The 2020 NFL Draft was a huge success. Here’s what we’d like to see at the 2020 NHL Draft, which will most likely be held virtually.
The novel coronavirus pandemic has forced a ton of changes around the world. Sports haven’t been untouched, as there’s no sports going on right now in the world. However, the NFL recently had its 2020 draft, which was done virtually. And most likely, the 2020 NHL Draft, whenever it may be, will be held virtually too.
I’m not even a big football fan and I tuned into the 2020 draft, mostly because I was desperate to see anything remotely resembling live sports. It wasn’t live, but I booed at Roger Goodell from my couch, so it was close enough for me.
Seriously though, the NFL nailed its virtual draft. Props to them for making it work. The NFL just gave a blueprint for the other leagues, who will likely have to deal with virtual drafts as well. What are we hoping to see from the NHL draft? Whenever it is, here’s what we’d really like to see in it.
3. Gary Bettman Needs To Embrace The Hate
As I said earlier, Goodell got booed by me. And I’d be willing to bet I wasn’t alone. Booing a commissioner is as American as apple pie. But here’s the thing – the NFL and Goodell actually played on it. They knew the boos would happen, so they turned it into something positive.
On social media, NFL teams and Budweiser started a “#BooTheCommish” campaign, which raised money for various charities. That’s one way to turn something potentially negative into something positive. Gary Bettman needs to take it to the next level.
Bettman isn’t good at much, but I’ll give him this – he knows how to play to the crowd. He embraces the boos and I actually think he kind of likes them. Whether it’s getting fans in on the chat to boo him, using the hate to do some good, or some combination of the two, Bettman and the NHL need to take advantage of it.