JOHN WAWROW
AP Hockey Writer
BUFFALO, N.Y. (AP) — The NHL has selected the Buffalo Sabres to host the 2016 draft, a person familiar with the details told The Associated Press on Friday.
The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the league and the team have not publicly announced their plans to hold the draft at First Niagara Center in Buffalo.
The source added, NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman is expected to make a formal announcement in Buffalo on Monday before the Sabres’ game against the Anaheim Ducks.
The 2016 draft in Buffalo will coincide with the final year of the Sabres’ two-year agreement to host the league’s annual pre-draft rookie scouting combine.
Buffalo has previously hosted the draft in 1991 and ’98.
The 2014 draft was held in Philadelphia while the Florida Panthers will host the event in 2015.
The draft is typically held during the final weekend of June.
The Sabres opened their season this week with a loss to Columbus after finishing with the NHL’s worst record last season. Earlier this week, Sabres owner Terry Pegula was approved as the new owner of the NFL’s Buffalo Bills.
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