“These kids may play more hockey in September, maybe late August; the European leagues start earlier. If they’re playing, we’re probably going to watch them,” Yzerman said. “It will have some influence on our decisions, good or bad.
“There’s work to be done.”
Interesting concept at play here that the European kids will be playing just before the draft while it’s likely the CHL and other North American kids won’t be. Of course, the top of the draft will create the other consideration that our own Karel Gut has been talking about, but Ted doesn’t - that if they’re already playing in Europe, that could really complicate them coming to the NHL.