Fans react to new 2025 NHL Draft format

The 2025 NHL Draft was awkward and chaotic.

This was not because of the draft picks, or league commissioner Gary Bettman and his corny jokes. No, it was awkward and chaotic because of the new format surrounding the live presentation. In what can be called nothing short of an awkward series of events, the prospect will have his name read, go on stage to shake hands with Bettman, and then be sent to “the Draft House” for a live feed with the front office staff on their new franchise.

The fact this is aired live means these video conferences only make things appear reminiscent of COVID-19, or worse, haphazard due to technical difficulties — as seen when James Hagens was selected by Boston to only be met with silence due to a live feed interruption with the Bruins' front office..

It gets worse.

Usually, what makes the Upper Deck Draft exciting is the fact that the draft floor is filled with dozens of tables set up for all of the team executives. Phones are then usually seen on each table to discuss trades, which always generates plenty of speculation as fans wonder which team’s GM could be on the other end of the call.

As a result of this format, no general managers or team representatives are present in person to meet with the newest members of their franchises.

Honestly, it’s difficult to understand what exactly the league had in mind with this draft format, which largely resembles an awards show. Here's what the fans thought of it.

NHL fans react to the new format

To say the new draft format was not well received would be an understatement.

"Not sure how anyone thought this was a good idea. orientation zoom calls are bad enough for your own job, who the hell wants to watch these," one fan said.

"No audio , delayed audio, reverb echo, every player & GM had nothing to say but “you’re our guy/thanks for the opportunity” then so many redundant interviews . It was really, really bad. Once again, the NHL just killing itself," another said across social media.

One can only hope the NHL will go back to the old process after seeing all of the reactions from fans and media online.