Report: Gary Bettman to Make Massive Changes to the NHL Entry Draft as of this Year
Details on the new NHL Draft format emerged.
The NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman has been adamant about the future of NHL Drafts: last year's was the last one to ever occur with all the organizations under the same roof.
For a few years now, Gary Bettman has been sharing hints of what's to come, with the 2025 Draft being targeted to be the first one to be decentralized.
ESPN's Greg Wyshynski shared details, confirming that only first-round picks will be present, with a few team executives and the commissioner.
He also added that it will be at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles.
In his own words:
Initial plans for the decentralized draft had top prospects assembling in a mid-sized venue, along with a few team representatives and league executives. NHL commissioner Gary Bettman would announce each first-round pick and greet the draftee onstage.
It's unclear how public access to the 2025 draft at the Peacock Theater will be facilitated, a source told ESPN."
Commissioner Bettman also provided details, saying people who work hard at the draft should be more comfortable in their homes than on the floor of a venue.
Here's what he said:
The next draft promises to be interesting, with top prospect James Hagens, Matthew Schaefer and Porter Martone entering the league.
| POLL | ||
DECEMBRE 31 | 208 ANSWERS Report: Gary Bettman to Make Massive Changes to the NHL Entry Draft as of this Year Do you think the NHL is making a mistake by changing the draft format? | ||
| Yes | 142 | 68.3 % |
| No | 66 | 31.7 % |
| List of polls | ||
