1996 NHL Entry Draft Round one Round one

| Pick | Player | Position_ | Nationality | NHL_team | College_junior_club_team |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 17 | Jaroslav Svejkovsky | Right Wing | Czech Republic | Washington Capitals | Tri-City Americans (WHL) |
| 18 | Matt Higgins | Centre | Canada | Montreal Canadiens | Moose Jaw Warriors (WHL) |
| 19 | Matthieu Descoteaux | Defence | Canada | Edmonton Oilers (from Boston) | Shawinigan Cataractes (QMJHL) |
| 20 | Marcus Nilson | Left Wing | Sweden | Florida Panthers | Djurgardens IF (Sweden) |
| 21 | Marco Sturm | Left Wing | Germany | San Jose Sharks (from Chicago) | Landshut EV (Germany) |
| 22 | Jeff Brown | Defence | Canada | New York Rangers | Sarnia Sting (OHL) |
| 23 | Craig Hillier | Goaltender | Canada | Pittsburgh Penguins | Ottawa 67`s (OHL) |
| 25 | Peter Ratchuk | Defence | United States | Colorado Avalanche | Shattuck St. Mary`s (USHS-MN) |