ECHL vs NHL

The NHL is considered to be the best league in the world. The ECHL sits two levels below this directly under the AHL. Although both leagues are high quality in their own right, the NHL is a much stronger league (as you would expect). That being said, you won't play in the ECHL today either unless you're a great player with a solid resume to back it up (NCAA, USPorts, major junior, top tier in Europe). In recent years, a good number of players have impressively worked their way up from the ECHL to the AHL on to the NHL.

Skill level of ECHL players is quite high, with the league only getting more skilled each year as more NHL/AHL clubs fill rosters here with up and coming prospects. A healthy percentage of ECHL rosters are filled with promising young players who have hopes to step up to the A and National league. You also have a number of seasoned veterans who possess many games in the ECHL, AHL, and a few who've had some cups of coffee in The Show (NHL). If you're undrafted and not a top major junior, NCAA, USports, or elite European player coming in, you'll have a tough time cracking a lineup here.

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.