Chicago has been the NHL's epicenter for the past several seasons due to the Blackhawks' dominance, and that will continue to be the case in 2017, as the Windy City has reportedly been tabbed to host the 2017 NHL draft.
According to ESPN.com's Pierre LeBrun, an official announcement will be made Thursday, signaling the first time Chicago has ever been chosen to hold the event.
Chicago has become draft central in recent years, as it hosted the 2015 NFL draft and will do so once again in April.
The fact that the city has never welcomed the NHL draft into town is remarkable considering the Blackhawks are among the most successful franchises in NHL history with six Stanley Cup wins, including three in the past six seasons.