It`s a win for the CHL.
After losing several top players to the NCAA in recent weeks and months, the Canadian Hockey League received positive news on Friday.
The Blainville-Boisbriand Armada of the QMJHL announced that St. Louis Blues first-round draft pick Justin Carbonneau will return to the team if he does not make the NHL roster. Carbonneau, selected 19th overall in this year`s draft, had been deciding between rejoining the Armada or playing at Boston College.
Following the draft, he commented that this decision was a topic of discussion with the Blues organization. He described Boston College as a great option for development alongside older players, similar to Blainville, calling them “two good options.” He indicated he would have further talks with St. Louis to make a final decision in the coming days.
Last season, Carbonneau finished second in QMJHL scoring, registering 46 goals and 43 assists for a total of 89 points in 62 games.
Earlier this week, the Medicine Hat Tigers of the WHL lost projected 2026 first-overall NHL pick Gavin McKenna, who committed to Penn State.
CHL players became eligible to play in the NCAA starting with the upcoming season, following a rule change made by the U.S. college sports governing body last November.
More than 150 players from the CHL last season have committed to play NCAA hockey for the upcoming season. However, many of these players are either too old for junior hockey or would have been overagers.
Attention is now turning to other top CHL prospects selected in this year`s NHL Draft who have not yet finalized their commitments. This group includes the first overall pick Matthew Schaefer (New York Islanders, Erie Otters), second pick Michael Misa (San Jose Sharks, Saginaw Spirit), fourth pick Caleb Desnoyers (Utah Mammoth, Moncton Wildcats), and sixth pick Porter Martone (Philadelphia Flyers, Brampton Steelheads).
Players who sign NHL entry-level contracts are not eligible to play in the NCAA.
