[Funkhouser]

Ideal scenarios for NHL

Ownership of rights and NHL contracts:
-permit NCAA players to sign their entry level contracts (but defer payment to a trust), and play in prospect tournaments
-give teams 4 years control of all draftees, regardless of league. Upon expiry of control, players can re-enter the draft. If undrafted, they are UFAs.

Eligibility for the AHL
-NHL teams cannot send D+1 prospects to the AHL - players must return to a CHL/NCAA team of their choosing
-NHL teams have the option to send D+2 prospects to the AHL or return to a CHL/NCAA team of their choosing


This would essentially make the CHL the top league for players 15-19, and the NCAA the top league for players 18-22.
From a business model, it would be wise for the CHL, USHL, BCHL to consolidate and create a NA junior league.
It would also be wise for Canadian USports to join the NCAA.