For the first time since 2010, the NHL Draft appears headed back to Los Angeles next June — only it’s going to have a much different look and feel.
Fresh on the heels of perhaps the most successful live Draft event in decades, the league is ready to move on and try something new. As previously announced, the 2024 Draft at The Sphere in Las Vegas was going to be the last in-person version, at least for a while. After polling team officials for their preference, the NHL will be moving to a hybrid style event. General Managers and all of their scouts will be huddled up across North America in their respective war rooms. Meanwhile, prospects, their families, and fans will be present at event in Los Angeles.
Dave Pagnotta of The Fourth Period first reported league plans to hold the event at Peacock Theater at LA Live earlier this month.
Fron what Mayor’s Manor has been able to gather via various sources, AEG/Kings officials met with the league again last week to continue those talks. From what we understand, the deal has not been signed just yet. However, enough of the details have been ironed out for both sides to essentially agree it’s going to happen. From here, they’ll continue to work through the various points, with no official timeline for an announcement locked down just yet. We would anticipate the event to take place June 27-28.
Kings Of The Podcast listeners may remember, the remote approach was something strongly favored by Kings Director of Amateur Scouting Mark Yannetti. He saw the advantages up close during the pandemic, when the Draft was held over Zoom. He believes having his team all in one room, with access to their data in a war-room like environment was rather advantageous. He also openly spoke of several challenges that also come with such a Draft here.
Specific to the Kings, GM Rob Blake currently holds his 2025 first round pick, as well as all the team’s selections in rounds two through seven. LA also still has all their picks in 2026 and 2027, thus there is plenty of Draft capital to swing some deals either up or down the Draft board.
What About the Awards Show?
On this week’s 32 Thoughts Podcast, co-host Elliotte Friedman revelated the league has finally decided to put a pause on the annual Awards Show. It’s an event that’s never felt quite right, so why not try something new.
Rather than ask people to get all dressed up and sit through some comedic host, and maybe a musical act, they’re going to try and go in a more modern direction. Exactly what that means isn’t quite clear. Yet, one of the ideas mentioned by Friedman at least sounds kinda cool. He told the story of NBA teams giving out the various league awards prior to playoff games, in front of the home fans. Not all basketball clubs were actually in favor of this approach, as some believed it apparently gave an extra advantage to the home team right before a crucial game. Interesting perspective and something that will likely be debated for a few more months before any decision is reached.
RELATED CONTENT:
Follow @mayorNHL
Continue reading...
