Taking advantage of the NCAA rule change regarding major junior players, the University of Michigan has added OHL forward Malcolm Spence to its roster for the upcoming season. This is a great addition for the Wolverines, as Spence (ranked #17 by central scouting among NA skaters) is a projected 1st round NHL pick this summer, and had 73 points (32G 41A) in 65 regular season games for the Erie Otters this season.
The Big 10 in general has benefited greatly from this rule change, as shown by the recent additions of OHL players by both Michigan State (forward Anthony Romani of Barrie, 2024 6th round Vancouver draft pick) and Ohio State (goaltender Sam Hillebrandt, also of Barrie). Romani was a point-per-game producer this past regular season, and had an additional 24 points (12G 12A) in 16 playoff games with Barrie. The 20-year-old Hillebrandt was a member of gold-medal winning Team USA at this year’s world junior championship.