A recent ruling by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 10th Circuit has put a temporary stop to the NCAA’s ambitious ‘five‑for‑five’ proposal, which would have allowed senior athletes an extra year of eligibility without counting against the traditional five‑year limit.
The stay, filed earlier this week, means no senior can officially extend their college career this season, a blow to many who had pinned hopes on the extra year to finish their studies or improve draft prospects.
Salminen’s cross‑road
Among those affected is New Jersey Devils prospect Samu Salminen, a Finnish forward whose college career has taken a winding path from Jokerit’s junior ranks to the University of Connecticut and then to the University of Denver.
Selected in the third round of the 2021 draft (68th overall), Salminen posted a career‑best 11 goals and 18 assists in 43 games last season, raising his profile ahead of free‑agency eligibility.
Although he was expected to become an unrestricted free agent last weekend, Salminen has not yet filed the necessary paperwork, a move that could preserve his college eligibility or signal a shift toward professional play.
Options on the table
Salminen now faces three distinct pathways: signing an entry‑level contract with the Devils, agreeing to a minor‑league contract with the Utica Comets, or pursuing an overseas opportunity, potentially returning to Finland to join Jokerit.
The timing of these decisions is underscored by the differing start dates of the leagues: the AHL season opens on October 2, while the Finnish Liiga begins at the end of August, giving the prospect a narrow window to choose.
Beyond Salminen’s personal dilemma, the court’s action reverberates through the broader landscape of college hockey, where the prospect of an extra eligibility year had been seen as a key recruitment tool for programs seeking to retain top talent.
For now, the NCAA’s ‘five‑for‑five’ remains on hold, and players like Salminen must navigate a complex professional market while the legal battle continues.