When did the NHL stop drafting based on territorial rights?

Answer 1

The only team that had "territorial rights" as such was the Montreal Canadiens who always had the right to choose the top junior player from the province of Quebec. This right ceased in 1970 when the amateur/entry draft as we know it today came into being. As a result, in the 1970 draft, the expansion Buffalo Sabres was able to select Gilbert Perreault first overall. Prior to 1970 Perreault would have automatically become property of the Canadiens. The above is entirely misleading. The actual answer is 1963 but was allowed again in 68-69. Montreal only had a total of 3 players selected this way who ever played in the NHL; Michel Plasse, Rejean Houle and Marc Tardif. For a more detailed answer read proicehockey.about.com/od/hockeyfaqsandtrivia/f/canadiens.htm