2027 NHL Draft eligible Kane Barch is expected to leave the NTDP for the OHL
Forward Kane Barch is expected to join the London Knights for this upcoming season, joining a number of prospects leaving the USA's National Team Development Program (NTDP).
A source has confirmed to The Hockey News that Barch is expected to leave the NTDP for London, the news first reported by Jeff Marek.
At this time of publication, neither the London Knights nor the NTDP have officially announced any change to Barch's status and if he would be moving to the OHL.
Barch played his minor junior hockey in Ontario with the Huron-Perth Lakers. In 54 games with the NTDP's U17 team, Barch had seven goals, 16 assists, & 23 points in 53 games. Barch also appeared in a game with the U18 squad.
A Texas native, Barch's father, former NHLer Krys Barch, played OHL hockey with the London Knights. Barch is a dual citizen, having been born while his father was playing in the NHL with the Dallas Stars.
Barch was drafted in the first round of the 2025 OHL Priority Selection by the Kitchener Rangers, 22nd overall. Barch's rights were dealt from Kitchener to London in January of this year. Barch is committed to play NCAA hockey with the University of Michigan.
A mass exodus of players have rocked the program, who in the past had little issue in retaining players through their U17 and U18 seasons except for those seeking a higher level, but rarely did moves to the CHL happen except for those lacking game time with the program, rather than top forwards.
Barch joins fellow NTDP prospect Carter Meyer, who also left the team ahead of the program's U18 season, signing a contract with the Quebec Remparts of the QMJHL. Meyer is a projected first round pick in the 2027 NHL Draft.
Having left the Americans for the OHL are forward Trevor Daley Jr., defenseman Broden McArthur and forward Alexander Milojevic. Daley signed with the Soo Greyhounds, with McArthur joining the Erie Otters and Milojevic signing this past Friday with the Saginaw Spirit.
Defenseman Jake Boguniecki, who has his CHL rights owned by the QMJHL Gatineau Olympiques, is also believed to be a player to watch as another departure for the American U18's.
The London Knights also added projected 2027 projected NHL Draft first rounder and CHL Import Draft selection Luca Santala out of Finland on Thursday as another add to the team's forward group.
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