NHL draft
Definition
The annual event where National Hockey League (NHL) teams select amateur ice hockey players, primarily prospects from junior leagues, colleges, and international competitions, to join their organizations.
Formally the NHL Entry Draft, it uses a lottery system for the top picks based on regular-season performance, with the worst teams getting priority to rebuild.
Examples
The NHL draft lottery turned the basement-dwelling Chicago Blackhawks into instant optimists overnight.
Scouts at the NHL draft treat every late-round pick like a garage sale find that might become the next franchise savior.
Fans endure a summer of agony waiting for the NHL draft, where one slippery prospect can redeem an entire season of slapshot sins.
The NHL draft is hockey's version of fantasy football prep, minus the spreadsheets and plus way more Canadian accents.