Avalanche superstar's explosive comments about the NCAA ignite huge backlash
Photo credit: Jonathan Kozub / NHLI
Colorado Avalanche superstar Cale Makar has set off a firestorm with his explosive comments about the current state of the NCAA, sparking widespread backlash and fuelling intense debate across the hockey community.
Makar admits he hardly recognizes the college hockey landscape anymore, which has undergone a dramatic transformation in the five short years since he left UMass to begin his career with Colorado.
Cale Makar has strong words about the current state of the NCAA.
John Wawrow from the CBC reports that from the rise of name, image, and likeness (NIL) deals to the NCAA's decision in November to lift its ban on Canadian Hockey League players, Makar was struck by the wave of talent committing to Division I programs this offseason.
The movement resembled a mass exodus, capped off by Gavin McKenna, projected as the No. 1 pick in the 2026 NHL Draft, choosing Penn State.
"It's a crazy world. I'm glad I'm kind of out of that now. It seems like a gong show." -Makar
The path south is familiar for Canadian players like Makar. The two-time Norris Trophy winner left his hometown of Calgary to spend two seasons with the Minutemen, earning college hockey's MVP award in 2019.
"What's changed are the rules, leading to a transformational shift altering the dynamic between the CHL and NCAA in ways not yet entirely realized." -Wawrow
It's now clear that players no longer need to decide before age 16 whether to join the CHL or preserve their NCAA eligibility by playing in the USHL or Canadian Junior A leagues.
They can play in the CHL first and make a decision about committing to a U.S. college after finishing high school.
"The changing landscape has opened a debate over whether the NCAA will eventually overtake the CHL as the primary feeder of talent to the NHL. Hockey East Conference Commissioner Steve Metcalf believes college hockey now has the edge." -Wawrow
This shift gives young players greater flexibility to shape their hockey paths on their own terms.
| POLL | ||
SEPTEMBRE 29 | 28 ANSWERS Avalanche superstar's explosive comments about the NCAA ignite huge backlash Are you happy with the current state of college hockey? | ||
| yes | 19 | 67.9 % |
| no | 9 | 32.1 % |
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