It’s time for another round of NHL rumours. We’re almost into the month of April, but that doesn’t mean the rumours are taking a break. We normally focus on players in our NHL rumours. However, we are taking a look at something else that’s important to league general managers. One of the more important events on the hockey calendar is the NHL Draft. This edition of NHL rumours deals with the league possibly reverting to its tried and true format.
All NHL rumours come from the original source and are subject to change.
NHL Rumours
NHL Draft Could Return to Previous Format
Rumour: In a recent social media post, Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman said that NHL commissioner Gary Bettman said that he’s not a fan of the decentralized draft format that will take place this year. Friedman mentioned that a return to the traditional centralized format could return for the 2026 NHL Draft.
Bettman doesn’t hide the fact he is not a fan of the decentralized draft
— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) March 19, 2025
Analysis: This year will see a change to the old-school format with the NHL Draft going to a decentralized edition. Other leagues like the NFL use this format. Normally, the draft brings all the general managers together so they can make deals. We’ve seen drafts at NHL arenas. However, the Los Angeles Kings will be the hosts, but not at the Crypto.com Arena. The event will be at the 7,000-plus seat Peacock Theater.
Front offices will be doing their drafting and making deals in a remote fashion. The league will still have a number of top prospects at the event. However, the commissioner and other celebrities will be reading out the picks to people in attendance. At other drafts, each team’s general managers would read the pick out loud. The number of prospects that will at the event will be limited to 50 according to NHL chief content officer and president of events Steve Mayer.
It’s an experimental format that has already gotten criticism from a number of places. Bettman seems to want to go back to the previous way with all the general managers in one format.
What It Means
Drafts are usually big events that bring several fans to cities hosting the event. We’ve seen full arenas at a number of drafts, but seeing that taken away is going to be an odd feeling. The league has done a decentralized draft before, but that was during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Last year’s draft at the Sphere in Las Vegas went over well and maybe the event could return to that location in the future. It was unique seeing all the electronic lights and the logos displayed. That fan-friendly experience could drive a return to the previous format the NHL has used for a number of years.
Bettman told the media that one team representative will be there to help relay information to other teams. The format may take some getting used to, but it could also be a one-year one if Bettman has his way. This format is a roll of the dice, but it may be a short-lived roll for the league.
Main photo by: Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images
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