Abstract: While the pipeline from the NCAA to the NHL isn't as strong as the professional paths in basketball or softball, former NCAA stars still make up a sizable portion of the league's rosters and the college game's influence on the NHL is arguably growing.
process: The NHL has a traditional draft structure, with each of the league's 32 teams making one selection every seven rounds, but very Non-traditional Pipeline: Draft picks don't necessarily sign professional contracts right away, but instead can maintain their NCAA eligibility and continue their development in college.
- Of last year's 224 players, only nine were NCAA players, but there were more than 60 high school students who went on to college programs. Those 69 players made up 7.1% of last year's current and future NCAA player pool.
- However, being drafted does not guarantee a spot on an NHL roster: Most drafted players start in the minor leagues, and only about half make it to the major leagues.
- Given that the vast majority of NHL players (70.7%) are born outside the U.S., it's not surprising that only about a third of the league's 877 active players are from college, but half of NHL general managers and 40% of head coaches claim NCAA roots.
This year's draft class: ESPN's first-round mock draft predictably has players from Canadian junior leagues high up the list, but what's impressive is that two NCAA players are projected to be selected first.
- Boston College forward Macklin Celebrini is the surest candidate to be the No. 1 overall pick, with Michigan State defenseman Artyom Levshunov projected to go No. 2. Denver defenseman Zeev Bouium could be close behind him with the No. 6 pick.
