go kim johnsson said:
No where does it say when the NHL draft has to be. If the NHL wants to they can re-schedule it to whenever they need to.
IN the old CBA it was specified as a June date picked by the Commissioner. But as you indicate who's to say that isn't changed in a new CBA?
This is only a cancellation of that June date and NOT the draft. Both Daly and Bettman have said on prior occassions that there will be a draft though it won't happen before a new CBA and it need not happen in June (which is a date in the old CBA). THis isn't a big deal. They just didn't want to commit themselves and the kids to some grand event that ends up not happening because there is no CBA...talk about bad press!!
It also sends a message to the PA that if they think that the draft in June is a pressure point they are sadly mistaken (once again).
What would be nice is to see a new CBA in place in August (whether with the PA or imposed) and then have a huge re-launching of the league complete with a draft weekend, free agent signings rolled into one big news week, and new rules (with demonstrations).