Brady Martin and Henry Brzustewicz are among the major junior players who could find new homes in the American Hockey League next season. (Photo: Mike Hensen/London Free Press)

Enjoy watching players like Brady Martin and Henry Brzustewicz in these OHL playoffs. 

With reports of a proposed clause allowing NHL teams to assign one 19-year-old CHL draft pick to their American league affiliates, junior hockey may be on the verge of yet another evolution.

“If you thought the NCAA loosening its rules on major junior players was a big deal, this change would go one step further to altering the landscape of the game at the development level,” our Ryan Pyette writes.

But it's hardly a backbreaker for major junior.

Even for the most exceptional 19-year-olds, the grind of the OHL playoffs remains a valuable development tool for those still figuring out how to bring their best in the biggest games.

Think Easton Cowan last season, leading the powerhouse London Knights to the league title and Memorial Cup.

You can find the full story in the London Free Press right here.

Owen Sound suffered an "embarrassing" end to their season, Greg Cowan writes. (Photo: Todd Boone/Flint Firebirds)

What now for the Owen Sound Attack?

That’s the question our Greg Cowan asks after an unprecedented first-round beatdown at the hands of the Flint Firebirds came to a close Wednesday night.

Over four games, the Bears were outscored 35-3. They’ve now been swept in four straight playoff series, and they haven’t advanced to the second round since 2018.

Owen Sound’s 17-year-old captain used heavy words to describe what overager Noah Roberts called “a disaster.”

“We need a lot more respect and accountability in our room,” Pierce Myubi said. 

Find Cowan’s full breakdown in the Owen Sound Sun Times right here.

Chase Reid got a little camera shy during Game 2 of the Greyhounds' first-round series against the London Knights. (Photo: Screengrab from Rogers TV)

Playoff emotions are running high, and the league had some heavy lifting to do the past week.

Soo defenceman Chase Reid avoided suspension for covering the penalty-box camera last weekend, but it still cost the Greyhounds, who are up 3-1 on the Knights heading to London on Friday, $2,500 in a league fine.

Ryan Pyette has more right here.

Meanwhile, Brantford can sweep Sudbury tonight in the Nickel City — but without defenceman Ben Danford, who sits the finale of a two-game ban for a hit from behind on Rowan Henderson in Game 2.

Our Brian Smiley has the details right here.

In North Bay, Battalion goalie Mike McIvor is also serving a two-game suspension after a wild Game 3 finish against Peterborough.

After stopping 41 of 42 shots, McIvor struck forward Francis Parish in the face with his blocker in overtime, earning a major and game misconduct. 

The Petes capitalized on the ensuing power play against a cold Jack Lisson to take the series lead, but are now even 2-2 heading into tonight’s Game 5.

Our Greg Estabrooks has you covered here.

Seattle Kraken prospect Nathan Villeneuve can stuff the scoresheet and drop the gloves when needed. His Windsor Spitfires look to sweep the Storm tonight in Guelph. (Photo: Dan Janisse/Windsor Star)