bean32772 said:
I don't think it would be possible to raise the draft age because of legal ramifications. I believe there would be a lawsuit filed eventually by some 18 year old player much the same as in the NBA. It could be argued that they would be infringing on the player's rights. I believe this already happened and is why the current age is 18 but can't remember who challenged it.
while you are right that some whiny teenager, his parents, and some greedy agent may complain, i believe the nhl can do whatever it wants regarding draft age.
also, the ncaa has already made the draft age 19 unless, of course, the player wants to lose their eligibility. furthermore, i don't think you would hear a single complaint from the canadian hockey league or from european leagues. both of these would love to keep their players one extra year to improve the quality of play and attendance. it truly is a massive loss to a juniour club to lose a player so early (see the peterborough petes and eric stall, the oshawa generals and nathan horton, and...etc, etc.)
i should also mention that other leagues, like the nfl, have stuck to their guns regarding draft requirements. for example, maurice clarett, the high profile running back from ohio state university recently challenged the nfl's draft eligibility rules. guess what? the nfl won that hands down...i believe the nhl would also.
i can't see why the nhlpa would take issue with this during collective bargaining, but, then again, i don't understand a lot of the nhlpa's stances. however, if the nhl and nhlpa do agree on this issue i don't believe any player could challenge the rule.