Yahoo Sports CHL Players Eligible For NCAA As Of Next Year. What Does This Mean For The QMJHL?
The NCAA Division-I Council has voted to allow Canadian Hockey League players to be eligible for Division-I college hockey beginning next season.
— Brad Elliott Schlossman (@SchlossmanGF) November 7, 2024
Previously, players who signed with CHL teams or attended training camps for a period longer than 48 hours lost their NCAA eligibility, meaning that if they wanted to continue playing college hockey before going pro, they would have to play in Canada's U-Sports. This was because the NCAA deemed the various benefits rewarded to CHL players from their teams and from the league as breaking their amateur athlete status.
This rule changes has felt inevitable over the past couple of years for a couple of reasons.
Over the last few seasons, the NCAA has seen exceptions to the rule including former OHL centerman Austen Swankler who went on to play across three seasons in the NCAA after playing in 59 games with the Erie Otters in 2019-20 -- after being accidentally approved for NCAA eligibility.
The same oversight occurred a few years earlier with Brayden Gelsinger, who played 12 games with the Kamloops Blazers before playing four seasons in the BCHL and eventually landing in the NCAA with Lake Superior.
Although the NCAA hasn't just permitted oversights to occur either.
Many other players deemed ineligible according to the rulebook have been able to play, albeit with ensuing penalties, including Vancouver Canucks first round defenseman Tom Willander who had to sit out two games on arrival to Boston University because he dressed for two games in the Swedish Hockey League.
Additionally, the NCAA has recently seen the repealing of one of its strictest rules, the 'name image and likeness' deal which prevented NCAA athletes from profiting off of their status.
Previously, NCAA athletes were unable to host paid autograph sessions, appear in paid advertising roles, or profit off of merch sales without voiding their NCAA eligibility.
That all changed in 2021, allowing student athletes to profit off of their personal brand without losing amateur status.
How does this affect the players?
Right off the bat, this means that players within the QMJHL, and the other two CHL leagues, are eligible to commit to play for NCAA teams for next season or longer.
The league has already had its first couple of college-aspiring migrants including Acadie-Bathurst centerman Maddex Marmulak -- the first to sign in the QMJHL -- who will be slated to join Cornell University in 2027-28.
Photo: Bryannah James, Acadie-Bathurst Titan
Alongside him on the Titan is fellow recent acquisition, centerman Tyler Wood, who had jumped over from the NAHL. Wood was previously committed to UMass Amherst.
Although the most notable move this season has been Saint John securing former QMJHL first rounder, 2025 NHL Draft notable left winger Zachary Morin from the Youngstown Phantoms. Morin was previously committed to Boston University on a hockey and lacrosse scholarship.
It is unclear whether Morin and Wood's commitments will stand.
These three won't be the last either, as it's likely that we'll see a number of Quebec and Atlantic Canada based players make the move to the QMJHL in search of better competition and spotlight now that it won't risk their college eligibility.
The most interesting scenario that might arise from this move is that the league might finally be able to pull United States born talent now -- something that the 'Q' has tried and failed to do successfully for years.
The 2024 QMJHL Draft saw 48 of its draft picks decide to play elsewhere to retain NCAA eligibility including first rounders left winger Enzo Lottin (Victoriaville, #7), centerman Tynan Lawrence (Chicoutimi, #10) and defenseman Cameron Chartrand (Saint John, #19).
Recently, the league cut it's American Draft, as after six years and 214 drafted players, only one player ended up playing in the QMJHL -- 2019 second round defenseman Joe Fleming who played in just one season in the league with the Sherbrooke Phoenix.
Last year, only 13 players from the United States were drafted to the QMJHL with the highest draft selection being 2027 NHL Draft notable centerman Jamie Glance by the Saint John Sea Dogs at 95th overall. With this move, the amount of American players in the QMJHL draft, as well as how high teams would be willing to take them could rise sharply as soon as this upcoming draft in Quebec City.
Recently, Commissioner Mario Cecchini spoke in Rimouski fielding questions on the changes, speaking about the renewed interest in the league from players who were previously drafted into the league.
"We've had a few dozen calls," said Cecchini. "How does it work? Rimouski drafted me two years ago, am I still on their list? Young people call, their parent call, agents too," he added.
As it stands, it is unclear if the acceptance of this QMJHL's education package would violate the NCAA's eligibility requirements.
How does this affect the league?
Along with an increase in US born players, Cecchini is already heavily exploring the idea of expanding the league southward.
"The expansion will be looked at with the owners within three to five years," he said at the presser. "It will start to be prepared next year."
Cecchini said that he believes that the best way to attract US-born talent is to bring the league where the players already are.
The 'Q' are considering adding two American teams to start, but seems to be keeping the eye open to more.
The QMJHL has previously made ventures to the United States before, with the Plattsburgh Pioneers (considered one of the worst hockey team ever) and the one-time QMJHL championship winning Lewiston MAINEiacs.
Overall, this move is great news for the QMJHL as it'll bring more talent to the league and will also allow the league to truly explore the US market.
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