Isn't it either that or have completed 4 CHL seasons? I know it is fairly rare for someone to have done the latter before the former comes into play but I thought that was the case. I just didn't know the date for turning 20.
Yes, my understanding is the date is to turn 20yo by end of day December 31, so turns 20yo in this calendar year (basically, if the player qualifies as an overager they can be sent to the AHL instead) OR has credit for 4 junior seasons. I believe it's 30 or 40GP to get credit for the junior season, but even if it's less than that, it's some number of GP.
As to Wilson, to me the lack of minutes is just one more indicator they plan to keep him on the NHL roster and are managing his minutes, etc. If this was a trial run leading up to the 10 NHL GP marker, I'd think/hope they'd audition him in a different role and test him out a bit more. I prefer they do that and then make a decision about whether to keep him, but count me as one who doesn't have an issue with him being sent back to Plymouth. Yes, the contract is one factor but not the only one.
I think this article flew under the radar, but I thought Vellucci's comments were interesting about Carrick and Wilson. Yes, I know he has reason to want one or both back, but in particular, interesting what he says about what he thinks Wilson needs to work on.
link
