One and Done for Tommy Bleyl?

The whirlwind year for Tommy Bleyl continues. Yesterday Bleyl during an interview at Nashville Predators Dev Camp mentioned his intentions to join Michigan State for the upcoming season. It was reported earlier this season during the NHL Combine that he would return to the Hub City to close out his junior career with the Wildcats for the 2026-27 season, but it would appear it’s one and done for Bleyl in the QMJHL.

“Leaving a mark” would be the understatement of year or try two decades when it comes to Tommy Bleyl’s impact on the Moncton Wildcats in first foray in the Q. 

From the talk of the town in October to an award winning and record breaking season, to being mentioned as the “steal of the NHL draft” by another former Wildcat star defender Keith Yandle, to being an NHL 1st rounder. Tommy Bleyl’s subsequent rise to stardom mirrors his speed and elusiveness on the ice. 

If this is it for Bleyl, the ultra gifted elite level skater and dynamic offensively minded defender joins the current trend of high profile 18 and 19 year olds making the jump (or mass exodus) to the NCAA ranks in effort to further enhance developmental opportunities within the game. 

Michigan State’s gain, Moncton’s loss. One fanbase is super pumped with excitement and anticipation while the other is left to pick up the pieces. Hockey’s landscape has drastically changed for the better even if some fans don’t agree. Players, their families and advisors are navigating the ever changing world the best they can with the best intentions of the player and person in mind and there’s absolutely nothing wrong with that. Nevertheless, teams all  across the CHL have had to pivot as well which makes their mission and how they approach and operate things totally different as well. 

Props to Alex Daugherty for reporting this news on Bleyl and then following that up with insight from one of his future teammates. The landscape has changed for everyone in the game especially on how people are reporting on things. 

https://x.com/alexdaugherty1/status/2071994146777096449?s=46

I really hope people don’t criticize Bleyl for potentially changing his mind and destination for the upcoming season. 

Here’s a kid that came in and turned in an amazing campaign and did exceptionally things. He won over a lot of critics me included. I really hope some people start to realize that when projections and reports are written that aren’t necessarily perceived as favourable it’s not a slight on the player or their path in the game, everyone sees things differently. I was very critical of his defensive play and his willingness to defend from the red line and in throughout the season. By seasons end he had also worked on those elements to his game which deserves to be applauded. Those facets of his game will continue to get tested in the upcoming years whether it’s at the Q level, NCAA or the pro ranks. 

Bleyl’s growth, improvement, overall development and progression throughout the campaign showcased his versatility and how much he wanted it. 

So is it one and done for Tommy Bleyl? 

Official news will be getting out sooner rather than later, I just hope one fanbase that have attracted countless high profile free agents don’t lose sight of what a young player did for them this season and harshly criticize a kid and their family with doing what they think is best for their future.