NHL to hold its 1st decentralized draft June 27-28 in Los Angeles

The 2025 NHL draft will take place June 27 and 28 at L.A. Live's Peacock Theatre in Los Angeles, the league announced Saturday.

The draft will be the first for hockey to use the decentralized model that has been standard for the NFL and NBA for decades, with team staffs participating virtually from their home cities.

Commissioner Gary Bettman and top prospects will still be in attendance for the event. President of events and content Steve Mayer said, "prospects and our fans can expect a first-rate event with a new look and creative approach," adding details will be released in the coming months.

The draft was conducted in person the past three years after two years of doing it virtually because of the pandemic.