NCAA Men’s Hockey Tournament: Key NHL Prospects

Boston College Eagles

Ryan Leonard, James Hagens, Gabe Perreault, and Jacob Fowler

Boston College, boasting top college hockey ranking, is brimming with talent. Their offense is powered by three potential first-round picks. Leonard, anticipated to join the Washington Capitals after the college season, was a Hockey East points per game co-leader and a Hobey Baker finalist, recognized as Hockey East Player of the Year. Known for his competitiveness, skill, and leadership qualities, Leonard is set to leave a significant mark on the tournament.

Perreault is expected to sign with the New York Rangers, who could benefit from his offensive skills. Perreault has developed into a well-rounded playmaker during his time at BC, capable of scoring in tight situations. His playmaking enhances the threat of Leonard and Hagens, crucial for Boston College`s championship aspirations.

James Hagens, a projected 2025 lottery pick and ranked second in ESPN`s draft rankings, is a freshman contender for Rookie of the Year. Hagens is a versatile player, effective both offensively and defensively, known for puck protection and creating space. A strong tournament performance could solidify his position as a top forward in the upcoming NHL draft.

Goaltender Jacob Fowler (Montreal Canadiens), a Mike Richter Award nominee for the second year, is a key player for the Eagles. With an impressive .940 save percentage and seven shutouts, Fowler is crucial for Boston College`s deep Frozen Four run.

Denver University Pioneers

Zeev Buium, Jack Devine, and Carter King

Zeev Buium (Minnesota Wild), a Hobey Baker finalist, has made a significant impact in the NCAA. With 43 points this season, Buium aims for another NCAA title to add to his World Junior gold medals. His elite transition game and skating ability make him a game-changer for Denver.

Jack Devine (Florida Panthers), the nation`s leading scorer with 56 points, is Denver`s other Hobey Baker finalist. Devine excels at driving play and creating scoring opportunities, particularly around the net, and is known for his quick hands and offensive versatility.

Carter King, a top NCAA free agent and Pioneers captain, has had a strong season with 20 goals and 40 points. His physicality and work ethic make him a valuable asset, and he could attract NHL interest with a strong tournament showing.

Maine Black Bears

Albin Boija

Swedish goalie Albin Boija, a Mike Richter Award finalist, had a standout season with a .930 save percentage. He led Maine to a Hockey East title and earned tournament MVP. While considering returning to college, a strong NCAA tournament could attract NHL offers for the technically sound goaltender.

Penn State Nittany Lions

Aiden Fink

Aiden Fink (Nashville Predators), a Hobey Baker finalist, is a sophomore standout, ranking third in NCAA scoring. A skilled play driver, Fink is crucial to Penn State`s offense and has professional-level transition skills.

Connecticut Huskies

Joey Muldowney and Jake Richard

Joey Muldowney (San Jose Sharks) had a remarkable season for the Huskies, earning Hockey East All-Tournament Team honors. He tied a Husky record with three hat tricks and was second in NCAA goal scoring. Muldowney’s elevated role and improved release have led to a productive season, marked by speed and goal-scoring ability.

Jake Richard (Buffalo Sabres) impressed with 42 points. Known for his vision and passing ability, Richard is a key facilitator for the Huskies` offense, consistently setting up plays for his teammates.

Michigan State Spartans

Trey Augustine, Isaac Howard, and Karson Dorwart

Isaac Howard (Tampa Bay Lightning) led the NCAA in points per game and was third in goals. Named Big Ten Player of the Year, Howard`s decision to play a third college season has paid off. His chemistry with Charlie Stramel has been key to Michigan State`s success.

Trey Augustine (Detroit Red Wings), a Mike Richter Award nominee and Big Ten Goaltender of the Year, boasts a .927 save percentage. Augustine is considered Detroit`s future in goal and is vital to Michigan State`s championship aspirations.

Karson Dorwart, drawing free agent interest, is a consistent offensive contributor for the Spartans. His size, speed, and playmaking ability have caught the attention of NHL teams, potentially as an effective transition checker at the professional level.

Cornell Big Red

Ondrej Psenicka and Dalton Bancroft

Cornell features free agents Ondrej Psenicka and Dalton Bancroft, both attracting NHL scout attention.

Psenicka, at 6-foot-6, uses his size effectively, engaging defenders and creating net-front presence. While not flashy, his reliability and defensive play make him a potential bottom-six NHL player.

Bancroft shows flashes of dominance with NHL-caliber skill and scoring ability. Questions remain about his pace for the pro level, but he could develop into a defensive, bottom-six winger.

Boston University Terriers

Quinn Hutson, Cole Hutson, and Cole Eiserman

The Hutson brothers, Quinn and Cole, are both having standout seasons at BU. Cole (Capitals) is a dynamic offensive defenseman with 40 points as a freshman. Considered one of the top NCAA defensemen, Cole`s agility and offensive skills are notable.

Quinn, the eldest Hutson brother, led BU in scoring. As a goal scorer with excellent chemistry with his brother, Quinn is a free agent with NHL potential, especially if he performs well in the tournament.

Cole Eiserman (New York Islanders prospect) has developed well, scoring 21 goals. Known for his shot, Eiserman is a game-breaker, crucial for Boston University`s Frozen Four chances.

Ohio State Buckeyes

Gunnarwolfe Fontaine and Riley Thompson

Gunnarwolfe Fontaine (Predators) had a point-per-game season, leading the Buckeyes in scoring. His speed and shooting ability are of interest to scouts, despite his smaller size.

Riley Thompson, a free agent, stands out at 6-foot-4 and tallied 33 points. Effective and smart, Thompson`s off-puck play and defensive positioning are highly regarded, suggesting NHL potential as a defensive forward.

UMass Minutemen

Cole O`Hara, Aydar Suniev, and Michael Hrabal

UMass boasts depth at center and several players of NHL interest. Cole O`Hara (Predators) led Hockey East in scoring and is an all-situations player with game-changing speed and offensive and defensive skills, making him a top college hockey talent.

Aydar Suniev (Calgary Flames) had a strong season with improved goal-scoring. Known for playmaking and puck protection, Suniev will be key against Minnesota.

Michael Hrabal (Utah Hockey Club) has been a consistent goalie, with a .926 save percentage. His size and consistent performance are vital for UMass` tournament aspirations.

Minnesota Golden Gophers

Jimmy Snuggerud, Matthew Wood, and Sam Rinzel

Jimmy Snuggerud (St. Louis Blues), a Hobey Baker finalist, led Minnesota in scoring. As a dual-threat player, Snuggerud is crucial for Minnesota`s tournament hopes.

Matthew Wood (Predators) improved his production after transferring to Minnesota. A goal scorer with size and a good shot, Wood is developing into a more complete player.

Sam Rinzel (Chicago Blackhawks) has refined his game at Minnesota, becoming a premier NCAA transition defender. With top-quality skating and play-reading ability, Rinzel projects as a potential second-pairing NHL defenseman.

Minnesota State Mavericks

Alex Tracy

Alex Tracy, named CCHA Player and Goaltender of the Year and a Hobey Baker and Mike Richter Award nominee, is a top NCAA goalie. With a .945 save percentage, Tracy is vital for Minnesota State`s tournament chances, needing to maintain his consistent performance.

Western Michigan Broncos

Alex Bump

Alex Bump (Philadelphia Flyers prospect) is the premier offensive player for Western Michigan, with 23 goals and 46 points. Known for generating shots and offensive zone presence, Bump`s transition game and shot are top-notch, making him a key player for Western Michigan and a promising NHL prospect.