Blues Prospect Tomas Mrsic Part Of Wave Of Players To Make Move From CHL To NCAA

[TBone]

Blues prospect Tomas Mrsic part of wave of players to make move from CHL to NCAA

Matthew DeFranks
July 24, 2025

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Tomas Mrsic, the Blues’ fourth-round pick in 2024, is one of the many hockey players benefiting from a rule that now allows Canadian junior hockey players to transfer to American colleges and become eligible. Previously, the NCAA viewed the CHL as a professional league because it had players who already had signed NHL contracts.

With the rule change, there’s an entirely different development path available to teenage prospects.

“Obviously, it was a tough decision, but for me, I need to put on strength,” said the 6-foot, 170-pound Mrsic. “That’s better playing less games, working out Monday through Thursday. It’s going to get me more physically ready. That’s what I need to work on, so I went that way. ... My brother was already going to Colorado College, so that was kind of a benefit for me.”

https://www.stltoday.com/sports/profess ... e1e89.html

[seattleblue]

Looks like they finally released the schedule for CC, I can put it in the grid. He knows he is seen the way we see him: highly skilled, outstanding shot, worries about translating effectiveness to the NHL because the size and speed there will crowd out his skillset. So that's a good start. Know what you have to overcome to reach your goal

[somni]

I know the NCAA is now becoming the place for prospects to go, but I'm bummed for the CHL. I enjoy going to Portland Winterhawks games and seeing potential NHL players (like Nate Danielson a few years back) or soon to be drafted players. Oh well.

Good luck to Mrsic and I hope he can progress well.

[Nublues69]

Blues prospect Tomas Mrsic part of wave of players to make move from CHL to NCAA

Matthew DeFranks
July 24, 2025

- clip-

Tomas Mrsic, the Blues’ fourth-round pick in 2024, is one of the many hockey players benefiting from a rule that now allows Canadian junior hockey players to transfer to American colleges and become eligible. Previously, the NCAA viewed the CHL as a professional league because it had players who already had signed NHL contracts.

With the rule change, there’s an entirely different development path available to teenage prospects.

“Obviously, it was a tough decision, but for me, I need to put on strength,” said the 6-foot, 170-pound Mrsic. “That’s better playing less games, working out Monday through Thursday. It’s going to get me more physically ready. That’s what I need to work on, so I went that way. ... My brother was already going to Colorado College, so that was kind of a benefit for me.”

https://www.stltoday.com/sports/profess ... e1e89.html

I have a question, are they still considered freeagents if they dont sign by senior year????

[seattleblue]

I know the NCAA is now becoming the place for prospects to go, but I'm bummed for the CHL. I enjoy going to Portland Winterhawks games and seeing potential NHL players (like Nate Danielson a few years back) or soon to be drafted players. Oh well.

Good luck to Mrsic and I hope he can progress well.

It makes sense why players older than their first draft year who weren't drafted gravitate to college. More seasons to play, older players, chance to get bigger, etc, the college experience itself for some.

The younger and top players like McKenna going to college is a problem for the CHL and so they will have to adapt. Perception for NHL hopefuls that the NCAA is a clear level up will reinforce the reality and vice versa.

[STL fan in MN]

I know the NCAA is now becoming the place for prospects to go, but I'm bummed for the CHL. I enjoy going to Portland Winterhawks games and seeing potential NHL players (like Nate Danielson a few years back) or soon to be drafted players. Oh well.

Good luck to Mrsic and I hope he can progress well.

There will still be plenty of top talent in the CHL but it might trend a little younger. I could see most top guys staying in the CHL at least 2 and mostly 3 years now. And some like Carbonneau will still return for their 4th what.

And the CHL is now getting a lot more influx too. It’s the USHL that will be hurting bad with this rule change IMO. Lots of players went the USHL route as that was the main way to stay NCAA eligible. But the perception is the 3 CHL leagues are better than the USHL so without that advantage anymore, lots of Americans that would’ve played in the USHL and the handful of Canadians that would’ve gone the USHL route are now going to the CHL. Even here in MN there’s been a higher number of kids choosing the CHL over MN HS hockey or the USHL since this announcement.

The CHL will be fine.

[zamadoo]

I'm immediately reminded of another Blues prospect...and I found this article:
https://thehockeywriters.com/nhl-draft- ... -schwartz/

"While size maybe somewhat of an issue for USHL top prospect Jaden Schwarz, talent is certainly not."
"He has committed to playing in the NCAA at Colorado College for next season, joining his older brother, Rylan."

Good move for Mrsic.

[John Cocktoastin]

At camp last year, I remember one thing about him - his speed. Dude was flying all around. Seemed faster than everyone else. But, seemed small.

Glad he's looking to add some muscle. His hands look darn good too.

[britishblue]

The issue I have always had is the eligibility of CHL players to play in the AHL.

This seemingly bridges the gap.

Mrsic wouldnt be eligible for the AHL this year, he's not 20 by 31/12/2025 and he's only had 3 full seasons in the CHL so his only option would have been to go back to juniors.

Now he can go to Colorado for a year and as he says work on the areas he needs to before turning pro.