NHL to meet with CHL, other junior leagues

Some big decisions on the future of junior hockey could be made soon.

The NHL is set to meet with the Canadian Hockey League and other junior leagues next week at the NHL GM meetings to discuss what the ever-changing landscape could look like going forward, Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman reported on the Saturday Headlines segment of Hockey Night in Canada.

“The goal here is to obviously reset the junior market or the development market in North America so that it benefits everybody,” Friedman said, noting some decisions will have to be reflected in a new CBA between the NHL and NHLPA.

The NCAA’s move earlier this season to allow CHL players to join the U.S. college ranks has had huge ramifications on the top levels of professional development in North America.

Dozens of CHL players have announced verbal commitments to NCAA programs in the aftermath of that decision, and there have been various rumours about even more top junior players thinking of making similar decisions before their CHL eligibility winds up.

The USHL, the top junior league in the U.S., also is expected to be involved in the meetings.

There’s been talk in hockey circles over the years of the USHL potentially participating in the Memorial Cup, though it has never been more than just an idea.

The NHL Draft rules also have to be examined. Currently, CHL players have two years to sign after being drafted, while NCAA and USHL players have four years.

“I think the goal is for all of that to be equal,” Friedman said.

Friedman also said it’s believed the NHL has told the CHL to hold off on any expansion moves until a firmer plan is in place.

“One thing I’ve heard is that the Canadian Hockey League has been told to calm down about expansion a bit, let’s see if we can find something that works for everybody,” Friedman said.