[CrazedZooChimp]

Hockey, I believe, is similar to baseball.

Yep, kids are drafted all the time who are just starting college, and can keep playing college hockey up until they actually sign the contract no matter what else as far as I know.  I think the team that drafted them keeps their "rights" until they are out of college.

Not sure why the difference.  My only guess is it has something to do with the fact that it seems guys make the big leagues in the NHL and MLB at older ages (in the NHL at least it's pretty rare to see kids under 22 on a roster with any significant role, and lots of prospects will spend several years in the AHL before getting called up)

[CrazedZooChimp]

Hockey, I believe, is similar to baseball.

Yep, kids are drafted all the time who are just starting college, and can keep playing college hockey up until they actually sign the contract no matter what else as far as I know.  I think the team that drafted them keeps their "rights" until they are out of college.

Not sure why the difference.  My only guess is it has something to do with the fact that it seems guys make the big leagues in the NHL and MLB at older ages (in the NHL at least it's pretty rare to see kids under 22 on a roster with any significant role, and lots of prospects will spend several years in the AHL before getting called up)