Sports
NHL, CHL, AHL Consider Agreement on Player Development Options
The NHL, CHL, and AHL are nearing an agreement regarding options for 19-year-old player development. The proposed change would allow NHL teams to assign more first-round-selected 19-year-olds to the AHL.
According to Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman, the NHL, CHL, and AHL are nearing an agreement that would allow more options for 19-year-old player development. Friedman reported on "Hockey Night in Canada" that the proposed change would allow teams to assign 19-year-old first-round draft picks to the AHL. The NHLPA must still approve the agreement. The current NHL-CHL rule restricts NHL-drafted teenage players from the OHL, the QMJHL, and the WHL from playing in the AHL at 19 years old. According to Friedman, teams will not face limits on the number of 19-year-olds designated to the AHL. The change could come into effect next season.
Key Facts
- The NHL, CHL, and AHL are considering an agreement regarding 19-year-old player development.
- The proposed agreement could take effect as early as next season.
- The NHLPA still needs to approve the agreement.
- There would be no limit to the number of 19-year-olds each team could send to the AHL.
- The current NHL-CHL rule restricts players drafted from the OHL, QMJHL, and WHL from playing in the AHL at age 19.
- Zayne Parekh's situation with the Calgary Flames exemplifies the issue.
- Parekh, drafted from the OHL, cannot join an AHL team for more than a two-week conditioning period.