14 Must-Watch Prospects At NCAA Men's Hockey Tournament: Leonard, Hutson, Hagens And More
We are down to the final 16 NCAA teams vying to reach the Frozen Four and win the men's national hockey championship.
Several very impressive players will look to lead their team through the post-season, continuing with regionals on March 27 and 28. Some want to improve their draft stock, and many others who were drafted already want to finish their college careers strong.
Let's look at more than a dozen notable players who will be well worth keeping an eye on over the next couple of weeks.
Drafted 43rd overall in 2024, Washington Capitals
After leading all defensemen in points per game and finishing third overall in scoring for blueliners, Hutson will be looking to keep the dream season alive by going on a national championship run.
The Capitals prospect is a highly dynamic and cerebral offensive presence on the back end, using his combination of skill and vision to create offense out of nothing. He has the kind of difference-making ability that should make Boston University fun to watch whenever he's on the ice.
Top NHL Prospects In Future Watch 2025: 51 To 75 There's a ton of exciting talent among the NHL's 51st to 75th top team-affiliated prospects.
Drafted 20th overall in 2024, New York Islanders
With 21 goals in his freshman season, Eiserman has quickly become one of the more dangerous scorers in college hockey.
Over the years, Eiserman has always elevated his game and found a way to score in the biggest moments, so the high-pressure NCAA tournament should be the perfect situation for him.
Eiserman has a lethal shot and a knack for finding open space. He has the kind of scoring ability that can win a game on his own.
Drafted 80th overall in 2023, Calgary Flames
In his second college season, Aydar Suniev became one of the more interesting offensive threats for UMass.
His dual-threat ability shone through this year. There are still some questions regarding his mobility, but he finds his way around the ice, gets to his spot and makes the best play for his team. If he's in a position to finish, he has the release to beat college netminders. If he spots an open teammate, Suniev is a solid passer who hits his teammates on the tape with his passes. Suniev always seems to find a way to contribute.
Drafted 41st overall in 2023, Detroit Red Wings
One of the best goalies outside of the NHL, Augustine can carry the Spartans to the national title on his own if he gets on a hot streak.
The Detroit Red Wings prospect is among the best players in college hockey, and he was a massive reason MSU captured the Big-10 title for a second straight year. He isn't the biggest netminder, but he's so precise with his movement in the crease, and he reads the play at an advanced level.
Drafted 31st overall in 2022, Tampa Bay Lightning
While Augustine is the reason the Spartans are elite, he can't score. That's where Howard comes in.
Howard is tied for fourth in scoring among college players, and he has been a force for MSU. He uses his skating to push defenders back and then shows great tactical intelligence to pick his opponents apart. Howard's increased work ethic this year has elevated his offensive game as a whole.
Ranked 24th in Tony Ferrari's 2025 NHL draft rankings, 28th in Ryan Kennedy's rankings
One of two draft eligibles on this list, Vansaghi is a power forward who can bring some finishing ability to the game. He's been up and down the lineup for MSU.
Vansaghi has improved as the year has gone on, even if the stats don't necessarily show it. His improved play at the defensive end and his meat-and-potatoes offensive game mean he is poised to be a key contributor for the Spartans if they can make a long run.
Drafted 218th overall in 2023, Nashville Predators
Fink's continued development over the last couple of years in the NCAA is impressive.
Coming out of the BCHL, there was some worry his game wouldn't translate against bigger, faster and stronger competition, but the Penn State star has become one of the best scorers in college hockey. He shows some silky smooth playmaking, absolutely cooking defenders when given some time and space. Penn State will heavily rely on the Hobey Baker finalist.
Drafted 12th overall in 2024, Minnesota Wild
Arguably the best defender in college hockey, Buium has remained a dominant force for Denver after a freshman season for the record books last year.
Although he didn't hit 50 points as he did last season, Buium has continued to evolve into one of the most well-rounded defenders outside of the NHL. His intelligence with and without the puck, offensively and defensively, has him as one of the best players in college at any position.
Drafted 221st overall in 2022, Florida Panthers
If the University of Denver will repeat as national champions, Devine must continue scoring the lights out.
He leads the nation in scoring entering the tournament and has shown far more playmaking and facilitation ability than in past years.
Devine has elevated those around him this year in a way we haven't quite seen from him before. He still has the goal-scoring ability that made him dangerous last year as well. In what will be his final run at a national championship, Devine could nab his third title in four years.
Ryan Leonard drafted eighth overall in 2023, Washington CapitalsGabe Perreault drafted 23rd overall in 2023, New York RangersJames Hagens ranked third in Ferrari's draft rankings and Kennedy's rankings
There was no way we could talk about any member of the Boston College top line without talking about the others.
Leonard may be the one nominated for the Hobey Baker, but the trio has been such an exciting blend of talents this year.
Leonard is the engine that makes it run, blending his skill and physicality unlike any player in college. Perreault is the perfect play-connecter and facilitator. He understands how to give the line whatever it needs on a given play. Hagens is the ultimate playmaker who came in as a freshman this year, immediately filling the massive shoes left behind by the former center of the line, San Jose Sharks rookie Will Smith.
The BC top line has dominated everywhere, from Hockey East to the World Junior Championship for Team USA. Watching them in what is sure to be their swan song should be quite fun.
Boston College Takes Aim At Frozen Four Redemption By Sebastian Zucchet
Drafted 69th overall in 2023, Montreal Canadiens
The Montreal Canadiens have to be laughing at the fact they got Fowler in the third round of the draft. Fowler has been dominant at the NCAA level for BC, sporting a .940 save percentage as a 20-year-old and providing a backbone for one of the most dangerous teams in the nation.
It's safe to say that while the top line gets all of the love, Fowler is the team's MVP on most nights. BC should be in for a long run if he can play at or near his best.
Drafted 23rd overall in 2022, St. Louis Blues
The captain of the Minnesota Golden Gophers has continued to grow into a complete offensive player. While Snuggerud's finishing ability remains quite strong, his ability to elevate those around him has become a focal point of his game. Snuggerud will likely go pro and join the Blues next season, so this could be his last shot at a national title.
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