The NCAA’s decision allowing Canadian Hockey League players to compete at the U.S. college level for the first time won't alter how the NHL evaluates draft-eligible talent.

Wherever players are competing, the scouts will be there, NHL Central Scouting chief Dan Marr said.

What Marr envisions changing as a result of the NCAA's ruling is players having more freedom to chose their development path, which should benefit NHL teams.

"It’s going to be better for the game. It's certainly better for players that they have these options and these opportunities," Marr said. “And NHL teams now have more development options for the players, which they didn't have before.”

The NCAA’s ruling in November prompted a massive redistribution of talent across North America's junior and college ranks. C

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