NHL Draft at risk as LA protests intensify with civil unrest looming, as both Peacock Theater and LA Live are both within the curfew boundary
Detailed view of the 2025 NHL Draft Lottery set at NHL Network Studio (Credit: Getty Image)
With the NHL Draft just 16 days away, fans are expressing growing concern over its status as civil unrest in Los Angeles continues to escalate. The protests, sparked by political dissent and ongoing immigration policy backlash, have prompted citywide curfews, some of which fall over the exact zone where the NHL Draft is supposed to unfold.
The Peacock Theater and LA Live, central venues for the event, lie directly within these restricted boundaries.
Growing safety concerns leave draft in limbo
The NHL has yet to formally cancel or move the Draft, but reports from insiders like Frank Seravalli confirm that the league is watching the situation closely. This year's event was supposed to be historic, the first decentralized NHL Draft outside of the pandemic format, with teams operating remotely from home markets.
The top 100 prospects, however, are still scheduled to appear live in Los Angeles.
The stakes are high for players and teams alike. Prospects have trained and waited for this moment, and fans have invested time and travel to witness the event. But with curfews in place from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m., and major venues directly affected, the experience is already under threat. The atmosphere in LA is anything but celebratory, and safety is now the top concern.
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NHL fans brace for possible last-minute pivot
For many NHL fans, the Draft is a highlight of the off-season. With the New York Islanders holding the first overall pick after a dramatic lottery win, the excitement was palpable. The San Jose Sharks, Chicago Blackhawks, and Utah Mammoth follow closely in the draft order, and the event promised to showcase the league's next generation of talent.
Read more:
NHL sexual assault trial takes turn as lawyers argue alleged victim lied under oath to get 3.5 million
While the NHL remains silent for now, fans are calling for transparency. The longer the silence, the louder the unrest, not just in the streets of LA, but in the hearts of hockey fans everywhere.
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