Cale Makar finds it challenging to navigate the current landscape of college hockey, which has undergone significant changes in the five years since he left UMass for the NHL with the Colorado team. Notable shifts include the introduction of name, image, and likeness (NIL) endorsements and the NCAA lifting its ban on Canadian Hockey League (CHL) players, leading to a surge in players committing to Division I programs during the off-season.
The recent trend in player commitments was highlighted by Gavin McKenna, a highly touted prospect projected as the potential top pick in the 2026 NHL draft, choosing Penn State. Makar expressed relief at being removed from the chaotic situation, describing it as a “gong show.”
For Canadian players like Makar, moving south for college hockey is not uncommon. After leaving his hometown of Calgary to play for the University of Massachusetts, Makar went on to win the MVP award in college hockey in 2019.
The evolving rules have brought about a transformative shift in the dynamics between the CHL and NCAA, with the full implications yet to be fully understood. The option for players to delay their decision on joining the CHL or maintaining college eligibility until after high school has altered the traditional recruitment process.
The influx of talent from the CHL is expected to raise the standard of college hockey significantly, creating a more competitive environment. Coaches anticipate CHL players to enhance team depth and potentially displace players who were previously considered lower in the lineup hierarchy.
Numerous CHL players have committed to U.S. colleges for the upcoming season, offering the CHL leagues an expanded pool of talent to enhance their rosters. The debate over whether the NCAA will surpass the CHL as the primary feeder for NHL talent has intensified, with some believing that college hockey now holds the advantage.
The changing landscape has already influenced the NHL draft landscape, with an increasing number of top picks emerging from college hockey in recent years. The debate continues on the viability of college hockey for younger players compared to the CHL route, with differing opinions on which path may be more beneficial.
The ability for prospects to experience both CHL and college hockey before making a final decision on their development pathway is seen as advantageous. NHL teams also benefit from extended scouting opportunities, allowing for more informed decisions on player signings.
Players like Cole Brown and Marcus Kearsey exemplify the flexibility and benefits of transitioning from junior leagues to college hockey, showcasing how the evolving landscape offers players the best of both worlds in their development journey.