The Side of the NHL Draft You’re Not Seeing (Yet)

by: Holly Arend

The views expressed in this piece are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect those of the NHL or its affiliates.

You’ve seen the hugs, the tears, the applause. During a draft pick, it becomes the newest name on your favorite team’s roster, and just like that, the moment is over. But what about everything before and after? What we see on camera is only about 1% of what the NHL Draft really looks like. The other 99% is full of early-morning nerves, family group texts, media chaos, and quiet moments that rarely make the broadcast. We’re here to talk about that 99%  and why it deserves to be seen.

The 2024 NHL Draft's first round selections at The Sphere in Las Vegas, Nevada. // Credit: NHL PR

The People Beyond the Pick

Every player comes with a whole team of family and friends who have been there from day one. Year after year, we see moms in tears, dads gripping their kids’ hands just a little tighter, and friends capturing the moment on their phones; it’s not just the athlete’s dream being realized. It’s a win for everyone who sat in the cold rinks, who showed up after losses, and who believed before the media ever did.

Three moments in recent draft history say it all. The Hughes family showed us what a hockey legacy looks like. When Quinn Hughes was drafted seventh overall in 2018, the celebration included not just his parents but his brothers, Jack and Luke, who would each become top picks themselves. Their post-draft interview felt more like a family roast than a press moment, proving that support, humor, and belief are a big part of how great athletes are raised.

Then came the Fantilli brothers in 2023. As Adam was taken third overall by Columbus, cameras caught his brother Luca wiping away tears in the crowd. That emotion didn’t need a voiceover- it said everything about what it means to grow up in the game together and finally see that moment arrive.

Most recently, TJ Iginla made headlines as the son of Hall of Famer Jarome Iginla. But his story goes beyond the name. His journey has been built on creating his own legacy while still having a support system that understands the pressures of pro hockey. His father’s advice was simple but real: stay grounded and keep working. Watching them embrace in post-interview photos reminded us that some dreams come full circle.

The love and support do not fade when the cameras cut. It gets louder, more personal, and even more real. That’s the side of the draft we need to see more of. And that’s the side Gen Z media is built to tell.

The Pressure They Don’t Post

What you don’t always see is everything that happens before the big moment. Draft day is exciting, but that word doesn’t even begin to explain it. It’s long, stressful, and overwhelming in a way that no social clip or broadcast camera can fully show. Players are up early, running on little sleep, cycling through interviews, meetings, and team obligations while trying to keep their nerves in check. Many of them are still teenagers, figuring out how to hold it together when their name might not be called-or what to say when it finally is.

In 2008, Steven Stamkos knew he was going first overall. The media knew. His family knew. But that didn’t stop the nerves. Cameras caught him bouncing his knees and shifting in his seat as he waited for his name to be called. The tension doesn’t go away just because the outcome feels guaranteed. 

In 2022, Juraj Slafkovský sat calmly with his family just moments before becoming the first Slovakian player to go first overall. On the surface, he looked composed, but there’s a stillness in those moments that says more than words. It’s the kind of pause that only happens when a lifelong dream meets the pressure of a global stage.

That same pressure doesn’t skip the new generation, either. Tij Iginla entered the 2024 Draft surrounded by legacy talk and high expectations. He handled every media appearance with calm and focus, but his interviews made one thing clear: the weight of it all was very real. When your last name comes with headlines, the pressure multiplies. The draft may only last a weekend, but everything leading up to it can define how these young athletes remember one of the biggest days of their lives.

The Silent Space After the Applause

The true emotions take center stage when the cheers die down and the spotlight fades. After the hugs and handshakes, the draft’s fast pace slows, revealing moments of quiet reflection few get to see. This is when the reality of what just happened sinks in, small, personal details that stay with players long after the cameras leave.

Back in 2004, the Washington Capitals picked Alexander Ovechkin first overall. While the draft buzzed around him, Ovechkin, who was still learning English, quietly connected with fans and savored a plate of cantaloupe, a simple moment that showed his lively spirit and calm presence despite the overwhelming occasion.

Fast forward to 2019, when Jack Hughes was taken first overall by the New Jersey Devils. After hearing his name, Hughes moved backstage to the “car wash” of interviews and photos, but kept his eyes glued to televisions showing the rest of the draft. As he went from station to station, he watched his friends and former teammates get selected, celebrating their picks while soaking in the full experience.

These moments are often missed. They do not trend, but they matter. They reveal a side of the draft that speaks to love, loyalty, and reflection. Those quiet moments show the heart of the draft experience.

Why This Matters and Why Gen Z Media Should Be There

Most draft coverage only scratches the surface with stats, quick interviews, and highlight clips. It shows the moment a name is called, but misses the moments that make the draft truly special. The nerves before the announcement, the family hugs that go unseen, the quiet reflection when the spotlight moves on. Those are the stories that connect us. 

Hazze was made for this kind of coverage. We understand that today’s fans want more than just numbers and soundbites. They want the real, raw, unfiltered moments that show the person behind the jersey. We want to bring those stories to life and give fans a front-row seat to every emotion, every breath, every step of the journey. That is why it is so important for Hazze to be at the draft, not just to report who got picked, but to capture the heart of the experience. 

Because at the end of the day, these stories remind us that behind every draft pick is a human being with dreams, fears, and a whole life ahead.

Disclaimer: This article includes paraphrased reporting and player insights sourced from NHL.com. Details about Jack Hughes’ 2019 NHL Draft night are drawn from “Jack Hughes takes in Draft night after being picked by New Jersey Devils”, while Alexander Ovechkin’s 2004 experience is informed by “Eight Gr8 Moments: The 2004 NHL Entry Draft”. Additional moments and reflections from the NHL Draft, including those involving Adam Fantilli, Juraj Slafkovský, Steven Stamkos, Quinn Hughes, and TJ Ingila, are paraphrased or referenced from various NHL.com features, such as this behind-the-scenes look at the 2023 Draft. All commentary, analysis, and narrative structure are original and for editorial purposes only.