Does anybody have a clue what the logic behind this was? I have to guess the NHLPA pushed for this more then actual teams
Very few of them were being signed, would be my guess.
Very few 7th rounders make it to the NHL as it is. You need a cut off point.
When you think about it, time spent drafting these players in the 8th and 9th round (about an hour) likely is less of a hassle than extending invites to a whole bunch of junior players that were undrafted, filtering out who you want, contacting them, trying to convince them to attend YOUR camp, etc VS just sitting around for an hour and simply making your pick when it's your turn.
Also, why not make it an event on Saturday morning for rounds 1-2-3, and then everybody goes home. The following morning, teams go into their war room and via a live conference call they all make their picks from the comfort of their offices. Max 1 minute allowed to enter your pick. Simple.
That way, the draft could be extended to 10 or 11 rounds. There are plenty of CHL players that go undrafted on draft day that would deserve to, and also tons of players from Europe that would be good projects. What's the problem in having the rights to more players? It makes things more interesting IMO. More whealing and dealing between teams. Also, actually drafting them mean you can work with them and try to develop them, since they belong to your team. Also, for the kids, it would be a dream come true, and attending the camp and being followed by the coaches would be great for their development.
Additionnally, it would be great for the die-hard geek fans who love following the draft and their team's prospects.![]()
When you think about it, time spent drafting these players in the 8th and 9th round (about an hour) likely is less of a hassle than extending invites to a whole bunch of junior players that were undrafted, filtering out who you want, contacting them, trying to convince them to attend YOUR camp, etc VS just sitting around for an hour and simply making your pick when it's your turn.
Also, why not make it an event on Saturday morning for rounds 1-2-3, and then everybody goes home. The following morning, teams go into their war room and via a live conference call they all make their picks from the comfort of their offices. Max 1 minute allowed to enter your pick. Simple.
Additionnally, it would be great for the die-hard geek fans who love following the draft and their team's prospects.![]()
From 1980 - 1981, it was 10 rounds. In 1979 it was 6 rounds. Before that, you had the amateur draft and I have no understanding how that worked. Check this out from 1978: http://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/draft/nhl1978a.html
22 rounds of drafting, but by the last 5 rounds, only Montreal was drafting, and in the rounds before that, only some of the teams drafted. Can anyone explain?
Unsure why they got rid of those rounds, but there have been some decent players that came from there
8.2 Draft Choices. The Entry Draft shall consist of seven (7) rounds, with each round consisting of the same number of selection choices as there will be Clubs in the League in the following League Year.
I wouldn't mind them adding these rounds back but maybe increase the contract cap to 55?