Report: Huberdeau Could Become AHL Eligible

A report from TVA Sports yesterday could have a big impact on the 2012-13 Saint John Sea Dogs.

TVA Sports reported that certain exceptions could be made to the traditional CHL-NHL agreement that would allow 19-year olds to play in the American Hockey League this season.

Here’s what Patrick Caisse wrote, as translated by Cam Charron of Buzzing The Net:

If National Hockey League players are locked out on September 16, a few 19-year old players could make the jump to the American League. 

The rule normally states that a CHL player cannot play in the AHL until he is 20 years old. 

TVA Sports has learned that certain influential members of the hockey world are working right now for an exemption for first round selections from the 2011 NHL Draft, players who would be prepared to spend their 19-year old season in the NHL. 

Among the players affected by the possible exemption are notably forwards Jonathan Huberdeau, Ryan Strome and Mark Scheifele, among defenders Dougie Hamilton and Ryan Murphy. 

"I still don't know what's going to happen with all that," said Huberdeau, when questioned on the subject. "I know there's a possibility I could play with the Panthers' farm team, but there's nothing on that right now." 

In the eventuality where players could quit junior hockey for the AHL, affected clubs will be compensated. [TVA Sports]

It wouldn’t be shocking if this report proved to be true. We’ll see what happens.

The Florida Panthers farm team is the San Antonio Rampage. Their season begins on October 13 against the Texas Stars.

Photo Credit: Marc Henwood/Station Nation