Latest news with #DarrenDreger
Time of India
13-07-2025
- Business
- Time of India
NHL teams commit to decentralized draft format through 2026 despite mixed reactions
NHL votes to stick with decentralized draft model in 2026 (Getty Images) The NHL has reportedly decided to stick with its decentralized draft model for the 2026 season. The decision was made after two-thirds of the league's clubs voted in favor of continuing this new format, as confirmed by multiple sources, including Sportsnet and The Athletic's Pierre LeBrun. 2026 NHL Draft won't return to normal as teams back another year of the decentralized model This move marks a departure from the centralized draft approach that had long been a unique NHL hallmark. In the traditional setup, team executives, coaches, and scouts gathered together on the arena floor, creating a dynamic environment that was both TV-friendly and filled with real-time decision-making energy. However, those inside the league had grown weary of that format, citing issues around privacy, logistical challenges, and the compressed timeline between the draft and the start of free agency. — DarrenDreger (@DarrenDreger) The 2025 NHL Draft, held at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, marked the league's first deliberate shift to decentralization, excluding the COVID-era virtual drafts. Teams remained in their respective home markets, while a representative—be it an alumni, current player, or celebrity—announced their selections on-site. A total of 93 prospects were in attendance, receiving their jerseys from Commissioner Gary Bettman and speaking with club officials via virtual interviews. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like One plan. Total peace of mind. ICICI Pru Life Insurance Plan Get Quote Undo While fans were treated to a TV broadcast with glitzy production and intriguing storylines, the execution wasn't flawless. The first round extended over four hours, and many viewers described the show as clunky and at times awkward, especially during the 'Draft House' segments where prospects communicated virtually with their new teams—sometimes through shaky connections. Despite the hiccups, deputy commissioner Bill Daly assured that production issues can be easily resolved before the next draft. Ratings for the 2025 event were solid, and by day two, the process felt smoother. That provided a silver lining for league officials aiming to refine the format. More importantly, the feedback from players themselves was largely positive. 'At the end of the day, all of the prospects were there,' said Flyers' second-round pick Shane Vansaghi. 'We were all getting picked, we were all walking up there and putting on our jerseys and we were all getting drafted into the NHL. That's the point of the draft in my opinion.' While some fans and critics lament the absence of a centralized, marquee event like the NFL's draft combine or the NBA Summer League, it appears the NHL is prioritizing operational efficiency and internal comfort. The decentralized model may lack spectacle, but for now, it's here to stay—perhaps signaling a permanent evolution in how hockey's future stars enter the league. Also Read: Artemi Panarin's future with the Rangers hangs in the balance as contract nears expiry For real-time updates, scores, and highlights, follow our live coverage of the India vs England Test match here. Catch Manika Batra's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 3. Watch Here!
Yahoo
08-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Cam Spencer hits from way downtown
Report: Blues Trying Hard To Acquire Byram The Buffalo Sabres completed their Development Camp on Thursday, but the focus on the club continues to be the status of restricted free agent defenseman Bowen Byram. TSN's Darren Dreger reported earlier in the week that interested clubs were contemplating an offer sheet, but that there are also teams looking to make a deal for the 23-year-old blueliner. One of the clubs listed was the St. Louis Blues and according to Jeremy Rutherford of the Athletic, the Blues are trying to consummate a deal with the Sabres. 2:00 Now Playing Paused Ad Playing
Yahoo
06-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Maple Leafs Get Bad News on Possible Reunion with Flames Center
Maple Leafs Get Bad News on Possible Reunion with Flames Center originally appeared on Athlon Sports. A reunion between Calgary Flames forward Nazem Kadri and the Toronto Maple Leafs has been widely speculated this offseason. Advertisement According to NHL insider Darren Dreger, reporting the update while appearing on TSN's "First Up" on Friday, that's not going to happen anytime soon. 'Kadri isn't available,' Dreger said. 'Not saying that he won't be available - let's see how things go with the Calgary Flames. A lot can change between now and the trade deadline.' Kadri, 34, remains under contract with Calgary through 2029 at a $7 million cap hit and holds a full no-movement clause until next summer, which allows him to block any trade through the end of next season. As Dreger pointed out, the Flames are more likely to explore a move once Kadri's full no-move clause converts into a 13-team no-trade list in 2026. Advertisement Until then, Calgary's front office appears content to keep the veteran center, although Toronto remains in contention to eventually land him. 'If the player were ever available, Toronto would be interested,' Dreger added. Calgary Flames center Nazem Kadri (91) David Kirouac-Imagn Images Kadri has continued to produce in Calgary, posting 67 points in 82 games last season. The veteran has been linked to a return to Toronto of late, with Sportsnet's Nick Kypreos reporting that "teams have been inquiring" about the center, with the Leafs among them. The Maple Leafs drafted Kadri with the No. 7 pick in the 2009 draft. During his 10 seasons in Toronto, he played 561 games, accumulating 357 points, including 161 goals. Advertisement Kadri added 10 points in 19 postseason outings with the Leafs before winning the Stanley Cup with the Colorado Avalanche in 2022. Related: Maple Leafs Among Teams Interested in Trade for Flames Forward Related: Maple Leafs Linked to Reunion with Flames Center to Shift Team's DNA This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 5, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
05-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
New Details About Rasmuss Andersson's Blocked List, Trade Suitors Emerge
New Details About Rasmuss Andersson's Blocked List, Trade Suitors Emerge originally appeared on Athlon Sports. Rasmus Andersson's situation with the Calgary Flames continues to generate league-wide attention. Advertisement A new report has added more complexity to the situation, given that Andersson's possession of a modified no-trade clause makes things even more complicated. The defenseman is entering the final year of his six-year, $27.3 million contract, and extension talks with Calgary have stalled. Andersson is believed to have taken advantage of his no-trade list to block moves to the Ottawa Senators and, more recently, to the Los Angeles Kings. According to David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period, reporting a month ago, the Ottawa Senators were already interested in trading for the blue liner back then. The problem, as reported shortly after by Daily Faceoff's Anthony Di Marco, is that Andersson "has the nation's capital on his modified no-trade clause (six teams)." Advertisement Earlier this week, TSN's Darren Dreger revealed that the Kings made what he called a 'blow your socks off' offer for Andersson, but added that the defenseman is not interested in that market. In a report published on Friday by The Fourth Period, Andersson is, in fact, believed to have blocked moves to Ottawa and Los Angeles. Calgary Flames defenseman Rasmus Andersson (4) looks on during warm-up before a Kirouac-Imagn Images "The veteran blueliner also owns a six-team no-trade list, with the Ottawa Senators and Los Angeles Kings believed to be among them," the report reads. The Dallas Stars and the Vegas Golden Knights have also shown interest in acquiring Andersson, as revealed in the same report by The Fourth Period. Both teams, however, would need to clear cap space to take on Andersson's $4.55 million hit. Advertisement The same outlet has Andersson listed as the third-best player reportedly available for trade, although Flames general manager Craig Conroy has made clear the player is still committed to the club. 'Right now, he's totally fine with playing for the Calgary Flames,' Conroy said. 'That was the last conversation. And he's always said that he's a Calgary Flame. 'It's all the speculation. Until something is done, nothing is done.' Related: Flames GM Addresses Growing Speculation About Rasmus Andersson Related: Flames' GM Shuts Down $27.3 Million Defenseman Trade Rumors This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 5, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
05-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Wenceel Pérez's solo home run (7)
Report: Blues Trying Hard To Acquire Byram The Buffalo Sabres completed their Development Camp on Thursday, but the focus on the club continues to be the status of restricted free agent defenseman Bowen Byram. TSN's Darren Dreger reported earlier in the week that interested clubs were contemplating an offer sheet, but that there are also teams looking to make a deal for the 23-year-old blueliner. One of the clubs listed was the St. Louis Blues and according to Jeremy Rutherford of the Athletic, the Blues are trying to consummate a deal with the Sabres. 2:00 Now Playing Paused Ad Playing
