Insider suggests that we could see major changes coming to NHL draft format next summer

The NHL Entry Draft is one of those events that occurs each year that fans circle in their calendars. Not only do teams address the future of their respective organizations, but there are also typically a lot of trades that occur because all 32 NHL GMs are packed into one location simultaneously. According to Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman, that may be about to change.

During the Saturday Headlines segment on Sportsnet's Hockey Night in Canada coverage, Friedman mentioned that the league is considering changes that could lead to the NHL draft becoming a little more similar to what we see from the NFL and NBA.

For those unfamiliar with how the draft works for the NBA and NFL, the prospects and their families are present in the host city on draft day, while the team representatives remain in their respective cities. So, in this case, the NHL's GMs, coaches and scouting staffs would remain in their NHL cities, with the NHL commissioner, Gary Bettman, announcing the picks and presenting players with their new team sweaters on stage.

I'm not quite sure how I feel about the idea to be honest. Part of what makes the NHL draft so much fun to watch is that you can see how everything works. When you see a GM on the clock pick up his phone, it's pretty exciting to think that a trade may be coming. Naturally, such a change may not necessarily mean less moves, but there will be a little less excitement for sure.

The other aspect of the NHL draft that's so enjoyable is to get to see prospects welcomed by their new coach, general manager, and sometimes even one of their new teammates. More Gary Bettman and less team involvement is something that I'm not really sure anyone actually wants.

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