The NHL Combine was wild, given the changes coming to college hockey. Now that players can get shared NIL revenue from schools. Up to 20.5 million during the upcoming academic year.
Now some top CHL players will be headed to college campuses this fall. Defenseman Jackson Smith hasn’t committed yet, but I believe he’s leaning toward Penn State University. His family is still discussing his options but Penn State University trustee, Jay Paterno told me the school is looking for top talent.
“Penn State is a program that coaches the detailed habits and fundamentals on the ice and in life, that will make players successful professionals. It should come as no surprise anymore that everyone at Penn State is committed to excellence at the highest level. That is the Penn State way and recruits everywhere can see it.”
Brady Peddle signed and committed to Michigan State before all the rumors hit. While all the players were tight-lipped about who might go, he had a big grin on his face and said, “A lot of skill is coming to Michigan State.”
Presumptive, first overall pick in 2026, Gavin McKenna, is rumored to go to Michigan State or Penn State. It’s a certainty he is going to college and his good friend Cole Reschny (pictured below), who has committed to North Dakota talked about it.
“I played with him at U 17s, and I also played with him at U18s. Generational. It’s pretty special getting to see that guy. The way he carries himself., how much he prepares, and off the ice, he’s a great guy, a great teammate, one of my best buddies, so pretty sweet to watch him and play on his side sometimes and help him out, but anytime you get the chance to be around a guy like that, you just soak it all in and try to be as good as him.”
I pressed him a bit further about possibly playing against him in college next season.
“Yeah. Maybe. I mean, that’s a big decision for him. I mean, it’s tough. On the loyalty side of things, you never want to leave an organization that’s helped you grow as a young man and a player and that side of things. But at the end of the day, he’s going to make the decision that’s right for him and going to further his hockey career. And I mean, the same reasons I made my decision. It’s going to be a tough one for him, but I think he’ll succeed wherever he’s at.”
Jack Murtagh, played at the NTDP and might play against some big stars next season at Boston University.
“Yeah. I think it’s going to be a great shift. I mean, it’s going to be high on talent, high in hockey talent. It’s big boy hockey so I’m super excited. It’s going to be good, so I’m super excited.”
Logan Hensler, who will return to Wisconsin added a bit more intrigue.
“I’m excited. Yeah, you know, I love playing against good players, I love the competition. I do think the Big Ten will be a legit league this year, I think maybe the best. So, I’m excited.”
After asking around I walked away with these thoughts. Michael Misa wants to turn professional first. If he doesn’t, he might join his brother Luke at Penn State. Porter Martone is 50-50 and could go to Penn State. Some will wait until after the draft, but I expect a wave of commitments during the summer.
