NHL commissioner, Gary Bettman forced to cancel a major NHL event after low fan interest
NHL's commissioner Gary Bettman has been forced to cancel a major NHL event due to low fan interest.
The NHL and Commissioner Gary Bettman are reconsidering how they present the annual NHL awards due to low fan engagement. Traditionally, the awards are handed out during a televised event after the season ends.
However, fans seem to have lost interest in the show, leading the league to explore new options.
Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman recently shared on "Saturday's Headlines" that the NHL is looking for a fresh approach, possibly inspired by how the NBA handles their awards. The NBA honors its winners during the first week of the playoffs at their home arenas, creating a more immediate and engaging experience for fans.
One idea being considered is to follow the NBA's model, which could replace the traditional end-of-season awards show for the 2024-25 season.
One of the reasons interest has dropped is that many award winners, like those of the Bill Masterton Trophy, are often announced well before the event, making the actual show less impactful.
The NHL has also tried to boost interest by hiring celebrities to host or perform at the awards, but these efforts haven't always resonated with fans, as the league lacks the budget of other major sports organizations. This has led to a less glamorous production that doesn't capture widespread attention.
Do you think that the NHL should change the way they present the Awards?
