When Is the 2020 NHL Draft?

When is the 2020 NHL Draft? originally appeared on NBC Sports Washington

With two teams just one win away from punching their ticket to the Stanley Cup finals this year and two others fighting to stay alive, the remaining 27 NHL teams look to the future in hopes of improving in the 2020-2021 season.

Their first opportunity to do so is the upcoming NHL Draft, which will take place virtually on Oct. 6-7. Originally scheduled for June 26-27 in Montreal, the draft was postponed on March 25 due to the effects of COVID-19 and the delay of the NHL season. Now, a number of eager prospects will await their chance to begin their professional hockey careers.

The New York Rangers will select first overall after winning the Second Phase of the NHL Draft Lottery on Aug. 10. Canadian forward Alexis Lafrenière is expected to be the first pick and join the Rangers squad next year. On June 26, the First Phase of the Draft Lottery took place and determined the order for picks 2-8 with the Los Angeles Kings leading that pack.

Most notably, the Ottawa Senators acquired the third pick after trading defenseman Erik Karlsson to San Jose in 2018 and also hold the No. 5 pick this year, becoming the first team with two top-five picks since the Islanders in 2000. The Devils, Rangers and Ducks also all have multiple first-round picks.

When is the 2020 NHL Draft Date?

The NHL announced on Sept. 11 that the 2020 NHL Draft will take place on Oct. 6-7 virtually beginning at 7 p.m. ET. Rounds 2-7 will take place on Oct. 7 beginning at 11:30 a.m.