Cale Makar has difficulty recognizing the college hockey landscape in the wake of a seismic shift that has transformed the sport in the mere five years since he left UMass to join Colorado in the NHL. From the introduction of name, image and likeness money to the NCAA lifting its ban on Canadian Hockey League players in November, Makar was captivated by the sheer number of players committing to Division I programs this offseason. It seemed like a mass exodus culminating with Gavin McKenna — the NHL’s prospective 2026 No. 1 draft pick — committing to Penn State.

“It’s a crazy world. I’m glad I’m kind of out of that now,” Makar said. “It seems like a gong show.” The path south is familiar for Canadian players like Makar. The two-time Norris Trophy winner as the league's top defenseman left

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