Could The NHL Entry Draft Be Held in Boston in 2024?

Could The NHL Entry Draft Be Held in Boston in 2024?

The Boston Bruins have only ever hosted the NHL Entry Draft once, in 1999. Maybe in June of following year, they’ll have their second NHL Draft.

The Vegas Golden Knights, the 2023 Stanley Cup Champions, are the front-runners to host the 2024 NHL Draft, with The Sphere at the Venetian Resort being considered as a possible venue, according to a recent report by TSN NHL Insider Chris Johnston.

“The league has definitely looked into it, and I believe that’s the reason we’re in October without knowing the location of the June draft—the league has looked at a number of venues in Vegas.” However, I can attest that the Sphere is one of the options they have taken into consideration,” Johnston stated last week on TSN Insider Trading. And that’s one of the locations where I believe the league would eventually like to hold the June draft. All that remains to be seen is whether they can arrange for all the necessary logistics to make it happen.

Nonetheless, Boston Bruins CEO Charlie Jacobs informed reporters during his team’s media day on Monday morning that both the team and the city of Boston will work to host the NHL Entry Draft in 2024.

“I may get in trouble for saying this, but I’m not sure it’s public yet. The NHL indicated last week, when we were at the Board of Governors, that they’re attempting to reconsider the Draft. If that’s the case, then what? Because hockey is so popular in this market and has such a long history here, we will take advantage of any opportunity to introduce the sport.

By the way, the Atlanta Thrashers selected Patrik Stefan, one of the worst draft busts in NHL history, with the top overall pick in the 1999 NHL Entry Draft. The Sedin twins, Daniel and Henrik, were selected with the second and third overall picks in that draft thanks to some substantial wheeling and dealing on the part of former general manager Brian Burke of the Vancouver Canucks. Nick Boynton, a tough defenceman, was selected by the Bruins 21st overall.