The NHL went with a “decentralized” Draft in 2025. One of the features of the decentralized NHL Draft is the Draft House, an idea that we can confidently say worked better in theory than in execution. And we say that with little reservation because it’s hard to imagine it going worse than it actually did.
For those unfamiliar, the NHL Draft was held at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles. That’s where Commissioner Gary Bettman was, along with ESPN’s Draft team and several of the prospects. When a player in the building was drafted, he’d go on stage and do a Zoom interview with members of his new team’s front office.
It was awkward from the start, with echoes and timing delays.
Perhaps you’re thinking that it’s just an awkward start. Maybe a minor technical glitch that can be easily fixed. That did not appear to be the case.
In fact, the Draft House interviews only got more awkward as the night progressed.
The NHL “Draft House” experience is only getting worse. 🏒📺🎙️😬 #NHL #NHLDraft https://t.co/3PoH5rT4zb pic.twitter.com/lBR703SKNm
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) June 28, 2025
It did not take long for hockey fans to conclude that the Draft House concept was a bust.
“The Draft House” is potentially the worst idea a sports organization has ever had
— John Cullen (@cullenthecomic) June 27, 2025
We could skip the draft house on this NHL draft coverage. It’s awkward Zoom vibes with better audio and video.
— Teresa Walker 👑 (@TeresaMWalker) June 27, 2025
The “Draft House” is the worst thing in the history of the world, and that might be an understatement
— Ryan Hyndman (@RBHyndman) June 27, 2025
About Michael Dixon
About Michael:
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