Quick Hits: On the NHL-CHL Agreement and Axel Holmstrom’s Injury

The Big Story

Craig’s List: NHL-CHL agreement isn’t changing and that’s too bad - By Craig Morgan: FanRag Sports

A great look into the effect the NHL-CHL agreement has on some players, specifically Arizona’s Dylan Strome. Strome, who has 1 point in just 6 games played this season for the ‘Yotes, doesn’t want to return to the OHL for a fourth season and is unable to be sent to the AHL. So rather than gaining valuable pro hockey experience in the minors, he’s stuck in a no man’s land of sorts and has been a healthy scratch more often than not.

I, for one, would be totally in favor of revamping the agreement. Especially now given how popular the college route is for junior-aged players. It’s a shame to see a talented player like Strome caught between a rock and a hard place.

In Red Wings Land

Red Wings prospect Axel Holmstrom reinjures same knee that sidelined him for nine months - By Brendan Savage: MLive

As if getting blown out to the Montreal Canadiens wasn’t painful enough, there’s more bad news for the Red Wings organization today. After tearing his ACL to end last year, prospect Axel Holmstrom has re-injured the same knee in just his second game this season.

From the article:

Red Wings general manager Ken Holland said in a text Sunday that the severity of Holmstrom's injury isn't known but that he's scheduled to undergo an MRI and walked out of the dressing room under his own power, "which is good."

Assistant GM Ryan Martin said the Red Wings "won't know for a couple of days" how badly Holmstrom hurt his knee.

Here’s to hoping Holmstrom isn’t out of commission for much longer and he can make the jump to North America sooner, rather than later.