LeHab
Registered User
- Aug 31, 2005
- 15,986
- 6,283
It sounds to me that after the NFL Draft got such good reviews, when the GM's did want to do it, that the NHL office was pushing it so that they could make some news when it was held. Why else would they push to have it earlier in June than normal? But it seems they've cooled on the idea likely on those recommendations, and because people care a lot less about the NHL draft. The NFL is in it's actual off-season, and it's more worth psychoanalyzing the NFL draft since there is far more of an immediate impact. It won't get 3 weeks of buildup by sports networks when there's only a few players for guys like John Buccigross to talk about, none of which played in college.
Despite that, the NHL draft is closer to importance compared to the NFL than the NBA or MLB in terms of its coverage. MLB goes on and hardly anyone notices. NBA draft is not as much of an exhaustive process and may be the least relevant to its sport.
I also don't really see such a strong appeal of an NHL draft. There will be disappointed fans with a modified format, limited transactions opportunities. By the time draft is held at least MLB should have pretty clear plans out if not be in spring training camp mode. NBA might have theirs too heck even NHL season should have more clarity. Golf, NASCAR & F1 are starting in June. Buzz will be there unlike NFL being the only one in town. Also casual fans follow college football and know who the players are unlike NHL. Yes I do expect more eyes on NHL than normal but is it worth the downsides?
From the beginning I believe this is just creating buzz about buzz but ultimately no June draft will be held.