The 1981 NHL Entry Draft was the 19th NHL Entry Draft. It was held at the Montreal Forum in Montreal, Quebec. The National Hockey League (NHL) teams selected 211 players eligible for entry into professional ranks, in the reverse order of the 1980–81 NHL season and playoff standings. This is the list of those players selected. The last active player in the NHL from this draft class was Chris Chelios, who retired after the 2009–10 season. Selections by round Below are listed the selections in the 1981 NHL Entry Draft. Club teams are located in North America unless otherwise noted. Round one Notes (Round 1) 1.* The Detroit Red Wings' first round pick went to the Los Angeles Kings as the result of a trade on August 22, 1979 that sent the right to Dale McCourt to the Detroit Red Wings in exchange for Andre St. Laurent, 1st round pick in 1980 NHL Entry Draft and Kings' option of a 2nd round pick in 1980 NHL Entry Draft or 1st round pick in 1981 NHL Entry Draft. Kings optioned for this pick. 2.* The Colorado Rockies' first round pick went to the Washington Capitals as the result of a trade on June 10, 1981 that sent the 5th overall pick and 26th overall pick to the Colorado Rockies in exchange for the 45th overall pick and this pick. 3.* The Washington Capitals' first round pick went to the Colorado Rockies as the result of to a trade on June 10, 1981 that sent the 3rd overall pick and the 45th overall pick to the Washington Capitals in exchange for 26th overall pick and this pick. 4.* The Pittsburgh Penguins' first round pick went to the Montreal Canadiens as the result of to a trade on October 18, 1978 that sent Rod Schutt to the Pittsburgh Penguins in exchange for this pick. 5.* The Los Angeles Kings' first round pick went to the Montreal Canadiens as the result of to a trade on October 5, 1978 that sent Murray Wilson and the 1st round pick in 1979 to the Los Angeles Kings in exchange for this pick. Round two Notes (Round 2) 1.* The Colorado Rockies' second round pick went to the Toronto Maple Leafs as the result of a trade on October 19, 1978 that sent Jack Valiquette to the Colorado Rockies in exchange for this pick. 2.* The Hartford