​A new rule that takes effect next season could alter the development path for top NHL prospects, including Nashville Predators center Brady Martin.Starting in 2026-27, American Hockey League (AHL) teams can roster one 19-year-old player as an exception to the 20-year-old minimum to play in the league. This exception is a part of an updated NHL-Canadian Hockey League (CHL) agreement, which accounts for the ever-evolving landscape of development options in hockey. With more players eyeing college as an option, this provides another for those ready to turn pro.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementThis means players like Martin, who doesn’t turn 20 until March, won’t be forced to return for a third junior hockey season next year. Instead, he can play for the Milwaukee Admirals, and he is free to move between the AHL and NHL all season.Martin, the Predators’ top pick (No. 5 overall) in 2025, made the roster out of training camp last season, debuted on opening night and played three games before going back to Sault Ste. Marie (OHL). He had a challenging year with the Greyhounds, which included a major shoulder injury at the world junior championships, but he seems ready to prove he’s ready for the NHL.1 / 18Developmental Camp prospect forward Gavin Lindberg takes part in a Nashville Predators’ Future Stars hockey game at Ford Ice Center Bellevue, Friday, July 3, 2026, in Nashville, Tenn.(John Amis, John Amis/For The Tennessean)”Just go out there, show what I have, compete, leave the ice and leave nothing left every time I’m out there,” Martin said at development camp on July 1. “Show everyone here what I’ve got.”The Predators have long used Milwaukee as a training ground for forward development. Filip Forsberg, Viktor Arvidsson, Kevin Fiala — name a big-time Predators forward prospect, they probably spent time with the Admirals.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementMostly, it has been successful. Some players found themselves stuck in a development spiral — Eeli Tolvanen and Philip Tomasino yo-yoed between the two cities, to their detriment. But then there’s Luke Evangelista and Colton Sissons, who used Milwaukee as a launching pad to Nashville.As a top-five pick, Martin has higher expectations, but should be treated the same.The AHL is a physically demanding league, even if with lower stakes. The schedule is similar to what players experience in the CHL — a typical week includes training and off-days during the week, then three games back-to-back-to-back over the weekend. In games, they’ll face older, bigger, more refined opponents.This schedule would allow Martin, who admitted last year he needs to add strength, equal time in the weight room and on the ice.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementLast spring, with his 2025-26 OHL season concluded, Martin played in three playoff games for the Admirals. He also scored his first professional goal, finishing off a nice drive up the middle in his first game for Milwaukee.Maybe that’s all he need