The NHL entry draft is the primary means by which players arrive in the National Hockey League.

The St. Louis Blues did not participate in this draft, shortly after the league blocked the franchise's relocation to Saskatoon, Saskatchewan.

This was the only time in National Hockey League history that a franchise did not participate in an entry draft.

This was also the last time a playoff team picked first overall until 2020, when the New York Rangers won the first selection.

The last active player in the NHL from this draft class was Claude Lemieux, who retired after the 2008–09 season.