As the NHL heads toward the end of the 2019-20 campaign, those in the playoff picture have visions of deep runs and Stanley Cup glory. Those on the outside looking in, however, have their sights set on a draft lottery victory and the chance to select one of the supremely talented youngsters available at the top end of the 2020 draft.
But once the draft is through and one lucky club walks away with Alexis Lafrenière or Quinton Byfield, the attention of clubs who are in for another campaign spent at the bottom of the NHL’s standings will shift to the 2021 draft and the talented prospects who could hear their name called early that June.