I think you took my point too literally when I compared the WJC to the NHL. I'm not saying those exact players should be in the NHL right now, but those players 3-5 years down the line when they can compete physically with men, who "can't" play NHL because they don't have a well-rounded game. Drake Batherson might never make the NHL, but he was phenomenal and he showed his offensive ability on the tournament. I'd rather the puck squirted out to him in the slot in game 7 than Reaves.
I think the NHL is (slowly) shifting toward this style of play, it's why the Penguins won back to back cups, and why they don't win this year because they have a pilon taking up space on the forth line (can you tell I'm a Pens fan less than pleased we gave up a perfect 4th line center and Klim Kostin for a player that holds no value on any team, because cheap shots still happen with him on the team
). The biggest issue is coaching, I think. There are coaches for eveey situation on the bench, trying to keep players into their prototypical player box all game. Marek from Sportsnet has an excellent idea, to limit teams to one coach on the bench during games, which would inevitably lead to more mistakes (by players and coach) and more scoring/excitement.
And as for your men's league comment, I'll respectfully disagree there. While I'm not an amazing hockey player, I was the last 1 or 2 cuts on my CIS hockey team, which is better hockey than the CHL. Even so, lots of these guys have the ability to make me look like a beer leaguer. There are 5 guys on our team that also play AAA senior hockey (where many retired NHLers play). The one guy had a tryout a few years back with Minnesota when he was 19, and afterward was offered multiple KHL contracts. Watching him play is sublime, and there's no doubt in my mind if he had been given an opportunity at the NHL level he would have been a good player.