NAHL Futures Draft

When is the NAHL Futures Draft?
The NAHL Futures Draft will take place in early June of 2026. Come back for official dates and times.

Who is eligible for the NAHL Futures Draft?
The Futures Draft is designed to give 16-year-old players early exposure to junior hockey and support their path to NCAA hockey through the NAHL’s proven development model. Each NAHL team will select two players born in 2010, one in each of the draft’s two rounds. 

What is the purpose of the NAHL Futures Draft? 
It offers a unique opportunity for players to gain valuable junior hockey experience while continuing to play at the midget, high school, or prep school level while keeping all future options open. The selected players will be automatically added to their team’s USA Hockey Affiliate Player List for the 2025-26 season. This special status allows players to participate in up to ten NAHL games without being added to the team's official USA Hockey Protected List. 

How long does each NAHL team hold rights to the athletes? 
NAHL teams will hold exclusive rights to their Futures Draft picks through March 10, 2027. If a drafted player has not been added to the team’s official USA Hockey Protected List or signed to an NAHL tender agreement by that date, the player becomes a free agent and is eligible to sign a tender agreement with any team in the NAHL.

Do prospective NAHL players have to register for the NAHL Futures Draft?
No, there is no registration process to be eligible for the NAHL Entry Draft.

How many players can each team select in the NAHL Futures Draft?
Each NAHL team will select two players born in 2010, one in each of the draft’s two rounds. NAHL Teams cannot trade picks.

What is the order of the NAHL Futures Draft?
Every NAHL team will make selections in reverse order of their finish in the 2025-26 regular season standings. New member clubs will have their order of selection determined by lottery. If there is only one new member club, they will have the first selection in each round.

Are drafted players eligible to try out for other NAHL teams?
Unless agreed upon in writing by the two NAHL teams, tendered or drafted players are not eligible to try out for other NAHL teams.

Are drafted players eligible to try out for teams in other junior leagues?
Yes, all tendered and drafted players are eligible to try out for any team in any league other than the NAHL in the U.S. and Canada.

Will the results of the NAHL Futures Draft be posted on NAHL.com?
Yes, the results of the NAHL Futures Draft will be posted on NAHLFuturesDraft.com in its entirety upon completion.

Will the NAHL Futures Draft be broadcasted?
Yes, the NAHL Futures Draft is scheduled to be broadcast with live coverage on NAHLTV, official broadcast provider of the NAHL.

What if a prospective player is not drafted, but is still interested in playing the NAHL?
Players not drafted but who still want to play in the NAHL are encouraged to attend individual team's open tryout camps.