Maxim Letunov: BU's loss is UConn's gain

Former Boston University commit Maxim Letunov, a 2014 second round NHL Draft pick of the St. Louis Blues, will now apparently play college hockey for UConn, according to Hartford Courant beat writer Mike Anthony. Letunov had to switch commitments after an admissions snafu at Boston University, according to Anthony.

Letunov, who had 25 goals and 39 assists in 58 USHL games this past season with the Youngstown Phantoms, is an elite play maker. The Russian import was expected to help offset the loss of scoring sensation Jack Eichel at Boston University, but will instead bolster the offense in Storrs.

According to Anthony's story, Letunov still has to be cleared to play this season at UConn. Going through the NCAA Clearinghouse is never an easy task for a European due to discrepancies in transcripts and requirements.

Letunov's NHL rights were traded from the Blues to the Arizona Coyotes at the 2015 NHL trade deadline in March.

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Jeff Cox covers college, junior, high school and prep hockey, NCAA recruiting and NHL Draft prospects. Follow him on Twitter @JeffCoxSports.