The pipeline for NHL prospects could transform after WHL player commits to ASU, challenging NCAA eligibility rules

A seismic shift in the world of hockey

The landscape of hockey could be irrevocably altered after a recent commitment by a highly touted WHL player to Arizona State University (ASU). Traditionally, players from the Canadian Hockey League (CHL) have been ineligible to play in the NCAA due to the CHL's designation as a professional league. However, this commitment has the potential to challenge that long-standing rule and create a new pathway for young players to reach the NCAA.

The player in question is Matthew Savoie, a highly skilled centerman who is considered one of the top prospects for the 2023 NHL Entry Draft. Savoie is currently playing for the Winnipeg Ice of the WHL, where he has been a dominant force, leading the league in scoring this season. His commitment to ASU has sent shockwaves through the hockey world, as it could potentially open the door for other CHL players to pursue an NCAA education while still maintaining their NHL eligibility.

The NCAA's eligibility rules

The NCAA currently has strict eligibility rules in place for athletes who have played in professional leagues. These rules are designed to prevent athletes from gaining an unfair advantage over those who have not played professionally. In the case of hockey, the NCAA considers the CHL to be a professional league, due to the fact that its players are paid a salary and are eligible for the NHL Entry Draft. As a result, CHL players are ineligible to play in the NCAA unless they give up their professional status and forfeit their NHL eligibility.

The NCAA's eligibility rules have been a source of controversy for many years, with some arguing that they are unfair to CHL players who want to pursue an NCAA education. These critics argue that CHL players are not truly professional athletes, as they are not paid a living wage and are still subject to many of the same restrictions as amateur players. Additionally, they point out that many CHL players come from low-income families and rely on the NCAA to provide them with a free education.

The potential impact of Savoie's commitment

Savoie's commitment to ASU could have a major impact on the NCAA's eligibility rules. If Savoie is able to successfully challenge the NCAA's designation of the CHL as a professional league, it could open the door for other CHL players to pursue an NCAA education while still maintaining their NHL eligibility. This would be a major change to the current landscape of hockey, and it could have a significant impact on the development of young players.

It is important to note that Savoie's commitment to ASU does not guarantee that he will be eligible to play in the NCAA. The NCAA still has the final say on whether or not Savoie is eligible, and it is possible that they will uphold their current designation of the CHL as a professional league. However, Savoie's commitment is a significant step towards challenging the NCAA's eligibility rules, and it could have a major impact on the future of hockey.

Conclusion

The commitment of Matthew Savoie to ASU is a major development in the world of hockey. If Savoie is able to successfully challenge the NCAA's eligibility rules, it could open the door for other CHL players to pursue an NCAA education while still maintaining their NHL eligibility. This would be a major change to the current landscape of hockey, and it could have a significant impact on the development of young players.