NHL Takes Page From NFL, Bettman to Announce First-Round Draft Picks

Another major U.S. sports league is looking to emulate some of the massive draft success enjoyed by the NFL. 

The NHL has set plans to have commissioner Gary Bettman read the names of first-round selections at the 2025 draft, set for June 27–28 in Los Angeles. Traditionally, NHL teams have announced their own draft picks, with Bettman operating in more of a master-of-ceremonies role. The shift, however, also arrives in tandem with the league’s move to a decentralized format in which teams will participate virtually from their home markets—just as NFL and NBA teams normally do for their drafts. 

For years, Bettman has been a magnet for fan boos at public events, such as the awarding of the Stanley Cup to the league champion. The NHL, however, is looking to place even more prominence on its draft following last year’s event held at the Sphere in Las Vegas. 

“The clubs asked for this,” Bettman said while attending a Kings game Saturday against the Utah Hockey Club. “I wasn’t looking for any more exposure. I have more than enough. But this is what the clubs told us they wanted, and we’re going to try it. And we’ll see after this year whether or not everybody likes it better.”

Selection Importance

The NHL’s effort bears some similarity to what MLB has done in recent years by holding its draft in conjunction with the league’s All-Star Game and raising production levels both on-site and on television. Baseball and hockey have the challenge of their prospects typically requiring some preparation in the minors before reaching major leagues. 

The accelerating success of the NFL Draft, however, shows the growing fan appetite for these events—particularly after that league drew a record 775,000 people last year to downtown Detroit and an average of 12.1 million more on TV for the first round.

“The prospects and our fans can expect a first-rate event with a new look and creative approach,” said NHL president of events and content Steve Mayer.