Quote:
Originally Posted by sureLoss
Not sure if I like the idea of independent teams.
IMO the NHL affiliated teams would ice superior teams, and the independent teams will be struggling to find talent to fill out a 23 man roster without NHL support.
Ideally you would want as much parity as possible in a development league, otherwise there isn't much development.
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I disagree completely, I think it will be easier for them to draw veteran AHL level players because they will have to share less ice-time with prospects. They would also be the go to teams for NHL teams to loan players too that aren't getting enough ice time in the AHL (or IHL if it were brought back) but franchises do not want in the ECHL.
And if history says anything independent clubs will possibly be the class of the league as the independent teams in the IHL were quite successful. In fact 5 of the final 6 Turner Cup championship teams were independent clubs.