While I think it's really unfair to compare anyone to a guy like Datysuk or Toews or whoever it is worth mentioning that Datysuk wasn't Datysuk until what 7 years after being drafted?

Leon is expected to play in the NHL in the top 6 this year if not next. With some time it might not be that far fetched that the 3rd overall pick turns into a high end two-way player like Datysuk
- Lahey

It does seem more far fetched when you realize that throughout the past decade, there has been only a couple players drafted top 5 that can be compared to Datsyuk in terms of defense, skating, and skill/talent. I'd say that out of the 50 top 5 picks in the past 10 years, only a guy like Toews can come close to being compared to Datsyuk and even Toews isn't close in skill.

The CHL situation is a tricky one. While it’s frustrating when a player like Nurse or Draisaitl or Drouin has to spend another year there rather than be eligible to play in the AHL, removing this rule could cause some problems. For one, having these types of players removed from the league would have a trickle down effect on the younger players’ development. Draft-eligible prospects like McDavid for example would’ve played against much lesser talent and therefore have his development halted if it wasn’t for playing every night against talented and older defensemen like Nurse (no idea if they played in the same league, just using Nurse as an example).

All the young kids that are a year or 2 away from being drafted develop much more when they play against a kid like Nurse who’s older and very talented. If you remove these players and let them instantly join the AHL, I think you would see a decline in Canadian NHL player development eventually.

Also, for off-ice reasons, it could be beneficial for the players to stay in the minors for another few years while they mature. No need to spend time with some of the older career AHLers that could be drinking or using drugs when they’re so young.
- rangerdanger94

nowadays, this isn't really a big case. Kids are running wild with underage drinking and drug use. Just look into the edm scene (one I am proud to be a part of), but I'm on the older-responsible side. the people getting hurt and ruining the fun are the young ones.

When you come into the smaller towns to play, usually drugs are a problem. Sudbury has a drug problem. London, ON has a huge coke problem, it goes on and on.

I think you can find a balance, say only one player per year for each team is allowed special AHL eligibility. In this case, the Oilers would have to choose between Draisaitl and Nurse. I'd choose Leon.

The other thing, to help mitigate loss of ticket revenue by losing a star player, the NHL team should pay a transfer fee.
- ystoil

I still don't think that would work. Because if this rule existed for the past 5 years, Nurse likely would've been chosen a year ago to be the one player. Now this year, where he'd technically still be required to play in the CHL, Draisaitl will still be on the outside looking in because you're not going to send Nurse down the CHL after a year in the AHL.

nowadays, this isn't really a big case. Kids are running wild with underage drinking and drug use. Just look into the edm scene (one I am proud to be a part of), but I'm on the older-responsible side. the people getting hurt and ruining the fun are the young ones.

When you come into the smaller towns to play, usually drugs are a problem. Sudbury has a drug problem. London, ON has a huge coke problem, it goes on and on.
- ChetManly

True but the CHL coaches aren't your typical coaches. They specialize in teaching and guiding young players to learn how to be pros. It would be different if they're getting paid AHL salary money ($50k+ a year) and have a ton of freedom while hanging out with career AHLers.

Where do CHL kids live during the season? With their parents? That's also a huge benefit.

I still don't think that would work. Because if this rule existed for the past 5 years, Nurse likely would've been chosen a year ago to be the one player. Now this year, where he'd technically still be required to play in the CHL, Draisaitl will still be on the outside looking in because you're not going to send Nurse down the CHL after a year in the AHL.
- rangerdanger94

No I meant, after you're allowed special eligibilty, you're out of the CHL for good.

So in terms of your example, if we had sent Nurse to the AHL for 2013/14, he'd be in the AHL for 14/15. Leon would be a first time qualifier in 14/15 and would therefore be up for the qualification with guys like CHase who still has WHL eligibility

No I meant, after you're allowed special eligibilty, you're out of the CHL for good.

So in terms of your example, if we had sent Nurse to the AHL for 2013/14, he'd be in the AHL for 14/15. Leon would be a first time qualifier in 14/15 and would therefore be up for the qualification with guys like CHase who still has WHL eligibility
- ystoil

That would just lead to the AHL being ripped of talent as if no rule existed. Think about it...only some of the 1st round picks every year are stuck in the AHL limbo so if every year teams use their annual slot on their 1st round pick it's just like not having any rule at all and Canadian player development will suffer.

That would just lead to the AHL being ripped of talent as if no rule existed. Think about it...only some of the 1st round picks every year are stuck in the AHL limbo so if every year teams use their annual slot on their 1st round pick it's just like not having any rule at all and Canadian player development will suffer.
- rangerdanger94

Sorry, not following. How would the AHL lose talent?

True but the CHL coaches aren't your typical coaches. They specialize in teaching and guiding young players to learn how to be pros. It would be different if they're getting paid AHL salary money ($50k+ a year) and have a ton of freedom while hanging out with career AHLers.

Where do CHL kids live during the season? With their parents? That's also a huge benefit.
- rangerdanger94

Good point. it all depends on where the kid is from and is playing. Usually they are billeted by a local family.

Sorry, not following. How would the AHL lose talent?
- ystoil

I meant CHL

But basically, think of it in terms of this draft year. This is McDavid's final year before he gets drafted. He benefits a lot from playing against CHL veterans like Nurse or Griffin Reinhart. These are players that have gone through NHL training camps and played against NHL players. They provide a much bigger challenge to prospects coming up to their draft year. If all these talented kids were gone, who would McDavid play against? It would be a joke of a league and he won't really progress much at all. After he does get drafted, he will hit a rock wall when he actually goes up to play against the better players.

Now do that to every single other player. All of a sudden, everyone is playing less-talented players. The draft is that much more of a crapshoot because it's easier to put up good numbers. Canadian player development suffers.

Canada produces the best hockey players in the world. I think they know what they're doing when it comes to developing kids.

I meant CHL

But basically, think of it in terms of this draft year. This is McDavid's final year before he gets drafted. He benefits a lot from playing against CHL veterans like Nurse or Griffin Reinhart. These are players that have gone through NHL training camps and played against NHL players. They provide a much bigger challenge to prospects coming up to their draft year. If all these talented kids were gone, who would McDavid play against? It would be a joke of a league and he won't really progress much at all. After he does get drafted, he will hit a rock wall when he actually goes up to play against the better players.

Now do that to every single other player. All of a sudden, everyone is playing less-talented players. The draft is that much more of a crapshoot because it's easier to put up good numbers. Canadian player development suffers. Canada produces the best hockey players in the world. I think they know what they're doing when it comes to developing kids.
- rangerdanger94

I think there could be a "special ruling" drafted that allowed exemplary players to forgo their final year of CHL, just like how younger players can get into the CHL (Ekblad, McDavid, etc) earlier than their age allows due to their skills.

Each player that applies would have to go through a review board. Drouin would be a great case to review. Reinhart and Nurse probably would not be approved and would have to play their final year of CHL. For defensemen, that shouldn't be an issue.

It does seem more far fetched when you realize that throughout the past decade, there has been only a couple players drafted top 5 that can be compared to Datsyuk in terms of defense, skating, and skill/talent. I'd say that out of the 50 top 5 picks in the past 10 years, only a guy like Toews can come close to being compared to Datsyuk and even Toews isn't close in skill.
- rangerdanger94

Fair enough

I meant CHL

But basically, think of it in terms of this draft year. This is McDavid's final year before he gets drafted. He benefits a lot from playing against CHL veterans like Nurse or Griffin Reinhart. These are players that have gone through NHL training camps and played against NHL players. They provide a much bigger challenge to prospects coming up to their draft year. If all these talented kids were gone, who would McDavid play against? It would be a joke of a league and he won't really progress much at all. After he does get drafted, he will hit a rock wall when he actually goes up to play against the better players.

Now do that to every single other player. All of a sudden, everyone is playing less-talented players. The draft is that much more of a crapshoot because it's easier to put up good numbers. Canadian player development suffers.

Canada produces the best hockey players in the world. I think they know what they're doing when it comes to developing kids.
- rangerdanger94

Then if the McDavid's of the world aren't good enough they just go back to Junior hockey for another year, wouldn't that be a win for the CHL?

Then if the McDavid's of the world aren't good enough they just go back to Junior hockey for another year, wouldn't that be a win for the CHL?
- Lahey

I think you're oversimplying it. The effect that abolishing this rule would have would result in a trickle down effect in all of Canada's kids developing worse. I'm talking every Canadian hockey player of the future takes a step backward in the long-run.

I think you're oversimplying it. The effect that abolishing this rule would have would result in a trickle down effect in all of Canada's kids developing worse. I'm talking every Canadian hockey player of the future takes a step backward in the long-run.
- rangerdanger94

Hmm, I definitely get what you are saying. It's a weird cycle and a tough one to fix. I still think some balance can be achieved though, maybe dropping AHL eligibilty to 19 or 1 year post draft rather than 20 or 2 years post draft.

Hmm, I definitely get what you are saying. It's a weird cycle and a tough one to fix. I still think some balance can be achieved though, maybe dropping AHL eligibilty to 19 or 1 year post draft rather than 20 or 2 years post draft.
- ystoil

Yea there could definitely be some middle ground. As Chet said, maybe let the absolute elite prospects such as McDavid and Drouin be granted "exceptional status" to go to the AHL. But in that situation, someone like Nurse would still be caught in the limbo despite his talent.

Reducing the age limit by 1 year would still hinder Canada's development overall IMO. After all, the CHL players are playing the best hockey of their CHL career usually when they're in that final year before they're eligible to be play pro hockey so if you remove the players when they're going to be the most challenging to play against then you make it easier for all the younger kids to play.

Chase as #4?

Very strange, like him as well but #4 is way too high for him.

The only guy that I really notice missing is Simpson, but I can see why you wouldn't have him in your top 10.

Chase as #4?

Very strange, like him as well but #4 is way too high for him.
- Aerchon

If he is playing hard and a similar style as that c*nt Brad Marchand, ranking him at #4 is perfectly fine

I think there could be a "special ruling" drafted that allowed exemplary players to forgo their final year of CHL, just like how younger players can get into the CHL (Ekblad, McDavid, etc) earlier than their age allows due to their skills.

Each player that applies would have to go through a review board. Drouin would be a great case to review. Reinhart and Nurse probably would not be approved and would have to play their final year of CHL. For defensemen, that shouldn't be an issue.
- ChetManly

If it where that way then only one player a year would be eligible instead of what someone proposed that each team is allowed one player per year so for this past season drouin likely would of been the only player granted that eligibility although mantha might of made a pretty good case as well since he has more of an nhl body or pro build

If it where that way then only one player a year would be eligible instead of what someone proposed that each team is allowed one player per year so for this past season drouin likely would of been the only player granted that eligibility although mantha might of made a pretty good case as well since he has more of an nhl body or pro build
- blizzzard

Ya and that's never going to happen as how do you decide which NHL team gets this benefit? It's a bit different with the CHL as guys are getting drafted into the league as that special player.

I meant CHL

But basically, think of it in terms of this draft year. This is McDavid's final year before he gets drafted. He benefits a lot from playing against CHL veterans like Nurse or Griffin Reinhart. These are players that have gone through NHL training camps and played against NHL players. They provide a much bigger challenge to prospects coming up to their draft year. If all these talented kids were gone, who would McDavid play against? It would be a joke of a league and he won't really progress much at all. After he does get drafted, he will hit a rock wall when he actually goes up to play against the better players.

Now do that to every single other player. All of a sudden, everyone is playing less-talented players. The draft is that much more of a crapshoot because it's easier to put up good numbers. Canadian player development suffers.

Canada produces the best hockey players in the world. I think they know what they're doing when it comes to developing kids.
- rangerdanger94

Couldn't you limit this rule to top-10 picks only? I mean, those are typically the only players that run into problems with this ruling. And then, that way, the league is only losing around 10 players (if that) per year that it wouldn't normally lose. Perhaps you could add extra clauses like teams can only exercise this right once every 3 years or something.

While you note that other players' development would be hurt by not playing against the best, you seem to forget the point that these players who are being forced to play down a level when they're easily good enough for a league like the AHL. That's also potentially hurting Canadian development.

Ya and that's never going to happen as how do you decide which NHL team gets this benefit? It's a bit different with the CHL as guys are getting drafted into the league as that special player.
- Lahey

I think the gms would have to do a vote of who the most talented player is eligible for this exception and who knows if the gms actually dislike the way it's currently set up now anyways or if it's more an issue the fans have

Couldn't you limit this rule to top-10 picks only? I mean, those are typically the only players that run into problems with this ruling. And then, that way, the league is only losing around 10 players (if that) per year that it wouldn't normally lose. Perhaps you could add extra clauses like teams can only exercise this right once every 3 years or something.

While you note that other players' development would be hurt by not playing against the best, you seem to forget the point that these players who are being forced to play down a level when they're easily good enough for a league like the AHL. That's also potentially hurting Canadian development.
- MaximumBone

Those two items help develop the clause.

Couldn't you limit this rule to top-10 picks only? I mean, those are typically the only players that run into problems with this ruling. And then, that way, the league is only losing around 10 players (if that) per year that it wouldn't normally lose. Perhaps you could add extra clauses like teams can only exercise this right once every 3 years or something.

While you note that other players' development would be hurt by not playing against the best, you seem to forget the point that these players who are being forced to play down a level when they're easily good enough for a league like the AHL. That's also potentially hurting Canadian development.
- MaximumBone

Development is to hard to predict though you are taking kids at 17-18 years old any one of them could sky rocket and then do you also factor in players build ? Like drouin I wouldn't have wanted to play in the ahl last year even if he had nothing to prove in the chl he still needed to build on his frame as he would be just as easy to injure in the ahl as the nhl

Development is to hard to predict though you are taking kids at 17-18 years old any one of them could sky rocket and then do you also factor in players build ? Like drouin I wouldn't have wanted to play in the ahl last year even if he had nothing to prove in the chl he still needed to build on his frame as he would be just as easy to injure in the ahl as the nhl
- blizzzard

And therein lies the point; even if you have the rule in place, whether or not the teams use it or not will still vary wildly depending on the player. Guys like Drouin (sub-6ft) would likely be given the extra year of CHL duty if only to strengthen themselves physically. But there are guys that don't need that extra year (or not an extra 2 years i.e. Nurse) to be physically ready for the AHL.