Blackhawks to host NHL draft in Chicago

In preparing to announce that the 2017 NHL Draft would be coming to the United Center, commissioner Gary Bettman discovered it will be the first time in league history the event will be held here.

"I said, 'Please, go back and check,' " Bettman said. "That can't be possible."

Yet, it is.

Bettman was joined Thursday by Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel as well as Blackhawks chairman Rocky Wirtz and president and CEO John McDonough in a news conference with emcee Eddie Olczyk on the United Center concourse.

The first round in 2017 will be conducted on June 23, with Rounds 2-7 on June 24.

Chicago will become the 16th U.S. city to host the event, which was first held in Montreal in 1963. This year's draft will be in Buffalo.

"I'd like to thank Mayor Emanuel, who showed the perseverance of a mother-in-law in working to bring this draft to Chicago," said Wirtz, who went on to thank Bettman, McDonough and the fans.

Olczyk, now a broadcaster for Comcast SportsNet and NBC, was selected by the Blackhawks with the third overall pick in 1984.

"A couple of hundred young hockey players with dreams as big as mine will take that first step to the National Hockey League, right here at the United Center," said Olczyk, who played for the Hawks from 1984-87 and 1998-2000.

Emanuel said he doesn't expect any taxpayer support will be needed to cover expenses for hosting the draft.

"I really want the franchise to do it, (the city will) do it, we'll do private," Emanuel said. "And based on preliminary phone calls … with all confidence I believe we're gonna do that."

The league and Emanuel did not provide details as to what kind of events or activities will surround the United Center during the draft. The mayor did say, however, that it will be "an event that everyone can participate in."

McDonough said he wants the draft to be "entertaining, innovative and memorable."

McDonough also finished his three-minute talk with a suggestion for general manager Stan Bowman, and a message to the rest of the league.

"I try not to lean into hockey operations very often," McDonough said, "but I've kind of implored Stan, 'Please don't trade away that first pick in 2017.'

"And I think our organizational mantra has a special place in today's announcement as our 'one goal' for the 2017 NHL Draft is to draft 30th."

Ticket distribution plans and other details of the draft will be announced later.