It was held on June 22 at the Memorial Auditorium in Buffalo, New York.

The worst team in the previous 1990–91 season, the Quebec Nordiques, was given the first overall pick while the expansion San Jose Sharks held the second overall pick.

What followed (in 1992) was one of the biggest trades in NHL history, which the Philadelphia Flyers used to acquire Lindros, in the process trading away future superstar Peter Forsberg.

The last active player in the NHL from this draft class was Ray Whitney, who retired after the 2013–14 season, he also led the entire draft in Games played (1330), as well as Points (1064).

Club teams in North America unless otherwise noted.