What happened: The new rule gives clubs another development option for eligible junior prospects. The previous agreement generally required CHL-drafted teenagers to remain in the NHL or return to junior hockey.
Why it matters: Clubs can now place select prospects in a professional league without rushing them onto an NHL roster. The change also gives players an alternative to another junior season.
By the numbers: The framework permits each NHL club to assign one 19-year-old CHL player to the AHL per season, creating as many as 32 leaguewide slots.
What to watch: Clubs must decide which eligible prospects warrant their single AHL exception during training camp.