Canucks confirmed as hosts of 2019 NHL draft

The Vancouver Canucks will host the 2019 NHL draft.

The two-day event, scheduled for June 21-22, will be part of the team's 50th anniversary season.

The draft is expected to have an economic impact of between $8 million US and $10 million, Bettman said.

Vancouver has hosted the draft twice, in 2006 and 1990 when it was held at BC Place Stadium.

Bettman was asked about the success of the first-year Vegas Golden Knights and if the proposed new team in Seattle would enjoy the same generous expansion draft.

Expansion draft format

"We would anticipate that the terms of the expansion draft for a 32nd team would be the same as they were for Las Vegas," said Bettman. "My guess is the perspective owners of a 32nd team wouldn't want to have terms any different than what Las Vegas got, especially because they are going to be paying more."

A Seattle group led by billionaire David Bonderman and filmmaker Jerry Bruckheimer have submitted an expansion application to the NHL. The expansion fee is expected to be around $650 million.

In the Las Vegas expansion draft, each team could protect seven forwards, three defencemen, and one goaltender or one goaltender and eight skaters regardless of position.

That was different than in the 2000 expansion draft for Minnesota Wild and Columbus Blue Jackets. Then each team protect nine forwards, five defencemen, and one goalie, or two goalies, three defencemen, and seven forwards.

Vegas is a 'phenomenon'

Vegas has been the surprise of the NHL season. Heading into Wednesday night's play the Golden Kings had a 41-17-5 record for 87 points, leaving them tied with Nashville for second place overall.

The quality of players the Vegas franchise selected isn't the only reason for the team' success, said Bettman. He said the team was able to connect with the community following the Oct. 17 shooting that left 58 people dead and 851 injured.

"What is going on in Las Vegas is a phenomenon," said Bettman. "There are probably a whole host of factors, some of them are emotional.

"This is a team that came into being in the wake of a tragedy. I think on some level the players are playing for some greater cause. Unity, healing, you name it. I think you see it in the way the players have conducted themselves and the way the city has embraced this team."