NHL clarifies conditions for Youngstars at 2016 World Cup of Hockey

Johnny Gaudreau: young star, right? Well, not quite. 

The NHL confirmed Saturday that Team North America Youngstars, fusing talent from the United States and Canada, will compete at the 2016 World Cup of Hockey. And boy, there's an emphasis on young.

Only players 23 years old or younger by Sept. 1, 2016 are reportedly eligible, according to ESPN's Pierre LeBrun - eliminating the likes of Gaudreau, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, Jonathan Huberdeau and Dougie Hamilton.

In addition, those qualified must play for the Youngstars team, not their country.

Colorado Avalanche star Nathan MacKinnon leads a list of 25 players who have served in the league this season and maintain eligibility - none of which are goaltenders.