Scouting this year's draft-eligible prospects could be difficult since many haven't hit the ice due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but the NHL is looking into an interesting solution.

The league is exploring the idea of holding a prospect showcase tournament ahead of this year's draft, according to Sportsnet's Chris Johnston.

"One thing that has been discussed is a tournament, a series of games, what have you, at some point in the spring, in which those players could play," Johnston said Saturday during Hockey Night in Canada's "Headlines" segment.

"Obviously you could invite scouts or have them watch from a safe distance through video, but it might be a way to get some eyeballs on these guys, because it's been a tough year on those teenagers, too," he added.

Neither the OHL nor the WHL have played games this season, although there are plans for teams in both leagues to begin a condensed schedule later this year. The QMJHL is the lone major junior league in Canada that has played, but it needed to take more than a month-long pause.

The NCAA, the USHL, and most overseas leagues have played games this season.

The CHL holds an annual top prospects game, but it appears the NHL's potential idea would be to stage more than just one contest.

The 2021 NHL Draft is tentatively set for July 23-24.

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