The NHL is gradually eliminating all the things that make it different/better than other sports, and are totally out-of-touch with what fans like/want.
In the case of ruining the draft, that's just pure cheapness (don't want to pay to fly all the scouts to a destination) and laziness (get an extra weekend at home during the summer).
I don't think the NHL decided to change it because that's what the league wanted. They gathered feedback from the teams and there were enough who preferred to stay at their home base. Teams had a taste of that with the pandemic drafts and things operated smoothly enough.
While I like that everybody was there in person for NHL Draft, I have witnessed how quickly teams gtfo once it's over. In 2019 I thought I made pretty good time leaving the draft, gathering my luggage, and getting to the airport. I was surprised to be among Colorado's group going through security. Then I spotted LAK/ARZ's crew already at adjacent gates. In 2015, I was surprised when the Penguins staff was slumming it with me on Southwest. For some reason I assumed they'd have a chartered flight but they were flying commercial.
I don't get it, even the draft itself with the talk about doing it remote.
I remember being 12 or 13 and attending the draft and it was quite the memorable moment(although in hindsight it was a disaster for the Oilers). Being there seeing all the teams and players as a kid was very exciting. Them going away from that just seems like a missed opportunity to promote the game.
I think there's still some confusion about what a decentralized draft means. It won't be exactly the same as the pandemic drafts where the teams and prospects all stay home. The NHL still plans on having a host team/city and the prospects would still attend. Teams would still send a notable alum, current player, and/or some higher up to announce the pick.
Realistically future NHL drafts will still look the same to the vast majority of fans. Bulk of the fans in attendance wouldn't know the difference between Rob Blake and a small legion of unnamed scouts greeting the Kings pick vs. them sending Luc Robitaille or Drew Doughty like the NFL Draft.
Although we'll see if more prospects opt to stay home like the NBA/NFL. That was one unique thing that every potential first rounder attends and there'll still be guys to hear their names in the late rounds (or guys like Sean Durzi who sit through the entire draft and not get picked).
www.nhl.com
