The bad news: this year's draft will be online only rather than the typical small scale NHL style event.
The league made the announcement this morning, not long after reports came out that the Sherbrooke Phoenix were still moving forward with plans as if the draft would be held as normal. Sherbrooke was supposed to host this year's event on June 6.
The draft moving online will be unusual for the QMJHL, but it's rather common practice in other leagues. Even if the date stays the same, that doesn't rule out there being some sort of playoff/Memorial Cup later on. The OHL Draft, for example, typically takes place during the league's playoffs.
Yesterday, the QMJHL announced the cancellation of the remainder of the regular season. The QMJHL Draft Lottery will take place at a yet-to-be-determined date.
Teams have been scouting this year's draft class all year long, but there will still be some challenges with the sports at a stand still. Many players elevate their draft stock by having standout playoff runs at the midget AAA level - but obviously that won't happen this year with Hockey Canada shutting things down.
The QMJHL also cancelled its annual session today, which takes place just prior to the Draft.
QMJHL commissioner Gilles Courteau released the following statement this afternoon.
In other news, the OHL and WHL followed the QMJHL's lead, cancelling the remainder of regular season play. The USHL, meanwhile, cancelled the rest of its season - including playoffs.A message from the Commissioner to all players, officials, hockey and administrative staffs. #QMJHL pic.twitter.com/nyEVhYVn2a— Gilles Courteau (@gcourteauhockey) March 18, 2020
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