Adam Valentini surprised the Kitchener Rangers and the rest of the league last week when the team announced that he would not honour his commitment to play in the OHL for his NHL draft year.
Instead, the 17-year-old — who was viewed as a foundational piece for Kitchener this season — will ply his trade for the University of Michigan.
It’s the latest in what’s becoming an unsettling trend for major junior clubs: high-end prospects opting for the NCAA, even after committing to CHL teams.
The uncertainty is racking the brains of front offices across the league, including Soo Greyhounds general manager Kyle Raftis.
“It’s been a weird summer because I think a lot of time you’re not only looking at your own team, but you’re projecting everyone else’s team,” Raftis said. “In years past, you c