Apparently the CHL and the NHL are in low key discussions as to how to modify the transfer agreement. The CHL is looking at a European style model where players are loaned out to the AHL for a set number of games. The idea is to have all junior aged players back by a specific date.
The NHL is also seriously considering changing the draft. Some have said they may reduce it to a 4-round draft, others say the most likely scenario is a hybrid type draft featuring 18 and 20 year old players. So, the first two rounds would exclusively be for 18-year-olds while the rest (4, 6??) of the rounds would be 20-year-old players.
The prospect landscape is in the midst of profound changes.