When will the 2024 NHL Draft be held?
The NHL Draft is happening in a unique place this year: The Sphere in Las Vegas. Here's a breakdown of when the event is happening.
Las Vegas has become a hotbed for various NHL events. Ever since the Vegas Golden Knights took the ice in 2017, Gary Bettman and crew have worked feverishly hard to establish a relationship with Sin City. That relationship has paid off with a Stanley Cup-winning team, the Golden Knights. Add in the 2022 NHL All-Star Game and Bettman has a new bedfellow.
This year will be no different as the NHL Draft will be held in the Sphere. The new venue has hosted numerous events and concerts, including U2. Now, the hockey world will gaze upon the orb-like arena as tomorrow's superstars will grace the stage in Las Vegas. Hosting a prestigious event like this couldn't be passed up by the commissioner, after all. Why not see the Connor Bedard's of tomorrow in the "Entertainment Capital of the World?"
For Golden Knights fans that want to attend, they have plenty of questions. Where can I find good parking that won't charge me an entire mortgage (if you want to walk and find free parking, Treasure Island is the go-to spot)? Who might go first overall in the NHL Draft (Macklin Celebrini)? Most of all, when is the event being held?
The NHL Draft happens on June 28-29, 2024
The action starts on June 28, 2024, when the NHL will roll out the newest members of the storied league. But who's at the top of the draft order? It's none other than Vegas's most infamous rival, the San Jose Sharks, who have the first pick of the draft. They're expected to take Celebrini with the first overall pick, barring any unusual surprises.
As for the Vegas Golden Knights themselves, they have the 19th overall pick in the draft. They weren't participants in the NHL Draft Lottery this season, so they won't pick in the first 16 picks. However, the Golden Knights will look to add young pieces that will stick with the franchise for a long time. Whether it's an emerging Pavel Dorofeyev or starting defenseman Nicolas Hague, there's an opportunity for a new Golden Knight to shine.
Whenever the NHL's in Las Vegas, it always ends up being a fantastic time. Fans have fun at the various attractions and casinos before immersing themselves in hockey fun. This year should be no different, with the draft coming to a new venue. As the saying goes, "What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas."
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