NHL Decentralized Draft Set for June 27-28 at Peacock Theater in Los Angeles

Get ready hockey fans, because the NHL draft is coming to Los Angeles this summer and it’s going to be a game-changer! Mark your calendars for June 27 and 28 when the 2025 NHL draft will be held at L.A. Live’s Peacock Theatre. What’s more, NHL commissioner Gary Bettman, a familiar face to hockey enthusiasts since 1993, will take on a new role—announcing each first-round pick himself.

Bettman joked ahead of the draft that he hopes he won’t struggle with pronouncing any tricky names, but we’re sure he’ll do just fine. What’s really exciting about this draft is that it will be the first time in hockey history that teams will participate virtually from their home cities, following in the footsteps of the NFL and NBA.

While Bettman and top prospects will be in Los Angeles for the event, Bettman’s responsibilities will extend beyond being the master of ceremonies. In a break from tradition, he will announce each team’s selection, a task previously handled by the clubs themselves.

The shift to a decentralized model was driven by the clubs, responding to the challenges of holding a draft virtually over the past two years due to the pandemic. Bettman mentioned how teams were able to personalize their announcements from their home offices, thanking and honoring individuals. This change will allow for a smoother drafting experience for everyone involved.

Aside from Bettman’s expanded role, fans can look forward to a revamped draft experience. President of events and content Steve Mayer promised a new look and creative approach for prospects and fans, with more details to be revealed in the upcoming months.

The past three years saw the draft conducted in person after the pandemic, with the NHL bid goodbye to the old format with a memorable event at the Sphere in Las Vegas. However, due to practical reasons like cost, the league decided to switch things up for this year’s draft in Los Angeles.

One thing’s for sure, the 2025 NHL draft promises to be an exciting and innovative event, with plenty of surprises in store. Stay tuned for more updates and get ready to witness history in the making!