It looks like the city of Chicago will be hosting the 2017 NHL Entry Draft, per ESPN’s Pierre LeBrun.
The team and the league are expected to confirm the news during an official press conference later today.
The draft has never been held in the Windy City.
It may be a little early to project which team will pick first in 2017, but it certainly doesn’t look like it’ll be the ‘Hawks.
The last time they drafted first overall, they took this guy:
This also marks the first time since 2011 (Minnesota) that a Western Conference team will play host to the draft.
Last year’s draft was held in Sunrise, Florida while this year’s edition will be held in Buffalo.
Hockey reporters everywhere will be thrilled about an additional work assignment in Chicago.
Here’s what some of them are saying:
Chicago hosting the draft next year? That "Wheeeee!" sound you hear is from hockey writers everywhere.
— Ryan Kennedy (@THNRyanKennedy) February 11, 2016
I can tell you NHL beat writers will be more than pleased about having a draft in Chicago next year. Hope #Cubs are home.
— Mike Harrington (@ByMHarrington) February 11, 2016
I know the NHL Draft is among the least exciting things in the world. But it's a massively significant weekend, and Chicago's never hosted.
— Mark Lazerus (@MarkLazerus) February 11, 2016
