2018 NHL Draft First Round Discussion: First Round Time, Schedule, Draft Order, How to Watch

Welcome to a draft where literally anything could happen.

The Carolina Hurricanes hold the second pick at the 2018 NHL Draft at American Airlines Center in Dallas, but that’s only the start of the palace intrigue. No fewer than four players have been mentioned as possibly being on the move this weekend, and the Canes could find themselves playing kingmaker in their owner’s hometown over the next two days.

The draft begins at 7:30 Eastern, and the Hurricanes should pick soon after that. Here is the order for the first round tonight, subject to change with Gary Bettman’s famous “we have a trade to announce” proclamation serving as the siren’s song for what could be a very active night.

1. Buffalo Sabres
2. Carolina Hurricanes
3. Montreal Canadiens
4. Ottawa Senators (may be passed to COL)
5. Arizona Coyotes
6. Detroit Red Wings
7. Vancouver Canucks
8. Chicago Blackhawks
9. New York Rangers
10. Edmonton Oilers
11. New York Islanders
12. New York Islanders (from CGY)
13. Dallas Stars
14. Philadelphia Flyers (from STL)
15. Florida Panthers
16. Colorado Avalanche
17. New Jersey Devils
18. Columbus Blue Jackets
19. Philadelphia Flyers
20. Los Angeles Kings
21. San Jose Sharks
22. Ottawa Senators (from PIT)
23. Anaheim Ducks
24. Minnesota Wild
25. Toronto Maple Leafs
26. New York Rangers (from BOS)
27. Chicago Blackhawks (from NSH)
28. New York Rangers (from TBL)
29. St. Louis Blues (from WPG)
30. Detroit Red Wings (from VGK)
31. Washington Capitals

7:08 p.m.: Looks like the Hurricanes have struck out on the Philipp Grubauer derby, but it wasn't to the team we expected. The Caps traded Grubauer and Brooks Orpik to the Avalanche for the Avs’ second round pick. So...now where do the Canes look? (BL)

7:23 p.m.: Just spoke to Winnipeg Jets head coach Paul Maurice regarding the hiring of Rod Brind Amour as head coach. He spoke very highly of his former player and mentioned that the Hurricanes will improve offensively and defensively under his leadership. “Carolina’s not that far than everyone thinks. Just need a goaltender and some confidence,” said Maurice. (JL)

7:40 p.m.: Gary Bettman starts the proceedings by presenting the E.J. McGuire Award of Excellence to Humboldt Broncos president Kevin Garinger. Serenaded by boos upon his appearance on stage as is tradition, Bettman quickly shut it down, admonishing fans that they have business to attend to - and then “you can boo me all you want.” (Spoiler alert: that’s exactly what they did.) (BL)

7:50 p.m.:

7:53 p.m.: The Hurricanes are on the clock...

...and they do what everyone expected, taking Andrei Svechnikov. Tom Dundon’s daughter Drew makes the announcement.

We’re going to take a break now for a bit to go talk to Svechnikov - head over to our Facebook page to see his media availability.

8:37 p.m.: Here’s video of Svechnikov meeting the media a few minutes ago:

9:35 p.m.: The draft trade floor has been remarkably quiet, and we’re just a few picks away from this being the second straight year with a first round devoid of Gary Bettman trade announcements. Meanwhile, our story from the Canes’ selection of Svechnikov has now been posted. (BL)