SUNRISE, Fla . -- The excitement surrounding Connor McDavid and Jack Eichel has subsided, but there could be an even greater collection of future stars at the 2016 NHL Draft in Buffalo, N.Y.
The 2015 draft at BB&T Center saw Erie Otters center McDavid selected by the Edmonton Oilers with the No. 1 choice, and Boston University center Eichel chosen by the Buffalo Sabres with the No. 2 pick. Each is expected to be starring in the NHL in 2015-16 and, perhaps, challenge for the Calder Trophy as the NHL's top rookie.
Meanwhile, NHL scouts are setting their sights on a 2016 draft that will include plenty of blue-chip talent. That group is led by center Auston Matthews, who was born Sept. 17, 1997, and missed the cut for the 2015 draft by two days. If Matthews were eligible, many believe he might have challenged McDavid as the first choice.