One of the most prominent prospects for the 2026 NHL draft will experience a change of scenery mid-season.
Tynan Lawrence, who is shaping up to be the number one center to be selected in June, will leave the Muskegon Lumberjacks of the USHL to join Boston University (BU) in the second half of the NCAA season.
This is a strategic decision by Lawrence, seeking to position himself not only as the first choice in the draft, but as the first overall selection.
The Lumberjacks’ captain has had little participation this year, but he has made the most of his time on the ice, accumulating 17 points in just 13 appearances after recovering from an injury suffered during the preseason.
Lawrence had initially committed to attend BU next season. However, NCAA rules allow universities to add eligible players mid-season.
Facing tougher competition in the months leading up to the draft, Lawrence could improve his position to compete with other prospects like Gavin McKenna (already playing for Penn State), who also aspire to be the first pick.
The 17-year-old player, Lawrence, was dominant last year with the Lumberjacks, with 25 goals and 54 points in 56 games. In addition, he added 8 goals and 18 points in 14 playoff games, which earned him the MVP award when Muskegon won the league’s Clark Cup.
BU has 16 games remaining on its regular season schedule. The Terriers have a current record of 9-8-1.
