NHL teams commit to decentralized draft format through 2026 despite mixed reactions
The
NHL
has reportedly decided to stick with its decentralized draft model for the 2026 season. The decision was made after two-thirds of the league's clubs voted in favor of continuing this new format, as confirmed by multiple sources, including Sportsnet and The Athletic's Pierre LeBrun.
2026 NHL Draft won't return to normal as teams back another year of the decentralized model
This move marks a departure from the centralized draft approach that had long been a unique NHL hallmark. In the traditional setup, team executives, coaches, and scouts gathered together on the arena floor, creating a dynamic environment that was both TV-friendly and filled with real-time decision-making energy. However, those inside the league had grown weary of that format, citing issues around privacy, logistical challenges, and the compressed timeline between the draft and the start of free agency.
— DarrenDreger (@DarrenDreger)
The 2025 NHL Draft, held at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, marked the league's first deliberate shift to decentralization, excluding the COVID-era virtual drafts. Teams remained in their respective home markets, while a representative—be it an alumni, current player, or celebrity—announced their selections on-site. A total of 93 prospects were in attendance, receiving their jerseys from Commissioner Gary Bettman and speaking with club officials via virtual interviews.
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While fans were treated to a TV broadcast with glitzy production and intriguing storylines, the execution wasn't flawless. The first round extended over four hours, and many viewers described the show as clunky and at times awkward, especially during the 'Draft House' segments where prospects communicated virtually with their new teams—sometimes through shaky connections. Despite the hiccups, deputy commissioner Bill Daly assured that production issues can be easily resolved before the next draft.
Ratings for the 2025 event were solid, and by day two, the process felt smoother. That provided a silver lining for league officials aiming to refine the format. More importantly, the feedback from players themselves was largely positive.
'At the end of the day, all of the prospects were there,' said Flyers' second-round pick Shane Vansaghi. 'We were all getting picked, we were all walking up there and putting on our jerseys and we were all getting drafted into the NHL.
That's the point of the draft in my opinion.'
While some fans and critics lament the absence of a centralized, marquee event like the NFL's draft combine or the NBA Summer League, it appears the NHL is prioritizing operational efficiency and internal comfort. The decentralized model may lack spectacle, but for now, it's here to stay—perhaps signaling a permanent evolution in how hockey's future stars enter the league.
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Artemi Panarin's future with the Rangers hangs in the balance as contract nears expiry
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