How do you guys feel about a system where once a team is officially eliminated from the playoffs, their record counts towards their draft position in a positive way?
To qualify for this system a team must be eliminated with at least 5 games remaining. The last 15 games count towards their draft position. The big difference between this and the current system is that better records in the last 15 games result in a higher draft pick.
I think it would add a bit of excitement since non-playoff teams will be playing for a better draft pick. It is closest North American pro sports can get to a relegation system in terms of giving crappy teams something to play for.
For example,
Lets say Edmonton is eliminated with 11 games remaining. They have a record of 3-10-2 in their last 15. They would not be awarded a higher draft pick for tanking (intentional or otherwise).
Lets say Calgary is eliminated with 8 games remaining. They have a record of 6-6-3 in their last 15. Calgary would get a higher draft pick than Edmonton.
Lets say Vancouver is eliminated with 4 games remaining. They don't qualify for the top draft pick system and get a draft pick based on the current system.
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