According to noted Sportsnet insider Elliotte Friedman, the majority of National Hockey League (NHL) teams voted to change the format of the draft.
In fact, this new version would consist of all clubs staying in their neighborhood, which is already the case in the NBA and the NFL. Hopefuls and County Commissioner Gary Bettman would remain on site.
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However, Friedman said discussions on the issue will continue at the general manager’s meeting in November and then at the governor’s meeting in December. The first edition of this brand new auction is scheduled to take place in 2025, possibly June 2024.
Several factors would explain this reorganization, as Friedman explained in his 32 Thoughts column.
“The draft, which takes place on June 28th and 29th, and Free Agent Day on July 1st were a big topic,” he wrote. The costs are another. Some teams felt like their plans would be exposed because the tables were too close together and they could be overheard.”