There Could Be Two NHL Drafts In 2022

There may not be an NHL Draft in 2021 due to the global impact of Covid-19 and the changes that have been made accordingly. It could instead be moved to the beginning of 2022 in which two NHL drafts will occur in the same calendar year.

This could be the first time since the inception of the NHL draft in 1963 where there will not be a draft held in a calendar year. Additionally, it could be the first time where two drafts are held in the same calendar year. 

Elliotte Friedman discussed this thoroughly on the most recent episode of 31 Thoughts The Podcast.

The 2021 NHL draft wasn't a major focus for the league until the season started. Now that it's underway, teams are being asked for their suggestions. Obviously, there's a fear about making already challenging evaluation with so few games. One scout was laughing last week, realizing the last viewing he had of one prospect was a came from last February.

There are several brainstorms, including moving the draft back to December or January, and one idea I really love - two drafts in June 2022 in Montreal, several days apart. This would be for late-2002/2003 borns, the second for the next year. The NHLPA has to approve this, and a significant problem would be about preventing some very talented players the possibility to be in the NHL next season. That's why I wonder if a solution is one round in July, the rest later.

Photographer: Derek Cain/Icon Sportswire