The National Hockey League is facing a lot of questions when it comes to the upcoming draft, as several big question marks arise when it comes to draft prospects who want to showcase their talent to NHL clubs with junior hockey sidelined.
While the NHL might be putting a plan together to give prospects more visibility, it sounds like the league is also considering a significant change that would affect the future of the NHL as we know. Darren Dreger gave all of the information he had as of now on that issue, on the air of Insider Trading on TSN last night:
“Well, they’re talking about some of those options. Right now, it’s all picture dialogue involving the National Hockey League because, frankly at the moment, the National Hockey League is more consumed by the start of the National Hockey League regular season. So, what we’re talking about here potentially is prospect tournaments before the 2021 NHL Draft. Making sure that, internationally, the under-18 championship is played, likely in Dallas, Texas. But, beyond that on the radar, we talk about this on an annual basis, is the concept of moving the draft age to 19. This is age old, but it seems to have some traction now. Amid the impact of the pandemic on grass roots hockey, particularly junior hockey, but again this is from 30,000 feet and no decision is imminent.”
It has been talked about for quite some time now, and we have to say this would be a great time to make the change - they’re been so many ever since the COVID-19 pandemic hit the sport, it would be a good time to do so. If the draft age was moved to 19, most players drafted out of the CHL could go right from the draft into the American Hockey League. It would allow these players to get a taste of NHL hockey throughout the season while allowing time for these prospects to develop and get used to playing the professional game.
Are you in favour of this potential change?
