<p><img src="https://cdn.eprinkside.com/fm/eprinkside/files/2/images/2025-02/Mike%20StobeNHLI.png" alt="" width="1500" height="1000" /><br />Photo: Mike Stobe/NHLI</p>
<p>The <strong>NHL Draft Lottery</strong> is one of the most exciting moments in hockey's offseason, determining which non-playoff teams get the best chance to select future franchise players. But <strong>how does the NHL Draft Lottery work</strong>, and what are the <strong>NHL Draft Lottery rules</strong>? Here&rsquo;s everything you need to know.</p>
<div><hr /></div>
<h2>What Is the NHL Draft Lottery?</h2>
<p>The NHL Draft Lottery is a system used to decide the order of the first <strong>16 picks</strong> in the NHL Draft. Instead of automatically awarding the <strong>No. 1 overall pick</strong> to the team with the worst regular-season record, the league holds a lottery to ensure fairness and prevent teams from deliberately losing games (tanking) to secure a top selection.</p>
<p>The lottery only affects the <strong>first round</strong> of the draft&mdash;after that, the <strong>NHL Draft order rules</strong> follow the reverse standings from the previous season.</p>
<div><hr /></div>
<h2>How Does the NHL Draft Lottery Work?</h2>
<p>Each non-playoff team is assigned <strong>a set of lottery odds</strong> based on its finish in the standings. The lower the team&rsquo;s ranking, the better its chances of winning the lottery.</p>
<p>The lottery itself works like this:</p>
<ol start="1" data-spread="false">
<li>
<p><strong>A lottery machine with 14 ping-pong balls</strong> creates <strong>1,001 possible four-number combinations</strong>.</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>Each team is assigned a share of those combinations, based on their odds.</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>A <strong>first draw</strong> determines which team wins the No. 1 pick.</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>A <strong>second draw</strong> determines the No. 2 pick.</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>If a team from outside the bottom 11 wins, they can only move up <strong>a maximum of 10 spots</strong>, meaning the worst team in the standings is still guaranteed at least the <strong>third overall pick</strong>.</p>
</li>
</ol>
<p>After the first two picks are decided, the remaining teams are placed in order of their regular-season standings.</p>
<div><hr /></div>
<h2>NHL Draft Lottery Rules</h2>
<p>The current <strong>NHL Draft Lottery rules</strong> were last adjusted in <strong>2021</strong>. Here are the key points:</p>
<ul data-spread="false">
<li>
<p>Only <strong>two picks</strong> are determined by the lottery (No. 1 and No. 2).</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>A team <strong>cannot move up more than 10 spots</strong> in the draft order.</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>A team <strong>cannot win the lottery more than twice in a five-year span</strong> (starting from 2022).</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>If a team in slots <strong>12-16 wins</strong>, they move up the maximum <strong>10 spots</strong>, and the team with the worst record retains the No. 1 overall pick.</p>
</li>
</ul>
<p>These rules ensure a balance between giving struggling teams a chance at elite talent while maintaining competition integrity.</p>
<h3>Let's take a look at the 2023 NHL Draft</h3>
<p>In the <strong data-start="7" data-end="33"><a href="https://www.eliteprospects.com/draft/nhl-entry-draft/2023">2023 NHL Draft</a> Lottery</strong>, the <a href="https://www.eliteprospects.com/team/56/chicago-blackhawks"><strong data-start="39" data-end="61">Chicago Blackhawks</strong></a> and <a href="https://www.eliteprospects.com/team/1580/anaheim-ducks"><strong data-start="66" data-end="83">Anaheim Ducks</strong></a> emerged as the winners of the two lottery draws held on <strong data-start="140" data-end="155">May 8, 2023</strong>. Despite entering with the <strong data-start="183" data-end="210">third-best odds (11.5%)</strong>, Chicago moved up <strong data-start="229" data-end="242">two spots</strong> to secure the <strong data-start="257" data-end="279">No. 1 overall pick</strong>, ultimately selecting <strong data-start="302" data-end="319">Connor Bedard</strong>. Meanwhile, the <strong data-start="336" data-end="353">Anaheim Ducks</strong>, who had the <strong data-start="367" data-end="388">best odds (18.5%)</strong>, and the <strong data-start="398" data-end="431"><a href="https://www.eliteprospects.com/team/58/columbus-blue-jackets">Columbus Blue Jackets</a> (13.5%)</strong> each slid down <strong data-start="447" data-end="459">one spot</strong>, with Anaheim landing the <strong data-start="486" data-end="500">No. 2 pick</strong> and Columbus selecting at <strong data-start="527" data-end="536">No. 3</strong>. This outcome highlighted the unpredictability of the NHL Draft Lottery, where even teams with lower odds can land the most coveted prospects.<br /><br /><strong>2023 Draft Lottery Odds&nbsp;<br /></strong>Source: https://media.nhl.com/site/asset/public/ext/2022-23/2023DraftLotteryGuide.pdf</p>
<table style="width: 56.7029%;" data-start="67" data-end="663">
<thead data-start="67" data-end="101">
<tr data-start="67" data-end="101">
<th style="width: 70.1245%; text-align: justify;" data-start="67" data-end="92">Team</th>
<th style="width: 29.8755%;" data-start="92" data-end="101">Odds</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody data-start="136" data-end="663">
<tr data-start="136" data-end="169">
<td style="width: 70.1245%;">Anaheim Ducks</td>
<td style="width: 29.8755%;">18.5%</td>
</tr>
<tr data-start="170" data-end="203">
<td style="width: 70.1245%;">Columbus Blue Jackets</td>
<td style="width: 29.8755%;">13.5%</td>
</tr>
<tr data-start="204" data-end="237">
<td style="width: 70.1245%;">Chicago Blackhawks</td>
<td style="width: 29.8755%;">11.5%</td>
</tr>
<tr data-start="238" data-end="270">
<td style="width: 70.1245%;">San Jose Sharks</td>
<td style="width: 29.8755%;">9.5%</td>
</tr>
<tr data-start="271" data-end="303">
<td style="width: 70.1245%;">Montreal Canadiens</td>
<td style="width: 29.8755%;">8.5%</td>
</tr>
<tr data-start="304" data-end="336">
<td style="width: 70.1245%;">Arizona Coyotes</td>
<td style="width: 29.8755%;">7.5%</td>
</tr>
<tr data-start="337" data-end="369">
<td style="width: 70.1245%;">Philadelphia Flyers</td>
<td style="width: 29.8755%;">6.5%</td>
</tr>
<tr data-start="370" data-end="402">
<td style="width: 70.1245%;">Washington Capitals</td>
<td style="width: 29.8755%;">6.0%</td>
</tr>
<tr data-start="403" data-end="435">
<td style="width: 70.1245%;">Detroit Red Wings</td>
<td style="width: 29.8755%;">5.0%</td>
</tr>
<tr data-start="436" data-end="467">
<td style="width: 70.1245%;">St. Louis Blues</td>
<td style="width: 29.8755%;">3.5%</td>
</tr>
<tr data-start="468" data-end="500">
<td style="width: 70.1245%;">Vancouver Canucks</td>
<td style="width: 29.8755%;">3.0%</td>
</tr>
<tr data-start="501" data-end="533">
<td style="width: 70.1245%;">Ottawa Senators*</td>
<td style="width: 29.8755%;">2.5%</td>
</tr>
<tr data-start="534" data-end="565">
<td style="width: 70.1245%;">Buffalo Sabres</td>
<td style="width: 29.8755%;">2.0%</td>
</tr>
<tr data-start="566" data-end="597">
<td style="width: 70.1245%;">Pittsburgh Penguins</td>
<td style="width: 29.8755%;">1.5%</td>
</tr>
<tr data-start="598" data-end="630">
<td style="width: 70.1245%;">Nashville Predators</td>
<td style="width: 29.8755%;">0.5%</td>
</tr>
<tr data-start="631" data-end="663">
<td style="width: 70.1245%;">Calgary Flames</td>
<td style="width: 29.8755%;">0.5%</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p><em>* Under the terms of a March 1, 2023, trade, the Ottawa Senators transfered their first-round pick in the 2023 NHL Draft to the Arizona Coyotes</em></p>
<div><hr /></div>
<h2>History of the NHL Draft Lottery</h2>
<p>The NHL Draft Lottery was introduced in <strong>1995</strong> as a way to prevent teams from tanking. Over the years, the system has undergone several changes:</p>
<ul data-spread="false">
<li>
<p><strong>1995-2015:</strong> Any non-playoff team could win the No. 1 pick, but only one lottery draw was held.</p>
</li>
<li>
<p><strong>2016:</strong> The system expanded to include <strong>three draws</strong>, meaning the top three picks were all decided by the lottery.</p>
</li>
<li>
<p><strong>2021:</strong> The current system was introduced, limiting teams to moving up <strong>10 spots</strong> and preventing them from winning the lottery more than twice in five years.</p>
</li>
</ul>
<p>Some of the biggest <strong>lottery winners</strong> in history include:</p>
<ul data-spread="false">
<li>
<p><strong>2005:</strong> <a href="https://www.eliteprospects.com/team/71/pittsburgh-penguins">Pittsburgh Penguins</a> won the right to draft <a href="https://www.eliteprospects.com/player/6146/sidney-crosby"><strong>Sidney Crosby</strong>.</a></p>
</li>
<li>
<p><strong>2015:</strong> <a href="https://www.eliteprospects.com/team/61/edmonton-oilers">Edmonton Oilers</a> won the <strong><a href="https://www.eliteprospects.com/player/183442/connor-mcdavid">Connor McDavid</a> sweepstakes</strong>.</p>
</li>
<li>
<p><strong>2023:</strong> Chicago Blackhawks moved up to draft <a href="https://www.eliteprospects.com/player/535584/connor-bedard"><strong>Connor Bedard</strong></a>.</p>
</li>
</ul>

Learn how the NHL Draft Lottery works, including the rules, odds, and how the draft order is decided. Find out what impacts a team’s chance at the No. 1 pick.

How Does the NHL Draft Lottery Work? Rules & Odds

How Does the NHL Draft Lottery Work?

<p><img src="https://cdn.eprinkside.com/fm/eprinkside/files/2/images/2025-02/Gary%20Bettman%20at%20the%20NHL%20Draft.jpg" alt="" width="1920" height="1280" /><br /><br /></p>
<p><br />The <strong>NHL Draft</strong> is a crucial event in professional hockey, providing teams with the opportunity to build their future rosters by selecting top young talent. Understanding the <strong>NHL draft rules, eligibility criteria, and selection process</strong> is essential for players, fans, and analysts alike. This guide explains everything you need to know about how the NHL Draft works.</p>
<div><hr /></div>
<h2>What Is the NHL Draft?</h2>
<p>The <strong>NHL Draft</strong> is an annual event where teams select eligible players to join their organizations. It takes place in <strong>late June</strong>, after the conclusion of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. The draft order is determined by team standings and a weighted lottery system designed to maintain competitive balance in the league.</p>
<p>Each of the <strong>32 NHL teams</strong> is allotted one pick per round, resulting in a standard <strong>seven-round draft with 224 selections</strong> unless trades alter the distribution.</p>
<div><hr /></div>
<h2>NHL Draft Eligibility Rules</h2>
<p>A player's eligibility for the <strong>NHL Draft</strong> is based on specific age and participation criteria:</p>
<h3>Age Requirements</h3>
<ul data-spread="false">
<li>
<p>Players must be at least <strong>18 years old</strong> by <strong>September 15</strong> of the draft year.</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>North American players cannot be older than <strong>20 years old</strong>.</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>International players are eligible up to the age of <strong>21</strong> if they have not previously played in the NHL.</p>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Undrafted Players</h3>
<ul data-spread="false">
<li>
<p>If a player is not selected in their first year of eligibility, they can be drafted in later years as long as they meet the age criteria.</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>Players who remain undrafted after becoming ineligible can enter the league as unrestricted free agents.</p>
</li>
</ul>
<p>These <strong>NHL draft age rules</strong> ensure a structured and fair pathway for young talent entering the league.</p>
<div><hr /></div>
<h2>How Does the NHL Draft Work?</h2>
<p>The <strong>NHL Draft</strong> follows a systematic process that includes a <strong>draft lottery, a defined order for playoff teams, and the ability to trade picks</strong>. Here&rsquo;s how it works:</p>
<h3>1. The NHL Draft Lottery</h3>
<p>The <strong>draft lottery</strong> is used to determine the order of selection for teams that did not qualify for the playoffs:</p>
<ul data-spread="false">
<li>
<p>The <strong>16 non-playoff teams</strong> are entered into the lottery.</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>The lottery randomly assigns the first, second, and third overall picks.</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>The remaining teams are ordered based on their <strong>regular-season standings</strong> from worst to best.</p>
</li>
</ul>
<p>The lottery is designed to <strong>prevent tanking</strong>, ensuring that the lowest-ranked teams have the best odds of securing a high pick but are not guaranteed the top spot.&nbsp;<br /><br />Do you want to learn more about <a href="https://www.eliteprospects.com/page/how-does-the-nhl-draft-lottery-work">how the NHL Draft Lottery works?</a></p>
<h3>2. Playoff Teams&rsquo; Draft Order</h3>
<p>The <strong>16 teams that made the Stanley Cup Playoffs</strong> are placed at the end of the selection order, ranked in reverse order of <strong>regular-season performance</strong>. The team with the <strong>best record</strong> picks last unless they have acquired a higher pick through trades.</p>
<h3>3. Trading Draft Picks</h3>
<p>One of the most strategic aspects of the <strong>NHL Draft</strong> is the ability to trade draft picks. Teams may trade picks in advance or on draft day to:</p>
<ul data-spread="false">
<li>
<p>Move up in the draft to select a coveted player.</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>Acquire additional selections to build depth.</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>Exchange picks for veteran players who can immediately impact their roster.</p>
</li>
</ul>
<p>This adds a dynamic element to the drafting process, as teams balance long-term development with immediate roster needs.</p>
<div><hr /></div>
<h2>How Many Rounds Are in the NHL Draft?</h2>
<p>The <strong>NHL Draft consists of seven rounds</strong>, giving each team multiple opportunities to acquire talent. While the <strong>first-round picks</strong> receive the most attention, players selected in later rounds often go on to have successful NHL careers.</p>
<p>Notable late-round picks include:</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><a href="https://www.eliteprospects.com/player/8615/pavel-datsyuk">Pavel Datsyuk</a> (6th round, 171st overall, 1998, Detroit Red Wings)</li>
<li><a href="https://www.eliteprospects.com/player/285/henrik-zetterberg">Henrik Zetterberg</a> (7th round, 210th overall, 1999, Detroit Red Wings)</li>
<li><a href="https://www.eliteprospects.com/player/702/daniel-alfredsson">Daniel Alfredsson</a> (6th round, 133rd overall, 1994, Ottawa Senators)</li>
<li><a href="https://www.eliteprospects.com/player/286/henrik-lundqvist">Henrik Lundqvist</a> (7th round, 205th overall, 2000, New York Rangers)</li>
<li><a href="https://www.eliteprospects.com/player/4282/pekka-rinne">Pekka Rinne</a> (8th round, 258th overall, 2004, Nashville Predators)</li>
<li><a href="https://www.eliteprospects.com/player/10372/joe-pavelski">Joe Pavelski</a> (7th round, 205th overall, 2003, San Jose Sharks)</li>
<li><a href="https://www.eliteprospects.com/player/21334/luc-robitaille">Luc Robitaille</a> (9th round, 171st overall, 1984, Los Angeles Kings)</li>
<li><a href="https://www.eliteprospects.com/player/15399/jamie-benn">Jamie Benn</a> (5th round, 129th overall, 2007, Dallas Stars)</li>
<li><a href="https://www.eliteprospects.com/player/8596/pavol-demitra">Pavol Demitra</a> (9th round, 227th overall, 1993, Ottawa Senators)</li>
<li><a href="https://www.eliteprospects.com/player/16140/pavel-bure">Pavel Bure</a> (6th round, 113th overall, 1989, Vancouver Canucks)</li>
<li><a href="https://www.eliteprospects.com/player/8665/dominik-hasek">Dominik Ha&scaron;ek</a> (10th round, 199th overall, 1983, Chicago Blackhawks)</li>
<li><a href="https://www.eliteprospects.com/player/8553/peter-bondra">Peter Bondra</a> (8th round, 156th overall, 1990, Washington Capitals)</li>
<li><a href="https://www.eliteprospects.com/player/21306/theo-fleury">Theo Fleury</a> (8th round, 166th overall, 1987, Calgary Flames)</li>
</ul>
<p>These examples highlight the importance of scouting and development beyond the early rounds.</p>
<div><hr /></div>
<h2>What Happens on NHL Draft Day?</h2>
<p>Draft day is an exciting event that follows a structured process:</p>
<ul data-spread="false">
<li>
<p><strong>Teams make selections in order, with a time limit for each pick.</strong></p>
</li>
<li>
<p><strong>Player interviews and scouting reports</strong> influence team decisions.</p>
</li>
<li>
<p><strong>Trade activity often intensifies</strong>, as teams look to improve their draft position or acquire roster players.</p>
</li>
<li>
<p><strong>Drafted players do not immediately join the NHL.</strong> Many continue their development in junior, college, or European leagues before transitioning to the professional level.</p>
</li>
</ul>
<div><hr /></div>
<h2>What Happens After the NHL Draft?</h2>
<p>For players selected in the draft, the journey is just beginning. The following steps outline what happens next:</p>
<h3>1. Signing an Entry-Level Contract</h3>
<ul data-spread="false">
<li>
<p>Drafted players typically sign a <strong>three-year entry-level contract (ELC)</strong>.</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>The contract includes a structured salary and bonus system to ensure fair compensation for young players.</p>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>2. Attending Development Camps</h3>
<ul data-spread="false">
<li>
<p>NHL teams host <strong>development camps</strong> shortly after the draft to assess and train new prospects.</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>These camps focus on skill development, conditioning, and acclimating players to a professional environment.</p>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>3. Returning to Junior, College, or European Leagues</h3>
<ul data-spread="false">
<li>
<p>Many drafted players continue playing in their original leagues until they are ready to transition to the NHL or AHL.</p>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>4. Progressing to the AHL or NHL</h3>
<ul data-spread="false">
<li>
<p>Some first-round picks may immediately join the NHL, but most prospects develop in the <strong>AHL (American Hockey League)</strong> before making their NHL debut.</p>
</li>
</ul>
<div><hr /></div>
<h2>Why the NHL Draft Is Important</h2>
<p>The <strong>NHL Draft</strong> is more than just a selection process&mdash;it is a fundamental aspect of building a competitive team. By understanding <strong>how the NHL Draft works</strong>, including its <strong>rules, eligibility requirements, and strategic aspects</strong>, fans and players can gain deeper insights into the league&rsquo;s future stars and team-building strategies.</p>
<p>The draft also plays a crucial role in maintaining competitive balance across the league, giving struggling teams access to top-tier talent while rewarding successful franchises with the challenge of finding hidden gems later in the draft.</p>
<div><hr /></div>
<h2>Conclusion</h2>
<p>The <strong>NHL Draft</strong> is one of the most important events in hockey, shaping the future of teams and players alike. Whether you&rsquo;re a prospect aspiring to be drafted, a dedicated fan tracking your team&rsquo;s selections, or a newcomer looking to understand the process, knowing the <strong>rules, structure, and significance of the draft</strong> enhances the experience of following the NHL.</p>

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<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><img src="https://cdn.eprinkside.com/fm/eprinkside/files/2/images/2024-10/Eric%20Lindros%20Trade%20Article%20Image%20(1).png" alt="" width="100%" /></span><br /><span style="font-size: 8pt;">&copy; Bildbyr&aring;n</span></p>
<p>Few players in NHL history have inspired as much awe and debate as <a class="" href="https://www.eliteprospects.com/player/8998/eric-lindros" target="_new" rel="noopener">Eric Lindros</a>. Standing at 6-foot-4 with a unique combination of size, strength, and skill, Lindros was seen as a generational talent destined for greatness. From the dramatic Eric Lindros trade to a career filled with brilliance and adversity, his story is one of immense potential, complicated by injury and circumstance.</p>
<h2>Eric Lindros Pre-Draft: "The Next One"</h2>
<p>Before his name became synonymous with one of the biggest trades in <a class="" href="https://www.eliteprospects.com/draft/nhl-entry-draft/1991" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">NHL</a> history, <a class="" href="https://www.eliteprospects.com/player/8998/eric-lindros" target="_new" rel="noopener">Eric Lindros</a> was already a towering figure in the hockey world. From an early age, his blend of size, speed, and skill set him apart from his peers, earning him the nickname &ldquo;The Next One,&rdquo; a reference to his potential to follow in the footsteps of <a class="" href="https://www.eliteprospects.com/player/9678/wayne-gretzky" target="_new" rel="noopener">Wayne Gretzky</a>. Lindros dominated at every level, from his junior career with the <a class="" href="https://www.eliteprospects.com/team/873/oshawa-generals" target="_new" rel="noopener">Oshawa Generals</a> in the <a class="" href="https://www.eliteprospects.com/league/ohl" target="_new" rel="noopener">OHL</a>, where he led the team to a Memorial Cup victory in 1990, to representing Canada on the international stage as a teenager. By the time the <a class="" href="https://www.eliteprospects.com/draft/nhl-entry-draft/1991" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">1991 NHL Draft</a> approached, Lindros was regarded as a generational talent, a rare player who could single-handedly change the fate of a franchise. But as the spotlight on him grew, so did the controversy that would surround his NHL entry, setting the stage for one of the most dramatic moments in hockey history.</p>
<h2>Draft Day Drama</h2>
<p>In 1991, Eric Lindros was the clear first overall pick, but when the <a class="" href="https://www.eliteprospects.com/team/544/quebec-nordiques" target="_new" rel="noopener">Quebec Nordiques</a> selected him, he immediately refused to put on the jersey. Lindros had been vocal about his unwillingness to play for Quebec, citing concerns about the team&rsquo;s poor management and his desire to join an English-speaking market. Despite being drafted, Lindros continued playing junior hockey, leaving Quebec with no choice but to explore trade options.</p>
<h2>The Eric Lindros Trade: Full Breakdown</h2>
<p>The trade negotiations resulted in one of the most controversial moments in NHL history. The Nordiques made agreements with both the <a class="" href="https://www.eliteprospects.com/team/70/philadelphia-flyers" target="_new" rel="noopener">Philadelphia Flyers</a> and the <a class="" href="https://www.eliteprospects.com/team/68/new-york-rangers" target="_new" rel="noopener">New York Rangers</a>, leading to a dispute that required arbitration. In the end, the arbitrator ruled in favor of the Flyers, but the price was steep.</p>
<p>In exchange for Lindros, Quebec received:</p>
<ul class="css-ifblvf-list">
<li>
<p><a class="" href="https://www.eliteprospects.com/player/710/peter-forsberg" target="_new" rel="noopener">Peter Forsberg</a> (future Hall of Famer)</p>
</li>
<li>
<p><a class="" href="https://www.eliteprospects.com/player/19302/ron-hextall" target="_new" rel="noopener">Ron Hextall</a> (star goaltender)</p>
</li>
<li>
<p><a class="" href="https://www.eliteprospects.com/player/8909/mike-ricci" target="_new" rel="noopener">Mike Ricci</a> (talented forward)</p>
</li>
<li>
<p><a class="" href="https://www.eliteprospects.com/player/21626/steve-duchesne" target="_new" rel="noopener">Steve Duchesne</a> (solid defenseman)</p>
</li>
<li>
<p><a class="" href="https://www.eliteprospects.com/player/48614/kerry-huffman" target="_new" rel="noopener">Kerry Huffman</a> (defenseman)</p>
</li>
<li>
<p><a class="" href="https://www.eliteprospects.com/player/8882/chris-simon" target="_new" rel="noopener">Chris Simon</a> (forward known for his toughness)</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>Two first-round draft picks (1993, 1994)</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>$15 million in cash<br /><br /></p>
</li>
</ul>
<p>This trade reshaped both franchises. Li<span style="font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Open Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif;">ndros b</span><span style="font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Open Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif;">eca</span><span style="font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Open Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif;">me the centerpiece in Philadelphia, while the Nordiques, later relocating as the </span><a class="" style="font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Open Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif;" href="https://www.eliteprospects.com/team/57/colorado-avalanche" target="_new" rel="noopener">Colorado Avalanche</a><span style="font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Open Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif;">, used these assets to build a team that would win two Stanley Cups.</span></p>
<pre><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><img style="font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Open Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif;" src="https://cdn.eprinkside.com/fm/eprinkside/files/2/images/2024-10/BB960611BB005%20(1).jpg" alt="" width="404" height="496" /></span><br /><span style="font-size: 8pt;">&copy; Bildbyr&aring;n - Peter Forsberg in 1996</span></pre>
<h2 data-pm-slice="1 1 []">A Dominant Force in the NHL After the Eric Lindros Trade</h2>
<p>Lindros quickly made an impact in Philadelphia. His unique combination of power, skill, and physicality redefined the role of the power forward in the NHL. In 1995, he won the Hart Trophy as the league&rsquo;s most valuable player. By 1997, he had led the Flyers to the Stanley Cup Final, though they were swept by the <a class="" href="https://www.eliteprospects.com/team/60/detroit-red-wings" target="_new" rel="noopener">Detroit Red Wings</a>. At his peak, Lindros was a dominant force, capable of controlling the game on both ends of the ice.</p>
<p>However, his aggressive style made him vulnerable to injuries, especially concussions, which would come to overshadow his career.</p>
<h3>The Scott Stevens Hit on Eric Lindros: A Career-Changing Moment</h3>
<p>In the 2000 Eastern Conference Finals, Lindros' career trajectory took a devastating turn. Returning from multiple concussions, he entered the offensive zone in Game 7 against the <a class="" href="https://www.eliteprospects.com/team/66/new-jersey-devils" target="_new" rel="noopener">New Jersey Devils</a>. Waiting for him was Devils captain <a class="" href="https://www.eliteprospects.com/player/21375/scott-stevens" target="_new" rel="noopener">Scott Stevens</a>, who delivered a crushing hit that became one of the most infamous moments in hockey history.</p>
<p>The hit not only left Lindros motionless on the ice but also marked a pivotal moment in his career. Lindros never played for the Flyers again after that, as the hit aggravated his previous concussions. His relationship with the Flyers' management, already strained over how his injuries were handled, deteriorated further, and he sat out the entire 2000&ndash;01 season.</p>
<h2>The "What Ifs" of the Eric Lindros Trade</h2>
<p>Though Lindros later played for the <a class="" href="https://www.eliteprospects.com/team/68/new-york-rangers" target="_new" rel="noopener">New York Rangers</a>, <a class="" href="https://www.eliteprospects.com/team/76/toronto-maple-leafs" target="_new" rel="noopener">Toronto Maple Leafs</a>, and <a class="" href="https://www.eliteprospects.com/team/59/dallas-stars" target="_new" rel="noopener">Dallas Stars</a>, he was never quite the same player after the Scott Stevens hit. Despite finishing his career with 865 points in 760 games, there remains a sense of "what if." What if Lindros had stayed healthy? Could he have led the Flyers to a Stanley Cup? Could he have gone down as one of the greatest players in NHL history?</p>
<p>Lindros' legacy is a blend of brilliance and unfulfilled potential, a reminder of how quickly a career can change.</p>
<h2>Eric Lindros' Lasting Legacy</h2>
<p>In 2016, <a class="" href="https://www.eliteprospects.com/player/8998/eric-lindros" target="_new" rel="noopener">Eric Lindros</a> was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame, cementing his place among the sport&rsquo;s all-time greats. Two years later, in 2018, the Flyers retired his No. 88 jersey in recognition of his impact on the team and the game.</p>
<p>While the Scott Stevens hit and the injuries that followed will always define part of his career, his influence on hockey is undeniable. Lindros remains one of the most captivating players in NHL history, with the Eric Lindros trade standing as one of the league's most consequential moves.</p>

The Eric Lindros trade: a blockbuster deal that changed the NHL and the fate of two franchises.

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