Game Changer: How NIL and New Rules Are Revolutionizing College Hockey

The recent combination of the “House Settlement,” enabling direct compensation for student-athletes, and the NCAA D1 Council’s November 2024 rule changes regarding pre-enrollment activities in men’s ice hockey, signals a transformative period for collegiate hockey. This shift is poised to fundamentally alter the recruitment landscape and player development pathways within the sport.

Historical Context and Previous Limitations

Historically, the route to professional hockey for elite prospects often diverged from NCAA collegiate play. Due to stringent NCAA amateurism rules, players participating in major junior ice hockey (such as the QMJHL, OHL, and WHL in Canada) or playing professionally overseas were rendered ineligible for NCAA competition. Consequently, numerous future NHL luminaries, including Sidney Crosby, Connor McDavid, and Alexander Ovechkin, never graced collegiate ice. While the NCAA has consistently produced its share of exceptional NHL talent—such as Cale Makar, Paul Kariya, and the late Johnny Gaudreau—the predominant pipeline for professional hockey players, particularly those of Canadian origin, originated from the Canadian junior leagues rather than NCAA institutions.

The Impact of Recent Policy Changes

The D1 Council’s recent rule modifications effectively eliminate the prior disqualification criteria for players who have participated in major junior leagues, thereby opening a previously closed pathway to NCAA hockey. This regulatory change, combined with the financial remuneration now permissible under the House Settlement, positions NCAA hockey as a significantly more attractive option for top-tier prospects.

An illustration of this evolving dynamic is Gavin McKenna, the projected first overall pick in the 2026 NHL Draft. On July 7, 2025, McKenna announced his commitment to Penn State University, electing to bypass the traditional Canadian junior hockey route. While McKenna cited the opportunity to compete against older, more physically developed players—a distinct advantage given the absence of age restrictions in NCAA hockey compared to the 16-20 age range in Canadian juniors—the reported $700,000 compensation package from Penn State undeniably played a substantial role in his decision. This reported sum significantly surpassed the $350,000 offer from Michigan State, underscoring the profound influence of direct financial incentives in contemporary recruitment.

Furthermore, the case of Porter Martone, the Philadelphia Flyers’ sixth overall selection in the 2025 NHL Draft, exemplifies this shift. Martone recently transitioned from the OHL to Michigan State University. In previous eras, a player drafted by an NHL team while participating in a Canadian junior league would typically return to their junior team. However, the newly established NCAA regulations and the availability of financial compensation now render collegiate play a viable and increasingly appealing alternative for such high-caliber draft picks.

Anticipated Future Trends

In light of these transformative policy changes, a significant paradigm shift is anticipated, wherein a growing number of elite players will likely choose to play at NCAA Division I hockey programs rather than pursuing traditional Canadian junior league pathways. The prospect of substantial financial compensation, coupled with the opportunity to develop against more mature competition, is expected to increasingly position NCAA hockey as a preferred developmental route for aspiring NHL players.

If you or a family member have any questions about the ever-changing landscape of college athletics due to the House Settlement, please contact one of our experienced attorneys at Obermayer.

The information contained in this publication should not be construed as legal advice, is not a substitute for legal counsel, and should not be relied on as such. For legal advice or answers to specific questions, please contact one of our attorneys.