The world of professional ice hockey is vast and varied, with different leagues serving distinct purposes. Among these, the American Hockey League (AHL) and the National Hockey League (NHL) stand out as prominent entities, each with its own characteristics and objectives. The AHL serves as a crucial stepping stone for players aiming to reach the NHL. Here, we’ll break down the similarities and differences in the NHL and AHL overtime rules, including player formats, time durations, and shootout procedures.
Overview of the AHL
The AHL traces its origins directly to two predecessor professional leagues: the Canadian-American Hockey League (the "Can-Am" League), founded in 1926, and the first International Hockey League, established in 1929. After two seasons of interlocking play, the governors of the two leagues' seven active teams met in New York City on June 28, 1938, and agreed that it was time to formally consolidate. After the 1939-40 season the I-AHL renamed itself the American Hockey League.
As of the 2025-26 AHL season, all 32 NHL teams held affiliations with an AHL team. Historically, when an NHL team does not have an AHL affiliate, its players are assigned to AHL teams affiliated with other NHL franchises. The annual playoff champion is awarded the Calder Cup, named for Frank Calder, the first president (1917-1943) of the NHL.
The league limits the number of experienced professional players in a team's lineup during any given game; a team may dress a maximum of six skaters who are both 25 years old (or older) by July 1 of the current season and have accumulated more than 260 regular season games played across the National Hockey League, American Hockey League, Kontinental Hockey League, or the six founding leagues of the Champions Hockey League.
AHL as a Development League
AHL player development is a critical component for nurturing the next generation of hockey stars. The American Hockey League (AHL) serves as a crucial stepping stone for players aiming to make it to the National Hockey League (NHL). The AHL player development system is designed to transform promising talent into future NHL stars. The AHL is often referred to as the “NHL’s farm system.” It’s where young players get their first taste of professional hockey.
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AHL teams are affiliated with NHL teams. This relationship ensures a consistent pipeline of talent moving up to the NHL. Players in the AHL are often on the cusp of making it to the NHL, and many have already been drafted by NHL teams. The AHL emphasizes the development of key skills such as power, speed, strength, and hockey IQ. Players are given ample ice time to hone these skills in real-game situations. The league’s structure, which limits the number of seasoned veterans on the ice, ensures that young players get plenty of playing time.
In hockey, developing talent is crucial. AHL player development focuses on enhancing essential skills needed for success in the NHL. Power and strength are vital for any hockey player. In the AHL, players work hard to build muscle and improve their physical capabilities. This involves rigorous training and conditioning to ensure they can compete at higher levels. Speed is another critical component. AHL players constantly work on their skating to become faster and more agile. Speed allows players to outmaneuver opponents and create scoring opportunities.
Understanding the game is as important as physical skills. Hockey IQ refers to a player’s ability to read the game, anticipate plays, and make smart decisions. AHL coaches focus on developing players’ strategic thinking and awareness on the ice. Finally, leadership skills are nurtured in the AHL. Young players are encouraged to take on leadership roles, both on and off the ice. This includes leading by example, motivating teammates, and maintaining a positive attitude.
By focusing on these areas, the AHL prepares players not just to join the NHL, but to excel when they get there. While the AHL is a stepping stone to the NHL, it comes with its own set of challenges. One of the main challenges in the AHL is the salary. Unlike the lucrative contracts in the NHL, AHL players often earn modest wages. The average salary can range from $40,000 to $90,000 per year, which might not be enough to cover all living expenses, especially in high-cost areas. Development limitations are another hurdle. While the AHL is designed for growth, not every player thrives in this environment. The league’s focus on development means that players must constantly adapt to new coaching styles and team dynamics.
Balancing personal life with a demanding career is also a challenge. The rigorous schedule, frequent travel, and need for peak physical condition can take a toll on players. Despite these challenges, the AHL remains a critical part of a player’s journey to the NHL. It tests not only their skills on the ice but also their resilience and determination off it.
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Some, usually the high-round draft picks, take the express route through the American Hockey League. Other players need several seasons in the AHL before they can become viable NHL options. Perhaps they need to be re-cast from a top scorer at the college and junior level into a defensively oriented player who can take on a much different role in the NHL. Or they have holes in their game that need significant work. The AHL can be the necessary bridge for those players, too. And then there are the veterans who have put in years and years at the AHL level as a reliable producer and leader.
With the NHL regular season opening this week, 596 AHL graduates will begin their seasons on NHL rosters. One of the AHL’s most respected veterans, Agozzino has been plugging away in the league since 2012. He has hit 20 or more goals in eight of his 13 AHL seasons, including last year with Tucson. Not every rookie comes into the AHL with a lot of fanfare. Greaves was one of those players. Undrafted out of the Ontario Hockey League, Greaves has taken a long, steady climb up the Columbus development ladder. His 2021-22 rookie season had him split between the ECHL and the Cleveland Monsters playing on an AHL contract.
Midway through that season he signed an NHL deal with the Blue Jackets, but it was his second season in which he established himself as an AHL number-one netminder, playing 43 games for the Monsters. Along the way came 21 appearances for the Blue Jackets while on NHL recall. Four seasons. ECHL time. Plenty of AHL experience. Now the St. Louis Blues hope the 22-year-old defenseman, acquired from the Montreal Canadiens last summer, can do the same for them. He played a critical role in helping the Rocket to post the AHL’s top regular-season record and reach the Eastern Conference Finals last spring.
Along the way, he was a member of the AHL All-Rookie Team in 2023-24 and then joined the AHL Top Prospects Team last season. The ninth pick of the 2022 NHL Draft got a game with the Buffalo Sabres in 2023-24. After the Sabres sent him to Edmonton in July 2024, he played four games with the Oilers last season. Earning the start - and posting a shutout - for Pittsburgh on opening night at Madison Square Garden, the Jack A. Butterfield Trophy winner as the most valuable player of last season’s Calder Cup Playoffs has himself a new NHL opportunity following an eventful offseason as well. Pittsburgh acquired him from Vancouver in a trade three weeks after he lifted the Calder Cup.
Overtime Rules: AHL vs. NHL
Hockey fans know that overtime is one of the most thrilling moments of any game. The intensity builds, every play matters, and the smallest mistake or stroke of brilliance can decide the outcome. Both the National Hockey League (NHL) and the American Hockey League (AHL) have structured their overtime rules to amplify this drama while ensuring fairness and player safety.
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The NHL adopted its current regular-season overtime rules in the 2015-2016 season with the goal of creating a faster, more exciting style of play.
- 5-Minute Duration: If the game is tied at the end of regulation, teams play a single, 5-minute overtime period.
- Shootout: If no goals are scored during the overtime period, the game moves to a shootout. Each team selects three players to compete in a one-on-one showdown with the opposing goalie, and the team with the most goals after three rounds wins.
During the Stanley Cup Playoffs, the format changes to avoid shootouts altogether.
The AHL takes it a step further with a 7-minute overtime period, as opposed to the NHL’s 5 minutes. If the overtime period ends without a goal, the game proceeds to a shootout with the same format as the NHL. Both leagues’ move to 3-on-3 overtime has been a major success, creating thrilling end-to-end gameplay packed with breakaways, odd-man rushes, and incredible saves. The lack of skaters on the ice offers skilled players more room to showcase their creativity and forces teams to focus on puck possession.
The sudden-death nature of overtime in both leagues ensures heightened stakes on every shift. Players are fully committed to scoring while still being cautious of turnovers that could spell disaster. The AHL’s decision to extend overtime to 7 minutes gives players more time to avoid a shootout. This format encourages teams to patiently execute scoring opportunities rather than rushing for a quick goal.
One notable example of this feature in action was during a 2019 matchup between the Hershey Bears and Bridgeport Sound Tigers. With just seconds left in the 7-minute overtime, Hershey sealed the win with a perfectly executed odd-man rush. The 7-minute format in the AHL can take a toll on player stamina, especially during back-to-back games or long road trips. AHL coaches must carefully manage ice time to keep players fresh for the next game.
While regular-season overtime rules in the AHL and NHL are similar, their playoff formats differ significantly. The NHL’s playoffs shift to 5-on-5 sudden-death hockey in 20-minute increments, emulating a full period until someone scores. The shootout remains a polarizing topic in both the NHL and AHL. Some fans love the dramatic, one-on-one showdowns, while others argue that it’s an artificial way to decide a game that should be settled in team play. However, shootouts still have their moments of magic.
The differences in overtime rules between the NHL and AHL may seem minor, but they significantly impact the overall fan experience. The AHL’s longer overtime allows fans to enjoy more action-packed 3-on-3 hockey, giving skilled players a platform to shine. On the other hand, the NHL’s shorter overtime and reliance on the shootout keep the pace quick and the broadcast schedules on track.
Both the NHL and AHL overtime rules have been designed with a fine balance of excitement, fairness, and entertainment in mind. The move to 3-on-3 hockey has been a game-changer, offering breathtaking moments that leave fans buzzing long after the final horn.
Key Differences Between the AHL and NHL
While both leagues contribute to the sport of ice hockey, they operate with distinct goals and structures. A comparison of key aspects highlights the unique roles they play in the development and presentation of the sport.
| Aspect | AHL | NHL |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Development of players for the NHL | Highest level of professional hockey |
| Players | Young prospects, veterans, and players on NHL contracts | Elite, established professionals |
| Salary | Lower, typically between $40,000 and $90,000 per season | Significantly higher, with a league minimum in the millions |
| Overtime | 7-minute 3-on-3, followed by a shootout | 5-minute 3-on-3, followed by a shootout (regular season); 20-minute sudden-death 5-on-5 (playoffs) |
These differences underscore the AHL's role as a crucial developmental platform for the NHL, focusing on nurturing talent and preparing players for the highest level of competition. The NHL, on the other hand, showcases the pinnacle of professional hockey, featuring established stars and a highly competitive environment.
