Normally at this time of year, the new NHL season is kicking into gear.
But, it's 2020.
So, as the leaves begin to fall and the temperatures dip down, it's time for the heat to be turned up as new buds, er, players will sprout on franchise's trees. It's time for the 2020 NHL Entry Draft.
NHL Draft picks 2020: Live results, complete list of selections for Rounds 1-7
The New York Rangers kicked things off with the No. 1 pick — taking Rimouski Oceanic's Alexis Lafreniere — followed by the Los Angeles Kings (Quinton Byfield), Ottawa Senators (Tim Stutzle) and Detroit Red Wings (Lucas Raymond).
Here's what you need to know to watch this year's draft, including when it is, how you can watch and when each team will make its selection.
When and where is the NHL Draft in 2020?
- Date: Oct. 6-7
- Location: Virtual
- Start time: 7 p.m. ET (Day 1) | 11:30 a.m. ET (Day 2)
- TV channels (US): NBCSN (Day 1) | NHL Network (Day 2)
- TV channels (Canada): Sportsnet, TVAS (Day 1) | Sportsnet (Day 2)
- Live stream: fuboTV (7-day free trial)
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this year's draft will be held virtually. The 2020 draft, the 58th one in NHL history, was originally scheduled to be held in Montreal.
What time does the 2020 NHL Draft start?
Round 1 of the NHL Draft starts at 7 p.m. ET on Oct. 6, and the second day (Rounds 2-7) will kick off at 11:30 a.m. ET on Wednesday.
MORE: Watch the NHL Draft live with fuboTV (7-day free trial)
2020 NHL Draft TV channel, how to live stream
This year's draft will be broadcast on NBCSN and NHL Network, with NBCSN broadcasting the first day of the draft and NHL Network broadcasting the second. In Canada, Sportsnet will carry the event on both days.
In the U.S., you can also stream the draft on fuboTV (you can get a seven-day trial and subscribe here).
| Rounds | Date | Time | TV Channel |
| 1 | Tuesday, Oct. 6 | 7 p.m. ET | NBCSN/Sportsnet/TVA |
| 2-7 | Wednesday, Oct. 7 | 11:30 a.m. ET | NHL Network/Sportsnet |
2020 NHL Draft order of picks
The New York Rangers have the No. 1 overall pick following Phases 1 and 2 of the draft lottery.
DRAFT LOTTERY: Phase 1 recap | Phase 2 recap
First round
| TEAM |
|---|
| 1. New York Rangers |
| 2. Los Angeles Kings |
| 3. Ottawa Senators (from SJS) |
| 4. Detroit Red Wings |
| 5. Ottawa Senators |
| 6. Anaheim Ducks |
| 7. New Jersey Devils |
| 8. Buffalo Sabres |
| 9. Minnesota Wild |
| 10. Winnipeg Jets |
| 11. Nashville Predators |
| 12. Florida Panthers |
| 13. Carolina Hurricanes (from TOR) |
| 14. Edmonton Oilers |
| 15. Toronto Maple Leafs (from PIT) |
| 16. Montreal Canadiens |
| 17. Chicago Blackhawks |
| 18. New Jersey Devils (from ARI) |
| 19. Calgary Flames |
| 20. New Jersey Devils (from VAN via TBL) |
| 21. Columbus Blue Jackets |
| 22. New York Rangers (from CAR) |
| 23. Philadelphia Flyers |
| 24. Washington Capitals |
| 25. Colorado Avalanche |
| 26. St. Louis Blues |
| 27. Anaheim Ducks (from BOS) |
| 28. Ottawa Senators (from NYI) |
| 29. Vegas Golden Knights |
| 30. Dallas Stars |
| 31. San Jose Sharks (from TBL) |
DRAFT PICKS: Complete order | Team-by-team
2020 NHL mock draft
This year's draft is considered to be one of the deepest in recent memory. While the top pick has not changed much for months, if not at least two years, the rest of the order is anyone's guess.
Here are the five players expected to go first:
- Rangers: Alexis Lafreniere, LW, Rimouski (QMJHL)
- Kings: Quinton Byfield, C, Sudbury (OHL)
- Senators: Tim Stutzle, C, Mannheim (Germany)
- Red Wings: Cole Perfetti, C, Saginaw (OHL)
- Senators: Jake Sanderson, D, US U18 (NTDP)
NHL MOCK DRAFTS 2020: Compare Chris Peters, Craig Button & other experts