I think the NHL is the exceptional status.

Like I said earlier I think the better scenario would be drafting these kids at 19 instead of 18 and a lot of these issues go away.
- belcherbd

Not fair to say exception status has to be against the best in the world though. Some are better than CHL but not NHL, AHL is that middle ground where they can still be among the better players in a tougher league but not get dominated by NHL Allstars

I think the NHL is the exceptional status.

Like I said earlier I think the better scenario would be drafting these kids at 19 instead of 18 and a lot of these issues go away.
- belcherbd

I wasn't disagreeing with you earlier in fact I think it would be best for all. As we have seen the last few draft several players are being selected at draft+1 age, it is giving them that extra time to develop amongst their peers.
Although doubt whether nhl has the appetite to go down that road again, maybe they could strike an arrangement where these 18 year Olds could be assigned to ECHL, at least they get to play against men, which is integral to their development.

Holy sh*t, the draft debates are starting already? Lot's can change between now and summer gentleman. Then there's still the lotto to deal with.
- VanHockeyGuy

...but there will be a draft none the less....

- dshiddy

She really needs electrolysis.

Dunno, the College kids tend to adapt at a much quicker pace.
Stecher and Tanev come to mind here, where as you got Gaudreau, that kid on the NYR etc.

Boesers shot is definitely NHL caliber but is skating looks questionable. Might be a case of sticking him on the PP and loading up his one-timer.
- Whiskey-Tango

The criticisms of his skating have pretty much dissolved. It has improved a lot the last 2 seasons.

CHL has an exceptional status rule in place, I think the AHL should have one as well. Dylan Strome comes to mind as a guy that should be granted status, in his last two OHL seasons has put up nearly 2 points per game. Sure he can work on other things, just seems like he could be pushed a little more. Oh well,
- WhiteLie

typically players in his situation have played 4 years of junior and are therefore allowed to go to the AHL, even at 19.