NCAA says players who leave for CHL mid-season cannot be replaced on roster (#570)

Also: More House Settlement notes, Adam Nightingale’s extension, Dartmouth arena renovations, Denver in on McKenna, and roster notes at RPI, Colorado College, and Michigan Tech

NCAA President Charlie Baker

The NCAA released a 36-page House Settlement Q&A last week. I dug through the document to pull out what’s pertinent to college hockey, and one of the specifics was eye-opening.

According to the document, players who leave for the CHL mid-season (after rosters have been submitted) cannot be replaced on the roster until the end of the season.

That’s especially relevant this season. I wrote earlier this month that most coaches feel that incoming freshmen from CHL teams (with CHL eligibility remaining) could opt to go back to the CHL at the end of the first semester if their playing time expectations (among other things) aren’t being met.

Why January 10 could become a major day on the college hockey calendar (#567)

According to the NCAA, if that happens, those players cannot be replaced on the roster mid-season.

Also in this issue (#570):

• A full recap of that House Settlement Q&A. How multi-year agreements will work, including potential player buyouts if they transfer (who pays them, and does it count toward the benefits cap).

• Michigan State extended Adam Nightingale, making him potentially the highest-paid coach in college hockey (at least top 2-3). Plus, the buyout changes MSU made to potentially prevent a departure to the NHL.

• Dartmouth announced renovations to Thompson Arena.

• Minnesota has a new NIL collective aimed just at hockey.

• Add Denver to the list of teams potentially in on Gavin McKenna.

• Maine hired a new assistant coach.

• Michigan Tech accelerated a recruit and added a portal player.

• Colorado College committed a drafted defenseman for 2025.

• News on alumni from Boston University and North Dakota.

• RPI’s roster makeover is complete with 20 new faces expected for first-year head coach Eric Lang.

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