The NHL season ended Monday with the Florida Panthers hoisting the Stanley Cup, and the awards ceremony on Thursday night capped off the past season by recognizing its top performers.
On Friday, teams will start the reconstruction of the 2024-25 roster as the NHL Draft gets underway at the Sphere in Paradise, Nevada, just east of the Las Vegas Strip.
The first round is scheduled to start at 7 p.m. EDT Friday and will air on ESPN and live stream on ESPN+, fubo TV (FREE trial), Sling TV (discount) and DirecTV Stream (FREE trial and discount).
Rounds 2-7 are scheduled for late Saturday morning.
Macklin Celebrini, the youngest player in NCAA Division I men’s hockey this season, is expected to be selected first when the San Jose Sharks go on the clock.
Celebrini, the projected No. 1 pick in the 2024 draft all season, will learn where he’s headed just 15 days after celebrating his 18th birthday.
AT A GLANCE
- What: Round 1, NHL Draft
- When: 7 p.m. EDT Friday
- Where: the Sphere, Paradise, Nevada
- TV: ESPN
- Live stream: ESPN+, fubo TV (FREE trial), Sling TV (discount) and DirecTV Stream (FREE trial and discount)
Celebrini, No. 1 on NHL Central Scouting’s final ranking of North American skaters, could become the second player from Boston University selected No. 1 in the NHL draft, joining goalie Rick DiPietro, who was chosen by the New York Islanders in 2000. He also could be the fourth player from NCAA men’s college hockey chosen No. 1 and first since University of Michigan defenseman Owen Power by the Buffalo Sabres in 2021.
The Chicago Blackhawks have the second pick in the draft and have been linked to defenseman Artyom Levshunov of Michigan State University, right wing Ivan Demidov of SKA St. Petersburg in the Minor Hockey League, Russia’s junior division, and center Cayden Lindstrom of Medicine Hat in the Western Hockey League.
The Anaheim Ducks have the No. 3 selection with the Columbus Blue Jackets, Montreal Canadiens, Utah Hockey Club, Ottawa Senators, Seattle Kraken, Calgary Flames and New Jersey Devils rounding out the top 10.
Anaheim (also No. 32) is one of six teams with two first-round picks.
- WATCH: ESPN, and live stream on ESPN+, fubo TV (FREE trial), Sling TV (discount) and DirecTV Stream (FREE trial and discount)
The Sharks (Nos. 1, 11), Blackhawks (Nos. 2, 18), Montreal Canadiens (Nos. 5, 26), Calgary Flames (Nos. 9, 28) and Philadelphia Flyers (Nos. 12, 31) also each have multiple first-round picks.
The NHL will be the first sports league to use the Sphere, the $2.8 billion, 18,600-seat globe-shaped arena renowned for its immersive video and audio technology. It features a 16K resolution wraparound interior LED screen and outdoor LED displays. It will also be the first event televised live from Sphere.
The 2024 draft likely will be the last to feature representatives from all 32 teams on the draft floor.
Beginning in 2025, the draft will be decentralized, with most team officials staying in their home markets with access to their personnel in real time in addition to allowing teams to host fan events.
Meanwhile, the draft-eligible prospects will likely gather in one location.
What is Sling TV?
Sling TV is the first app-based TV service letting you stream live television and on-demand content over the internet. Watch live shows wherever you are, at home or on the go. Subscribers will also get half off their first month. The 2 main plans — Sling Orange and Sling Blue — offer 30+ channels for $40 a month, or $55 combined. Sling’s two main offerings are Sling Orange and Sling Blue. Each plan is available to stream for $40 a month. You can also combine the two for $55 a month, giving you access to around 50 channels.
What is fubo TV?
fubo Sports Network is a live TV network for passionate sports fans. Watch event coverage, keep up with the day’s hottest sports topics, check out exclusive content and sports-related entertainment programming. Fubo offers three plans: the Pro plan for $79.99 per month, the Elite plan for $89.99 per month, and the Premier plan for $84.99 per month. The two highest plans include additional channels and 4K capabilities.
What is ESPN+
With 75 weekly national games and more than 1,000 out-of-market games available, ESPN+ is home to the widest selection of NHL games anywhere this season. ESPN+ is also a great value for fans of soccer, UFC, MMA, baseball, hockey, boxing, golf, and college sports. The cost is just $10.99/month.
What is DirecTV Stream?
DirecTV Stream is a no-term commitment service. That means that you can enjoy the best of Live TV and On-demand local and national channels without the contracts. DirecTV Stream comes with a 7-day free trial, which is its best selling point. DIRECTV STREAM’s five-day free trial differs from the free trials offered by competitors in a few key ways. One significant advantage of DIRECTV STREAM’s trial is its comprehensive channel lineup, which includes a wide range of live TV channels, sports coverage, and on-demand content. This makes it an appealing choice for users who want access to diverse programming options during the trial period.
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