LOS ANGELES — The NHL draft is set to make a notable return to Los Angeles on June 27 and 28 this summer, with significant changes on the horizon. According to recent announcements, the event will be hosted at the Peacock Theatre in L.A. Live, where Commissioner Gary Bettman will take center stage, marking a first for him as he announces each first-round pick.
“Hopefully there won’t be too many difficult names to pronounce,” Bettman joked before the Los Angeles Kings’ match against Utah on Saturday night. This year’s draft represents a shift for the NHL, as it will adopt a decentralized model similar to that of the NFL and NBA, allowing team personnel to participate from their respective home bases.
Though Bettman and prominent prospects will be present, his responsibilities will extend beyond simply hosting the event; he will now announce the selections for the first round, a task that was traditionally managed by the teams themselves. Bettman has often faced a mixed reception from fans, regularly drawing boos whenever he addresses a live audience.
“And remember, the clubs asked for this,” he pointed out. “I wasn’t looking for any more exposure. I have more than enough. But this is what the clubs told us they wanted, and we’re going to try it. After this year, we’ll see if everyone prefers this approach.”
Bettman acknowledged the unique personal touch that teams previously infused into their announcements, as they would often thank or honor individuals connected to the chosen players. However, the experience of navigating the draft from home offices during the pandemic had influenced many teams to opt for this new model for convenience.
In addition to Bettman’s increased role, other changes might be in store for the draft presentation. Steve Mayer, the NHL’s president of events and content, confirmed that attendees and fans can look forward to a high-quality event featuring a fresh and innovative presentation style, with more details to be unveiled in the upcoming months.
The NHL had returned to in-person drafts over the past three years after the pandemic, concluding last year’s event at the extravagant Sphere in Las Vegas, where large screens created a visually stunning atmosphere. “It wasn’t feasible to continue to use the Sphere for several reasons, including the expense,” Bettman explained. “The experience was extraordinary, and we invested significantly more than usual for a draft. But if we were going to utilize the old format, we intended to make it an unforgettable finale.”
With such changes ahead, the upcoming NHL draft promises to be an engaging event for fans and a significant moment for the league, as it embraces new opportunities while reflecting on its traditional roots.
