Los Angeles to host a revamped 2025 NHL Draft: Report

A revamped 2025 NHL Draft will reportedly be hosted in Los Angeles at the Peacock Theatre. This will be the first time in the league’s history that the draft process will be decentralized, similar to the NBA and NFL drafts. Instead of having all team representatives physically present at the draft venue, teams will now stay in their home cities and participate remotely. Only the top prospects and their families will attend the event in person.

This is expected to facilitate the drafting process and minimize the logistical hassle of bringing together all teams at one location. It should also help prevent, as raised by some teams, sensitive information from falling into competitors’ ears.

The NHL Draft has historically taken place at a team’s home arena. That was until the 2024 Draft, which occurred at the Sphere in Las Vegas. With the management and scouting personnel from each team present, the 2024 Draft was also the last one.

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The Peacock Theatre, formerly the Nokia Theater, is located directly across the street from Crypto.com Arena, home of the Los Angeles Kings. It has a 7,100-seat capacity.

The 2025 NHL Draft will take place in June, and it will be interesting to see how this new format impacts the overall experience for teams, players, and fans alike.

Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports