MAJOR changes coming to NHL Draft rules?

A group of executives led by Hall of Famer Pat LaFontaine are looking at increasing the draft age in order to improve player development.

On Wednesday, in signing a “Declaration of Principles”, which outlines eight principles designed to create the best possible experience for the hockey community, the group showed a particular interest is the possibility of shifting the NHL’s draft-eligible age from 18 to 19.

LaFontaine believes it will greatly impact the development for young players for the better. The NHL currently allows players who are or will be 18 years old by Sep. 15 the year of the draft to be eligible. 

"I think when we look at it – you look at the way hockey is today – relieving maybe some of that pressure and pushing the dial of development to the right on all levels would benefit the experience (of players and their families).”

For now, the rules remain the same, but the discussion about a 19-year-old draft is stil on the table... and the impact it would have on the National Hockey League would be grandiose.