Value of: F -Jacob Mathieu, Rimouski/Northeastern University

[Jersey Fan 12]

Wasn't sure where to make a thread for him since he is a 2004-born player who was never drafted and is no longer eligible.

Obviously players putting up numbers in their overage season is fairly common and rarely do these players emerge as prospects.

But in Mathieu's case he will have the opportunity to continue to build his game in the NCAA as part of the first group of players to have that option.

Long range is he worth watching as a potential UFA?

 

[The Devilish Buffoon]

Here are a few relevant threads:
- CHL to NCAA Commits
- https://forums.hfboards.com/threads/chl-can-now-play-ncaa-changes-everything.2976994/page-136

I think Mathieu is amongst a large group of guys who will be given a greater opportunity to develop and grow due to the rule changes; I don't know his game too well but he seems like a very hard worker with off-ice pro qualities. From what I can see, he would likely be looking for a deal in one of the mid-level pro leagues. Now, whether he will become a Euro leaguer, an ECHL/AHLer, or something more, I don't know, but being able to play and get an education in the NCAA should only improve his professional prospects.

 

[SML2]

This rule change has the potential to really impact the College game. Look at this past National Championship and how many of the players were 21-23. yrs old. How is a "true freshman" at 17-18 going to hold a spot against a "CHL Freshman" who is 21 with 4 more years of experience and physical development? Your first-round picks will be one and done off to the pros, but those middle of the road guys who went straight to college are going to have a hard time holding down roster spots IMO.

 

[wmupreds]

This rule change has the potential to really impact the College game. Look at this past National Championship and how many of the players were 21-23. yrs old. How is a "true freshman" at 17-18 going to hold a spot against a "CHL Freshman" who is 21 with 4 more years of experience and physical development? Your first-round picks will be one and done off to the pros, but those middle of the road guys who went straight to college are going to have a hard time holding down roster spots IMO.

Most college hockey freshmen were already around 20. Been this way for decades

 

[SML2]

Most college hockey freshmen were already around 20. Been this way for decades

Ok... When you watch the draft this Friday, a draft where most of the players who are selected will be eligible for the first time, I want you to take note of how many of them are committed to College programs and are not 20 years old.



To say most freshmen are 20 and it's been that way for decades is a ridiculous statement. Junior players weren't previously allowed to play in the NCAA. What magical league were all these guys playing in for their 18 and 19 yr old seasons for all these years?

 

[Treb]

A thread like this would be more relevant on the prospect board as he isn't a high profile UDFA and I haven't seen anything showing NHL interest.