Discussions are "ongoing" between NHL officials and those at the Sphere in Las Vegas to host what could be the league's "final in-person draft," according to sources cited by Chris Johnston of THE ATHLETIC. The league is "pushing hard to make it happen" and "sees value in becoming the first North American professional sports league to host a major event there." The "biggest hurdle" to securing the venue for the draft that is scheduled June 28-29 in 2024 is "cost -- not just to secure the 18,600-seat auditorium but for creating a production that would properly utilize the 16k resolution wraparound interior LED screen and superior sound system." The league has been "searching for a venue since T-Mobile Arena became unavailable because the UFC decided to host a card there at the end of June." It is believed that the Sphere has "adequate floor space to accommodate tables for the staff of 32 teams, plus a draft stage" (THE ATHLETIC, 11/17).
BLAME GAME: SPORTSNET.ca's Luke Fox wrote NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman wants fans to know that the forthcoming shift to a remote draft was "not the league's idea but rather one brought forth by a few teams hoping to streamline the process." Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly said, "Surprisingly to some of us, we had an overwhelming response that we should try to pursue a new draft format." The league's decision-makers would "prefer one final send-off of the traditional draft," with all 32 GMs "on the floor, pressing flesh and stirring trade speculation." But if the pieces "don't fall into place, a remote draft could take place as early as 2024" (SPORTSNET.ca, 11/16).
