NHL Face-Off, Day 190: NHL Cancels June Player Draft

Sleeper Pick: NHL Cancels June Entry Draft

The NHL has cancelled the June 25-26 Entry Draft that was to be held in Ottawa. NHL Exec VP & CLO Bill Daly said in a statement, “In the absence of a [CBA], we are not able to conduct an Entry Draft in the traditional sense on the dates scheduled” (NHL). In L.A., Chris Foster cites a source as saying that a draft “will be held once an agreement is approved and will be conducted using a teleconference call and electronic selections.” Foster notes that by canceling the draft, the NHL “removed what little leverage the NHLPA had at this time. Union representatives were banking on the NHL’s need to conduct a showcase draft as part of an effort to win back fans and sponsors.” Because of this, NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman “would probably” add linkage to any future CBA proposals (L.A. TIMES, 3/24). In Ottawa, Bruce Garrioch reports the NHL will likely award the ’08 Draft to Ottawa, as Senators Owner Eugene Melnyk “was assured that the club will host the draft down the road” (OTTAWA SUN, 3/24).