Gary Bettman and the NHL Cancel Major Event Due to Low Fan Interest

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Daniel Lucente
October 21, 2024 (9:16)

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A huge NHL event that has been on television for many years will no longer be televised as Gary Bettman believes fans are no longer interested in it.

When something isn't working, and it certainly seems the NHL has finally come to that realization regarding one of its marquee events: the NHL Awards, then you cancel it. Years of relentless criticism and declining interest seem about to be met with shake-ups. According to Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman, there are going to be significant changes this year, marking the end of the traditional awards show as we know it. This represents a bigger trend in how the NHL has reached its audience and its stars lately.

For years, fans and critics alike have made their feelings known by demanding an end to the NHL awards as they currently exist. Too often, the format feels stale compared with other major sports award presentations. Rather than something to be desperately anticipated, the NHL's awards show often feels like an afterthought, with many of the big-name winners already well-known in advance. The Art Ross Trophy for most points, the Maurice "Rocket" Richard Trophy for most goals, and the Conn Smythe Trophy for playoff MVP are just a few examples of awards where fans are well aware of who the winner is before the show even begins. This has taken away from the suspense and, therefore, the allure of the event.

Another problem the show has had is its lack of any real star power. While the NHL has tried to remedy this at times by incorporating celebrities as award presenters, they generally have not been able to attract top talent, thus underwhelming those watching the production. Because of that, the awards ceremony didn't have much relation to the rest of the entertainment world. Other leagues, such as the NBA or NFL, can let huge stars participate in their awards shows, factoring in much criticism between fans and media.

One of the more specific changes people have been petitioning for is the renaming of the Lady Byng Trophy for sportsman-like conduct and gentlemanly conduct to the Johnny Gaudreau Sportsmanship Award. Gaudreau, a star of the NHL, died in a tragic biking accident in New Jersey with his brother Matthew. This is not just a push to modernize the award, but sort of a memo concerning the legacy of a player dear to many, adding emotion and relevance to the event.

These changes, however, mark a fundamental shift for the NHL, which seems to be finally giving in to years of criticism and pressure for change in its awards format. As the traditional awards show perhaps meets its demise, changes could mark a more seamless, thrilling way to recognize the best of the best from around the league. By rebranding some of the trophies or simply reducing the number of post-season events, one thing is for sure: it is to re-energize the fans and make the NHL Awards more relevant to them.