from Nicholas J. Cotsonika of NHL.com,

The 2020 NHL Draft will be unlike any draft the League has held before and perhaps will hold again. In some ways, it might be better for teams and TV viewers. How often does a team make selections from a cattle ranch in Montana? How often do people get to see prospects at home?

"I think it's pretty awesome, to be honest with you," said Vegas Golden Knights general manager Kelly McCrimmon, whose staff will operate from owner Bill Foley's Rock Creek Cattle Company, a private club with luxury homes, a world-class resort and a working cattle ranch in Deer Lodge, Montana. "Who knows? We expect this will be the only time that the NHL Draft will be held virtually."

The NHL will use technology to bring people together across North America and Europe, and to give TV viewers a unique inside look. The first round is Tuesday (7 p.m. ET; NBCSN, SN, TVAS). Rounds 2-7 will be Wednesday (11:30 a.m. ET; NHLN, SN1).

Had the draft been held as scheduled at Bell Centre in Montreal on June 26-27, fans would have been in the stands, and the 31 teams would have been at tables packed on the arena floor. Prospects would have heard their names called, put on hats and jerseys, walked up on stage, and enjoyed their moment in the spotlight.

The draft was postponed March 25 due to concerns surrounding the coronavirus and couldn't be held as usual. Most prospects will be at home, though some will be at places like arenas or restaurants. Other than Vegas, teams will be at their facilities. The GMs and some staff members will be in person; others will join via video conferencing.

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