A common practice for top European prospects is to play in men's leagues. We see it year after year all over in leagues such as the SHL, LIIGA, KHL, and NL which all have 17-year-olds or younger playing against players double their age. In the past two drafts, eight of the 20 top 10 picks played in a men's league. This has its benefits for development as it is more difficult competition but it also puts the players at risk of being injured.