The NHL's collective bargaining agreement (CBA) is set to expire in September 2026, but a new framework has been established allowing teams to assign one 19-year-old prospect to their AHL team each season.

Under the current CHL-NHL agreement, players drafted from major junior leagues cannot be assigned to the AHL until they turn 20 or complete four seasons in the CHL, a rule that will be relaxed with the new CBA.

This new policy, which will impact a maximum of 32 players annually, represents a significant change in the development landscape for NHL prospects, particularly those coming from the Canadian Hockey League (CHL).

Players may also benefit from earlier arbitration rights and guaranteed signing bonuses when transitioning from the CHL to the AHL, making this route more appealing than college hockey options.

This change provides an alternative development path for players who may be too advanced for junior hockey but not ready for the NHL, potentially preventing development setbacks similar to those experienced by players like Dylan Strome.

The ability to join the AHL earlier allows players to gain professional experience and improve faster than if they returned to junior leagues, where they might not face adequate challenges.

The rule limits each NHL team to one 19-year-old assignment per season, which may have been influenced by the CHL's interests in maintaining their player pool.

CHL teams might face setbacks as top prospects could be assigned to the AHL instead of remaining in junior hockey, impacting their competitive balance.

Recent instances, such as Cole Perfetti and Shane Wright, demonstrate the benefits of AHL experience for players who would otherwise return to junior leagues.

The first players eligible under this new rule will be those born in 2007, allowing them to bypass the CHL for the AHL if they turn 19 after being drafted.