This is huge news.
The CHL is in big trouble and will need to adapt their business model rapidly to remain relevant. The path for the best underage players in N.A. will be:
Age 15-17: CHL
Age 18-21: NCAA
The potential outcomes I see:
-Decline of the USHL, BCHL & AJHL: As there is no no restriction to the NCAA from the CHL, players will opt for the top league (CHL) and avoid USHL/BCHL/AJHL which were previously feeders to the NCAA.
-Decline of CHL: the majority of star players in the CHL will now leave at 17/18 to the NCAA where they can play against men, gain a top rated education, and have more control over their career.
-Improved NCAA: the NCAA will now host the majority of future stars and will become a very lucrative operation.
-Increased number of top players choosing to become UFA and not signing with their drafted team. Ultimately, this decision gives more players more leverage to become a UFA after 4 years of NCAA. The NHL needs to adjust their policies quickly to discourage this type of action (e.g. draft re-entry, not UFA).
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