Gary Bettman implements controversial change that ends thousands of careers

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Hunter Bowman
June 10, 2024 (11:55 PM)

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The NHL and NHLPA are considering a new rule that will impact the next CBA in 2025-26.

The new rule that the NHL and NHLPA are considering could affect the future of tons of prospects.

According to NHL Insider Elliotte Friedman, the rule could shorten the NHL draft from 7 rounds as it stands now, to a 4-round system:

Some player agents believe the NHL Draft should be shortened to just 4 rounds, and there's a possibility that the NHLPA could fight for shortening the draft in the next CBA, per @FriedgeHNIC (32TP). The reasoning is players that don't get contracts are mostly later-round picks, and people (mostly agents) wonder why players get tied to a team for 2-4 years, only to not get a contract from that team. «They almost think it's like holding up a player from really beginning their NHL career. We'll see what happens there.» The current CBA expires at the end of the 2025-26 season.

This rule would also go on to affect scouts later on, as they would be deprived of future work as a result.

This could also become a game-changer as late-round prospects don't get the recognition and respect they deserve, where in a 7-round system they still get access to development camp resources. As with the new rule proposed by the NHL, this would take away that resource to the young athletes.