I absolutely hate the idea of tanking, but I understand that future success in this league depends on it. Therefore, I suggest changing the system to reward success instead of failure by changing the draft order.

Under the Dixomatic Plan, the draft order for playoff teams would remain exactly the same. The difference comes for the non-playoff teams. The first overall pick shall be awarded to the team with the most points that does not make the playoffs. After that would be the second-best team and down the line, leaving the worst team in the league with the No. 14 pick in the draft. After that would be playoff teams in the order chosen by the existing system.

There will be no more tanking because the teams that fight until the end receive the next best thing to making the playoffs. And no team would choose a No. 1 pick over a playoff appearance and shot at the Cup because a run like Philly made last season is not a rare thing. Nor would a playoff-contending team risk losing on purpose when other teams will be on their heals for that top pick. For example, last year's top pick would have gone to a head-to-head tiebreaker between Anaheim and Calgary. Had either team forgone a playoff run for Tyler Hall, the other team would have swooped in and taken the top pick.

For fans, this system makes more sense. For example, this season the Colorado Avalanche would now be in a position where they need to win to improve their draft position instead of lose. Isn't that kind of the point of sports? To win? We pay the ticket price to see winning, not losing, so reward teams for giving their best and playing their best players to the end. Also, don't we all feel a little shame at the thought of a loss being a good thing?

Pros: Teams play to win every night. Teams are always looking to improve and get better, even in last week of the season. Every game counts. A No. 1 pick is an awesome consolation prize for a team that just missed the big show. No winning for losing. Fans get more value from late-season tickets. Creates its own playoff atmosphere even if the actual playoffs are out of reach.

Cons: Really bad teams don't get that "Cavalry" feeling when getting a high pick the next season. Far fewer Ovetchkin and Crosby stories of rags to riches thanks to one player. 

To bring it home: If it were the 06-07 season, the Avs would have had the No. 1 pick. If it were 08-09, they would have had the 12th pick instead of Duchene, who turned out to be Calvin de Haan.