In a move that solidifies a recent shift in league operations, National Hockey League teams have formally decided to retain the decentralized format for the 2026 NHL Entry Draft. The decision, confirmed by a significant majority vote among the league`s clubs, signals a commitment to this new structure following its inaugural trial run during the 2025 draft proceedings.
Historically, the NHL Draft was a grand, centralized event, bringing together all 32 teams` executives, scouting staffs, and prospects under one roof for a multi-day spectacle. The 2025 edition marked a departure, with top prospects gathered in one broadcast location (such as Los Angeles for 2025), while individual team personnel remained stationed in their respective home markets, conducting selections remotely.
The initial implementation of this decentralized model was met with mixed reviews, particularly regarding the television broadcast experience. The first round in 2025 stretched over four hours, and the visual presentation of executives interacting with freshly drafted players via large screens and occasionally unstable video connections was, charitably speaking, perceived as disjointed by many viewers and commentators. Despite these acknowledged production challenges, Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly suggested post-draft that potential “easy fixes” through broadcast refinement could address the pacing issues.
Yet, the recent vote results indicate that whatever perceived drawbacks existed from a public relations or broadcast perspective, they were outweighed by benefits experienced by the clubs themselves. Approximately two-thirds of NHL teams cast their vote in favor of keeping the decentralized system. While the league has not explicitly detailed the reasons behind individual team preferences, it is reasonable to infer that factors such as reduced travel costs, the ability for a wider range of team personnel (beyond just the GM and a few scouts) to be present during draft discussions in their home war rooms, and logistical simplicity for team staff played a significant role in this overwhelming preference.
The NHL is not an outlier in adopting this structure. Major North American sports leagues like the NBA and NFL have successfully utilized decentralized or partially decentralized draft models for years, focusing on the technical execution and broadcast presentation to make the event engaging despite the geographical separation of participants. The NHL`s decision suggests a strategic alignment with these practices.
With the vote now confirming the format for 2026, the league`s attention will undoubtedly turn to optimizing the execution. The focus shifts from debating the structure itself to refining the operational and broadcast elements to create a smoother, more efficient, and equally compelling event, albeit one conducted from a distance.
