In light of the lack of parity and balance in the VHLM for a number of seasons now, the Board of Governors, the VHL and the VHLM commissioners have been working on some changes to the VHLM rulebook during Season 39. These have finally been finalised and are listed below. Some will be implemented immediately after S39 while others, to give VHLM GMs a chance to adapt, will come into place after S40. Changes for Season 40
- 50 TPE CPU goalies to each team (like DAV G, NYA G, HEL G, etc in the VHL) Free Agency
- 1 inactive FA per team, 1-year contract max, can not be traded
- 1 active FA per team, can not be traded in first season of contract Draft
- Draft lottery for non-playoff teams (same system as VHL (consult rulebook for details))
- Drafted players' rights reduced to 3 seasons
Waivers
- Two separate waiver orders based off of player TPE (<24 TPE, >24 TPE)
- >24 TPE waiver priority must be offered in order to sign any type of free agent. Change for Season 41
- Max of 3 1st round picks and 6 picks overall in first 2 rounds of the draft
NOTE: All existing FA contracts and VHLM draftees will be 'grandfathered' in and will not be subject to the rule changes. However, teams will still only be allowed ONE free agent signing, under new or old rules.