NHL Draft Policy the Best
Rules Allow Hockey Draft Picks to Stay in School
Remember that crazy week in July when NHL commissioner Gary Bettman had the most desirable job among the leaders of America’s four major sports leagues?
David Stern’s heart was breaking from an FBI investigation into referee Tim Donaghy’s betting on NBA games. Roger Goodell, fresh off suspending Tennessee cornerback Pacman Jones for the entire NFL season, got an even bigger headache when Atlanta QB Michael Vick was indicted on federal dogfighting charges. And Bud Selig was on the verge of seeing steroid suspect Barry Bonds break baseball’s all-time home run record.
Of course, Bettman presides over a league whose popularity has melted since a lockout cancelled the 2004-05 season, so for him to be the envy of his commissioner colleagues seemed ridiculous. But in at least one department, the NHL’s enviable status is not a one-week anomaly: the draft.
Scandals aside, the most significant dilemma in professional sports is when to allow young players to make the jump to the big leagues. The NFL has a “three years after high school” policy, while the NBA bumped up its minimum age to 19 in 2005. Major League Baseball clubs practically sign prospects in utero and cultivate their talent in the farm system.
The NHL also drafts teenagers and does have a minor league system, but the difference is players have the option to defer their professionalism and go to college, knowing there is a job waiting for them.
Fifty-four underclassmen have already declared entry in the 2008 NFL Draft. Each has his own reason for going pro, but for many, the decision is based on the need to cash in now for fear of losing stock next season. In their minds, staying one more year to earn a degree is not worth the risk.
Contrast their attitude with that of Wisconsin freshman Kyle Turris, whom the Phoenix Coyotes selected third overall in 2007. Turris recently returned to the Badgers after helping Canada win a gold medal at the world junior championship.
“I’m just going to take it one step at a time and learn as much as I can from coach [Mike] Eaves,” he told ESPN.com. “I couldn’t be happier. I’ve learned so much, and I’m having a great time with these guys. We have great facilities, a great school, and I’m really enjoying it.”
Turris could have taken the route of other teen phenoms like the Penguins’ Sidney Crosby and likely would have, if not for the NHL’s flexibility. Even if he does decide to leave early, it won’t be because of now or never anxiety. Turris can get an education and enjoy college life, and the Coyotes will welcome him when he is ready.
If the three other major sports leagues’ “stay in school” mantras are sincere, they should strive to be more like the NHL – not only in the midst of scandal – but on draft day.
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