NHL Draft Structure Changes
NHL teams have reached a consensus favoring a decentralized structure for the upcoming 2026 Draft, according to a report from league insider Pierre LeBrun. This change signifies a notable shift from the NHL’s historical approach to drafting, which has traditionally involved a centralized setup where all team executives convene on-site in a single location, such as an arena. In contrast, major sports leagues like the NFL, MLB, and NBA have opted for a home-based war room strategy for their drafts.
Historical Context
The last centralized draft took place in 2024 at the Sphere in Las Vegas, and the switch to a decentralized format first emerged during the 2025 Draft. However, the 2020 and 2021 drafts were conducted under remote conditions due to the COVID-19 pandemic, further modernizing the league’s approach.
Concerns with Centralized Drafting
While the centralized drafting created a lively atmosphere that appealed to fans and amplified media coverage, team executives often found it limiting. Many voiced concerns regarding insufficient privacy for strategic discussions and also cited the proximity to the free agency period as problematic. Additionally, the possibility of cost savings from decentralizing has been a factor in their decision.
Recent Draft Experiences
This past summer, the NHL faced criticism for some awkward moments during the first round of the most recent draft, particularly concerning the virtual interviews with prospects conducted from the ‘NHL Draft House.’
Despite these issues, viewership numbers remained strong and the subsequent second day of the draft saw a smoother operation compared to the previous remote drafts held during the pandemic. The league has an opportunity to leverage the feedback gathered to improve the first day experience for 2026.
Broader Implications
From a broader context, this decentralized format distinguishes the NHL from other major sports leagues, as it will not host a highly publicized, convention-like event to accompany the draft. Other sports have established events such as the MLB Winter Meetings, the NFL draft combine, and the NBA summer league, presenting a unique challenge for the NHL as they navigate these changes in their drafting procedures.
