from Sportsnet,

A major shift in the hockey world could be coming soon.

According to Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman, the NHL gave the general managers an update on the future of the NCAA and Canadian Hockey League relationship this week at the GM meetings.

"The NCAA is actively considering removing all restrictions for CHL players to play in the NCAA after their CHL careers are done," Friedman said on Hockey Night in Canada's Saturday Headlines segment.

Friedman reported that the change is not a sure thing, and that the exact timeline is unclear, but the NHL is preparing for it to be made. If it becomes official, there are a number of things that would have to be collectively bargained with the NHLPA.

"The deal could affect a lot of things, the NHL-CHL agreement," Friedman explained. "Also, for example, if you get drafted from the CHL, NHL teams hold your rights for two years. If you get drafted out of the USHL or NCAA, they hold your rights for four years. So all of that would have to be collectively bargained with the players."

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