It was a draft to assign unaffiliated amateur junior-age players to NHL teams.

The NHL wanted to create what Campbell called "a uniform opportunity for each team to acquire a star player".

[1] Eligibility in this draft was limited to all amateur players who would reach 17 years of age between August 1, 1963, and July 31, 1964.

The final draft order was chosen to be Montreal Canadiens, Detroit Red Wings, Boston Bruins, New York Rangers, Chicago Black Hawks and Toronto Maple Leafs.

[1] Of the players selected five eventually played in the NHL, and only one won the Stanley Cup (Peter Mahovlich).