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NHL Draft

The NHL Draft is an annual event in which every franchise of the National Hockey League selects the rights to available amateur ice hockey players who meet draft eligibility requirements (North American players 18-20 years old and Europeans of all ages entering the league for the first time, all others enter league as unrestricted free agents).

The NHL Draft is held once every year after the conclusion of the previous season. During the draft, teams take turns selecting amateur players from junior, collegiate, or European leagues.

2023 NHL Draft Home

U.S. NHL Draft History

American Development Path

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