Johnston: Why the NHL is looking at radically changing its draft

The NHL is exploring the possibility of completely overhauling the June 2024 draft by shifting to a remote model. Without an official host site and considering interest from teams to move away from the traditional draft format, the league circulated a memo seeking feedback on a “decentralized” draft similar to the NFL and NBA. Under this proposed model, team personnel would remain in their home markets while prospects gather in a centralized draft location. One or two representatives from each club would be present at a 5,000- to 10,000-seat venue, where prospects would have a brief photo opportunity with commissioner Gary Bettman and a team representative after being selected. Prospects and their families would later be flown to their club’s home city after media responsibilities are complete.

The discussion around changing the draft format began informally during the NHL’s Board of Governors meeting earlier this month, and now it will be conducted more broadly. Each team has been asked to submit a ballot indicating whether they support the proposed change by October 24. While any potential changes likely won’t take effect until 2025, the memo leaves room for the possibility of implementing the new format by the spring of 2024 if a location is finalized. Las Vegas has been considered the front-runner to serve as the host city, but the NHL has faced challenges securing a venue due to conflicting bookings.

One of the key issues the NHL faces with the current draft format is finding enough clubs willing to host, which limits scheduling options. Moving to a decentralized draft would significantly reduce travel and lodging costs for clubs. The memo also listed potential benefits such as additional revenue opportunities, enhanced fan events in each club’s home city, and increased options for venues and city/community arrangements for the draft proceedings.

Although there has been some initial pushback from traditionalists who prefer the current in-person format, executives contacted by The Athletic expressed varying opinions on the matter. Positives mentioned for an in-person draft include the opportunity to meet prospects, agents, and rival team staff, the unique excitement it brings compared to other leagues, and its ability to generate fan interest. However, the costs associated with hosting the event and logistical challenges were mentioned as negatives. Some executives expressed a preference for the level of privacy and calm they experienced during the pandemic years when working from their own war rooms on draft day.

The decision regarding the draft format remains in the hands of the teams, with the NHL head office being supportive of either option. The league is willing to adjust the nature and format of the proceedings if a majority of clubs favor a decentralized draft. This topic is expected to be further discussed when NHL GMs gather in Toronto on November 14.

— Pierre LeBrun contributed to this report.