Elliotte Friedman reveals potential new draft rules that could change the odds for young prospects

Right now, if you're an 18-year-old hockey prospect, you're eligible for the draft if you turn 18 by September 15th of that year. But what Friedman hinted at could change that: the NHL is considering a rule where only first-round picks could be 18-year-olds. Rounds two through seven? No 18-year-olds allowed.

This would be a huge shift. Imagine top prospects like Connor Bedard or Sidney Crosby only being eligible in the first round, while everyone else has to wait another year if they aren't taken early. The development paths for players could get more complicated, and this would put a lot of pressure on scouts and teams to make the right first-round choices.

For prospects, this means the race to be an elite 18-year-old just got even tighter, and the later bloomers will have to wait a year longer.

If elite players are only eligible for the first round, it would push younger players to spend more time in juniors, college, or even overseas to gain experience.

The change would have to be approved by the NHLPA but could make the draft process way more exciting, as teams would have to rethink their strategies entirely.

It could lead to a more thrilling draft and also give players more time to become NHL-ready.

Fans and teams alike are eagerly watching to see if this rule actually passes-and what it will mean for future drafts.