Insider reveals two major changes coming to NHL draft
Earlier this morning, insider Elliotte Friedman reported on the 32 Thoughts Podcast that the NHL Draft may be shortened to only four rounds after the 2026 season.
According to Friedman, the reasoning behind this potential change is the fact that many late round picks are bothered contracting offers from their teams. Late-round picks often keep playing for years in minor leagues until their rights expire, and then are only sometimes picked up by another NHL team.
It's a push for players rights, and hopefully a way for some would-be later round picks to make a direct push for the NHL faster. Just like the NBA, undrafted players become free agents free to sign with whatever team shows interest.
The Draft will change in many ways in the coming years. After this year's draft at the Sphere in Las Vegas, the NHL has been rumoured to be considering abandoning the in-person draft for a more virtual event, similar to the NFL. This would allow teams to stay in their war rooms in their respective cities and having full access to resources, unlike being at a table on the floor of an arena.
On many fronts, the NHL draft will look very different in the next few years. It may be a tough adjustment to nail down the product of a virtual shortened draft, but hopefully it can ease burdens on players, teams, and still be entertaining for fans.
| POLL | ||
Do you agree with the decision to shorten the Draft from 7 rounds to 4 rounds? | ||
| Yes, gives players more freedom | 103 | 56.3 % |
| No, there are good players to be had there | 72 | 39.3 % |
| See Results | 8 | 4.4 % |
| List of polls | ||
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