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Decoding the NHL Draft: Why Does the NHL Have 7 Rounds of Drafts?

The NHL Draft is a cornerstone event for hockey enthusiasts, a time when the dreams of young talents converge with the hopes of franchises aiming to secure their next superstar.

For avid fans and casual observers alike, the structure of the NHL Draft, with its seven rounds, might raise a fundamental question: Why does the NHL have 7 rounds of drafts?

In this blog post, we’ll delve into the rationale behind the NHL’s decision to have seven rounds in its draft, exploring the intricate web of factors that have shaped this process.

From promoting competitive balance and discouraging tanking to accommodating a global talent pool and encouraging strategic trades, the NHL’s draft format is far from arbitrary.