NHL's new rule could let Canadiens fast-track a 19-year-old prospect to AHL
A major rule change in the NHL's new collective bargaining agreement is about to reshape the way teams manage young talent and the Montreal Canadiens could be among the first to take full advantage.
Starting in the 2026–27 season, NHL clubs will be allowed to send one 19-year-old CHL player directly to the AHL, accelerating development for top prospects.
Canadiens eye AHL spot for
Hayden Paupanekis
under new NHL rule allowing 19-year-old
CHL
prospects
Under the old rule, CHL players were ineligible to play in the AHL until age 20, leaving many in limbo if they weren't ready for the NHL but had outgrown junior hockey. That's about to change. The new clause allows each NHL team to assign one under-20 CHL player to its AHL affiliate—meaning a player like Hayden Paupanekis, Montreal's third-round pick in 2024, could skip his final CHL season and join the Laval Rocket, if he dominates this year and earns a contract.
This option gives the Canadiens (and other NHL teams) greater control over high-potential players who need tougher competition but aren't NHL-ready. However, with only one slot per team per season, the bar will be high and only the most NHL-adjacent CHL stars will get the nod.
CHL talent drain: Top NHL Draft picks choosing NCAA route
While the CHL tries to retain elite talent, the NCAA is gaining ground fast. Gavin McKenna, projected No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NHL Draft, is leaving the WHL's Medicine Hat Tigers to play at Penn State.
by Taboola
by Taboola
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Promoted Links
Promoted Links
You May Like
Villas For Sale in Dubai Might Surprise You
Dubai villas | search ads
Get Deals
Undo
He's part of a growing trend of top prospects shifting south.
Joining him are Keaton Verhoeff (North Dakota), Cayden Lindstrom (Michigan State), and others like Luke Misa and Jackson Smith, all abandoning the CHL in favor of NCAA hockey's development model and schedule flexibility. This CHL-to-NCAA migration could reshape the NHL Draft landscape in the coming years.
Also Read:
NHL Dress Code 2025: League ends Suit requirement, Fans curious about bold fashion policy change
The NHL's new AHL rule may slow that tide by offering CHL stars a faster route to pro hockey but with just 32 league-wide spots available each year, it's a premium path few will qualify for.
For real-time updates, scores, and highlights, follow our live coverage of the
India vs England Test match
here.
Catch Manika Batra's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 3. Watch Here!
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
32 minutes ago
- Time of India
Jayson Tatum shares an adorable curtain raiser to his foundation's upcoming golf tournament
Jayson Tatum shares an adorable curtain raiser to his foundation's upcoming golf tournament (Image Credit: Getty Images) Boston Celtics' star, Jayson Tatum, may not be active on the hardwood due to injury and ongoing recovery, but he has lots to do away from the court. His foundation, Jayson Tatum Foundation, will be hosting a golf tournament on July 28. It will be the fifth year of the event. He teased fans about the same by sharing an adorable video from the practice session of Miami Heat star Alec Burks' daughter. The video was originally posted by Alec Burks' wife, Elyse Burks, on her Instagram story. Jayson reposted it on his IG story. The video's caption made it a perfect curtain raiser for the upcoming event. Jayson Tatum shares a teaser for his foundation's upcoming golf tournament using an adorable video clip Jayson Tatum reposted Miami Heat star Alec Burks' wife, Elyse Burks' IG story, to remind fans about the Jayson Tatum Foundation's upcoming golf tournament. She shared a clip from her daughter, Ashtyn's practice video, where she is seen acing a swing drive shot. Nothing could be more apt than this video to raise a curtain to the upcoming event, as the caption in the clip reads: 'I think she's ready for @thejaysontatumfoundation golf tournament 🏌🏽♂️@jaytatum0' The Boston Celtics' star is currently recovering from the right Achilles tendon surgery. In another picture on his IG story, he shared a picture of his legs, giving a quiet update on his recovery. Here are the pictures: Jayson Tatum shares reminder for Jayson Tatum Foundation golf tournament (Image Source: Jayson/Instagram) Like Ashtyn, everyone who intends to attend or play in the Jayson Tatum Foundation's golf tournament can gear up for the event, as the curtain raiser from the Celtics' star is a fitting reminder for all. Jayson Tatum announced a golf tournament event in March A golf tournament and silent auction are on the activity list of the Celtics' star, Jayson Tatum's foundation. Tatum announced the same on his Instagram on March 2. He captioned the post to provide all details: 'Save the date! The 5th Annual The Jayson Tatum Foundation Charity Golf Tournament & Silent Auction will be held on Monday, July 28, 2025. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like No annual fees for life UnionBank Credit Card Apply Now Undo Mark your calendar and get ready for a great day of golf at Norwood Hills Country Club in St. Louis, MO.' As per the post, the golf tournament is coupled with a silent auction event. Jayson Tatum's recovery is in full swing. Amidst the recovery, he is using the free time for meaningful causes and continues making a difference in the world around him. Also Read: Jayson Tatum cracks Top 100 NBA players of all time, ranked No. 93 by Bleacher Report Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
Time of India
37 minutes ago
- Time of India
India head coach Gautam Gambhir: 'We want to build Manchester United's culture'
Ruben Amorim and Gautam Gambhir (Image via X/@Screengrab) Fans on social media were in for a treat as the Shubman Gill-led Indian cricket team paid a visit to Premier League giants Manchester United on Sunday. Trailing 2-1 in the five-Test series against England, the Indian side took a break from the cricketing grind, switching sports and jerseys for a day. A video shared on the BCCI's official X handle offered fans a look at the team's interaction with the Red Devils. Captain Gill, eyeing a crucial win to keep India alive in the series, appeared to draw inspiration from Ruben Amorim's squad. But it was head coach Gautam Gambhir who stood out, engaging in a meaningful discussion with the Manchester United manager, outlining what his side hopes to 'copy' from the footballing giants. "I've been here in 2014 as well. This is a completely different experience because you end up chatting with the players. I ended up chatting with Ruben as well, which was a nice interaction—understanding what his ideology is towards team sport and what my ideology is towards team sport," Gambhir recalled. He underlined the parallels between football and cricket, especially in terms of team culture. 'The basic foundation of a team sport is very similar, where I feel that it's the player who adapts to what the team needs, rather than the team adapting to a certain individual. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Top Public Speaking Course for Children Planet Spark Book Now Undo And that is the culture we want to build,' said the 43-year-old. Captain Gill also mirrored the coach's feelings. "Very exciting to be able to meet top athletes in the world from another sport. To get to know their stories is very inspiring. You're playing two different sports, but the mindset you play with is, most of the time, very similar," he said. Kuldeep Yadav, who hasn't featured in the series yet, revealed he has followed Amorim closely since his Sporting days and asked him about his tactical setup for the upcoming season. Poll Which sport do you think has a more intense team culture? Cricket Football Clips of the cricketers and footballers sharing laughs ahead of the fourth Test at Old Trafford on July 23 quickly went viral. A win for India will set up a thrilling finale at The Oval. Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
IND vs ENG: Akash Deep undergoes fitness Test before 4th Test at Old Trafford; Morne Morkel closely monitors pacer
Akash Deep (Image credit: Sahil Malhotra/ NEW DELHI: Team India is grappling with a spate of injuries ahead of their must-win fourth Test against England, set to begin at Old Trafford in Manchester on July 23. Young all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy has been ruled out of the remainder of the series, while left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh is also sidelined for the fourth Test after sustaining a hand injury in the nets. Arshdeep required stitches on his bowling hand after being struck by a shot from Sai Sudharsan. Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW! Despite the setbacks, India appear to be banking on their in-form pacer Akash Deep, who is currently nursing a groin niggle. The right-arm quick impressed in the second and third Tests at Birmingham and Lord's, respectively. EXCLUSIVE: Nitish Kumar Reddy ruled out of England Test series As reported by on Monday, Akash Deep is undergoing a fitness assessment under the supervision of bowling coach Morne Morkel and the team physio ahead of the fourth Test. He was seen bowling a few deliveries — including some from James Anderson's end — with Morkel closely monitoring and the physio observing from the sidelines. A day after reported that all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy would not take any part in the remainder of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has confirmed the news. Why Team India came to Manchester from London via train and walked in rain "All-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy has been ruled out of the remaining two Tests owing to a left knee injury. Nitish will fly back home and the team wishes him a speedy recovery," BCCI said in a statement. "Arshdeep Singh has been ruled out of the fourth Test against England at Manchester. He sustained an impact injury to his left thumb while bowling in the nets at a training session in Beckenham. The BCCI Medical Team is monitoring his progress," read the BCCI press release. Early Sunday morning, also reported that Haryana seamer Anshul Kamboj has been added to the Indian squad as cover for Arshdeep's injury. "The Men's Selection Committee has added Anshul Kamboj to the squad. Kamboj has joined the team in Manchester," BCCI confirmed in the release. Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
