BUFFALO, N.Y. (May 2, 2017) — The National Hockey League and the Buffalo Sabres today announced the NHL Scouting Combine will remain in Buffalo through 2019, with each of the next three events being held at KeyBank Center and HarborCenter. The NHL Scouting Combine, which has taken place in Buffalo each of the last two years, showcases the top draft-eligible prospects from North America and Europe ahead of the NHL Draft.
“It’s been a pleasure to host this event the last two years and we are honored to be chosen to continue hosting through 2019,” said Sabres President Russ Brandon. “The combination of KeyBank Center and HarborCenter provides the perfect venue for the Combine, and we look forward to building on the success we’ve achieved during the last two events.”
“The Buffalo Sabres, HarborCenter complex and the City of Buffalo have proven to be amazing hosts and the ideal location for our annual Scouting Combine,” said Dan Marr, Director of NHL Central Scouting. “The NHL and its Member Clubs are pleased that this modern, all-encompassing venue will play host for the next three years.”
The event, held annually in late May and early June, consists of player interviews, medical assessments and a series of physical fitness tests. All 31 NHL clubs have the opportunity to conduct individual interviews with players in preparation for the NHL Draft.
Since 2015, more than 225 draft-eligible players have come to Buffalo for the Scouting Combine, including the Sabres’ Jack Eichel and former No. 1 overall picks Connor McDavid (Edmonton Oilers) and Auston Matthews (Toronto Maple Leafs). This year, 106 participants are invited to the event, which will begin on May 29 and run through June 3.
