The NHL Draft remains one of the leagueās most anticipated eventsāa yearly reset button where every pick carries weight. But beyond the headlines, the structure itself plays a crucial role in shaping futures.
From first-round fireworks to the quiet intensity of the later stages, the number of rounds dictates the rhythm of draft weekend. Itās a system built for discovery, strategy and the occasional surprise.
As the 2025 edition approaches, understanding how each stage unfolds offers a clearer view of how franchises build from the ground up and how some manage to find gold when few are watching.
How many rounds are in the 2025 NHL Draft?
The 2025 NHL Draft features seven rounds, which is the standard length the league has used for decades. Each team normally gets one pick per round, making it a structured way for franchises to add young talent.
A close up view of the NHL Draft logo photographed during the National Hockey League Top Prospects Media Availability at the JW Marriott LA Live on June 26, 2025. (Source: Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
However, trades between teams can change how many picks a team actually holds. This system balances giving all teams multiple chances to find prospects while keeping the draft manageable in size.
How many picks are made in total?
There are usually 224 total selections because 32 teams each have seven rounds. But the exact number shifts due to tradesāteams often exchange picks for players or other picksāand occasionally teams lose picks for disciplinary reasons. The total draft size allows enough opportunities to build a pipeline of talent, while also making the scouting process intense and competitive.
How teams use late-round picks to their advantage
Later rounds tend to have less heralded prospects, but smart teams treat these picks like ālottery ticketsā. While the first round focuses on the most NHL-ready talent, later rounds allow teams to select players with high potential but more uncertainty.
These picks can lead to hidden gems who develop into valuable players with the right coaching and patience. This approach requires strong scouting departments and a long-term mindset, turning overlooked players into future stars.
2025 NHL Draft logo. (Source: @NHL)
Teams like the Tampa Bay Lightning have capitalized on these picks by unearthing hidden gems and investing in player development. A notable example is Nikita Kucherov, drafted in the second round of 2011, who has become a cornerstone of their recent success.
How the draft format works in 2025
This yearās draft uses a decentralized format, meaning that while the event is held at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, teams donāt all gather in one place. Instead, teams make their selections remotely from their own cities, communicating picks via secure lines.
Meanwhile, prospects and media attend the live event to experience the excitement firsthand. This format reflects ongoing adjustments in the leagueās operations, combining fan engagement with practical logistics and safety.
How the 2025 Draft format compares to previous years
The shift to a decentralized draft in 2025 contrasts with previous years when all teams and prospects gathered in a single venue, creating a centralized event atmosphere. This change has practical reasons: it reduces travel, lowers costs and addresses health safety concerns.
At the same time, the league preserves the draftās spectacle by hosting prospects and media in person, blending tradition with modern adaptability. Itās a reflection of how sports leagues worldwide are evolving their formats post-pandemic.
