The recent eligibility changes in the NCAA have had a big impact on the types of players that have headed to college and led to all sorts of big changes to college hockey.

So in a way, it’s a bit refreshing to see Calgary Flames defensive prospect Bode Laylin cement his commitment to the University of Minnesota. Because not only is Laylin the exact type of player that seems like a perfect fit for college hockey, but he’s probably a perfect fit for the Golden Gophers.

A product of St. Michael, Minnesota, Laylin is the son of Cory Laylin, a Minnesota alum (1988-92), current Minnesota assistant coach, and very experienced former pro player and current coach. His older brother Luc just finished four years at the University of St. Thomas and his other older brother, Casy, is joining Western Michigan after two seasons at St. Thomas.

But Bode, the youngest of the three, had his eyes on his father’s alma mater.

“It’s been my dream ever since I was a little kid going to Minnesota,” said Laylin, after a recent practice at Flames prospects training camp. “My parents, my grandparents, everyone’s went there. And being a Minnesota kid, it’s so special to just be there and be at a place where I want to be and just the culture that they have there and where they put guys in the NHL. I feel like it’s the best spot for me to make it to the next level. just get a good education and start my college career there.”

Laylin’s commitment to the Golden Gophers is for the 2027-28 season, and so after two seasons with the United States Hockey League’s Tri-City Storm, he’s headed for a gap year with a very interesting team – the defending Western Hockey League champions, the Everett Silvertips.

“Yeah, I mean, Everett’s just a great spot,” said Laylin. “I mean, they’ve had a really good past of having some great teams and great D. I mean, so I think it was the perfect spot for me to fit with the guys that they lost, and hopefully I can fill that spot. Yeah, I think we’ll be good this year, and it really just sparked my interest to go play in the Dub.”

A sixth-round pick by the Flames, taken 164th overall, Laylin is a right shot defenceman who describes himself as a two-way player. He’s slated to be joined at Minnesota in 2027-28 with a fellow Flames prospect, current Medicine Hat Tigers defender Mace’o Phillips, a third-round pick by the Flames from last year’s draft.

“I’ve known Mace’o for a while, so it’s pretty cool seeing him everywhere I go, especially getting drafted here,” said Laylin. “And then, yeah, going to Minnesota with him, it’ll be a great time. He’s a great dude.”

Appropriately enough, Laylin and Phillips were paired together in the NextGen Showcase game, so the Flames will have a pair of college-bound defensive prospects playing against each other in the Western League in 2026-27 and then potentially headed to college together.

And considering how strong their respective WHL teams were last season, we wouldn’t be shocked to see these two players clash in this year’s Western League’s playoffs before joining the Golden Gophers next season.