Today a new report has suggested that the NHL will be canceling a major event of the offseason starting this year. The event is a staple of the quietest part of the NHL calendar and has been met with mixed reactions.
NHL To Cancel Maquee Event
Today on his 32 Thoughts Podcast NHL insider Elliotte Friedman spoke about a major change coming to the NHL. Friedman believes the NHL will look to move on from the annual awards show. In place of an awards show, they will present awards during the playoffs in a similar fashion to the NBA before a high-profile playoff game.
Friedman on 32TP says he doesn't expect there to be much of an award show this year, they're talking about copying the NBA, where they award the trophy during the playoffs, either on game day or the day before, then the player gets rewarded with a big ovation in front of the fans
This change would allow players in the playoffs to receive their awards in front of home fans who can appreciate them. If players on non-playoff teams win an award it could lead to an awkward presentation. Beyond that, the NHL now loses out on a major event that draws viewership during the offseason.
As the NHL potentially implements this it will be interesting to see how it is received by fans.