Los Angeles Kings Named Host of 2025 NHL Draft; 1st in LA Since 2010

The Los Angeles Kings have been named the host of this year’s NHL draft, which will take place in downtown Los Angeles at L.A. Live’s Peacock Theater.

The NHL, which announced the news on Saturday, revealed that the first round will take place on Friday, June 27. The second through seventh rounds will occur on Saturday, June 28.

Per the press release, top NHL draft prospects will be on-hand alongside fans and media, with “NHL club executives, scouts and coaches” participating virtually.

According to NHL Central Scouting's midterm rankings, defenseman Matthew Schaefer, who plays for Erie of the Ontario Hockey League, is No. 1 on the North American skater list. Right wing Victor Eklund, who plays for Djurgarden in Sweden's second division, leads the International skater list.

A date has not yet been determined for the NHL lottery, which will decide the order of the top 16. Last year’s lottery took place on May 7.

This will mark the first time since 2010 and the second time overall that Los Angeles has hosted the NHL draft.