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Jost signed an entry-level contract with Colorado on March 29, which makes him ineligible to return to North Dakota next season. That seemingly opens the door to Regina if he’s unable to win a spot with the Avalanche.

Then again, maybe not.

Although there are differing opinions on the subject, Colorado is operating under the assumption that Jost would be eligible to join its AHL affiliate, the San Antonio Rampage.

If Jost had been playing for a WHL club when he was drafted, it would be cut and dried: The agreement between the NHL and the Canadian Hockey League prohibits teams from sending major-junior players to the minors until their 20-year-old season.

However, a spokesman for the Avalanche told the Regina Leader-Post earlier this year that Jost is indeed eligible to be assigned to the AHL because he was drafted out of the B.C. junior A ranks.

Paddock has been led to believe that’s the case.

“It’s really tricky because, for some ridiculous reason, there’s a lot of grey around that,” he said. “I tend to believe that he can (go to the AHL). There are people who should know and nobody really seems to know (for certain). I’m thinking that’s an option for the Avalanche but I don’t know for sure.”

It becomes a moot point if Jost does as expected and earns a spot with Colorado. That’s the most likely scenario, especially since GM Joe Sakic has committed to rebuilding his roster around young talent like Jost, who’s among the team’s top prospects.