The CHL is the top junior hockey league in Canada. Every year, dozens of players are drafted out of the league into NHL organizations. However, this could be changing as the league is now facing a serious legal battle.
Canadian Hockey League Served Class Action Lawsuit From United States
A major announcement shocked parts of the hockey world today as a class action lawsuit was filed in the state of New York. One clarification that is necessary here is that the CHL serves both Canada and the United States, as eight teams play south of the border.
The #NHL and CHL are in more hot water after an antitrust class action lawsuit was filed today in a New York federal court alleging collusion and exploitation of young hockey players.
The lawsuit claims that the league takes advantage of players by limited where they are allowed to play and preventing them from earning a salary.
To provide clarity, the USHL or any American juniors leagues are NOT apart of the antitrust lawsuit filed against the NHL
The suit specifically targets the NHL/CHL and the lack of compensation + separation from family, all in the pursuit of NHL/CHL profit
Top NHL Prospects To Be Affected By CHL Lawsuit
As previously noted, the CHL generates dozens of NHL prospects every year. The league has turned out some of the greatest hockey players of all time including Connor McDavid and Nathan MacKinnon. Currently, there are several highly rated prospects still playing in the league. Among them are Leafs prospects Easton Cowan And Fraser Minten.
Of course, the league is full of top prospects from other teams as well such as Quentin Musty, drafted by the Sharks 26th overall last year.
All of these players are likely in their last year in the league so they may not be affected by this lawsuit. However, it could have ramifications on future generations as players could chose to leave Canada for NCAA hockey or the USHL. Be sure to stay tuned for updates on this evolving story.