NHL teams could have the option to transition young prospects to professional hockey sooner.
The new NHL and NHLPA collective bargaining agreement, ratified on Tuesday, contains a provision that allows each NHL team to place one 19-year-old CHL player in the AHL per season, according to insider Frank Seravalli.
Servalli further reports that 18-year-olds are ineligible for the new rule, which will take effect in the 2026-27 season when the new CBA kicks in.
This is one of many provisions reported to be included in the new agreement, including increasing the regular season to 84 games.
A reduction in the maximum contract length by a year and a playoff salary cap are other changes expected to be included in the new deal.
