TSN Dreger: 2021 Draft may get pushed to 2022

[Favin]

Insider Trading: NHL considering pushing back draft - TSN.ca

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Darren Dreger: It sure sounds like that; there’s ongoing conversations at the NHL level, hockey operations, the National Hockey League is deeply involved, the commissioner’s office will get involved as well. I will say this, there’s no guarantee that the NHL is going to host the draft in July. Now, there’s lots of talk across the National Hockey League about the draft being pushed from 2021 – this summer – to 2022 – the summer – and the NHL hosting back-to-back drafts. NHL general managers are very much in favour of this and you got to think the 2021 draft eligible players would also be in favour of it, given the fact a majority of these kids aren’t playing hockey right now. But, keep in mind this is a CBA-related issue, the NHLPA is not involved yet, but they will have to get involved if there’s change.

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[SelltheTeamFrancesco]

This seems so bush league to me. Would any other professional league do this?

 

[Szechwan]

I get it.. but I'd be really fascinated to see which teams are successful in a weird draft like that. Might end up being mostly luck if it happens this season, which also kind of sounds fun.

 

[Favin]

As long as they don't mess with draft order or reduce number of picks, I am not sure it is all that bad. Not many NHL-ready players in 2021 class (that we know about...if we could see them all play).

 

[Unfriendly Ghost]

What happened to the idea of a big showcase tournament? That sounded awesome.

 

[BM14]

Always propping up Ottawa and Buffalo...

 

[Oilslick941611]

id like to see the draft aged raised. The idea that most picks need 3 to 4 years to be be pro ready tells me the draft age is too young.

 

[Favin]

What happened to the idea of a big showcase tournament? That sounded awesome.

100% with you...think they have to schedule the draft first. If it gets pushed to 2022, maybe less of a need for a tournament. I don't know.

For those that need a fix, BU vs BC tonight at 7pm eastern.

 

[MichaelFarrell]

I highly support skipping the draft this year. But, don’t do two drafts. Change the draft age to 19

 

[BStinson]

This seems so bush league to me. Would any other professional league do this?

How many other professional sports draft 17 year olds across multiple different leagues and countries? Football = NCAA, basketball = 1 year minimum NCAA or pro-league (more coverage). Not sure on soccer and baseball.

I honestly think back to back drafts would be amazing, tons of coverage and allows more some creative trades if a GM wants to target specific players from different draft years.

 

[APVJ]

Just do it over the internet

 

[FrankGallagher]

This actually makes a lot of sense for this year. Helps that there's no McDavid level prospect who will clearly be NHL ready too.

 

[Shroud of Orrin]

The game is evolving to skills more and more so the draft age doesn't need to change. There's more room out there (and opportunity with 32 teams).

The idea of postponing the draft sounds unprofessional. There's a book an inch thick on these kids before they can shave today. GM's should just do their job.

Draft!

 

[Samsquanch]

Always propping up Ottawa and Buffalo...

We arent getting hosed if I'm reading this right.

One of those back to back drafts pick order will get based on this seasons results. The other will be based on next seasons results.

Ya I guess if your expecting to grab a player that will step into your lineup immediately after the draft, this would be a bummer. But no one should ever plan on a roster spot being filled by a yet to be drafted prospect.

 

[Vikke]

A majority of the kids ARE playing though.

 

[GAGLine]

Just do it over the internet

That isn't the issue.

 

[ijif]

When people say majority of kids aren’t playing or some variant, what they really mean is the WHL and OHL aren’t playing. Every other league is playing or has played.

 

[Breakfast of Champs]

How many other professional sports draft 17 year olds across multiple different leagues and countries? Football = NCAA, basketball = 1 year minimum NCAA or pro-league (more coverage). Not sure on soccer and baseball.

I honestly think back to back drafts would be amazing, tons of coverage and allows more some creative trades if a GM wants to target specific players from different draft years.

Soccer players are usually not drafted and are in some cases signed for millions long before the age of 18. MLB players can be drafted out of high school and many are. International players in the MLB can also be signed earlier for example the Jays signed Vladdy Jr at 16. The NBA rule was created essentially to give the NCAA a monopoly on top end players for at least a year, and in most cases players oppose the rule, there have been rumblings that it will be abolished in the coming few seasons.

 

[Favin]

Soccer players are usually not drafted and are in some cases signed for millions long before the age of 18. MLB players can be drafted out of high school and many are. International players in the MLB can also be signed earlier for example the Jays signed Vladdy Jr at 16. The NBA rule was created essentially to give the NCAA a monopoly on top end players for at least a year, and in most cases players oppose the rule, there have been rumblings that it will be abolished in the coming few seasons.

The system in soccer/Association football is very different than most North American sports, from the youth leagues to the pros. But players can sign with pro teams' academy teams in their early teens (kind of like US NTDP...but at club level and often with younger kids) and can sign professionally at age 16 in most countries.

I think age-18 is right age here. I do think the relationship with the CHL and NHL should loosened however and players given more say in their futures. I also think NHL should work with NCAA to allow players from CHL and international leagues, especially if NCAA is adopting new standards for compensating student-athletes.

Also, if they moved draft to age-19, and essentially just skipped the 2021 draft, that wouldn't be fair to bad teams this year. So, you'd have to otherwise compensate weaker teams. Last year, the worst 7 teams had to endure 10-month layoffs (and got rewarded three (3!) extra practice days). It would be terribly unjust to punish the teams at the bottom of the standings again by taking their high picks away.

 

[themelkman]

This is just to help teams that suck at scouting

 

[coopooter]

Just cancel the draft and draft 19 years old next year

 

[Juxtaposer]

To those of you saying cancel the draft and change the draft age to 19, good luck convincing the teams that suck this year to give up their lottery ticket just because.

 

[snipes]

The draft will still happen this year, this is just discussion fodder.

 

[Team Cozens]

Does The NHL have no regard for our Fantrax fantasy teams and the problems a double draft will cause???

 

[gstommylee]

id like to see the draft aged raised. The idea that most picks need 3 to 4 years to be be pro ready tells me the draft age is too young.

so screw CHL players then... Cause they have no options in NA until they are 20 to really advance their careers due to that CHL, NHL agreement.