2004 NHL entry draft
The 2004 NHL Entry Draft was the 42nd annual player selection process by the 30 National Hockey League (NHL) franchises to choose amateur ice hockey players eligible for entry into professional ranks.[1] It took place over two days, June 26 and 27, at the RBC Center in Raleigh, North Carolina, and consisted of nine rounds with a total of 291 selections.[2][3] This draft holds historical significance as the last major NHL event before the league's 2004–05 lockout began on September 16, 2004, which ultimately led to the complete cancellation of that season and the first lost year in modern NHL history.[4] The draft order was largely determined by the reverse standings of the 2003–04 season, with the league's worst teams receiving priority, though a lottery system awarded the top pick to one of the five lowest-finishing clubs.[5] On April 6, 2004, the Washington Capitals won the lottery despite having only a 14.2 percent chance, securing the No. 1 overall selection for the first time since 1976.[2] With that pick, the Capitals selected dynamic left winger Alexander Ovechkin from Dynamo Moscow of Russia's Superleague, an 18-year-old phenom known for his powerful shot and goal-scoring prowess who would go on to break numerous records, including most goals by a European-born player.[6] The Pittsburgh Penguins followed by drafting center Evgeni Malkin second overall from Metallurg Magnitogorsk, another Russian talent who became a three-time Stanley Cup champion and one of the league's elite playmakers.[7] Beyond the top selections, the 2004 class demonstrated exceptional depth, yielding 128 players who appeared in at least one NHL game and producing multiple future Hockey Hall of Famers along with key contributors to championship teams.[3] Standouts included centers Ryan Getzlaf (19th, Anaheim Ducks) and Corey Perry (28th, Ducks), who anchored the Ducks' 2007 Stanley Cup victory and each earned Hart Trophy honors; and right winger Blake Wheeler, a second-round pick (No. 52 by Phoenix) who amassed over 900 points and captained the Winnipeg Jets.[7][8] This talented cohort helped reshape several franchises upon their NHL debuts in the 2005–06 post-lockout season, marking the draft as one of the strongest of the early 2000s era.[8]Background and Eligibility
Draft Rules and Process
The NHL Entry Draft in 2004 followed established league rules for player eligibility, which required North American players to turn 18 on or before September 15, 2004, and not be older than 20 by December 31, 2004, while non-North American players could be eligible up to age 21 under similar date cutoffs.[9] Junior players turning 18 during the 2004 calendar year were also eligible, and overage players—those who met prior draft eligibility but remained undrafted—could be selected provided they had not signed a professional contract and were still within the age limits.[10] These criteria ensured a pool focused on amateur and developing talent from major junior leagues, college programs, and European competitions. The draft consisted of nine rounds, with each of the 30 NHL teams receiving one selection per round in inverse order of the previous season's standings, unless picks were traded beforehand.[10] Compensatory picks were awarded to teams that lost unrestricted free agents during the prior offseason, based on a tiered system grouping players by salary and performance to provide additional selections typically in the second through fifth rounds.[11] Trades of draft picks were permitted in advance of the event but not during the active selection rounds, maintaining a structured flow to the proceedings. The selection order for the first five picks was determined by a weighted lottery among the five teams with the worst regular-season records, where no team could improve its position by more than four spots to promote competitive balance. Following the lottery, the remaining picks proceeded strictly in reverse standings order, including for playoff teams at the end. NHL Central Scouting played a key role by evaluating and ranking eligible prospects, releasing final lists that included 261 North American players (231 skaters and 30 goaltenders) and 174 European players (161 skaters and 13 goaltenders).[12]Impact of the 2004–05 NHL Lockout
The 2004 NHL Entry Draft, held on June 26–27 at the RBC Center in Raleigh, North Carolina, served as the league's final major event before the onset of the 2004–05 lockout. Negotiations between the NHL and the NHL Players' Association (NHLPA) had been deteriorating for months, with the collective bargaining agreement (CBA) expiring on September 15, 2004, leading to an official lockout announcement the following day on September 16.[13] The dispute centered on the league's push for a salary cap to address rising player costs and financial losses among teams, which the NHLPA resisted in favor of revenue sharing without hard limits.[14] By February 16, 2005, Commissioner Gary Bettman canceled the entire season—the first full cancellation in NHL history—resulting in 1,230 unplayed games and no Stanley Cup awarded since 1919.[4] The lockout profoundly delayed the professional transitions of the 2004 draft class, forcing many prospects to postpone their NHL debuts until the 2005–06 season. Top picks like Alexander Ovechkin, selected first overall by the Washington Capitals, returned to his Russian club Dynamo Moscow during the work stoppage, where he continued developing amid the uncertainty.[15] Similarly, Evgeni Malkin, chosen second overall by the Pittsburgh Penguins, remained in Russia with Metallurg Magnitogorsk, further complicating his path due to subsequent international transfer issues but initially stemming from the lockout.[16] European prospects in general saw increased returns to domestic leagues, while North American players often opted for college commitments or junior hockey to maintain development, as immediate NHL contracts were unattainable without a resolved CBA.[17] Amid the labor strife, teams adopted cautious strategies in the draft, prioritizing versatile, NHL-ready players who could contribute sooner in an unpredictable future. The looming lockout made general managers reluctant to acquire assets tied to long-term contracts, resulting in fewer trades than in previous drafts—only a handful occurred during the event itself.[18] This focus on immediate value reflected broader uncertainty, as clubs anticipated potential roster freezes and financial constraints, shifting emphasis toward prospects like Ovechkin, seen as elite talents capable of accelerating team rebuilds post-dispute.[19] The lockout concluded with a new CBA agreement reached on July 13, 2005, and officially ending on July 22, paving the way for the 2005–06 season under a hard salary cap set at $39 million per team. This resolution allowed the 2004 draftees to enter a restructured league, where the cap system promoted parity and long-term planning, ultimately benefiting high-end talents from the class by enabling competitive entry-level contracts in a financially stabilized environment.[14]Pre-Draft Preparation
Draft Lottery
The 2004 NHL Draft Lottery took place on April 6, 2004, in New York to determine the order of the top three selections for the entry draft, which was ultimately held on June 26 in Raleigh, North Carolina. Under the league's rules at the time, only the five teams with the fewest regular-season points from the 2003–04 season—the Pittsburgh Penguins, Chicago Blackhawks, Washington Capitals, Columbus Blue Jackets, and Phoenix Coyotes—were eligible to participate in the drawing for the first overall pick. The lottery used a weighted system based on inverse order of finish to give poorer-performing teams better chances, with the Penguins holding the highest odds at 25%, followed by the Blackhawks at 18.8% and the Capitals at 14.2% as an example of the tiered probabilities.[20][21][20] The process involved a mechanical lottery machine loaded with 14 ping-pong balls numbered 1 through 14, from which four balls were randomly drawn to create a unique four-digit combination. Each eligible team was assigned a set of these possible combinations proportional to their odds, ensuring fairness under NHL supervision. The drawing was not broadcast live but results were publicly announced immediately after, with the system designed to prevent any team from improving its draft position by more than four spots from its reverse standings order or dropping more than one spot.[22][2] (Note: PDF snippet confirms process; full access via NHL archives)[22] In the results, the Washington Capitals' combination was drawn first, securing them the No. 1 overall pick despite entering with the third-best odds and a projected third position based on standings. The Pittsburgh Penguins, as the league's worst team, retained the second pick, while the Chicago Blackhawks held the third spot per their reverse-order finish. This outcome proved pivotal, as it positioned the Capitals to select Russian superstar Alexander Ovechkin at No. 1, a choice that dramatically transformed the franchise's fortunes and established Ovechkin as one of the NHL's all-time greats.[22][15][20]Central Scouting Rankings
The NHL Central Scouting Bureau's final rankings for the 2004 NHL Entry Draft, released on May 12, 2004, evaluated eligible prospects across four categories: North American skaters, European skaters, North American goaltenders, and European goaltenders. These rankings served as a key pre-draft guide for teams, with 231 North American skaters and 161 European skaters assessed, alongside 30 North American and 13 European goaltenders. The process involved aggregating input from the bureau's network of scouts, who compiled detailed reports from observing over 300 games across junior, college, and professional leagues in North America and Europe.[12] For skaters, the rankings emphasized criteria such as skill execution, physical size and strength, and hockey sense, including vision and decision-making under pressure. Alexander Ovechkin topped the European skaters list unanimously, lauded for his explosive skating, powerful shot, and physical dominance at age 18 while playing for Dynamo Moscow in Russia's Superleague. Evgeni Malkin ranked second among European skaters, noted for his elite playmaking, agility, and offensive creativity with Metallurg Magnitogorsk, though scouts debated his placement against North American defenseman Cam Barker—ranked second among North American skaters—for the overall second-best prospect spot due to Barker's superior defensive positioning and size. On the North American side, Andrew Ladd led the rankings as the top forward from the Western Hockey League's Calgary Hitmen, valued for his two-way game, scoring touch (75 points in 71 games), and competitiveness.[12][23] Goaltender evaluations focused on technical proficiency, including save percentage, rebound control, and positioning, alongside mental resilience in high-pressure situations. Al Montoya headed the North American goaltenders as the No. 1 prospect, fresh off leading the United States to gold at the 2004 World Junior Championship with a .929 save percentage in the tournament; he played for the University of Michigan in the NCAA, where his quick lateral movement and puck-handling stood out. The top 10 North American goaltenders also included Devan Dubnyk (No. 2, WHL), David Shantz (No. 3, OHL), and Justin Peters (No. 4, OHL), prioritized for their size and consistency in junior leagues. European goaltenders received less emphasis in the rankings, with the category featuring only 13 names, reflecting fewer draft-eligible standouts from that region that year. Combined lists from North American and European evaluations produced an overall top prospects ranking, where Ovechkin held the No. 1 spot ahead of all others. Lottery winners stood to benefit significantly from the availability of these top-ranked talents at the draft's outset.[12][24]Event Overview
Venue and Schedule
The 2004 NHL Entry Draft took place at the RBC Center in Raleigh, North Carolina, the home arena of the Carolina Hurricanes.[25] The Hurricanes had secured hosting rights in 2001 through a competitive bid process supported by strong local fan interest, including a successful postseason ticket drive.[26] The venue, which later became known as PNC Arena, accommodated the event as part of efforts to promote hockey in non-traditional markets. The draft spanned two days, with the first two rounds held on June 26, 2004, and the remaining rounds three through nine conducted on June 27.[25] Leading up to the event, top prospects participated in the NHL Scouting Combine held in Toronto from May 29 to May 31, 2004, where they underwent fitness testing and interviews.[27] The first round was televised nationally in the United States on ESPN, with NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman announcing the selections from a stage setup.[28] Attendance exceeded 14,800 fans for the opening day, marking a strong turnout despite the subdued atmosphere overshadowed by ongoing labor negotiations between the NHL and the players' association.[29] The event carried a sense of finality, serving as the last major NHL gathering before the 2004–05 lockout canceled the entire season.[30]Top Prospect Highlights
The 2004 NHL Entry Draft was headlined by Alexander Ovechkin, an 18-year-old left winger from Dynamo Moscow in the Russian Superleague, who emerged as the consensus top prospect and was widely regarded as a generational talent comparable to Mario Lemieux. Standing at 6-foot-3 and 220 pounds, Ovechkin showcased elite skating, puck-handling, and scoring ability, earning praise as a "complete package" power forward capable of dominating both offensively and physically. In the 2003-04 season, he recorded 13 goals and 10 assists for 23 points in 53 games with Dynamo Moscow, while also contributing 5 goals and 2 assists in 6 games for Russia at the 2004 IIHF World Junior Championship (under-20).[31] Fellow Russian Evgeni Malkin, an 17-year-old center from Metallurg Magnitogorsk, drew significant attention as the second-ranked European skater and was often compared to Ovechkin for his exceptional hands, shot, and playmaking vision, with some scouts viewing him as a potential equal. However, Malkin's draft stock carried concerns due to a concussion in February 2004 that caused him to miss part of the season, limiting his playing time. He managed 3 goals and 9 assists for 12 points in 34 Superleague games that year, but impressed internationally with 4 goals and 4 assists in 6 games at the Under-18 Championship.[23][32] Among other notables, Blake Wheeler stood out as a late-blooming power forward from the U.S. high school ranks at Breck School in Minnesota, surprising many by being selected fifth overall despite playing at a lower competitive level; his 6-foot-5 frame and 100-point prep season highlighted his untapped potential. The draft class also underscored a divide between international and North American prospects, with Europeans like Ovechkin and Malkin dominating the top rankings per NHL Central Scouting's final list—Ovechkin as the top European skater—while North American standouts like Andrew Ladd topped their category. Pre-draft buzz centered on the NHL Scouting Combine in May 2004, where prospects underwent fitness testing, and mock drafts universally projected Ovechkin as the No. 1 pick, aligning closely with Central Scouting's evaluations.[33][12]Selections by Round
Round One
The first round of the 2004 NHL Entry Draft, held on June 26, 2004, at the RBC Center in Raleigh, North Carolina, saw 30 players selected amid high anticipation for top prospects. The Washington Capitals, fresh off winning the draft lottery despite having only the third-best odds, opened the proceedings by selecting Russian forward Alexander Ovechkin first overall from Dynamo Moscow, a pick widely regarded as securing a generational talent for the franchise.[34][35] The Pittsburgh Penguins followed with another Russian star, center [Evgeni Malkin](/page/Evgeni Malkin) from Metallurg Magnitogorsk, underscoring an immediate emphasis on international skill to address team needs.[35] Selections in this round reflected teams' strategic priorities, such as the Penguins' ongoing rebuild following the 2001 trade of Jaromir Jagr, which had left them in need of foundational young talent.[36] Pre-draft rankings from NHL Central Scouting heavily influenced the order, with Ovechkin topping both North American and European lists.[1] The following table lists all first-round selections, including player details and prior affiliations:| Pick | Player | Position | Nationality | Drafting Team | Prior Team |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Alexander Ovechkin | F | Russia | Washington Capitals | Dynamo Moscow (Russia) |
| 2 | Evgeni Malkin | F | Russia | Pittsburgh Penguins | Metallurg Magnitogorsk (Russia) |
| 3 | Cam Barker | D | Canada | Chicago Blackhawks | Medicine Hat Tigers (WHL) |
| 4 | Andrew Ladd | F | Canada | Carolina Hurricanes | Calgary Hitmen (WHL) |
| 5 | Blake Wheeler | F | USA | Phoenix Coyotes | Breck School (USHS–MN) |
| 6 | Al Montoya | G | USA | New York Rangers | University of Michigan (NCAA) |
| 7 | Rostislav Olesz | F | Czechia | Florida Panthers | HC Vítkovice (Czechia) |
| 8 | Alexandre Picard | F | Canada | Columbus Blue Jackets | Lewiston Maineiacs (QMJHL) |
| 9 | Ladislav Šmíd | D | Czechia | Mighty Ducks of Anaheim | HC Liberec (Czechia) |
| 10 | Boris Valábik | D | Slovakia | Atlanta Thrashers | Kitchener Rangers (OHL) |
| 11 | Lauri Tukonen | F | Finland | Los Angeles Kings | Espoo Blues (Finland) |
| 12 | A. J. Thelen | D | USA | Minnesota Wild | University of Michigan (NCAA) |
| 13 | Drew Stafford | F | USA | Buffalo Sabres | University of North Dakota (NCAA) |
| 14 | Devan Dubnyk | G | Canada | Edmonton Oilers | Kamloops Blazers (WHL) |
| 15 | Alexander Radulov | F | Russia | Nashville Predators | Tver-2 (Russia3) |
| 16 | Petteri Nokelainen | F | Finland | New York Islanders | SaiPa (Finland) |
| 17 | Marek Schwarz | G | Czechia | St. Louis Blues | Plymouth Whalers (OHL) |
| 18 | Kyle Chipchura | F | Canada | Montreal Canadiens | Prince Albert Raiders (WHL) |
| 19 | Lauri Korpikoski | F | Finland | New York Rangers | TPS (Finland) |
| 20 | Travis Zajac | F | Canada | New Jersey Devils | Salmon Arm Silverbacks (BCHL) |
| 21 | Wojtek Wolski | F | Canada | Colorado Avalanche | Brampton Battalion (OHL) |
| 22 | Lukáš Kašpar | F | Czechia | San Jose Sharks | HC Pardubice (Czechia) |
| 23 | Andrej Meszároš | D | Slovakia | Ottawa Senators | Dukla Trenčín (Slovakia) |
| 24 | Kris Chucko | F | Canada | Calgary Flames | Salmon Arm Silverbacks (BCHL) |
| 25 | Rob Schremp | F | USA | Edmonton Oilers | London Knights (OHL) |
| 26 | Cory Schneider | G | USA | Vancouver Canucks | Phillips Academy Andover (USHS–MA) |
| 27 | Jeff Schultz | D | Canada | Washington Capitals | Calgary Hitmen (WHL) |
| 28 | Mark Fistric | D | Canada | Dallas Stars | Vancouver Giants (WHL) |
| 29 | Mike Green | D | Canada | Washington Capitals | Saskatoon Blades (WHL) |
| 30 | Andy Rogers | D | Canada | Tampa Bay Lightning | Calgary Hitmen (WHL) |
Round Two
The second round of the 2004 NHL Entry Draft, consisting of picks 31 through 61, saw teams shift focus from marquee talents to building depth with versatile forwards, defensemen, and goaltenders, often targeting players with strong junior or European league performances.[1] This round featured a mix of North American prospects from major junior leagues like the OHL and WHL, alongside international selections from Sweden, Russia, and other European countries, continuing the global scouting trend established in the first round.[35] Several picks emerged as long-term contributors, including Chicago's Dave Bolland, selected 32nd overall, who later became a key playoff performer and Stanley Cup winner, and New York Rangers' Brandon Dubinsky at 60th, who developed into a reliable two-way center.[38] Pre-draft trades influenced about a dozen second-round selections, with teams like the New York Rangers acquiring multiple picks to bolster their prospect pool, such as the 51st overall used on Bruce Graham from a deal with the Montreal Canadiens.[37] The round's pace quickened compared to the first, as general managers prioritized value in depth players capable of filling bottom-six roles or providing organizational stability, with eight goaltenders and defensemen selected among the 31 picks to address future needs.[1] Notable value picks included Pittsburgh's Alex Goligoski (61st), a mobile defenseman from the University of Minnesota who amassed over 1,000 NHL games, and Florida's David Booth (53rd), who transitioned from Michigan State to become a power forward.[39] International flavor persisted, with Swedish defenseman Nicklas Grossmann (Dallas, 56th) and Russian forward Enver Lisin (Phoenix, 50th) highlighting teams' willingness to invest in overseas talent for potential high upside.| Pick | Team | Player | Position | Nationality | Prior Team |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 31 | Pittsburgh Penguins | Johannes Salmonsson | LW | Sweden | Djurgårdens IF (Sweden) |
| 32 | Chicago Blackhawks | Dave Bolland | C | Canada | London Knights (OHL) |
| 33 | Washington Capitals | Chris Bourque | LW | USA | Boston University (HE) |
| 34 | Dallas Stars | Johan Fransson | D | Sweden | Leksands IF (Sweden) |
| 35 | Phoenix Coyotes | Logan Stephenson | D | Canada | Tri-City Americans (WHL) |
| 36 | New York Rangers | Darin Olver | C | Canada | Northern Michigan University (CCHA) |
| 37 | Florida Panthers | David Shantz | G | Canada | Owen Sound Attack (OHL) |
| 38 | Carolina Hurricanes | Justin Peters | G | Canada | Plymouth Whalers (OHL) |
| 39 | Anaheim Mighty Ducks | Jordan Smith | D | Canada | Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds (OHL) |
| 40 | Atlanta Thrashers | Grant Lewis | D | USA | Green Bay Gamblers (USHL) |
| 41 | Chicago Blackhawks | Bryan Bickell | LW | Canada | Ottawa 67's (OHL) |
| 42 | Minnesota Wild | Roman Voloshenko | LW | Russia | CSKA Moscow (Russia) |
| 43 | Buffalo Sabres | Michael Funk | D | Canada | Portland Winterhawks (WHL) |
| 44 | Edmonton Oilers | Roman Teslyuk | D | Ukraine | Lethbridge Hurricanes (WHL) |
| 45 | Chicago Blackhawks | Ryan Garlock | C | Canada | Guelph Storm (OHL) |
| 46 | Columbus Blue Jackets | Adam Pineault | RW | USA | Boston College (HE) |
| 47 | New York Islanders | Blake Comeau | RW | Canada | Kelowna Rockets (WHL) |
| 48 | New York Rangers | Dane Byers | LW | Canada | Prince George Cougars (WHL) |
| 49 | St. Louis Blues | Carl Söderberg | C | Sweden | Malmö IF (Sweden) |
| 50 | Phoenix Coyotes | Enver Lisin | RW | Russia | Lokomotiv Yaroslavl (Russia) |
| 51 | New York Rangers | Bruce Graham | C | Canada | Cornell University (ECAC) |
| 52 | Dallas Stars | Raymond Sawada | RW | Canada | Nanaimo Clippers (BCHL) |
| 53 | Florida Panthers | David Booth | LW | USA | Michigan State University (CCHA) |
| 54 | Chicago Blackhawks | Jakub Sindel | C | Czechia | HC Pardubice (Czechia) |
| 55 | Colorado Avalanche | Victor Oreskovich | RW | Canada | Green Bay Gamblers (USHL) |
| 56 | Dallas Stars | Nicklas Grossmann | D | Sweden | Södertälje SK (Sweden) |
| 57 | Edmonton Oilers | Geoff Paukovich | LW | USA | Hotchkiss School (USHS) |
| 58 | Ottawa Senators | Kirill Lyamin | D | Russia | CSKA Moscow (Russia) |
| 59 | Columbus Blue Jackets | Kyle Wharton | D | Canada | Peterborough Petes (OHL) |
| 60 | New York Rangers | Brandon Dubinsky | C | USA | Portland Winterhawks (WHL) |
| 61 | Pittsburgh Penguins | Alex Goligoski | D | USA | University of Minnesota (WCHA) |
Round Three
The third round of the 2004 NHL Entry Draft, encompassing overall selections 62 through 91, featured 30 picks as teams sought to deepen their prospect pipelines during a period of labor uncertainty preceding the full-scale 2004–05 NHL lockout. Held on June 26, 2004, at the RBC Center in Raleigh, North Carolina, this round emphasized building organizational depth with versatile players, particularly as the league faced potential disruptions to player development and scouting.[1] A notable trend in the third round was the increased selection of European prospects, with 18 players from countries including Russia, Czech Republic, Finland, Slovakia, Latvia, Sweden, Denmark, Kazakhstan, and Germany, signaling teams' expanding focus on international talent pools amid domestic junior league constraints.[1] Positionally, the round leaned toward defensemen, with nine selected—representing about 30% of picks—alongside 18 forwards and two goaltenders, as franchises prioritized blue-line reinforcements for future rosters.[1] No significant trades disrupted the proceedings, allowing for a straightforward progression of selections without the high-stakes swaps seen in earlier rounds.[1] This round also highlighted several overlooked talents who fell further than initial scouting projections suggested, offering mid-round value similar to second-round sleepers like Blake Wheeler, though teams remained cautious in their evaluations due to the lockout's shadow over contract negotiations and player availability.[1]Round Four
The fourth round of the 2004 NHL Entry Draft consisted of 38 selections, spanning picks 92 through 129, where NHL teams shifted emphasis toward long-term developmental projects characterized by untapped potential and physical attributes requiring further maturation.[35] Selections proceeded at a measured pace compared to earlier rounds, allowing general managers to invest in raw talents from diverse backgrounds, including junior hockey leagues, European circuits, and North American developmental programs, often prioritizing size, skating ability, and adaptability over immediate readiness.[1] A key highlight was the increased attention to goaltenders early in the round, with Columbus selecting Dan LaCosta at 93rd overall and San Jose following immediately with Thomas Greiss at 94th, reflecting teams' willingness to gamble on young netminders with strong technical foundations but limited pro experience.[3] College commitments also rose, as evidenced by picks like Tampa Bay's Mike Lundin (102nd overall), already enrolled at the University of Maine, and New York Islanders' Wes O'Neill (115th overall), bound for the University of Notre Dame, signaling a strategy to nurture prospects in structured university environments.[35] Additionally, the use of traded picks grew, with transactions from the prior season influencing allocations; for example, Edmonton's 112th overall selection (Liam Reddox) had been acquired from Philadelphia in a deal involving forward Simon Gagne, and Tampa Bay's 102nd pick originated from Columbus in exchange for Alexander Svitov.[37] Picks 121-129 include Kris Hogg (Calgary, 121st), Alexander Nikulin (Ottawa, 122nd), Karel Hromas (Chicago, 123rd), David Laliberte (Philadelphia, 124th), Andrew Sarauer (Vancouver, 125th), Torrey Mitchell (San Jose, 126th), Ryan Callahan (NY Rangers, 127th), and Evan McGrath (Detroit, 128th), completing the round's selections.| Pick | Team | Player | Pos | Nation | Club |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 92 | Philadelphia Flyers | Rob Bellamy | F | CAN | Owen Sound Attack (OHL) |
| 93 | Columbus Blue Jackets | Dan LaCosta | G | CAN | Holy Angels HS (High-MN) |
| 94 | San Jose Sharks | Thomas Greiss | G | GER | Chicago Freeze (NAHL) |
| 95 | Los Angeles Kings | Paul Baier | D | USA | Cedar Rapids RoughRiders (USHL) |
| 96 | Columbus Blue Jackets | Andrei Plekhanov | D | RUS | Lada Togliatti 2 (Russia-3) |
| 97 | Detroit Red Wings | Johan Franzen | F | SWE | Linkopings HC Jr. (Sweden Jr.) |
| 98 | Calgary Flames | Dustin Boyd | F | CAN | Calgary Hitmen (WHL) |
| 99 | Pittsburgh Penguins | Tyler Kennedy | F | CAN | Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds (OHL) |
| 100 | Montreal Canadiens | J.T. Wyman | F | USA | Blake School (High-MN) |
| 101 | Philadelphia Flyers | R.J. Anderson | D | USA | Centennial HS (High-MN) |
| 102 | Tampa Bay Lightning | Mike Lundin | D | USA | University of Maine (NCAA) |
| 103 | Phoenix Coyotes | Roman Tomanek | F | SVK | HK 95 Povazska Bystrica (Svk-2) |
| 104 | Dallas Stars | Fredrik Naslund | F | SWE | VIK Hockey Ungdom (Swe-2) |
| 105 | Florida Panthers | Evan Schafer | D | CAN | Prince Albert Raiders (WHL) |
| 106 | Atlanta Thrashers | Chad Painchaud | F | CAN | Mississauga IceDogs (OHL) |
| 107 | Nashville Predators | Nick Fugere | F | CAN | Gatineau Olympiques (QMJHL) |
| 108 | Boston Bruins | Ashton Rome | F | CAN | Moose Jaw Warriors (WHL) |
| 109 | Carolina Hurricanes | Brett Carson | D | CAN | Calgary Hitmen (WHL) |
| 110 | Los Angeles Kings | Ned Lukacevic | F | CAN | Spokane Chiefs (WHL) |
| 111 | Minnesota Wild | Ryan Jones | F | CAN | Chatham Maroons (GOJHL) |
| 112 | Edmonton Oilers | Liam Reddox | F | CAN | Peterborough Petes (OHL) |
| 113 | Toronto Maple Leafs | Roman Kukumberg | F | SVK | HK Dukla Trencin (Slovakia) |
| 114 | Minnesota Wild | Patrick Bordeleau | F | CAN | Val-d'Or Foreurs (QMJHL) |
| 115 | New York Islanders | Wes O'Neill | D | CAN | University of Notre Dame (NCAA) |
| 116 | St. Louis Blues | Michal Birner | F | CZE | HC Slavia Praha Jr. (Czech Jr.) |
| 117 | Minnesota Wild | Julien Sprunger | F | SUI | HC Fribourg-Gotteron (Swiss) |
| 118 | Calgary Flames | Aki Seitsonen | F | FIN | Prince Albert Raiders (WHL) |
| 119 | Phoenix Coyotes | Kevin Porter | F | USA | US National Team Development Program (USDP/NTDP) |
| 120 | Chicago Blackhawks | Mitch Maunu | D | CAN | Windsor Spitfires (OHL) |
| 121 | Calgary Flames | Kris Hogg | LW | CAN | Kamloops Blazers (WHL) |
| 122 | Ottawa Senators | Alexander Nikulin | C | RUS | CSKA Jr. (Russia) |
| 123 | Chicago Blackhawks | Karel Hromas | LW | CZE | Sparta Jrs. (Czech Rep) |
| 124 | Philadelphia Flyers | David Laliberte | RW | CAN | Prince Edward Island Rocket (QMJHL) |
| 125 | Vancouver Canucks | Andrew Sarauer | LW | CAN | Langley Hornets (BCHL) |
| 126 | San Jose Sharks | Torrey Mitchell | C | CAN | Hotchkiss Academy (USHS-CT) |
| 127 | New York Rangers | Ryan Callahan | RW | USA | Guelph Storm (OHL) |
| 128 | Detroit Red Wings | Evan McGrath | C | CAN | Kitchener Rangers (OHL) |
| 129 | San Jose Sharks | Jason Churchill | G | CAN | Halifax Mooseheads (QMJHL) |
Round Five
The fifth round of the 2004 NHL Entry Draft, encompassing overall selections 130 through 163, featured teams targeting prospects with significant developmental potential amid the uncertainties preceding the league's lockout. These picks often emphasized players from a mix of junior and college circuits, with scouts seeking undervalued talents capable of long-term contributions to farm systems. Notable selections included future NHL contributors such as Ryan Callahan (picked 127th by the New York Rangers, round 4) and Kris Versteeg (134th by the Boston Bruins), highlighting the round's high-risk, high-reward nature where several draftees went on to log hundreds of professional games.[3] Additional standouts in this round include Mikhail Grabovski (150th, Montreal Canadiens), who became a productive NHL forward with 296 points in 534 games. The following table summarizes the 34 picks in this round:| Overall | Team | Player | Pos | Birth Year | Amateur Team/League |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 130 | Pittsburgh Penguins | Michal Sersen | D | 1985 | Rimouski Oceanic (QMJHL) |
| 131 | Chicago Blackhawks | Trevor Kell | RW | 1986 | London Knights (OHL) |
| 132 | Washington Capitals | Oscar Hedman | D | 1986 | MODO Hockey (SEL) |
| 133 | Columbus Blue Jackets | Petr Pohl | RW | 1986 | Gatineau Olympiques (QMJHL) |
| 134 | Boston Bruins | Kris Versteeg | RW | 1986 | Lethbridge Hurricanes (WHL) |
| 135 | New York Rangers | Roman Psurny | LW | 1986 | Zlin Jr. (Czech Rep) |
| 136 | St. Louis Blues | Nikita Nikitin | D | 1986 | Omsk Jrs. (Russia) |
| 137 | Carolina Hurricanes | Magnus Akerlund | G | 1986 | HV71 Jr. (Swe-Jr) |
| 138 | Washington Capitals | Pasi Salonen | LW | 1985 | IFK Jr. (Finland) |
| 139 | Nashville Predators | Kyle Moir | G | 1983 | Swift Current Broncos (WHL) |
| 140 | Chicago Blackhawks | Jake Dowell | C | 1985 | U. of Wisconsin (WCHA) |
| 141 | Ottawa Senators | Jim McKenzie | RW | 1985 | Sioux Falls Stampede (USHL) |
| 142 | Atlanta Thrashers | Juraj Gracik | RW | 1988 | Topolcany (Slovakia) |
| 143 | Los Angeles Kings | Eric Neilson | RW | 1984 | Rimouski Oceanic (QMJHL) |
| 144 | Philadelphia Flyers | Chris Zarb | D | 1986 | Tri-City Storm (USHL) |
| 145 | Buffalo Sabres | Michal Valent | G | 1986 | Martin Jr. (Slovakia) |
| 146 | Edmonton Oilers | Bryan Young | D | 1986 | Peterborough Petes (OHL) |
| 147 | Nashville Predators | Janne Niskala | D | 1981 | Lukko Rauma (SM-liiga) |
| 148 | New York Islanders | Steven Regier | LW | 1986 | Medicine Hat Tigers (WHL) |
| 149 | Philadelphia Flyers | Gino Pisellini | RW | 1986 | Plymouth Whalers (OHL) |
| 150 | Montreal Canadiens | Mikhail Grabovski | C | 1984 | Nizhnekamsk Neftekhimik (Russia) |
| 151 | Detroit Red Wings | Sergei Kolosov | D | 1986 | Minsk (Belarus) |
| 152 | Florida Panthers | Bret Nasby | D | 1986 | Oshawa Generals (OHL) |
| 153 | San Jose Sharks | Steven Zalewski | C | 1986 | Northwood Prep (USHS-NH) |
| 154 | Colorado Avalanche | Richard Demen-Willaume | D | 1986 | Vastra Frolunda Jr. (Swe-Jr) |
| 155 | New Jersey Devils | Alexander Mikhailishin | D | 1986 | Spartak Jr. (Russia) |
| 156 | Ottawa Senators | Roman Wick | RW | 1985 | Kloten HC (Swiss-A) |
| 157 | Toronto Maple Leafs | Dmitry Vorobiev | D | 1985 | Tolyatti Lada (Russia) |
| 158 | Tampa Bay Lightning | Brandon Elliott | D | 1986 | Mississauga IceDogs (OHL) |
| 159 | Vancouver Canucks | Mike Brown | RW | 1985 | U. of Michigan (CCHA) |
| 160 | Boston Bruins | Ben Walter | C | 1984 | UMass-Lowell (H-East) |
| 161 | Minnesota Wild | Jean-Claude Sawyer | D | 1987 | Cape Breton Screaming Eagles (QMJHL) |
| 162 | Detroit Red Wings | Tyler Haskins | C | 1986 | Toronto St. Michael's Majors (OHL) |
| 163 | Tampa Bay Lightning | Dusty Collins | C | 1983 | Northern Michigan University (CCHA) |
Round Six
The sixth round of the 2004 NHL Entry Draft consisted of 30 selections, spanning overall picks 164 through 193, as teams continued to address roster needs with late-round prospects amid the draft's total of 291 picks awarded across nine rounds.[1] This round featured a mix of domestic and international talents, with teams often targeting developmental forwards and defensemen in what represented deeper gambles on unproven players.[35]| Overall | Team | Player | Position | Nationality | Amateur Team |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 164 | Pittsburgh Penguins | Moises Gutierrez | RW | Canada | Kamloops Blazers (WHL) |
| 165 | Chicago Blackhawks | Scott McCulloch | LW | Canada | Grande Prairie Storm (AJHL) |
| 166 | Washington Capitals | Peter Guggisberg | RW | Switzerland | HC Davos (Swiss-A) |
| 167 | Columbus Blue Jackets | Rob Page | D | United States | Blake School (USHS-MN) |
| 168 | Phoenix Coyotes | Kevin Cormier | C | Canada | Moncton Gagnon Beavers (MJAHL) |
| 169 | New York Rangers | Jordan Foote | LW | Canada | Nanaimo Clippers (BCHL) |
| 170 | Philadelphia Flyers | Ladislav Scurko | C | Slovakia | HK Spisska Nova Ves Jr. (Slovakia Jr.) |
| 171 | Philadelphia Flyers | Frederik Cabana | C | Canada | Halifax Mooseheads (QMJHL) |
| 172 | Anaheim Ducks | Matt Auffrey | RW | United States | U.S. National U18 Team (NTDP) |
| 173 | Calgary Flames | Adam Pardy | D | Canada | Cape Breton Screaming Eagles (QMJHL) |
| 174 | Los Angeles Kings | Scott Parse | C | United States | University of Nebraska-Omaha (CCHA) |
| 175 | Minnesota Wild | Aaron Boogaard | RW | Canada | Tri-City Americans (WHL) |
| 176 | Buffalo Sabres | Patrick Kaleta | RW | United States | Peterborough Petes (OHL) |
| 177 | Edmonton Oilers | Max Gordichuk | D | Canada | Kamloops Blazers (WHL) |
| 178 | Nashville Predators | Mike Santorelli | C | Canada | Vernon Vipers (BCHL) |
| 179 | New York Islanders | Jaroslav Mrazek | D | Czech Republic | HC Sparta Praha Jr. (Czech Jr.) |
| 180 | St. Louis Blues | Roman Polak | D | Czech Republic | HC Vitkovice Jr. (Czech Jr.) |
| 181 | Montreal Canadiens | Loic Lacasse | G | Canada | Baie-Comeau Drakkar (QMJHL) |
| 182 | Calgary Flames | Fred Wikner | LW | Sweden | Västra Frölunda HC Jr. (Sweden Jr.) |
| 183 | Dallas Stars | Trevor Ludwig | D | United States | Texas Tornado (NAHL) |
| 184 | Colorado Avalanche | Derek Peltier | D | United States | Cedar Rapids RoughRiders (USHL) |
| 185 | New Jersey Devils | Josh Disher | G | Canada | Erie Otters (OHL) |
| 186 | Atlanta Thrashers | Dan Turple | G | Canada | Oshawa Generals (OHL) |
| 187 | Toronto Maple Leafs | Robbie Earl | LW | United States | University of Wisconsin (WCHA) |
| 188 | Tampa Bay Lightning | Jan Zapletal | D | Czech Republic | HC Vsetin Jr. (Czech Jr.) |
| 189 | Vancouver Canucks | Julien Ellis | G | Canada | Shawinigan Cataractes (QMJHL) |
| 190 | Columbus Blue Jackets | Lennart Petrell | C | Finland | HIFK Jr. (Finland Jr.) |
| 191 | Tampa Bay Lightning | Karri Ramo | G | Finland | Pelicans Jr. (Finland Jr.) |
| 192 | Detroit Red Wings | Anton Axelsson | LW | Sweden | Västra Frölunda HC Jr. (Sweden Jr.) |
| 193 | Nashville Predators | Kevin Schaeffer | D | United States | Boston University (HE) |
Round Seven
The seventh round of the 2004 NHL Entry Draft consisted of 34 selections, spanning overall picks 194 through 227, as teams increasingly turned to speculative choices beyond the core of their scouting lists.[3] This stage emphasized high-risk, high-reward prospects, including several undrafted eligible re-entries such as 20-year-old defenseman Jon Gleed from Cornell University and 20-year-old defenseman Maxim Semenov from Lada Togliatti, who had been passed over in prior drafts due to their age or development paths.[3] Positional balance was evident, with 18 forwards, 11 defensemen, and 5 goaltenders selected, providing teams a diverse pool to address organizational needs without overcommitting to one area.[3] Trade activity remained minimal, with only a handful of pre-draft deals influencing selections and no significant swaps occurring on draft day itself, underscoring the reduced emphasis on wheeling and dealing in the later rounds.[37] The following table lists all seventh-round picks:| Overall | Round Pick | Team | Player | Pos | Amateur Team |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 194 | 1 | Pittsburgh Penguins | Chris Peluso | D | Brainerd H.S. (Minn.) |
| 195 | 2 | Minnesota Wild | Jean-Michel Rizk | RW | Saginaw Spirit (OHL) |
| 196 | 3 | Chicago Blackhawks | Petri Kontiola | C | Tappara Tampere (SM-liiga) |
| 197 | 4 | Washington Capitals | Andrew Gordon | RW | Notre Dame Hounds (SJHL) |
| 198 | 5 | Columbus Blue Jackets | Justin Vienneau | D | Shawinigan Cataractes (QMJHL) |
| 199 | 6 | Phoenix Coyotes | Chad Kolarik | C | US National Under 18 Team |
| 200 | 7 | Calgary Flames | Matt Schneider | C | Tri-City Americans (WHL) |
| 201 | 8 | San Jose Sharks | Mike Vernace | D | Bramalea Blues (OPJHL) |
| 202 | 9 | Carolina Hurricanes | Ryan Pottruff | D | London Knights (OHL) |
| 203 | 10 | Anaheim Ducks | Gabriel Bouthillette | G | Gatineau Olympiques (QMJHL) |
| 204 | 11 | Atlanta Thrashers | Miikka Tuomainen | LW | Tuto (Finland) |
| 205 | 12 | Los Angeles Kings | Mike Curry | RW | Sioux City Musketeers (USHL) |
| 206 | 13 | Minnesota Wild | Anton Khudobin | G | Magnitogorsk Jr. (Russia) |
| 207 | 14 | Buffalo Sabres | Mark Mancari | RW | Ottawa 67's (OHL) |
| 208 | 15 | Edmonton Oilers | Stephane Goulet | RW | Quebec Remparts (QMJHL) |
| 209 | 16 | Nashville Predators | Stanislav Balan | C | Zlin Jr. (Czech Rep) |
| 210 | 17 | New York Islanders | Emil Axelsson | D | Orebro 90 HC (Swe-1) |
| 211 | 18 | St. Louis Blues | David Fredriksson | RW | HV71 Jr. (Swe-Jr) |
| 212 | 19 | Montreal Canadiens | Jon Gleed | D | Cornell University (ECAC) |
| 213 | 20 | Calgary Flames | Jimmy Spratt | G | Sioux City Musketeers (USHL) |
| 214 | 21 | Chicago Blackhawks | Troy Brouwer | RW | Moose Jaw Warriors (WHL) |
| 215 | 22 | Colorado Avalanche | Ian Keserich | G | Cleveland Barons (NAHL) |
| 216 | 23 | New Jersey Devils | Pierre-Luc Letourneau-Leblond | LW | Baie-Comeau Drakkar (QMJHL) |
| 217 | 24 | New Jersey Devils | Tyler Eckford | D | Surrey Eagles (BCHL) |
| 218 | 25 | Dallas Stars | Sergei Kukushkin | C | Minsk (Belarus) |
| 219 | 26 | Ottawa Senators | Joe Cooper | RW | Miami University (Ohio) (CCHA) |
| 220 | 27 | Toronto Maple Leafs | Maxim Semenov | D | Tolyatti Lada (Russia) |
| 221 | 28 | Los Angeles Kings | Daniel Taylor | G | Guelph Storm (OHL) |
| 222 | 29 | Pittsburgh Penguins | Jordan Morrison | C | Peterborough Petes (OHL) |
| 223 | 30 | Chicago Blackhawks | Jared Walker | LW | Red Deer Rebels (WHL) |
| 224 | 31 | Boston Bruins | Matt Hunwick | D | U. of Michigan (CCHA) |
| 225 | 32 | San Jose Sharks | Dave MacDonald | D | New England Jr. Coyotes (EJHL) |
| 226 | 33 | Detroit Red Wings | Steve Covington | RW | Calgary Hitmen (WHL) |
| 227 | 34 | New York Islanders | Chris Campoli | D | Erie Otters (OHL) |
Round Eight
The eighth round of the 2004 NHL Entry Draft featured 31 selections, spanning overall picks 228 through 258, as teams scouted for depth players and long-shot prospects amid a dwindling pool of high-profile talents.[3] With the draft nearing its conclusion ahead of the ninth and final round, selections increasingly drew from college commits, European leagues, and junior circuits beyond the top North American junior talent, reflecting organizational strategies to bolster farm systems with developmental fillers rather than immediate contributors.[3] This round exemplified late-draft dynamics, where teams like the Pittsburgh Penguins opened with a college goaltender and the Nashville Predators closed with a Finnish netminder who would later emerge as a cornerstone player.[3] Notable among the fringe prospects was Pekka Rinne, selected 258th overall by the Nashville Predators from HPK in Finland's SM-liiga; Rinne developed into a two-time Vezina Trophy winner and amassed 410 NHL games.[40] Yutaka Fukufuji, picked 238th by the Los Angeles Kings from Japan's national team, marked the first Japanese-born player ever drafted into the NHL, though he appeared in only two games.[41] Brandon Yip (239th, Colorado Avalanche, from Coquitlam Express in the BCHL) and Aaron Gagnon (240th, Phoenix Coyotes, from Seattle Thunderbirds in the WHL) each logged over 90 NHL appearances, providing glimpses of success from this under-the-radar group.[42][43] The following table lists all eighth-round selections, including overall pick number, drafting team, player name, position, and amateur team at the time of the draft:| Overall | Team | Player | Pos | Amateur Team |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 228 | Pittsburgh Penguins | David Brown | G | Notre Dame [CCHA] |
| 229 | Chicago Blackhawks | Eric Hunter | C | Prince George Cougars [WHL] |
| 230 | Washington Capitals | Justin Mrazek | G | Estevan Bruins [SJHL] |
| 231 | Columbus Blue Jackets | Brian McGuirk | L | Governor Dummer Academy (Mass.) |
| 232 | Philadelphia Flyers | Martin Houle | G | Cape Breton Screaming Eagles [QMJHL] |
| 233 | Columbus Blue Jackets | Matt Greer | W | White Bear Lake H.S. (Minn.) |
| 234 | San Jose Sharks | Derek MacIntyre | G | Soo Indians [NAHL] |
| 235 | Carolina Hurricanes | Jonas Fiedler | R | Plymouth Whalers [OHL] |
| 236 | Anaheim Ducks | Matt Christie | C | Miami University (Ohio) [CCHA] |
| 237 | Atlanta Thrashers | Mitch Carefoot | C | Cornell University [ECAC] |
| 238 | Los Angeles Kings | Yutaka Fukufuji | G | Japan National Team |
| 239 | Colorado Avalanche | Brandon Yip | R | Coquitlam Express [BCHL] |
| 240 | Phoenix Coyotes | Aaron Gagnon | F | Seattle Thunderbirds [WHL] |
| 241 | Buffalo Sabres | Mike Card | D | Kelowna Rockets [WHL] |
| 242 | Edmonton Oilers | Tyler Spurgeon | C | Kelowna Rockets [WHL] |
| 243 | Nashville Predators | Denis Kulyash | D | HC CSKA (Russian Jr.) |
| 244 | New York Islanders | Jason Pitton | L | Soo Greyhounds [OHL] |
| 245 | Tampa Bay Lightning | Justin Keller | L | Kelowna Rockets [WHL] |
| 246 | Montreal Canadiens | Greg Stewart | L | Peterborough Petes [OHL] |
| 247 | New York Rangers | Jonathan Paiement | D | Lewiston MAINEiacs [QMJHL] |
| 248 | Dallas Stars | Lukas Vomela | D | Ceske Budejovice HC [Czech] |
| 249 | Colorado Avalanche | J.D. Corbin | L | U. of Denver [WCHA] |
| 250 | New Jersey Devils | Nathan Perkovich | R | Cedar Rapids RoughRiders [USHL] |
| 251 | Ottawa Senators | Matt McIlvane | C | Chicago Steel [USHL] |
| 252 | Toronto Maple Leafs | Jan Steber | C | Halifax Mooseheads [QMJHL] |
| 253 | Philadelphia Flyers | Travis Gawryletz | D | Trail Smoke Eaters [BCHL] |
| 254 | Vancouver Canucks | David Schulz | D | Swift Current Broncos [WHL] |
| 255 | Boston Bruins | Anton Hedman | L | Stocksunds (Sweden) |
| 256 | Chicago Blackhawks | Matthew Ford | R | Sioux Falls Stampede [USHL] |
| 257 | Detroit Red Wings | Gennady Stolyarov | R | Tver (Russia) |
| 258 | Nashville Predators | Pekka Rinne | G | Karpat [SM-liiga] |
Round Nine
The ninth round of the 2004 NHL Entry Draft consisted of the final 33 selections, numbered 259 through 291, as teams exercised their option to pass on some later picks, resulting in fewer than a full complement of 30 per round in several cases.[1] These picks primarily targeted prospects from junior, college, European, and high school leagues, often representing organizational depth or speculative investments in under-the-radar talent.[3] The round concluded the draft's nine-round format, after which undrafted eligible players could pursue free agency signings with NHL teams.[35] In total, 291 players were selected across the draft from the pool of eligible prospects born in 1984, 1985, or 1986 who met age and availability criteria.[1] The following table lists all ninth-round selections, including player name, nationality, drafting team, and prior amateur club:| Pick | Player | Nationality | Team | Prior Team |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 259 | Brian Ihnacak | Canada | Pittsburgh Penguins | Brown University (ECAC) |
| 260 | Marko Anttila | Finland | Chicago Blackhawks | LeKi (Finland-4) |
| 261 | Will Engasser | USA | Phoenix Coyotes | Blake School (USHS-MN) |
| 262 | Mark Streit | Switzerland | Montreal Canadiens | ZSC Lions (Swiss) |
| 263 | Travis Morin | USA | Washington Capitals | Minnesota State University (WCHA) |
| 264 | Valtteri Tenkanen | Finland | Los Angeles Kings | JYP (Liiga) |
| 265 | Daniel Winnik | Canada | Phoenix Coyotes | University of New Hampshire (Hockey East) |
| 266 | Jakub Petruzalek | Czechia | New York Rangers | HC Litvinov Jr. (Czechia Jr.) |
| 267 | Spencer Dillon | USA | Florida Panthers | Salmon Arm Silverbacks (BCHL) |
| 268 | Martin Vagner | Czechia | Carolina Hurricanes | Gatineau Olympiques (QMJHL) |
| 269 | Janne Pesonen | Finland | Anaheim Ducks | HPK (Liiga) |
| 270 | Matt Siddall | Canada | Atlanta Thrashers | Powell River Kings (BCHL) |
| 271 | Grant Clitsome | Canada | Columbus Blue Jackets | Nepean Raiders (CCHL) |
| 272 | Kyle Wilson | Canada | Minnesota Wild | Colgate University (ECAC) |
| 273 | Dylan Hunter | Canada | Buffalo Sabres | London Knights (OHL) |
| 274 | Bjorn Bjurling | Sweden | Edmonton Oilers | Djurgardens IF (SHL) |
| 275 | Craig Switzer | Canada | Nashville Predators | Salmon Arm Silverbacks (BCHL) |
| 276 | Sylvain Michaud | Canada | New York Islanders | Drummondville Voltigeurs (QMJHL) |
| 277 | Jonathan Boutin | Canada | St. Louis Blues | Shawinigan Cataractes (QMJHL) |
| 278 | Alexandre Dulac-Lemelin | Canada | Montreal Canadiens | Baie-Comeau Drakkar (QMJHL) |
| 279 | Adam Cracknell | Canada | Calgary Flames | Kootenay Ice (WHL) |
| 280 | Matt McKnight | Canada | Dallas Stars | Camrose Kodiaks (AJHL) |
| 281 | Steve McClellan | USA | Colorado Avalanche | Catholic Memorial (USHS-MA) |
| 282 | Valeri Klimov | Russia | New Jersey Devils | Spartak-2 Moskva (Russia-3) |
| 283 | Luke Beaverson | USA | Florida Panthers | Green Bay Gamblers (USHL) |
| 284 | John Wikner | Sweden | Ottawa Senators | Frölunda HC Jr. (Sweden Jr.) |
| 285 | Pierce Norton | USA | Toronto Maple Leafs | Thayer Academy (USHS-MA) |
| 286 | Triston Grant | Canada | Philadelphia Flyers | Vancouver Giants (WHL) |
| 287 | Jannik Hansen | Denmark | Vancouver Canucks | Rødovre Mighty Bulls (Denmark) |
| 288 | Brian Mahoney-Wilson | USA | San Jose Sharks | Catholic Memorial (USHS-MA) |
| 289 | Christian Jensen | USA | San Jose Sharks | New Jersey Jr. Titans (AtJHL) |
| 290 | Nils Backstrom | Sweden | Detroit Red Wings | Stocksund IF HC (Sweden-3) |
| 291 | John Carter | USA | Philadelphia Flyers | Brewster Bulldogs (EmJHL) |
Player Demographics
Selections by Nationality
The 2004 NHL Entry Draft featured a total of 291 selections across nine rounds, reflecting the league's growing emphasis on global talent scouting while maintaining a strong North American core.[35] Of these, players from Canada and the United States accounted for the largest shares, comprising over 70% of all draftees and underscoring the continued dominance of North American junior leagues like the CHL and USHL in producing prospects.[35] European nations contributed significantly as well, with Russia, Sweden, and the Czech Republic each sending at least a dozen players, a pattern driven by enhanced international scouting efforts in the early 2000s.[7] The following table summarizes the top nationalities by selection count, including representative notable draftees from each group:| Nationality | Selections | Notable Draftees |
|---|---|---|
| Canada | 141 | Ryan Getzlaf, Corey Perry |
| United States | 62 | Al Montoya, Cam Barker |
| Russia | 19 | Alexander Ovechkin, Evgeni Malkin |
| Sweden | 17 | Niklas Kronwall, Patric Hornqvist |
| Czech Republic | 13 | Rostislav Olesz, Tomas Kana |
| Finland | 12 | Lauri Tukonen, Tuomo Ruutu |
| Slovakia | 6 | Milan Bartovic |