Report: NHL considering prospect showcase tournament before draft

Scouting 2021 NHL prospects could be pretty difficult due to COVID-19. However, it appears the league is looking into an interesting solution to the issue. 

According to Sportsnet's Chris Johnston, the NHL is exploring the idea of holding a prospect showcase tournament ahead of the 2021 draft. He says teams could have scouts watch the tournament from a safe distance or virtually. 

The Ontario Hockey League (OHL) and Western Hockey League (WHL) have not played games this season. However, there are plans for teams to play a shorter schedule later this year. The Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL) is the only league in Canada that has played this season. 

Canadian prospects are some of the best in the world, so it's no surprise that the NHL would like to see more out of those guys in 2021. The NCAA, USHL and overseas leagues, meanwhile, have played games amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. 

The 2021 NHL Draft isn't until July, so the league has plenty of time to figure out potential events before the draft.