On June 23, 2000, the NHL's two newest teams, the Columbus Blue Jackets and the Minnesota Wild, took part in the 2000 NHL Expansion Draft from Calgary, Alberta. Under the draft's rules, twenty-six of the NHL's active twenty-eight teams allowed to protect one goaltender, five defensemen, and nine forwards, or, two net minders, three blueliners and seven forwards. The Atlanta Thrashers and Nashville Predators both had their full rosters protected as they had only been in existence for one and two years, respectively. Both the Jackets and Wild were to use their first 24 selections on three goaltenders, eight defensemen, and thirteen forwards. Their final two picks could be of any position.

With the first overall choice, the Jackets selected goaltender Rick Tabaracci from the Colorado Avalanche. Over the course of the draft, Columbus picked up goalie Dwayne Roloson, defensemen Lyle Odelein and Mathieu Schneider, and forwards Geoff Sanderson, Turner Stevenson, and Dallas Drake, amongst others. Instead of joining Columbus, Roloson signed with the American Hockey League's Worcester IceCats, Schneider left for the Los Angeles Kings, and the St. Louis Blues signed Drake. Columbus also traded Stevenson to the New Jersey Devils to complete an earlier transaction. Buy Columbus Blue Jackets Tickets.