There are many ways to go about building a winning NHL roster, and the most successful teams use all the tools at their disposal: signing free agents, trading with other squads and drafting players.



Of the three main roster-building tools, the draft gives teams the most control over their own destiny. Whereas top free agents can say yea or nay to any particular offer (and tend to favour markets that offer the more attractive mixes of size, competitiveness and tax treatment), and trades require another willing and self-interested partner, teams typically get what they want at the draft. There are certain players available to be chosen, teams make their selections. Fin.



Of course, teams' advantages differ at the draft based on where they finished in the standings the previous season and where the lottery balls fall. But in no way is that the be-all, end-all factor in determining what is a good and bad-drafting team.



Success at the draft came up in a piece I...