nascar99

I think it's just that most Canadians are very NHL/pro focused and many of the guys who went major junior don't have interest in the NCAA after the rule change. If O'Brien has to spend two more years in junior (if the CHL-NHL Agreement isn't amended & he can't play in the A), and then struggles with the transition to pro, it'd be clearer that he probably should have gone NCAA. But he's a really good player, and until then, we'll have to wait and see.

O'Brien just signed his ELC, cross him off the list

But they can leave at any time in the year they turn 22, withdraw from school, run out the clock to UFA. I'd have to read into it a bit more, but it'll be interesting to see what it looks like once the new CBA goes into place.

Guys like Pridham are typically solid 2-3 year NCAA producers that make your 2nd or 3rd line really good if your team is a contender like Boston University is

He's signing pro & staying in junior

Martin isn't interested in going NCAA, Nesbitt doesn't seem like he is either. Martone wants to sign and compete for a spot in camp, but if Briere and Jones think he's better off in the NCAA, he'd probably go to Penn State (which has been rumored).

Nebraska Omaha loading up on former Dub, current USports players. Makes sense with their coaching staff's background.

I guess he decided he didn't want to move. New York, Detroit, Columbus, Carolina, Edmonton, Los Angeles, Anaheim etc probably didn't give him the AAV & term he wanted

Zellers might be the most underrated incoming freshman for North Dakota in a long long time. Feels like only half of the online fanbase paid close attention to how lethal of a goal scorer he was in the USHL. Would not be surprised if he puts up 20-25 goals as a freshman. I think we're going to see a lot more attention be given to Zellers by Bruins fans & media when he's sniping for UND this season.

Not surprising. Nashville will get him signed to his ELC within the month

Michigan State is the favorite if their defense doesn't collapse and Augustine can be his normal self in net

With the indication that Pridham is signing to turn pro, wonder what the Terriers do with his roster spot. Pridham would have been a nice middle 6 forward, but this allows them to really big game hunt over the summer. Wonder which of the unsigned, uncommitted CHLers that were just drafted have been pursued by Boston University.

NIL, 2025 Frozen Four appearance, and I'd guess that Gadowsky is one helluva car salesmen with whatever pitch he's given some of their recent recruits

Olivers Murnieks (2008) of the Sioux City Musketeers had 35 points in 52 games in the USHL as a 16 year old and remains uncommitted. It is possible that he isn't commitment eligible until August 1 2025 since he's a July 2008 and might have only completed his sophomore year of HS in 2024-25. Definitely someone to keep an eye on.

McKenna down to Michigan State and Penn State

Anyone hear anything about North Dakota target Dayne Beuker (2008, NTDP)? Pretty nuts that he hasn't committed anywhere yet

A little update on Zellers and Simpson from our eastern friend Mark Divver.

He's a late 1st rounder for me, but will be an early 2nd rounder for others as of now

Yeah he's an August 2007 so he hasn't graduated HS. A full year of junior for Vanek will do him very well, might need 2 years in the Dub.

Really interested to see who is recruiting Blake Vanek. Obviously Ottawa reached on him in the 3rd round, purely based on his size, but he was decent in a limited USHL sample to end the season after being very good at Stillwater HS. Would make sense for him to go to Minnesota (if Motzko is recruiting him of course lol) but would completely understand if he wants to forge his own path and not have the pressure of having to live up to the expectations that would be put on him because of Thomas' career there. I'm going to guess Wisconsin will be in on him, Western Michigan too since Ferschweiler is recruiting Minnesotans very well as of late.

Look for Nesbitt to sign his ELC and come off the prospective recruiting board unless Briere & Jones really want him in the NCAA (at some point).

Not sure where to post it, but nice to see Jake Livanavage off to Detroit Red Wings Development Camp. Interested to see where he'll sign after this season.