Massive potential change to the NHL's CBA could leave the CHL in shambles

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Axel Williams
October 24, 2024 (8:53)

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The NHL is going to need to change its CBA (collective bargaining agreement) soon and it appears as though the latest potential amendment will have major implications for the CHL.

Overall, the Canadian Hockey League is composed of the OHL, the QMJHL, and the WHL. It is where young junior players go to develop their skills and potentially even catch the eyes of NHL scouts. CHL players can play for their junior teams until the age of 20. However, if they are drafted into the NHL and don't make the team, they must be sent back to Junior, as opposed to going to the AHL. A great example of this would have been Shane Wright a couple of years ago.

Now, the NHL is looking at making it so that players who are 19 and older can be sent to the AHL, instead of having to go back to Junior. This would be in an effort to fast track a player's development and get them professional reps.

While fans do appear to like this new change, one has to wonder how the CHL might feel about it all. After all, this could end up affecting them in a very negative way. With all of the NHL talent going to the AHL, bottom lines could very well be altered.

There is still quite a bit of time before the NHL has to finalize its new CBA. However, we're sure the CHL will be having some conversations with the league in an attempt to stop this from happening.

Do you believe that the NHL would be smart to make this change to the Collective Bargaining Agreement? Let us know in the poll down below and stay tuned to Hockey Unplugged for the latest news and updates from around the hockey world. We will continue to keep you informed on all of your favorite players and teams.

Source: Ryan Kennedy of The Hockey News
NHL Collective Bargaining Agreement to Affect the CHL