The NHL handed over the Stanley Cup to the Florida Panthers less than 72 hours ago on Monday night, and now it is already time for the 2024 NHL Draft. While the players take the shiny silver trophy to the beach, the Florida hockey management staff was right back in the office this week making preparations for a player selection process just a few moons away on Friday night.
Hopefully, it does not become a new NHL tradition the Stanley Cup Final finishes the same week as the NHL draft. However, that is the current state of the NHL schedule as the league will officially welcome a brand new member to the league, Utah Hockey Club.
How will the 2024 NHL Draft unfold?
Utah Hockey Club Officially Joins as a New Franchise
Legendary hockey figure John Buccigross tweeted a reminder on 06/26 regarding the status of the Utah Hockey Club entering the 2024-25 NHL Season. The draft pick at #6 on Friday, as well as the first game-winning goal later this fall, will each be considered inaugural events for the hockey club.
Despite leaving the history/records in Phoenix, Utah retains the roster and coaching staff decisions that would have faced the Arizona Coyotes (RIP) during this time of the year.
Utah Hockey Club enters the 2024 NHL draft armed with the most draft capital of anyone in the league with 13 draft picks during the weekend. Utah’s top prospect recently spent a full season in the NHL, 19-year-old forward Logan Cooley. He scored scored 20 goals. He leads the Utah Hockey Club prospect pool ranked inside the top 10 from The Athletic. Look for Utah to seek a right-handed blueline to pair with No. 2 ranked prospect Dmitri Simashev.
The Sphere Hosts 2024 NHL Draft
Shortly after the Monday night party died down, a very tired hockey community picked themselves off the floor and flew across the country naturally. Las Vegas, Nevada’s newest attraction, The Sphere, will host the NHL at the 2024 NHL Draft on Friday night.
The San Jose Sharks will be put on the clock for all of thirty seconds before jumping at the chance to select Macklin Celebrini with the first overall selection. However, the Sharks will need Gary Bettman to stroll up to the podium to accept his yearly boo.
Sorry, not sorry – but no one did it like Philadelphia fans in 2014. Bettman himself even had a little fun with it. I remember losing my voice that night and I would do it all again in a heartbeat.
Where To Watch The NHL Draft
ESPN, the worldwide leader in sports, will provide coverage of the annual NHL draft pick selection process across Friday, 06/28, and Saturday, 06/29. The coverage of the first round begins around 7:30 pm EST. Following a sleepless night in Sin City, the 2024 NHL draft will resume at 11 am EST the following morning.
The annual NHL draft is the first step in the process of moving towards a new league year for 2024-25. Officially, that process will occur on July 1, 2024, allowing teams to “start” the process of setting up their rosters for next fall.
About The Author
Christopher Babos is a genuine sports & entertainment journalist with diverse credentials in writing, broadcasting, and digital media. With various roles in the sports industry over two decades, Chris can speak with authority on the topics he covers. He can be located on X for real-time takes (@CBabosWrites).
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