Unprecedented moves in NCAA hockey are becoming more and more common. The NIL era has players doing new things, such as Canadians Keaton Verhoeff and Gavin McKenna leaving the CHL to play college hockey in their draft years. Another move we don't see often is players leaving their junior teams mid-season to join a university, but that is happening with Tynan Lawrence and Boston University.
Lawrence has been quickly rising in the ranks for the 2026 draft. He has always been an option in the top half of the first round, but a solid U18 tournament this summer and a great start to his USHL year have him challenging for first overall.