Report: 'Vast majority' of NHL teams support holding decentralized draft

The NHL's proposal to change its draft format is apparently a popular one among its 32 teams.

The vast majority of the league's clubs voted to decentralize the draft, sources told Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman.

Under the proposal, the NHL Draft would operate similarly to those of the NFL and NBA, with prospects still gathering in one place while team personnel stay in their home markets, according to The Athletic's Chris Johnston.

Tuesday was the deadline for teams to indicate whether or not they're in favor of the idea, which will be discussed further at the general manager meetings in November and then among the Board of Governors in December, per Friedman.

The plan is reportedly for the new format to begin in 2025.

Teams backed the change for several reasons, including the quick turnaround between the draft and the start of free agency on July 1, the cost involved in sending a full contingent to the draft, and "some teams felt their plans were being discovered because tables were too close and things were overheard," Friedman added.

The league reportedly sent a memo to the clubs informing them of the majority support for the idea after sending one last week requesting the votes.

It's still unclear where the 2024 NHL Draft will be held. Earlier this month, it was reported that the league was considering having it at The Sphere in Las Vegas.

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