Vancouver to host 2019 NHL Draft

The city of Vancouver will play host to the 2019 NHL Draft, the Canucks' media relations department announced Wednesday.

In doing so, Vancouver will be the first Canadian city to host the draft since Montreal in 2009.

2019 will be a big year for Vancouver, which is already hosting the IIHF World Junior Hockey Championships that year. The 2019-20 season will also be the 50th in Canucks' history.

"Returning the draft to Vancouver allows the entire NHL family to meaningfully participate in a highlight of the Canucks' 50-year anniversary celebration," NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman said. "The 2019 NHL Draft will provide another memorable moment for the Canucks and their fans while shining the spotlight on one of the world's most scenic cities and serving as the starting point for so many NHL careers."

Though it's still awfully early, American center Jack Hughes is considered the top prospect eligible for the 2019 draft at this stage.