Top NHL Prospects in the NCAA Hockey Tournament

Boston College Eagles

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

Boston College is brimming with talent and holds the top spot in college hockey rankings. Their offense is powered by three first-round picks. Leonard, anticipated to sign with the Washington Capitals after the college season, was among the top scorers in Hockey East. He is also a Hobey Baker finalist and was named Hockey East Player of the Year. This highly skilled forward is known for his competitiveness, physicality, skill, and leadership qualities. He is expected to make a significant impact in this tournament with crucial goals and game-changing plays.

Perreault is likely to sign with the New York Rangers after the season, who could benefit from his offensive skills. Perreault has a well-rounded game, having developed strong playmaking abilities at BC. He can score in tight spaces, making him a game-changer. He demonstrated this at the World Juniors and has consistently been an offensive force for the Eagles, sharing the Hockey East lead in points per game with Leonard and Cole O`Hara (UMass).

Perreault`s improved playmaking has made Leonard and Hagens even more effective and keeps defenders on their toes. For Boston College to win the tournament, which they are favored to do, Perreault will need to play a crucial role in outmaneuvering defenders and scoring goals.

The third member of this line is James Hagens, a potential lottery pick in 2025. Ranked second in ESPN`s draft rankings, this true freshman is a contender for Rookie of the Year after a point-per-game season with the top-ranked team. Hagens is a versatile player, capable of both offensive and defensive roles. He protects the puck well and uses his agility to create space. While he sometimes defers to his linemates, a standout performance showcasing his playmaking ability could solidify his position as the top forward in the upcoming NHL draft.

In addition to their strong offense, the Eagles also boast one of the NCAA`s best goalies for the past two seasons. Fowler (Montreal Canadiens) was nominated for the Mike Richter Award for the second consecutive year, with an impressive save percentage of .940, a goals-against average of 1.64, and an NCAA-leading seven shutouts. He is the backbone of the Eagles and has been crucial in numerous key moments. Boston College is expected to make a deep run in the Frozen Four, and Fowler`s performance will be critical to their championship aspirations.

Denver University Pioneers

Zeev Buium, Jack Devine, and Carter King

Buium (Minnesota Wild) has made a significant impact in the NCAA and aims to add to his accolades. A Hobey Baker finalist, this dynamic defenseman scored 43 points in 38 games this season and played key roles for both Denver and the U.S. World Junior team. Buium has already won an NCAA title and is seeking a second to complement his two World Junior gold medals.

Buium dictates the game`s tempo from the defensive end and tilts the ice in Denver`s favor, playing substantial minutes each game. His transition play is exceptional, both offensively and defensively, and his skating allows him to maneuver along the blue line to find open lanes easily. Denver will need him at his best to reach the Frozen Four.

Jack Devine (Florida Panthers) topped the nation in scoring this season with 56 points in 41 games and is Denver`s other Hobey Baker finalist. He drives the Pioneers` offense, aggressively moving to the center of the ice and creating dangerous scoring opportunities. Devine is a challenge for any defender or goalie near the net. His quick hands and willingness to play in high-traffic areas generate some of the best scoring chances in the nation. He excels at finding tight passing lanes to create opportunities for teammates and is a well-rounded offensive player with strong play-driving abilities.

King, a top NCAA free agent, will attract significant scout attention at this tournament. The Pioneers` captain has been a consistent threat throughout the season, achieving a 20-goal/40-point season. The 23-year-old brings a gritty physicality that disrupts opponents on the forecheck and around the net. He is consistently one of the hardest workers on the ice and is a key part of Denver`s offensive strategy, which emphasizes activation and free movement in the offensive zone.

King has the potential for a fourth-line role in today`s NHL, and if he can showcase his well-rounded game, numerous teams will be interested in signing him.

Maine Black Bears

Albin Boija

Swedish-born Boija is a finalist for the Mike Richter Award after a season with a .930 save percentage, 1.75 goals-against average, and four shutouts. He led Maine to the Hockey East title and was named tournament MVP.

He is likely to return to school next season, but a strong NCAA tournament performance might attract NHL teams to offer him a professional contract. The 6-foot-1 goaltender is technically sound and makes crucial saves at critical times for his team. Boija has the potential to become an NHL platoon goalie or a quality backup. The Black Bears are facing host Penn State in the first round, and despite being favored, Boija will need to be solid for his team to win on the road.

Penn State Nittany Lions

Aiden Fink

The Nashville Predators have a promising player in Fink, a sophomore and Hobey Baker finalist who ranked third in NCAA scoring. He is an exceptional play driver with quality puck skills, attacks high-danger areas, and is undoubtedly the offensive engine for the Nittany Lions.

He manages the puck effectively with smart decisions and protection, creating scoring chances both on the rush and in the offensive zone. His transition play is notable on both sides of the puck, a skill that translates well to the professional level. If Penn State is to defeat the Black Bears, Fink will need to play a significant role.

Connecticut Huskies

Joey Muldowney and Jake Richard

Muldowney (San Jose Sharks) had a standout season for the Huskies and was named to the Hockey East All-Tournament Team. He equaled the Husky record for hat tricks in a season (three) and was second in NCAA goal scoring, just behind Ryan Leonard. This sophomore is entering the NCAA tournament in top form, with seven goals in his last four games, often being the Huskies` best player on the ice.

This sixth-round pick saw his production surge this season with a larger role and improved shot. He is an excellent skater with great speed, using quick moves to get past defenders and open up passing lanes in dangerous areas. Muldowney, with his team-leading six game-winning goals this season, is the player who brings intensity to the Huskies.

Richard (Buffalo Sabres) had an impressive season with 42 points in 35 games as a 20-year-old. His vision and ability to make quality passes from anywhere on the ice are exceptional. He finds teammates through traffic, both near and far, delivering accurate passes. Richard enters the NCAA tournament with 13 points in his last six games and is crucial to the Huskies` offensive strategy with his playmaking. If the Huskies need a big play, expect it to come from Muldowney or Richard.

Michigan State Spartans

Trey Augustine, Isaac Howard, and Karson Dorwart

Howard (Tampa Bay Lightning) led the NCAA with 1.42 points per game and was third with 26 goals. This first-round draft pick took an unconventional path for a top pick, choosing to play a third college season. It paid off as Howard was named Big Ten Player of the Year and scored the championship-winning goal in the Big Ten tournament.

The chemistry between Howard and Charlie Stramel (Wild) has defined Michigan State`s season, leading the Spartans to consecutive Big Ten titles. Howard is an elite scorer, and if Stramel continues to find him in open space, it bodes well for the Spartans` Frozen Four chances.

Augustine (Detroit Red Wings) is a Mike Richter Award nominee after being named Big Ten Goaltender of the Year. With a .927 save percentage, 2.02 goals-against average, and three shutouts, Augustine led Michigan State to their second straight conference title and the second overall seed in the NCAA tournament. Augustine is technically sound and widely regarded as Detroit`s future in goal. The Michigan native makes key saves, shows great flexibility, and anticipates plays effectively. A championship matchup between Augustine and Fowler is possible, and Augustine is capable of holding his own.

Dorwart is attracting attention as a free agent and will have ample opportunity to showcase himself in the next two weeks. Dorwart has been a consistent offensive contributor for the Spartans over three seasons. His status as a 6-foot-1 center with speed and good playmaking has drawn NHL interest.

Dorwart may not be a top offensive producer in the NHL, but his playmaking and awareness are transferable skills that could make him an effective transition checker. The Spartans need scoring from secondary options to succeed in the tournament, and Dorwart can play a key role and enhance his free agent status.

Cornell Big Red

Ondrej Psenicka and Dalton Bancroft

Cornell has two players that scouts will be closely watching, both free agents drawing significant interest.

Psenicka stands out due to his 6-foot-6 height. The 24-year-old Czech player uses his size effectively, leaning on defenders, forcing his way to the middle, and winning battles. While not flashy offensively, he is positionally sound, makes solid defensive plays, and is disruptive at the net front. NHL teams value big, reliable players who do the hard work, making Psenicka a potential bottom-six NHL player in the near future.

Bancroft is a particularly interesting player to watch in the tournament. At times, Bancroft appears dominant, easily beating defenders, creating chances, and surprising goalies with an NHL-caliber shot. However, there are questions about whether he plays with enough speed to score at the professional level. If not, he could still be a bottom-six, defensive-minded winger who contributes offensively occasionally.

Boston University Terriers

Quinn Hutson, Cole Hutson, and Cole Eiserman

The Hutson brothers are having an impressive season, with Lane`s rookie season in Montreal and Quinn and Cole`s strong seasons at BU.

Cole (Capitals) is a dynamic offensive defenseman who scored 40 points in 35 games as a freshman. His agility and balance consistently allow him to outmaneuver opponents, create space, and be a threat in the offensive zone. Cole was arguably the best defenseman in the NCAA this season and should be a standout player for BU in the tournament.

Quinn, the eldest Hutson brother and the only forward, led BU in scoring this season with 47 points in 34 games. A natural goal scorer, Quinn shows great chemistry with his brother and is always moving to find scoring areas. He plays a give-and-go style, relying on quick possessions and playing off his teammates, demonstrating his anticipation and game sense. Quinn has significant NHL potential and is currently a free agent. A strong tournament performance with goals could attract attention from NHL managers and scouts.

Eiserman, a New York Islanders prospect, has developed well this season with 21 goals in 35 games, leading the nation with 10 power-play goals. Eiserman`s shot has been his defining skill for years and should continue to be in the tournament. While his game may lack overall balance, his goal-scoring ability is game-changing. This was evident at the World Juniors, and Boston University will need Eiserman to score early and often to have a chance at reaching the Frozen Four.

Ohio State Buckeyes

Gunnarwolfe Fontaine and Riley Thompson

Fontaine (Predators) achieved his first point-per-game season in his fifth NCAA year, his first with Ohio State after four at Northeastern. He set career highs in goals and assists, and Nashville retains his signing rights until he becomes a free agent in August.

Fontaine led the Buckeyes in scoring during a season where they lost the Big Ten championship game in double overtime to Michigan State. He enters the tournament with three goals on 11 shots in his last two games and has been a consistent shooter for the Buckeyes, finishing second on the team with 105 shots in 39 games. The 24-year-old is smaller, which is a disadvantage in today`s NHL, but his work ethic, speed, and shooting ability are of interest to scouts for organizational depth (if he doesn`t sign with Nashville).

Thompson is a free agent drawing significant interest, notable for his 6-foot-4 frame. The 22-year-old forward scored 17 goals and 33 points in 39 games after transferring from the University of Alaska-Anchorage. While he may lack flashiness, he is effective, plays well with teammates, understands spacing, is efficient with puck movement, and consistently creates scoring chances.

Scouts praise his off-puck play, defensive positioning, and reads, leading some to believe he could be an effective NHL player. He tracks back through the middle, cuts off passing lanes, and avoids unnecessary physicality. His mature game could lead to him becoming a solid defensive forward, providing NHL organizational depth.

UMass Minutemen

Cole O`Hara, Aydar Suniev, and Michael Hrabal

UMass has been a strong program for some time and has several players of interest in the tournament. Their top three centers—Lucas Mercuri (Carolina Hurricanes), Dans Locmelis (Boston Bruins), and Kenny Connors (Los Angeles Kings)—are exceptionally deep in NCAA, with high skill and reliability.

O`Hara (Predators) led Hockey East in scoring and arguably should have been a Hobey Baker finalist with 22 goals and 51 points in 38 games. O`Hara excels on both sides of the puck as an offensive driver and effective penalty killer. He is a versatile player who shifts momentum in his team`s favor. This right winger is impactful across the ice, and the Predators would benefit from signing him after the season. O`Hara can single-handedly change the game`s momentum and has been a rising star in college hockey. Teams will struggle with his speed, rush attacks, and defensive abilities that quickly transition into offense, faster than any other player in college hockey. Expect O`Hara to play a key role for UMass offensively and defensively.

Suniev (Calgary Flames) had a great sophomore season with 18 goals and 36 points in 33 games. His playmaking has always been strong, and his shooting improved significantly this season, doubling his goal count. Suniev led UMass with 116 shots and tied for second in team goals. He protects the puck well, is hard to contain, and creates scoring chances in tight spaces. His vision and offensive play execution will be crucial in their first game against Minnesota.

Hrabal (Utah Hockey Club) has been excellent in his second season as the starting goalie, posting a .926 save percentage and 2.33 goals-against average with two shutouts. The 20-year-old provides consistent quality starts and is a key pillar of UMass`s success. Hrabal`s size (6-foot-7) allows him to see over screens, making it difficult to obstruct his vision. He covers the lower net effectively with his reach and easily seals off vulnerable areas. If UMass aims for a deep tournament run, Hrabal will need to be at his best in goal.

Minnesota Golden Gophers

Jimmy Snuggerud, Matthew Wood, and Sam Rinzel

Snuggerud (St. Louis Blues) outscored his closest teammate by 11 points this season, leading Minnesota with 22 goals and 49 points in 39 games. A Hobey Baker finalist, this first-rounder rebounded from a less productive sophomore season and is projected to be a middle-six NHL scoring winger. He reads the game and anticipates plays well, allowing him to exploit open space and create scoring opportunities for his line.

He is a dual-threat player, reliably scoring and setting up teammates, making him tough to defend. He will need to be a standout for Minnesota if they hope to make a deep tournament run.

Wood (Predators) transferred from Connecticut to Minnesota, and his production significantly increased. The 6-foot-4 right winger is a goal scorer who creates opportunities by effectively protecting the puck and getting to the net at the right moments. He is learning to use his size more effectively to shield defenders and capitalize on his excellent shot. While not a dominant play driver for his size, he prefers a more measured approach, positioning himself to get quality shots on goal.

Rinzel (Chicago Blackhawks) had a remarkable season at Minnesota, a program known for developing high-quality defensemen. His game is more refined than his raw drafted potential. This big, right-handed defender tallied 31 points this season. His skating has always been top-tier, allowing him to become one of the premier NCAA transition defensemen. He reads plays well and uses his skills to influence outcomes. Rinzel has a strong chance to become a second-pairing defenseman in the NHL by age 24.

Minnesota relies on Rinzel and Ryan Chesley (Capitals) to anchor their defense, and both consistently tilt the ice in Minnesota’s favor. They must perform effectively and frequently if Minnesota is to advance to the Frozen Four.

Minnesota State Mavericks

Alex Tracy

After being named the Central Collegiate Hockey Association`s Player of the Year and Goaltender of the Year, Tracy was shortlisted for the Hobey Baker and nominated for the Mike Richter Award. As a free agent, Tracy has established himself as one of the NCAA`s top goaltenders.

Over three seasons at Minnesota State, his workload increased each year, and his performance flourished. The 23-year-old finished with a .945 save percentage, a 1.41 goals-against average, and five shutouts. The Mavericks lack the star power of other tournament teams and will need to depend on Tracy to give them a chance against teams like Western Michigan, Massachusetts, or Minnesota in their regional. Tracy did not allow more than three goals in any regular-season game in 2024-25, a trend he will need to maintain throughout the tournament.

Western Michigan Broncos

Alex Bump

Bump`s development has been exciting to watch. With 23 goals and 46 points in 38 games, he is Western Michigan`s primary offensive player. Generating 225 shots on goal this season, this Philadelphia Flyers prospect excels at creating scoring chances and maintaining offensive zone presence when he is on the ice.

Bump is excellent in transition, showcasing quick hands, deception, and pace changes to beat defenders. His shot release is top-tier, often surprising goalies each game. Expect Bump to drive Western Michigan’s offense and be their key scorer throughout the tournament. Bump has significant potential to become a middle-six NHL scorer, and Philadelphia should be very enthusiastic about his prospects.