On Wednesday, March 15, the NHL released tentative dates for most events to close this 2022-23 season including broadcasting schedule and how to watch.
Tentative Dates to Close the 2022-23 Season
Start of 2023 Stanley Cup Playoffs
Monday, April 17
As the 2022-23 NHL season draws to a close, fans and players alike are gearing up for the highly anticipated Stanley Cup playoffs. The playoffs will feature the top 16 teams from the regular season, divided into four divisions: the Atlantic, Metropolitan, Central, and Pacific. The playoffs will follow a best-of-seven series format, with the winner of each series advancing to the next round until the final two teams compete for the coveted Stanley Cup trophy. As always, the playoffs promise to bring intense competition, thrilling moments, and unforgettable performances from some of the best hockey players in the world.
2023 NHL Draft Lottery (7 p.m. ET, ESPN, SN, TVAS)
Monday, May 8
The NHL Draft Lottery is an annual event held by the National Hockey League to determine the order in which teams will select their players in the upcoming NHL Entry Draft. The lottery is typically held in April, prior to the draft, and involves a random selection process to determine which team will receive the first overall pick. The team with the worst record in the league has the highest chance of winning the lottery, but any team outside of the playoffs has a chance to win. The lottery has undergone changes over the years to prevent teams from deliberately losing games to improve their draft position, and it remains an exciting and highly anticipated event for hockey fans.
Tentative start of 2023 Stanley Cup Final (TNT, SN, TVAS)
Saturday, June 3
The Stanley Cup Finals are the culmination of the National Hockey League playoffs, pitting the two remaining teams against each other in a best-of-seven series to determine the winner of the Stanley Cup trophy. The finals typically take place in late May or early June, and are a showcase of the best talent and teams in the league. The atmosphere is electric, with fans from both sides packing the arenas and millions tuning in worldwide. The Stanley Cup Finals are the ultimate test for any team, as they battle it out for the chance to hoist the most coveted trophy in all of hockey.
2023 NHL Scouting Combine presented by adidas (Buffalo)
Sunday, June 4 – Saturday, June 10
The NHL Scouting Combine is an annual event held in May that brings together the top prospects for the upcoming NHL Entry Draft. The combine allows teams to evaluate potential players in a series of physical and mental tests, including fitness assessments, interviews, and on-ice drills. The combine is a crucial part of the scouting process, providing teams with valuable information that can influence their draft selections. It also gives prospects a chance to showcase their abilities and make an impression on NHL scouts and executives. The combine has grown in popularity and importance in recent years, and is now a highly anticipated event in the lead-up to the draft.
2023 NHL Awards (Bridgestone Arena)
Monday, June 26
The NHL Awards is an annual event held to honor the best players, coaches, and executives in the National Hockey League. The awards ceremony takes place in June, following the conclusion of the playoffs, and features a range of awards, including the Hart Trophy for the league’s most valuable player, the Norris Trophy for the best defenseman, and the Vezina Trophy for the top goaltender. Other awards recognize outstanding rookies, sportsmanship, and leadership. The NHL Awards is a celebration of the talent and achievements of the league’s top performers, and is eagerly anticipated by fans and players alike.
2023 Upper Deck NHL Draft
(7 p.m. ET/6 p.m. CT, ESPN, SN, TVAS) (Bridgestone Arena)
(11 a.m. ET/10 a.m. CT, NHLN, SN, TVAS) (Bridgestone Arena)
Wednesday, June 28 – June 29
The NHL Draft is an annual event where NHL teams select new players for their organizations. The draft typically takes place in late June, with the order of selection based on team performance in the previous season. The first overall pick is highly coveted and often goes to the team with the worst record from the previous season. The draft features multiple rounds, with each team having the opportunity to select players that they believe will be valuable additions to their organization. The NHL Draft is a crucial part of building a successful team and provides fans with a glimpse of the future stars of the league.
