Which teams have placed bids for the 2024 NHL Draft? Which city is the leading candidate to host the 2024 NHL Draft?
Our discussion for today will explore an exciting topic: Determining the Ideal Host Cities for the 2024 NHL Draft. But before we dive into that, we will take a moment to appreciate the history of player drafts in the National Hockey League. So, without delay, let us start this exhilarating journey!
Which Cities Should Host the 2024 NHL Draft?
Now that the recent player draft in hockey has concluded, it is time to start looking forward to the upcoming year! But before we do, let us take a moment to revisit the exciting selection shows from previous seasons in the league.
2023: Nashville, Tennessee, was that year’s player showcase. Also, remember that this was the first draft to occur in the southern states since 2015 in Sunrise, Florida. Top-rated selections include Connor Bedard (Blackhawks), Matvei Michkov (Flyers), and Adam Fantilli (Blue Jackets).
2022: Montreal, Quebec, got to host the season’s festivities as this was the second such event to happen (2019 in Vancouver). Notable draft picks were Juraj Slafkovsky (Canadiens), Simon Niemec (Devils), and Logan Cooley (Coyotes).
2021/2020: The draft occurred at NHL Network Studios in New Jersey due to the pandemic. The 2020 edition was originally going to happen in Montreal, but the city was eventually awarded the 2022 show instead. The first virtual event saw the selection of Alexis Lafreniere (Rangers), while the 2021 event witnessed the eventual Calder Trophy winner Matty Beniers (Kraken).
2019: Vancouver, British Columbia, became the first west coast city to host the hockey draft since Los Angeles in 2010. In fact, the Canucks served as the host site for the third time in franchise history (1990, 2006, 2019). Notable selections include future All-Star Jack Hughes (Devil) and 2022 Calder Trophy recipient Moritz Seider (Red Wings).
Let us discuss which cities would be eligible for the 2024 event. Even though next year is less than 12 months from now, it is always early enough to discuss the candidates for the future extravaganza. Fortunately, some cities might have already placed bids for the 2024 game! For the 2024 NHL Draft Host City Candidates, please refer to the information below:
Which Cities Should Host the 2024 NHL Draft:
Candidates Strongly in the Mix
Elmont, New York
- The newest venue on the east coast has caught the attention of event organizers, positioning it as a strong contender to host prestigious drafts in the future.
- Also, the Islanders got to play in consecutive East Finals appearances in 2020 and 2021. If the Isles win the privilege to host the 2024 selection show, the event will take place at UBS Arena (which opened its doors in 2021).
Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
- Winnipeg is the only Canadian city that has never hosted the player draft. Since the return of the Jets in 2011, the central time zone area has become a top attraction. In 2018, the Jets reached the Western Conference Finals; they were known for their “White Out” during home playoff games. If Winnipeg earns the 2024 draft, the celebration will occur at Canadian Life Centre.
San Jose, California
- Located about one hour from San Francisco, San Jose is one of the best sports cities in the Golden State. Besides the Sharks, the town is also the home for the Earthquakes (Major League Soccer) and Giants (Single-A Farm Team for San Francisco). Perhaps the most memorable moment from the past decade was the Sharks’ appearance in the 2016 Stanley Cup Finals. If San Jose receives the 2024 NHL Draft, the show will happen at the SAP Center.
Denver, Colorado
- In the last two years, Ball Arena witnessed a couple world champions in the Mile High City. In 2021, the Colorado Avalanche won its first Lord Stanley in two decades when they defeated the Lightning in six games. One year later, the Nuggets won their first NBA championship in team history by beating Miami in five games. Another thing to remember was that the Rockies hosted the 2021 MLB All-Star Game at Coors Field. If the Avs were to host the 2024 player draft, Denver would host the festivities for the first time since the team relocated from Quebec City in the 1990s.
Front-Runners to Host 2024 NHL Draft
Las Vegas, Nevada
- According to Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet, the defending Stanley Cup champions could be in the running to host a future player draft. Even before the Golden Knights first took the ice in 2017, the league had a huge presence in Sin City. From 2009 until 2019, the NHL Awards show took place on the Vegas Strip. If Las Vegas receives the 2024 NHL Draft, then T-Mobile Arena will host the event for the first time in the venue’s history.
Tampa, Florida
- Over the past few years, Central Florida has hosted many exciting and unforgettable sporting events. For instance, the Lightning won back-to-back Stanley Cups in 2020 and 2021. In addition, Tampa served as the main site for the 2018 NFL All-Star Game and the 2022 League Awards Show. If “Champa Bay” earns the draft selection gig, Amalie Arena would become the first hockey venue to host such an event since the Panthers in 2015.
Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
- In recent seasons, Rogers Place witnessed the arrivals of Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl. Along with the Oilers advancing to the 2022 West Finals, Edmonton hosted the 2020 Stanley Cup Playoffs due to the global health crisis. If Rogers Place wins the right to the 2024 NHL Draft, the city will host the selection show for the first time since 1995.
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