The NCAA is quickly becoming THE place to develop NHL players. Now, I know there are a lot of people out there screaming that Major Junior is the best place to find future NHL players. Its alright, Major Junior is still great hockey and still develops tons of NHL talent.
The buzz word these days is analytics right? Well how about these analytics thanks to the boyz at College Hockey Inc.;
NCAA alumni in the NHL in 2014-15 included:
– 80% of all Americans in the league
– 20% of all Canadians in the league
– More than half of all undrafted players in the league (55%)
– 37 players who made their NHL debut
Ummmmmm yeah. Just sit back and digest that for a minute or two kids. Or for those in disbelief, just go grab another beer for breakfast.
Ok, now check this out;
Presidents’ Trophy-winning New York Rangers, which led all NHL teams with NCAA representation in 2014-15. NCAA alumni accounted for more than 53% of all games played by Rangers players, most in the NHL.
Yeah, those Rangers were pretty good this year weren’t they?
How about this little tidbit;
Each of the eight first-round Stanley Cup Playoff series will feature between 12 and 22 former college players, representing at least nine NCAA schools in each series. A total of 37 schools have at least one former player in the playoffs. Alums account for eight goaltenders on playoff teams and 19 20-goal scorers.
Still not convinced the NHL is valuing NCAA players more and more each year? Yeah, I know, sometimes you don’t believe your about to get hit by a truck until the truck actually hits you too. So, how about this;
NHL teams dressed an average of more than 10 former college players during the course of the season. The four teams with the fewest NCAA representatives all failed to qualify for the Stanley Cup playoffs.
But hey, that Eichel kid sure made a mistake not going to the QMJHL right?
David Wagner – The Angel Of Death – For Those Who Live Stupidly I salute You
*The Death Pool is a mix of comedy, and satire in connection with recent events. It is not an official report of current events although it may look as though the news is so accurate that it could one day happen or may be happening.
