Evan’s Daily: Shortened NHL Draft; LTIR Changes; Ontario Wants Markstrom

Over the years, the NHL has shortened the draft more and more. It used to be 12 rounds, then it went down to nine rounds, and eventually down to seven, where it currently stands. So what would happen if the NHL shortened the draft even more? Apparently that’s something agents and the NHLPA might be interested in doing in the future.

The idea that the NHL has no issue with how teams are taking advantage of LTIR for the playoffs? That might have been overblown, as Bill Daly announced that there is a desire to tweak the current rules in the future. If they do change it, it has to be named after Vegas, right?

It really does feel like there will be some movement on the goaltender market this summer. Of course, right now it’s all talk and no action, but at some point, things will pick up. Jakob Markstrom was rumored to be available at the deadline, but he holds all the cards with his no-trade clause. Would he accept a trade to…Ontario? Because apparently both teams want him.

Colorado Hockey Now

You never draft based on need. Ever. You could have a need one day and then a week later make a move that completely changes the organization. But right now, the Avalanche don’t have a big defenseman in their system with upside. I spoke to a scout about two that might be available at 24 in the NHL Draft. (+)

News From Around The League

It wouldn’t happen until the new CBA, which would be 2026 at the earliest, but apparently agents and the NHLPA are potentially interested in shortening the NHL Draft.

Some player agents believe the NHL Draft should be shortened to just 4 rounds, and there’s a possibility that the NHLPA could fight for shortening the draft in the next CBA, per @FriedgeHNIC (32TP).

The reasoning is players that don’t get contracts are mostly later-round picks,…

— NHL News (@PuckReportNHL) June 9, 2024

There are pros and cons to a move like this, and I’ll probably have something up later today with both, but I’m intrigued by this option. If you’re not a top 100 pick, wouldn’t you like a chance to maybe develop a little bit more and see if you can pick where you want to go? I have my doubts this will happen, but I do tend to lose interest in the draft after a few rounds.

Remember when we were told that some teams aren’t too worried about the current LTIR rules. Well, apparently that’s not entirely true, as there is some interest in tweaking them. Another rule that can’t be changed until the new CBA, but it certainly has to be named after Vegas.

Bill Daly says the feedback he’s got back from most GMs is a desire to tweak the current LTIR rules as it relates to not having a salary cap in the playoffs. Daly isn’t sure they can tweak that with the NHLPA before the end of the current CBA in 2 years. But it’s on the NHL’s…

— Pierre LeBrun (@PierreVLeBrun) June 8, 2024

Probably not a great look after signing Joonas Korpisalo to a long-term deal last summer, but Ottawa is allegedly interested in the services of Jakob Markstrom. They’re not alone, as their provincial rivals, the Toronto Maple Leafs, might also be interested in his services. You can read about that and other trade chatter here.

Pittsburgh Hockey Now: The Penguins will make changes this summer after missing the playoffs yet again, but what are their veterans worth in a trade?

Florida Hockey Now: Another story on the one that got away. He scored in Game One, and is loving life in Florida. Times are good right now for Evan Rodrigues.

Montreal Hockey Now: CapFriendly will soon be no more, as the Capitals are buying them (for some reason). A huge loss for hockey fans everywhere, but it’s a business and if you can get paid for your hard work, you have to do it. That means someone will have to step up in their absence. Why not PuckPedia?