The following letter from Brian Burke was released today by the NHL:
 
"As you know, an issue exists between ourselves and the Players' Association
as to eligibility requirements and opt-in procedures for the 1995 entry
draft.
 
We and the Players' Association expect to resolve the issue shortly, although
it is unlikely to be fully resolved by May 15.  Accordingly, to ensure a
smooth draft, we and the Players' Association have agreed to extend the time
for eligible players to opt-in to the 1995 Entry Draft."
 
I assume that this letter has been prompted by the issue that was raised on
Hockey-L last month as to whether players born between September 1 and Decembe
r 31, 1976 (and therefore were not eligible for the 1994 draft), are 19 year
olds who are automatically eligible for the 1995 draft or are they 18 year
olds who must opt-in for the 1995 draft.
 
Jack Berenzweig