Draft with a Purpose

The 2020 NHL Draft started with breaking news, a consensus No. 1 pick, hockey history at No. 2 and a Jeopardy question-and-answer to announce the third pick of the first round. That was all in the first half-hour.
Commissioner Gary Bettman commenced the virtual festivities with a welcome to hockey fans around the world, then made it clear the NHL and NHL Players' Association are planning Jan. 1 as the target start date for the upcoming 2020-21 regular season. "Based upon what we have learned and what we know and what we still don't know," Bettman said, "I can say we are now focused on a Jan. 1 start for next season."

Alexis Lafreniere, a darling of Quebec and consensus No. 1 pick, was destined for a No. 1-pick celebration at Montreal's Bell Centre with 20,000 cheering provincial fans before the COVID-19 pandemic turned his draft-night party into festivities at home for four-joined by his mom, dad and sister. He is the first Quebec-born No. 1 since goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury was the top pick of the Pittsburgh Penguins, going on to win three Cups with the Pens.
Lafreniere was openly thrilled about learning the NHL Draft Lottery winner was the Rangers, an NHL original six franchise with a deep history of Hall of Famers. In fact, Lafreniere's top two favorite jersey numbers, 11 and 9, are both retired and up in the Madison Square Garden. He is no doubt happy to find a third-favorite number.
"It's big honor for me," said Lafreniere. "It means a lot to represent Quebec. I am excited to make them proud."

When asked for his favorite moment of his big night, Lafreniere was quick to say what every young hockey player dreams about: "Trying on the Rangers jersey, that was pretty amazing, unreal for me."
The Los Angeles Kings and No. 2 pick, Canada-born center Quinton Byfield, made history with the next selection. Byfield is the highest-ever drafted Black player, landing two spots higher than Columbus' Seth Jones (2013) and San Jose's Evander Kane (2009), both picked fourth in their draft years. Byfield's size at 6-5 and 222 pounds is likely to increase and his speed and puck skills have drawn many comparisons to future Hall-of-Famer and another three-time Cup winner, Pittsburgh's Evgeni Malkin.

Byfield celebrated his historic with family on hand at home, including parents who both were impressive athlete. Confetti fluttered in the living room after Los Angeles GM Rob Blake called Byfield's name and the No. 2 pick admitted it was a "big relief" along with an exciting moment. He said he acknowledges a future and potential as a role model for young hockey players of color: "It's super positive," Byfield said about being the highest drafted Black player in NHL history. "I just want to spread the positivity and awareness.
The Byfield pick translated to a German forward, Tim Stutzle (pronounced "Stoots-lah), happily putting on an Ottawa Senators jersey back home in Europe. Stutzle matched countryman and Edmonton Oilers star Leon Draisaitl and this season's MVP Conn Smythe Trophy winner-both are now the highest-drafted German at No. 3. Fellow German forward Lucas Reichel, who actually played against Chicago in a preseason game in Germany before this past season. Reichel is the nephew of former NHL center Robert Reichel, who played with four teams, finishing his career with 630 points in 830 games. Only one German player was drafted in 2019. For context, only two U.S. players were picked in Tuesday's first round, compared to 11 in the 2019 draft.
Stutzle's announcement included a touching and fun moment with long-time "Jeopardy" host and avid hockey fan Alex Trebek provided the answer card about a German forward going No. 3 in the 2020 NHL Draft and Trebek asked, "Who is Tim Stutzle?"
Seven players from the elite amateur Western Hockey League were drafted in Round 1, including four of the round's last eight picks. Likely a dozen more WHLers are expected to be selected during Wednesday's Rounds 2 to 7 (8:30 a.m., NBC Sports Network). The Portland Winterhawks speedy forward Seth Jarvis was the WHL pick at No. 13 going to the Carolina Hurricanes, no doubt catching attention of scouts with his 98 points in 58 games. Wednesday's Rounds 2 to 7 begin at 8:30 a.m. on NBC Sports Network.