TORONTO (Jan. 13, 2020) — The National Hockey League and the Buffalo Sabres today announced the NHL Scouting Combine™ will remain in Buffalo through 2022, with each of the next three events being held at KeyBank Center and LECOM Harborcenter. The NHL Scouting Combine, which showcases the top draft-eligible prospects from North America and Europe ahead of the NHL Draft™, has been held in Buffalo since 2015.
“After a successful first five years of the NHL Scouting Combine in Buffalo, we’re thrilled to host the event for another three years,” said Kevyn Adams, Buffalo Sabres senior vice president of business administration. “Partnering with the NHL to host the Combine has been a wonderful opportunity for our organization and the city of Buffalo. We’re excited that the path to the NHL for these young players will continue to run through our city and we look forward to welcoming the hockey world back to Buffalo this spring.”
“The NHL’s annual Scouting Combine is one of the most valuable experiences in a young prospects Draft year and we are thrilled to continue utilizing the Sabres best-in-class facilities for this important event,” said Dan Marr, Director NHL Central Scouting. “The Buffalo Sabres are gracious hosts and The KeyBank Center, LECOM Harborcenter and the City of Buffalo provide the ideal location and venue requirements for all our needs. Together with our Clubs, we would also like to recognize the Marriott Harborcenter for their continued support of this annual event.”
The event, held annually in late May and early June, consists of player interviews, medical assessments and a series of physical fitness tests. All NHL member Clubs have the opportunity to conduct individual interviews with players in preparation for the NHL Draft. This year’s event will run from June 1-6.
Since 2015, more than 500 draft-eligible players have come to Buffalo for the Scouting Combine, including the Sabres’ No. 1 overall pick Rasmus Dahlin (2018) and No. 2 overall pick Jack Eichel (2015), and last year’s No. 1 overall pick Jack Hughes (New Jersey Devils).
LECOM Harborcenter is a 650,000-square-foot complex connected to the Buffalo Sabres’ KeyBank Center in downtown Buffalo. The complex features two NHL-size rinks with feature rink capacity of 2,000; classroom, theater and training facilities; a 205-room full service Marriott Hotel; (716) Food and Sport restaurant; a unique Tim Hortons Café & Bakeshop dedicated to the Sabres legend; The Healthy Scratch eatery and parking.
