The fanfare of the NHL Entry Draft concludes with dreams realized and futures charted. Yet, for many newly drafted prospects, particularly those selected high, the journey to the professional ranks involves a critical fork in the road. The question isn`t just *if* they`ll play in the NHL, but *where* they will play next season while they develop: the familiar territory of major junior hockey or the increasingly attractive collegiate route in the NCAA?
This decision point has been underscored recently by the significant commitment of projected 2026 first-overall pick, Gavin McKenna, who announced he will join Penn State in the NCAA for the 2025-26 season. McKenna`s choice, bypassing the traditional Canadian Hockey League (CHL) path many top prospects take, highlights a shifting landscape and forces the spotlight onto the recently drafted 2025 class.
The most immediate factor influencing a player`s post-draft destination is the signing of an NHL entry-level contract (ELC). The rules are straightforward: sign an ELC, and the NCAA option is off the table. Period. This sends players back to their CHL teams (or other professional leagues like the AHL) if they don`t make their NHL club right away. We`ve seen this decision already play out for several 2025 picks. For instance, **Jake O`Brien** (8th overall, Seattle Kraken), **Ben Kindel** (11th overall, Pittsburgh Penguins), and **Lynden Lakovic** (27th overall, Washington Capitals) have all reportedly signed ELCs, meaning their next step, if not the NHL, will be a return to their respective CHL clubs (Brantford Bulldogs, Calgary Hitmen, and Moose Jaw Warriors).
However, other 2025 draftees are explicitly choosing the collegiate path. **Jackson Smith** (14th overall, Washington Capitals), formerly of the WHL`s Tri-City Americans, is committed to Penn State. Similarly, **Cole Reschny** (18th overall), who previously played for the WHL`s Victoria Royals, is heading to North Dakota. These commitments signal a clear preference for the NCAA system`s blend of education and hockey development.
This fluid situation presents a unique challenge for NCAA programs. Recruiting and holding roster spots for players who might be drafted high and potentially make an NHL roster – or sign an ELC that precludes college play – creates a degree of uncertainty that wasn`t as prevalent when the CHL was the near-universal stepping stone for top Canadian and many US/European prospects drafted out of major junior. It`s a nascent trend, and college coaches are navigating uncharted waters.
Consider the situation of the 2025 first-overall pick, **Matthew Schaefer** (NY Islanders, OHL Erie Otters). While making the immediate jump to the NHL is naturally the aspiration for any first-overall selection, it`s often considered a tougher leap for defensemen compared to forwards. Owen Power, the last defenseman picked first overall (2021), notably returned to the University of Michigan for another year after being drafted, illustrating a successful NCAA development trajectory post-draft. Schaefer`s past season was unfortunately hampered by injury, adding another layer to the evaluation process. His path, whether it`s an immediate NHL spot, a return to the OHL, or perhaps an unexpected turn, exemplifies the complex assessment faced by teams and top prospects: balancing recovery, continued development, organizational needs, and the player`s readiness against the distinct advantages each league offers.
Ultimately, the choice between the NCAA and CHL (or other leagues) for a high draft pick isn`t simply about talent; it`s a strategic decision factoring in long-term development goals, the player`s physical and mental readiness, academic aspirations (for the NCAA path), and the drafting team`s organizational philosophy. With elite talents like Gavin McKenna opting for college, the NCAA continues to solidify its position as a legitimate and desirable path to the NHL for the game`s future stars.
Tristan Blackwood