The NHL is considering decentralizing its draft process, according to a memo released by the league. The majority of NHL teams are in support of this change, which would see team personnel remaining in their home markets while prospects gather in one location. This shift would bring the NHL draft more in line with how the NFL and NBA conduct their drafts.
The push for change came after a Board of Governors meeting earlier this month, prompting the league to ask each club to place a ballot to determine if there was strong majority support for a decentralized draft. The response was overwhelmingly positive, with a strong majority of teams in favor of the change.
The NHL Draft has traditionally been conducted with a single host location since 1963, except for the 2020 and 2021 versions, which were held virtually due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Under the proposed decentralized model, the league would use a smaller venue with seating for 5,000 to 10,000 people. Each club would have one or two representatives present, and prospects would be greeted on stage by commissioner Gary Bettman and a team representative for a brief photo opportunity after being selected. They would then have media responsibilities before potentially being flown to their new team’s home city.
While any potential changes are not likely to be implemented before 2025, there is a possibility that it could happen as early as next spring. The league is still working to finalize a location for the 2024 draft, which is currently scheduled for June 28-29. Las Vegas has been considered a front-runner to serve as the host city, but finding a suitable venue has proven challenging. T-Mobile Arena is booked for a UFC event at the end of June, and other potential sites are being explored.
One of the challenges the NHL faces with the draft is finding clubs willing to serve as hosts. While the event brings in visitors and boosts the local tourism economy, it does not typically provide a financial windfall for the host team. This limits scheduling options due to building availability.
Shifting to a decentralized draft would have several benefits, according to the NHL’s memo. It would significantly reduce club travel and lodging costs, allowing teams to allocate those resources elsewhere. It would also create more opportunities for fan events and activities in each club’s home city, potentially generating additional local revenue. Additionally, it would provide the league with a greater number of venue and city options for planning and conducting draft day proceedings.
In conclusion, the NHL is considering decentralizing its draft process, with the majority of teams in support of this change. While the logistics are still being worked out, the potential benefits include reduced costs for clubs, increased opportunities for fan engagement, and more flexibility in choosing draft locations. Although any changes are not expected before 2025, the league is actively exploring options for the 2024 draft and beyond.