Minnesota coach Don Lucia refers to them as “one and done” careers — the young superstars who help immediately but hurt in the long term.
Lucia had forward Phil Kessel (2005-06) and defenseman Erik Johnson (2006-07) for their freshman seasons, then they left for lucrative NHL deals.
This season, Lucia lost sophomore forward Kyle Okposo in December to the New York Islanders, making him a “one and a half and done” player. It is no wonder the Golden Gophers, the defending WCHA regular-season and playoff champions, are only 12-13-7.
Lucia is a proponent of establishing a rule that says NCAA players cannot sign professional contracts until after their sophomore seasons, or two years into their college careers.
“One and done (careers) doesn’t do colleges or the player all that much good,” Lucia said this weekend. “If your intent — at least the intent — is to go to college for one year, you might be better served going another route. It’s that turnover that you have to deal with. It creates holes. Obviously, in our team we’re seeing it this year.”
College hockey’s six conference commissioners are meeting with NHL officials next Tuesday to discuss the possible two-year rule.
WCHA commissioner Bruce McLeod likes the idea of the rule, but he also knows it might hurt the talent level of the college game. He said players like Kessel, Johnson and Okposo might choose major junior over college to avoid the two-year commitment.
In 14 years as the University of Denver coach, George Gwozdecky hasn’t had a one-and-done star player.
“I would be in favor of really any type of guideline or parameter that would allow a student-athlete to really get a head start on his degree, and his physical and emotional development level at the college level,” Gwozdecky said.
Wisconsin coach Mike Eaves, who faces the possibility of star freshman Kyle Turris signing with Phoenix after this season, said the colleges don’t have control.
“We can go and express our concerns, but we have very little leverage with (the NHL teams),” Eaves said. “They’re in a business, a big-time business, and if they think a player is going to help them, they’re going to go and sign him. . . . We certainly hope that we’re part of the discussion.”
Staff writer Terry Frei contributed to this report.
Mike Chambers: 303-954-1357 or mchambers@denverpost.com
Front Range NCAA rankings
1. CC (21-8-1, 16-5-1 WCHA)
Last week: Split with visiting St. Cloud State (5-3 win, 4-2 loss).
Next: At Minnesota-Duluth, Feb. 22-23.
Of note: Tigers coming off first home loss in 15 games (14-1).
2. DU (19-8-1, 13-6-1 WCHA)
Last week: Tied and beat visiting Minnesota (1-1, 4-1).
Next: At North Dakota, Friday- Saturday.
Of note: Nice rebound from an ugly stretch and potentially devastating midseason departure.
3. Air Force (14-11-5, 11-9-4 AHA)
Last week: Split at Mercyhurst (3-1 loss, 7-0 victory).
Next: At Canisius, Feb. 22-23.
Of note: Falcons don’t need a week off after Saturday’s impressive romp in Erie, Pa.
Mike Chambers
