1990 NHL entry draft

[1] Nine of the twenty-one players drafted in the first round played 1,000 NHL games in their career.

[2][3] Consequently, the NHL and the Canucks decided to move the draft to BC Place in order to avoid the potential strike and issues of public access to the venue.

[6] Before the release of the final rankings of North American skaters and goaltenders, it was speculated Owen Nolan, Keith Primeau and Petr Nedved would surpass Ricci; however, when the final rankings were released, Ricci remained as the top prospect.

[6][7] Jaromir Jagr was also considered to be one of the top prospects, but Central Scouting did not rank European players.

[8] Petr Nedved was an exception to that, as he played in North America after he defected his native Czechoslovakia.

BC Place was the venue for the 1990 NHL entry draft
The Pacific Coliseum was the originally intended venue for the Draft
Martin Brodeur headed into the 1990 NHL Entry Draft as the third-ranked goaltender
Jaromir Jagr was the top-ranked European skater by the NHL Central Scouting
Owen Nolan was selected first overall by the Quebec Nordiques .
Petr Nedved was selected second overall by the Vancouver Canucks .
Darryl Sydor was selected seventh overall by the Los Angeles Kings .
The second pick of round two, 23rd overall, Jiri Slegr was the third pick made by the Vancouver Canucks.
Chris Simon was chosen 25th overall by the Philadelphia Flyers , the fourth selection of round two.
Geoff Sanderson was the 36th selection, drafted by the Hartford Whalers .
Sergei Zubov was the first pick in round five, going eighty-fifth overall to the New York Rangers .