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Golden Knights Officially Transfer 2022 First-Round Pick to Buffalo Sabres

The Vegas Golden Knights did not move into the top 10 at the 2022 NHL Draft Lottery, and therefore they will officially complete the Jack Eichel blockbuster by sending their first-round pick to the Buffalo Sabres.

Had this year’s pick been in the top 10, they’d have kept it and sent their 2023 first rounder instead. With this deal completed, the Vegas Golden Knights now have a good idea of when they will make their first pick of the 2022 draft. Barring any trades, Vegas will wait until day 2 to select a player.

Given the team’s cap situation, there’s a pretty good chance some trades will be made between the end of the NHL season and day one of the draft. Whether they are able to add a first round pick, or a second rounder earlier than No. 48 overall remains to be seen.

That said, here’s how the lottery went.

2022 NHL Draft Order

1. Montreal Canadiens

2. New Jersey Devils

3. Arizona Coyotes

4. Seattle Kraken

5. Philadelphia Flyers

6. Columbus Blue Jackets (via Chicago Blackhawks)

7. Ottawa Senators

8. Detroit Red Wings

9. Buffalo Sabres

10. Anaheim Ducks

11. San Jose Sharks

12. Columbus Blue Jackets

13. New York Islanders

14. Winnipeg Jets

15. Vancouver Canucks

16. Buffalo Sabres (via Vegas Golden Knights)