Nashville to Host 2023 NHL Awards and 2023 Draft

Nashville, Tennessee, will host both the 2023 NHL Awards and NHL Draft, the league has announced. It will be the first time that both events are in the same city since 2006 when both were in Vancouver.

“We are thrilled to bring two of our marquee events – the 2023 NHL Awards and the 2023 NHL Draft – to Nashville, a special city that certainly knows how to throw a great party,” NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman said. “From the 2003 NHL Draft to the 2016 NHL All-Star Weekend to the 2017 Stanley Cup Final to the 2022 NHL Stadium Series game, the city, the Predators organization and the Country Music community have overwhelmed the NHL with their welcome and support every time Nashville has hosted a League event. We cannot wait to return next June to celebrate the stars of our game and introduce the next generation of NHL Players.”

The 2023 NHL Awards are scheduled for June 26, marking the first time the event has taken place in Nashville. The show will include awarding MVP, outstanding goaltender, outstanding defenseman and outstanding rookie; the Ted Lindsay Award, which is presented annually to the “most outstanding player” in the NHL as voted by fellow members of the National Hockey League Players’ Association, also will be awarded.

“Time and time again, our teams have come together to create new ways to present the biggest showcases in our sport by allowing the unique passion of our fans to shine through,” Predators President and Chief Executive Officer Sean Henry said. “It’s been more than 15 years since these two events were hosted in the same city in the same year – next June, we are penciling that week with Smashville as the center of the hockey world. It will let hockey fans worldwide celebrate the best in our game and welcome its future stars right here in the heart of Music City.”

The 2023 NHL Draft will be held at Bridgestone Arena from June 28 through June 29. It will be the second time the Predators have hosted the NHL Draft and marks the 20-year anniversary of the 2003 edition, which was also held at Bridgestone Arena.

“It is an honor to bring the NHL Draft back to Music City and an even bigger opportunity to host it alongside the NHL Awards,” Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp Chief Executive Officer Butch Spyridon said. “As our partnership with the Preds and NHL continues to grow, we look forward to executing these two world class events next summer. Placed between CMA Fest and the city’s July 4th celebration will only strengthen our summer travel season.”