Joe Haggerty revisits the Boston Bruins' 2017 NHL Draft and hands out a grade for each of their picks.

If the draft was conducted before the season’s completion, teams would not be able to trade players, there would be a lack of clarity over next year’s salary cap and the draft order could be determined before all games are played.

The NFL’s successful virtual draft and uncertainty surrounding the resumption of hockey this season have raised the possibility of an NHL draft held before the Stanley Cup Final. After postponing its draft scheduled for June 26-27 in light of the coronavirus pandemic, the NHL is considering having it earlier in June with the season in […]

The NFL’s successful virtual draft and uncertainty surrounding the resumption of hockey this season have raised the possibility of an NHL draft held before the Stanley Cup Final. After postponing its draft scheduled for June 26-27 in light of the coronavirus pandemic, the NHL is considering having it earlier in June with the season in […]

The NFL’s successful virtual draft and uncertainty surrounding the resumption of hockey this season have raised the possibility of an NHL draft held before the Stanley Cup Final. After postponing its draft scheduled for June 26-27 in light of the coronavirus pandemic, the NHL is considering having it earlier in June with the season in […]

NHL deputy commissioner Bill Daly issued a memo to teams recently outlining what could be a June 5 virtual draft based on points percentage for those not in a position to be included in the draft lottery.

Mixed feelings around hockey about holding NHL draft early

The next Egor Zamula? A package of size and skill could be there for the Flyers in the 2020 NHL draft with William Wallinder. By Jordan Hall

The Flyers have had quite a bit of luck when drafting players from the Brandon Wheat Kings. Could they keep their streak alive with Braden Schneider in the first round of the 2020 NHL draft? By Brooke Destra

Ridly Greig, son of Flyers scout Mark Greig, is a center with 200-foot bite and should be available for the club in the first round of the 2020 NHL draft. By Jordan Hall

The NFL's successful virtual draft and uncertainty surrounding the resumption of hockey this season have raised the possibility of an NHL draft held before the Stanley Cup Final. After postponing its draft scheduled for June 26-27 in light of the coronavirus pandemic, the NHL is considering having it earlier in June with the season in an indefinite suspension. Unlike the NFL, which held its draft as usual in the middle of its offseason, the NHL would face several wrinkles going forward with a draft held before the season is complete: Teams would not be able to trade players, there would be a lack of clarity over next year's salary cap and the draft order could be determined before all games are played.

A normal draft year would see NHL scouts and executives spend the spring crisscrossing Europe and North America collecting information. The circumstances surrounding a 2020 draft and the COVID-19 pandemic, however, aren't anything resembling normal.