Talk of raising draft age to 19 'very preliminary'

Eighteen-year-old hockey phenoms may have to worry.

The NHL is always looking at ways to improve, according to Pat LaFontaine, a Hall of Famer who now works for the league, and one idea is to raise the draft age from 18 to 19.

"We're exploring many ideas in improving conditions for player development," LaFontaine told ESPN's Joe McDonald, "and raising the draft age is one of many things that we're looking at, and those discussions remain very preliminary."

The latest player to start his career as an 18-year-old was Edmonton Oilers phenom Connor McDavid, last year's first overall pick. He turned 19 on Jan. 13. And with 34 points in 30 games, it's clear he can play.

McDavid's teammate Taylor Hall doesn't think the draft age needs to be changed.

"No. I think it's fine where it's at," Hall said. "You're seeing kids come in and do great things in this game. When you're 18 you should be able to work and seek employment however you want, so I think it's fair."

Ryan Nugent-Hopkins also began his career in Edmonton at the age of 18.