NHL vs NAHL

How would you compare/contrast NHL and NAHL?

The NHL is a higher level than the NAHL, but we're comparing a professional and junior league here so it's not apples to apples. A few dozen NAHL alumni have made it up the the NHL over the decades.

We regularlyscout these leagues every season across multiple partners on our team in North America.

NHL

The NHL (National Hockey League) is the top ice hockey league in the world with 32 teams spanning North America.

NAHL

The NAHL is the top and only Tier II junior hockey league in the United States with several dozen teams spread out across the country.

Location: North America

Location: United States

Skill Level in NHL

The NHL (National Hockey League) is considered the top ice hockey league in the world. The league is currently made up of 32 teams spanning North America in both the United States and Canada.

Skill Level in NAHL

Founded in 1975, the NAHL today is considered to be the second strongest junior league in the United States (trailing only the USHL). The league has a reputation for producing numerous NCAA commitments each season. Alongside the few thousand players who've committed to NCAA over the decades, hundreds of alumni have made the jump to the professional ranks. A few dozen have made it to the NHL.

Player Perspective: NHL

"Playing in the NHL is just incredible. The level of play, depth of every single roster, and the pace of the game today here is unparalleled. There's a reason it is the best league in the world."

Player Perspective: NAHL

"The NAHL gave me the opportuniy for collegiate programs to see my potential. I was a late bloomer in junior and the NAHL gave me that extra time to improve my game before moving up the the college level."

Number of Teams in NHL: 32

Number of Teams in NAHL: 35

Caliber of Players and Imports in NHL

The caliber of play you need to play in the NHL is second to none. Each roster is filled with world class players ranging from young players to best in class veterans who've solidified themselves in the world's top league. The best players around the world from North America to Europe all vie to make it to the NHL.

Caliber of Players and Imports in NAHL

The NAHL is a strong junior league and is one of the best junior leagues in terms of NCAA commitments coming out of the league. For US players, you need to be a top level junior player to make and keep on a roster here. For imports coming from another country, teams will be looking for players with strong experience coming into junior.