While no formal application “has yet been made, the Canucks have identified” hosting the '19 NHL Draft as a “desired target,” according to Jeff Paterson of the Vancouver PROVINCE. The team would then “celebrate its half-century of existence” throughout the '19-20 season. The Canucks will “share their 50th anniversary with their expansion cousins in Buffalo, but the Sabres hosted last year’s draft” and will be featured again in the '18 Bridgestone Winter Classic against the Rangers at Citi Field. That "should help clear" the Canucks' path to "land one of the league’s marquee events as part of their golden anniversary festivities." As a condition of their expansion deal, the Golden Knights are “likely in line for a league event in the coming years.” But Las Vegas “seems like more of an All-Star site and a terrific opportunity for the NHL to bring its biggest names and brightest lights to its newest city to help the Golden Knights make a splash in their infancy.” The timing of the '19 Draft is "intriguing" because Vancouver and Victoria "have already been tabbed as the host cities for the World Junior championship that year” (Vancouver PROVINCE, 5/28).
