If his lawsuit succeeds, it could reshape the pathways available to hockey players and potentially create more opportunities for those who have competed at high levels before seeking college hockey options in the U.S. The outcome of this case could influence how eligibility rules are crafted and enforced in the future, impacting both players and institutions.
Rylan Masterson's claim centers on the notion that the NCAA's rules might violate antitrust laws by restricting the eligibility of players who have competed in major junior leagues. This legal challenge might affect how players transition between leagues and prompt a broader review of eligibility rules and their alignment with antitrust principles.