NHL Draft: A Complex Puzzle Without a Crowd

The NHL draft is taking a new shape this year. Teams won't be in one place. Instead, they'll be spread out across North America. This is a big change from past years. It's also a big challenge. Steve Mayer is in charge of this event. He's the NHL's president of content and events. He's used to handling big tasks. He's overseen outdoor games, All-Star weekends, and even a draft in a bubble. But this year's draft is different. It's more complicated than he thought it would be. Mayer said, "We thought this would be simpler, and it's actually become way more complicated. " He's right. Coordinating 32 teams from different places is no easy feat. It's like trying to solve a puzzle with pieces all over the place. The draft will still have some exciting moments. Commissioner Gary Bettman will be there. So will nearly 100 top prospects. Some of them will be chosen on Friday night. The rest will hear their names called on Saturday. But there won't be a huge crowd like the NFL draft. The NHL is hoping to create a different kind of spectacle. They're using a virtual environment. This will allow players to interact with the team that just drafted them. It's a unique idea. It might set the NHL apart from other leagues. The NHL has a tough act to follow. Last year's draft was a big deal. It was held at the Sphere in Las Vegas. It was a celebration of the last in-person draft. This year's draft is different. But some of the graphics from last year will be back. Mayer said, "We're taking some of those same elements. . . to give our environment depth. " He's confident it will look great on TV. Whether it's decentralized or centralized, he's ready to pull it off. But will this be a one-time thing? Commissioner Bettman said teams asked for this change. But there's some regret about that. If teams want to go back to the old format, the league will listen. Team officials aren't sure what they want. Ross Mahoney, assistant general manager of the Washington Capitals, compares this to the virtual drafts of 2020 and '21. He said it gives more freedom to talk. But he's not sure if it's better. Mathieu Darche, GM of the New York Islanders, enjoys being on the draft floor with everyone in the same city. But he's fine with this year's setup. He's comfortable with both situations. Whatever the league decides, he'll do his job.