The 2024 NHL Entry Draft has concluded in Las Vegas, and it was the new benchmark for pro sports Draft events. Stick taps to the NHL on the production value of this event.
In case you missed it, here is the review from the first round with commentary on the top picks and some of the more memorable moments.
Rounds two through seven began bright and early. While players were no longer invited on stage and the player announcements were less spectacular, the Sphere continued to deliver a spectacular visual.
Overall, the presentation of the Draft was unlike any other draft in any other sport. And it raised the question, is this the NHL going out with a bang?
Since the end of the 2023 Draft from Nashville, there has been a lot of conversation about the NHL teams wanting to decentralize the Draft.
Reasons range from a cost savings point to logistical concerns about the ability to return home on time to prepare for NHL free agency, to simply lack of room on the draft floor with 32 tables required and a lack of privacy. Some NHL General Managers prefer a fog-of-war approach on draft day and do not appreciate being watched.
The NHL GMs put the decentralization motion to a vote, and it was overwhelmingly in favor of staying home.
At the conclusion of the 2024 Draft, Commissioner Gary Bettman closed the Draft, and his final comment was “We will see you all next year”
So, what can we expect for the 2025 NHL Draft?
Well, the conversation from all the people I spoke to suggests the 2025 NHL Draft will remain a live draft. There will be a host city, the prospects will attend and be invited on stage in the first round. The NHL Management and Scouting teams will remain home at their own facility and send in their selections remotely.
It is expected that the Media will be divided, and local beat writers will likely remain home and interview the General Manager and Director of Scouting as they would usually do. Media that cover the league will still attend the live Draft and have access to the players after they are selected.
The formula will likely look similar to the NBA Draft, where the players and families are on the floor. This will free up stadium seating for ticket sales. Media will be on the riser opposite the Draft stage.
Now this may seem like taking two steps backwards after taking a big leap forward after hosting in the Sphere, and it would be. Having the NHL teams present at the Draft is a special thing, and fans buying a ticket enjoy watching the action on the Draft floor. There is an allure to seeing legendary figures who are in or going to the Hall of Fame. Steve Yzerman and Joe Sakic come to mind.
The NHL has moved the draft from city to city for the past several decades giving all the teams the opportunity to Host an NHL Draft party. Making the Draft available to all markets is something the NHL wants to continue.
However, how do you go back to hosting the Draft in a regular old arena?
I can only imagine the expense of having a facility such as the Sphere host a two-day event, so I can understand if this was a once-in-a-lifetime event.
As long as the Draft continues to be a live event, with or without NHL teams present I know I will be happy. So far there has been no official announcement from the League, so for now we wait and see what the 2025 NHL Draft will look like.
