral ability, and reaction time—critical factors in determining his potential as an NHL starter.
These technological and analytical advances have made the draft process more sophisticated, allowing teams to identify and develop talent with greater precision. The blend of traditional scouting methods with modern analytics has transformed the way teams approach the draft, making it a data-driven and highly efficient process.
Conclusion
The NHL draft has undergone significant changes since its beginning in 1963, evolving from the NHL amateur draft to the globally recognized event it is today. Key milestones include the elimination of direct sponsorship of junior teams, the inclusion of international players, and the integration of advanced analytics. Over the years, notable draft picks have profoundly shaped the league, with superstars like Steve Yzerman and Martin Brodeur standing out, while draft busts serve as reminders of the process’s inherent unpredictability.
As the draft continues to evolve, it remains an essential element of the NHL, providing fans with a glimpse into the futureof ice hockey and the potential for new stars to emerge. Whether you’re a seasoned fan or new to the world of hockey, the NHL draft is an exciting and pivotal event that consistently delivers surprises and thrills year after year.
FAQ
Who started the NHL?
The National Hockey League (NHL) was established on November 26, 1917 by the owners of the Montreal Canadiens, Montreal Wanderers, Ottawa Senators, and Quebec Bulldogs. This came after the suspension of the National Hockey Association (NHA) due to disputes with Toronto Blueshirts owner Eddie Livingstone.
Who were the original 4 NHL teams?
The original four NHL teams were the Montréal Canadiens, Montreal Wanderers, Ottawa Senators, and Quebec Bulldogs. Later, the Toronto Arenas were admitted as a fifth team.
What was the NHL before the NHL?
Before the NHL, there was the National Hockey Association (NHA), which disbanded in 1917 due to internal conflicts. This paved the way for the formation of the NHL.
Can you wear 69 in the NHL?
Although it is technically possible to wear the number 69 in the NHL, it is highly discouraged. Only two players in NHL history, Mel Angelstad and Andrew Desjardins, have worn this number due to its sexual connotation. Many teams and the league unofficially ban its use.