[News] 2026 NHL Draft to remain decentralized - Page 2 - Calgarypuck Forums - The Unofficial Calgary Flames Fan Community

devo22 · 07-13-2025, 05:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GirlySports

The execs want it. Even Conroy said the discussions were better when in a room than on the floor where it's loud and not private

and these good discussions led to an unprecedented wave of trades. Oh wait ...

The 2025 version was the worst of both worlds. The production was terrible, the cringe-level was off the charts ... but I think fans would have been happy to look past that if the decentralized setting had led to more trades. It didn't. I think it absolutely blows that they want to give this another go next year, but I hope they've at least learned a few lessons. Fix what you can, take a closer look at how the NFL and NBA do things, cut the cringe (whoever had the idea of those Zoom calls should be tarred and feathered) and improve the overall product. If there's a silver lining, then it's the fact that it can't possibly be any worse than 2025, right?! ...

Scroopy Noopers · 07-13-2025, 06:55 AM

Fine. It’s not a television worthy event then because it’s clunky and boring. Do it for the executives, not the fans. That’s just fine, but don’t be surprised when ratings aren’t meeting expectations.

Boreal · 07-13-2025, 07:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Flames_F.T.W

It worked so well and was efficient so why not...

Because it should be approached like an annual conference & event to grow the industry, and reward a franchise with the ability to showcase themselves.

Southside · 07-13-2025, 07:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr.Coffee

Question they should be asking is what do the fans want?

Maybe they are questioning if this is even a fan event?

Mr.Coffee · 07-13-2025, 08:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Southside

Maybe they are questioning if this is even a fan event?

Well I think they’re in it to make money / keep growing the game, so it would be a terrible strategy to make it a non-fan event.

Sometimes people forget who really pays the bills! Those Rogers contracts and franchise values ain’t #### without fans.

devo22 · 07-13-2025, 09:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Southside

Maybe they are questioning if this is even a fan event?

well, it is. Or at least it should be. Just look at the NFL Draft, it's a huge event that draws a large audience every year. I get that front offices just want to get their business done, but not recognizing the draft as a fan event and an opportunity to further grow the game and garner interest is extremely shortsighted on the NHLs part.

SilverKast · 07-13-2025, 09:45 AM

If the NHL is indeed a copycat league they should just copy and paste what the NFL does. Why reinvent the wheel if the format works in the most successful league in the world?

D as in David · 07-13-2025, 09:59 AM

I remember when Bettman said fans don't care about player's salaries. The NHL often forgets it's in the entertainment industry.

Southside · 07-13-2025, 10:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by devo22

well, it is. Or at least it should be. Just look at the NFL Draft, it's a huge event that draws a large audience every year. I get that front offices just want to get their business done, but not recognizing the draft as a fan event and an opportunity to further grow the game and garner interest is extremely shortsighted on the NHLs part.

I agree. Fans want to see who their teams are selecting. It's the start of the fan relationship with those new players. Some fans want that to be in person. Those that aren't in person don't want to suffer through embarrassing interviews with other teams and hosts talking over their own teams selections. It was an awful presentation this year and the fact they've already decided its what they're doing next year after all the complaints is telling.

SuperMatt18 · 07-13-2025, 10:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Roof-Daddy

Idiots.

Might be going to the one next year, would have been nice if they didn't pull this crap again.

The GMs being in person is irrelevant to the presentation IMO.

The Sphere being good had nothing to do with the GMs being there, it had to do with Vegas organization and the NHL actually investing in a strong presentation.

Speed up the picks, focus more on the fan bases, and just have a representative of the team (current star, legend, or famous fan) represent the team to make the pick. Get rid of the stupid Skype call after the pick.

Roof-Daddy · 07-13-2025, 10:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SuperMatt18

The GMs being in person is irrelevant to the presentation IMO.

The Sphere being good had nothing to do with the GMs being there, it had to do with Vegas organization and the NHL actually investing in a strong presentation.

Speed up the picks, focus more on the fan bases, and just have a representative of the team (current star, legend, or famous fan) represent the team to make the pick. Get rid of the stupid Skype call after the pick.

I get all that, but if I'm there I want to see all the brass moving around, going to the stage to make pics, etc..

devo22 · 07-13-2025, 10:30 AM

you don't need the GMs and their entourage, but I've always liked it as an NHL thing that set them apart from the other leagues. I don't know, had a bit of a family feeling to it, if that makes sense. Less glitz and glamour than the other leagues, but the whole organization welcoming their draft pick on stage. I thought that was neat. And I'd certainly take it over Bettman announcing the picks like Silver and Goodell do.

Yanda · 07-13-2025, 10:31 AM

At long as they hold the draft at the Sphere and keep the pace moving I dont care if the GM's are physically in the building. That venue is just so cool, and it translates well on TV.

Then maybe we have the best of both worlds since it seems teams want to make their picks from an underground bunker.

Calgary4LIfe · 07-13-2025, 01:19 PM

I don't prefer it this way, but they certainly can improve upon a decentralized draft. It was way too long, too boring, and too cringey at times. Delete the skype calls, and maybe cut down on the time between picks too - it is supposed to be more efficient, right?

I think the players coming down and giving high-5s is fine - what else are you going to be showing between picks now? It may get even more boring as there isn't much filler there. Maybe run the post-draft interview with each player at this time? Split screen? I don't know. It was long and boring.

The stars thing was fine - who didn't like Happy Gillmore calling the pick? Better if the stars are live, but so be it. You will get good ones, you will get bad ones, but there was at least some entertainment value there.

Delete the skype-show, and give each team less time to make their selection. Then go from there and see what other fat you can trim, and what entertainment you can add.