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Time of India

NHL's new rule could let Canadiens fast-track a 19-year-old prospect to AHL

NHL draft pick Paupanekis could join AHL at 19 (Image via: Getty Images) 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!