How will that work for Seattle? Totally screws them doesn't it? They would have drafted this year correct? What position do they get in the drafter or how were they to be weighted in the lottery?
Seattle isn't losing any picks. They'd be in the same boat as the other 31 NHL teams WRT 2021 entry draft. They'd get the same weighting (3rd overall) as they would if the draft wasn't delayed.
No, it doesn't . Most of the guys picked in entry draft (even in the first round) might not be ready to play in NHL for 2-5 years (depending on if they need more strength, head to college, etc.). (VGK picked three guys in 1st round. Glass didn't play NHL game until 2 years after being drafted. Brannstrom went pro one year after draft -- in AHL as European; played 2 NHL games in year 2. Suzuki took 2 years to get to NHL.)
The only advantage of an on time draft might be to get a small handful of 20 somethings that could be used for depth in 2021-22. (As other teams also pick from that group, I'm thinking that there would be some special rules applied for 20 yos that might otherwise get drafted.)
Seattle will pick 30 players in expansion draft. (Plus whatever players they might get in "future consideration" trades.)
Kraken need 23 for NHL roster, plus whatever call up depth they want/need to be scattered amongst the 31 AHL teams (while they wait for Palm Springs area arena to be finished; franchise schedule to start play in 2022-23). They also might get a few 20+ kids they are earmarking for development and future NHLers down the road; college grads, CHL overagers, European free agents.
The BOG and NHLPA have to approve moving back the entry draft.
Realize that teams might as well be just "wasting" picks in 2021 draft if they make their decision on sightings to date for a July entry draft. And even in limited future viewings this spring (if there are any) does not give you the same insight as they are rusty (haven't played in a year), not best on best (which is what you often get in tournaments; some guys may elevate their play as they are playing with a better caliber of player than their junior/college team).
Now, with Detroit, finishing 30 points behind the #30 team, NOT winning the lottery (any of the three picks), there's a lot of call for a change of the draft lottery. So, the odds of winning at #3 will probably be reduced.