NHL Spring League?

They're calling it the "Mike Barnett Spring League."

If it passes though, expect it to have a much more attractive name (with no disrespect to Barnett of course).

Today, the NHL's GM's will convene for an annual meeting where they will discuss a lot of hot button topics.

These topics range from the kicking motion rule, putting the puck over the glass rule, and of course the instigator rule.

However, there is one topic to be brought up today that has everyone's full attention, and it comes from Phoenix Coyotes GM Mike Barnett.

The topic is an idea for a NHL Spring League.

Now, until he makes the presentation later this afternoon, there aren't a whole lot of details out there surrounding this spring league; however, a few have surfaced.

Barnett will make the case for a four week spring league (which will likely be more like a summer league, held sometime in July).

The NHL's 30 organizations would all enter teams made up of draft picks from the most recent draft, prospects from the AHL and the CHL/Europe, as well as young players who have only played in the NHL for X amount of years or games.

There are two rumored set ups for the spring league right now and rumor has it Barnett may present both to see which one sticks.

Situation one has teams aligned in their regular East and West format. At the end of the four week season, the top team in the East will battle tops in the West to crown the spring league champions.

Situation two has all thirty teams in the same grouping, not divided by conference. Then at the end of the four weeks, in Premier League soccer style, the team at the top of the standings would be declared the winner. No championship game.

While it isn't a big deal, because it's not worth all that much, I think having a championship game between the top two teams makes most sense.

With anything presented at these meetings there is of course pros and cons.

On the plus side, teams and fans will get the chance to see their draft picks and prospects in action. Teams, of course, would be able to see how their players handle game-like situations, and can also watch for chemistry development between prospects that could come in handy sometime down the road.

Of course there are drawbacks too. 

The main issues will be the cost of the league, and NHLPA participation. Locations could also be a problem.

Also, I am sure someone will bring up risk of injuries. Neither the NHL organization, nor the participating players' junior team wants to see their talent injured in a spring league and have to miss any time in the regular season.

Just imagine for a minute, if they had the spring league this year.

How detrimental would it be to the Tampa Bay Lightning if Steven Stamkos suffered a season ending injury?

Of course, in my opinion, the good outweigh the bad. 

They won't be battling for any coveted trophy or anything like that, but there will be plenty on the line—roster spots, lasting impressions, and pride.

If the NHL approves this and does this right then they could have a lot of fun with this, and have a great on ice product as well.