Posted by Scott Burnside
CHICAGO -- The NHL is on the verge of moving its annual awards ceremony to Las Vegas.
A league source said the NHL is looking to create another signature event for the league. Moving the awards show, traditionally held in Toronto shortly after the end of the Stanley Cup finals, to Las Vegas should be more appealing to sponsors, team officials and players.
The NHL has been in discussions with the Palms Casino and Resort about hosting the awards gala; settling on a date is believed to be the last hurdle to make the move official. The awards show usually is sandwiched between the end of the NHL playoffs and the entry draft, but it's believed the league is looking to push the event beyond the draft to make it more popular across the board.
The 2009 draft is set for Montreal on June 25-27. In the NHL's official guide and record book, the awards show is listed as "to be announced."
The NHL has long been rumored to be interested in exploring the idea of a franchise in the gambling mecca. Perhaps moving the awards show there will give a sense of what draw the sport might have in Vegas.
NHL blog
