Pathways Out
The NHL Draft, Explained for CHL Fans
When CHL players are eligible, how the draft order is set, and what happens to a player who is not picked.
Every CHL player who is good enough hopes to hear their name called at the NHL Draft. It is held every June or July, runs seven rounds, and is the gateway to a pro career for around 220 players per year.
Who is eligible
- First-time eligible: players who turn 18 between September 16 of the year before the draft and September 15 of the draft year. Most CHL players first become eligible after their second major junior season.
- Second-time eligible: players who were eligible the previous year and not picked may be drafted at 19.
- Older: players who are not drafted by age 20 become unrestricted free agents and may sign with any NHL club.
How the draft order is set
The 16 NHL teams that miss the playoffs enter the Draft Lottery for the top three picks. The remaining 13 non-playoff teams pick in reverse order of standings. Playoff teams pick in reverse order of regular-season points within each playoff round they completed.
What happens after a CHL player is drafted
A drafted CHL player typically returns to their major junior team. NHL clubs can offer entry-level contracts and decide whether to keep the player in the NHL, return them to junior, or (after age 20) assign them to the American Hockey League. Until they turn 20, CHL-drafted players cannot play in the AHL: they go to the NHL or back to junior.
Note
Being drafted by an NHL team is a starting line, not a contract. Teams have two years to sign first- and second-round picks, and four years to sign later-round picks.