NHL sends notice to the teams about major change to Draft Day, asks for the teams thoughts

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Josh Tupper
October 18, 2023 (6:37 PM)

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It has now been rumoured for over a week, but it now appears that the NHL is going to be taking steps to follow in the footsteps of both the NFL and NBA. Word leaked last week that the NHL was considering changing their draft setup. Now it appears the NHL is moving forward with plans to end what has become a time honoured tradition.

The NHL Draft has become a unique experience for everyone. With its patented draft floor setup, fans enjoy the experience of watching GMs communicate with each other as possible trades materialize. After being drafted players get to walk across the floor and shake the hand of their new management team.

Instead, Gary Bettman and the NHL have proposed ending this tradition. In it's place, a system which prominently features Bettman announcing each and every pick. Teams would no longer be on location and would instead call in from satellite locations, similar to the NBA and NFL. Today the league took a major step to implementing that process.

The NHL has officially notified teams it would like to hear their opinions on «decentralization» of the draft (having clubs stay at home while prospects attend NFL/NBA style). If there is desire for change, would most likely be in 2025 � outside chance for 2024.

This is just one more change no fan has asked for and will likely decrease viewership for the league. Only time will tell if the league makes the right decision or not.