HabLover
Registered User
BobMckenzie said:It won't take that long. In fact, if it wasn't for Crosby, you could do it really fast. You're dealing with a 16 month window (Sept. 16, 2004 to Dec. 31st, 2005). You could split the difference easily enough. 2005 draft could be for those who turn 18 between Sept. 16, 04 and, say, May 15th, 05. The 2006 draft could be for those who turn 18, between May 16th and Dec. 31st of 05. Just one problem, a big one, and his name is Crosby. Crosby doesn't turn 18 until Aug. 7. Would be a tough sell for the NHL to tell him and the teams he's not eligible until 06, IMO. So, also in my opinion, it will take until Dec. 31st, 2006, to fully phase it in. The phasing in is all hypothetical, the NHL being intent on bumping up the draft age is not. That's going to happen, pending CBA negotiations.
They might not have to worry about if there is no NHL in 2005/2006. Then next year group all the 87's together for a draft sometime in '06. That would be perfect.