In the NHL’s constant struggle to stay relevant since the season was put on hold on March 12th, one of the ideas that’s drawn the most ire from GMs is the thought of conducting the Draft during the pandemic rather than waiting until the season is completed.
We’ve detailed all of the challenges an Entry Draft prior to the conclusion of a season presents to the league and the minimal effect it would have on the Golden Knights.
Speaking to Brian Blessing on the Vegas Hockey Hotline, Golden Knights President of Hockey Operations, George McPhee, took about as positive a position as any NHL exec regarding the Draft being held in June.
We’re ready to go, if the league wants to do it, let’s go do it. If the league wants to move it up we’re fine with it. This is complicated enough for the league and everybody else. –George McPhee on Vegas Hockey Hotline
As the days pass it appears to be less and less likely that the league will indeed head that way, but the possibility still exists.
I don’t particularly find it very challenging. I don’t know that anything changes if you wait another three months to have a draft. We can work out all of the conditional picks. I just don’t find it that difficult. –McPhee on Vegas Hockey Hotline
Contrast that to the quote Elliotte Friedman published from an unnamed GM on the idea.
This is terrible, and I don’t support it.
Every team is in a different spot in regards to the impact holding the Draft in June would have, with some having much larger hurdles to cross than that in which the Golden Knights would face.
Any team in the lottery could have their fates changed, any team with an important conditional pick yet to be settled, and any team on the playoff bubble could get burned by the irregular draft. Those are likely the teams making the most noise in opposition of the idea. As for Vegas, it really wouldn’t matter, and thus…
There’s going to be no whining from the Vegas Golden Knights. Whatever the league wants to do, we’ll do. –McPhee on Vegas Hockey Hotline
The entire interview with George McPhee on Vegas Hockey Hotline can be found here.
DOC Williams
It’s so unusual not to see a single comment after two days!!! So I’ll do my part and say: Like me (who has NO interest what-so-ever, on future draft picks), looks like many others share my view on this right now. Most only have hockey THIS YEAR on their thoughts.
NEWS
BREAKING NEWS——-
Chris Johnston of Sportsnet is reporting that they are going to have 24 teams in 2 hub cities, and those will be
VEGAS !!!!!!
and Columbus
not finalized yet, but likely.
DOC Williams
Not disagreeing here, because I have no idea … but … that just doesn’t sound logical to me! Hmmmmm?
NEWS
“TSN Hockey Insider Bob McKenzie reports that nothing is firmed up yet but two hub cities instead of four is generating some buzz in discussions amongst teams. McKenzie lists Las Vegas as an example, where an entire hotel/resort could be dedicated to the NHL with easy access to T-Mobile Arena.”
Johnston reported that they would have trouble doing hub play in Canada because they have to quarantine for 14 days for anyone who enters their country.
and he also said that they narrowed the 4 hubs down to 2 because it means fewer regulations and restrictions and govs to deal with.
and Vegas gives the best hotel access
Tim
Just a thought if we start play July first and if there playing multiple games at T-Mobile a day can they keep the ice surface in good shape? Housing teams will be no problem but only 2 hub cities seems like a stretch but I’d love to see Vegas as one.