This rule is foolish and, in many ways, counterproductive to their development. what would 19 year olds benefit from playing against 17 year olds? let them play against pros, learn the pro game and the systems their teams use. let them play with men who can provide that off ice help.

Just let the NHL clubs compensate the junior team monetarily and be done with it. I don't know what a fair number would be, could be something variable and based on where they were drafted maybe, but that's ultimately the only reason the CHL doesn't want their best players going to the minors early.

I don't think it would be a particularly large sum of money for an NHL club. Cap the amount of 18/19 year old prospects the NHL can do this with in a given year at 2 or 3.

I understand the junior teams wanting to keep their best players ... they are a development league for the players but it is a business for the team owners.

It seems to me that the Wright situation could be a template for an exemption ... namely that if a player (regardless of where he was drafted) spends a full season with their NHL team then they are no longer obligated to return to junior rather than going to the AHL.

Wright will be the youngest 39 yr old to ever play in the league. That alone dictates that he be given exemptions that one one else gets! 😬