The Mighty Duck Man
R-E-L-A-X
With the 7-years pro till you're UFA rule, this is going to make things alot more difficult for prospects. Teams won't keep prospects unless they're sure-fire NHLers, and there will probably be little young talent in the minors, as that counts against it. It should make for a better CHL, where there are alot of great overagers, but it could mean for a much more meaningful CHL Import Draft.
Think of it this way. NHL teams probably won't sign alot of prospects, so they don't become a UFA at age 25. But, some European prospects need to learn the NA game a bit better. Alot of teams will probably be sending Europeans to the CHL, mainly so they don't have to waist a year out of those 7 having them in the AHL learning the game. This year, there won't be much effect, as alot of the better players weren't taken. Alot of players will likely head to the CHL, unless they make their NHL clubs, and the first big name might be Anze Kopitar. I may be a Pats fan, and he said he'll remain in Sweden, but come draft day, the team that drafted him may inform him they want him in Regina next season, adapting to the NA game. I know for fact there are some teams that would've done it before, and with this new rule, that number will likely increase. Brent Parker only made the pick because he thought anyone else would be useless, but he may look pretty good for it if Kopitar doesn't make the NHL.
But next year would be great. Alot of the top prospects going higher, instead of solid guys that want to play in NA, which is how a draft should be. This makes for a better CHL, and much more competition all around.
Think of it this way. NHL teams probably won't sign alot of prospects, so they don't become a UFA at age 25. But, some European prospects need to learn the NA game a bit better. Alot of teams will probably be sending Europeans to the CHL, mainly so they don't have to waist a year out of those 7 having them in the AHL learning the game. This year, there won't be much effect, as alot of the better players weren't taken. Alot of players will likely head to the CHL, unless they make their NHL clubs, and the first big name might be Anze Kopitar. I may be a Pats fan, and he said he'll remain in Sweden, but come draft day, the team that drafted him may inform him they want him in Regina next season, adapting to the NA game. I know for fact there are some teams that would've done it before, and with this new rule, that number will likely increase. Brent Parker only made the pick because he thought anyone else would be useless, but he may look pretty good for it if Kopitar doesn't make the NHL.
But next year would be great. Alot of the top prospects going higher, instead of solid guys that want to play in NA, which is how a draft should be. This makes for a better CHL, and much more competition all around.
