Inspired by the heartwarming video NFL MVP Josh Allen received from Oishei Children`s Hospital, the NHL is rethinking its annual awards ceremony.
According to Sportsnet`s Elliotte Friedman, the league is planning to move away from a dedicated television show for this year`s awards. Instead, the NHL aims to surprise award recipients, creating memorable and genuine reactions.
Friedman mentioned on the Saturday Headlines segment of Hockey Night in Canada that the NHL was inspired by Allen`s video and is exploring similar approaches to create an “element of surprise.”
One idea being considered is having children, similar to the hospital video for Allen, inform NHL players about their award wins, adding an emotional and unexpected element to the announcement.
The NHL is looking to innovate the award presentations after criticisms that the traditional awards show, while honoring stars like Connor McDavid, Quinn Hughes, and Connor Hellebuyck last season, has often felt awkward and unexciting.
This shift is a response to feedback, with the league seeking to inject more excitement into how award winners are revealed to the public and fans.
Friedman suggested that surprises could involve friends, family members, or mentors presenting the award to the player. He even proposed the idea of starting with a prank that culminates in the player learning about their award win.
Last year`s NHL awards took place in Las Vegas on June 27, a busy time in the hockey calendar. By using surprise announcements, the NHL could potentially roll out award reveals earlier, possibly even during the playoffs, similar to the NBA`s approach.
Friedman anticipates that while some awards might be revealed through these surprise moments during the playoffs, major awards like the Hart Trophy could be reserved for a pre-produced show airing during the Stanley Cup Final.
