"It's not for everyone": NHL insider expects major shakeup to Frozen Frenzy after latest showcase disappoints teams and fans

The NHL organized its third annual Frozen Frenzy on Tuesday night, which showcased all 32 teams in action. It broadcast sixteen games starting from 6 p.m. ET to 11 p.m. ET, featuring a triple-header on ESPN.

But the scheduling doesn't seem to have gone down well with most teams and their managements. Due to the busy schedule, many games had late-night start times, which proved to be a problem for fans, especially on the East Coast, as they struggled to stay awake.

Moreover, the NHL's viewership suffered a setback due to the Frozen Frenzy being broadcast simultaneously with the ongoing MLB World Series, which featured the Toronto Blue Jays. The Canadian viewership was divided, and the league failed to garner its intended impact among fans.

According to insider Pierre LeBrun, during his appearance on the Oilers Now podcast's latest episode, most of the teams weren't satisfied with the Frozen Frenzy.

"I will tell you that I got messages from people who run teams that aren't thrilled," LeBrun said (7:00). "Now, some are. I don't want to make it sound like it's everyone's upset. But some reached out and aren't super happy with it.

"Some of the criticism in some markets are the late starts, and it's tough on their fans, not just in the rink, but tough on their fans watching at home. So it's not for everyone. I predict that the league will look at this and tweak it before next year."

Pierre LeBrun offers possible solution to NHL's Frozen Frenzy

Hosting a feature event like the Frozen Frenzy on a late Tuesday in October didn't help the NHL in marketing the event. With all four sports leagues currently underway, and the Blue Jays expected to be contenders in the near future, the NHL is likely to adjust the dates of the Frozen Frenzy, according to LeBrun.

"My second prediction, if I think I'm right, is that I think they'll also want it later in a year," LeBrun added. "I mean, listen, you can't react to the fact that they lost so much of Canada because of the World Series last night, but it doesn't change the fact that the World Series is every October. So I think it'll be later in the year, and I think they'll go on a weekend when they bring this thing back."

Stauffer also suggested that the league will be expected to hold it over the weekend. That would mean a date after mid-February to avoid clashes with the NCAA college football on Saturdays and the NFL on Sundays.