Top 10 NHL prospects to watch at the NCAA men’s hockey tournament

Credit: Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK

The men’s NCAA regional tournaments are set to kick off later this weekend, with 16 teams vying to be one of the finalists for the Frozen Four in Saint Paul, Minnesota next month.

It’s an exciting time because, for many players, it’s their last taste of the amateur game before turning pro – some as soon as this weekend. For others, it just the next step in their hockey journey and an experience players truly cherish.

For fans of top prospects, the regional title games can be exhilarating, with many of the blue-chippers in spots to help shape the futures of their schools’ hockey programs. Winning a national title means everything to these schools, and claiming victory is one of the easiest tools in helping to recruit top talent for the future.

With the four respective regionals in Providence, Maryland Heights, Springfield and Sioux Falls taking place from Thursday to Sunday (check out a full preview here), here’s a look at 10 NHL prospects you need to know:

Cutter Gauthier, LW, Boston College (Anaheim Ducks)

Considered by many to be one of the best prospects in hockey, Gauthier has a whopping 35 goals and 59 points in just 37 games this year. The dynamic offensive threat had seven points in two games during the Hockey East championship series last weekend while registering 12 shots on goal. Gauthier is a dominant college player whom most expect to immediately step into the Ducks’ lineup and produce right away. He’s a play-driver, a finisher and a two-way threat all wrapped in one.

Will Smith, C, Boston College (San Jose Sharks)

I didn’t want to put all three of BC’s incredible scoring line here, so just imagine Ryan Leonard (Washington Capitals) and Gabriel Perreault (New York Rangers) being here too. Taken fourth overall in 2023, Smith leads all U-19 players with 44 assists and 67 points in 37 games while rocking a 1.81 points per game average. While Gabe Perreault and Ryan Leonard have been outstanding at BC. Smith’s been the brains of the top line in college hockey – just like he was for two years at the USA Hockey National Team Development Program. Will this be a one-and-done for Smith? That’s the question a bunch of people are wondering. As for the other two, they’re just as important to Boston’s success at this tournament and should factor into the team’s success.

Jackson Blake, RW, University of North Dakota (Carolina Hurricanes)

The son of former NHLer Jason Blake, Jackson has been one of the NCAA’s best wingers over the past two years. He’s up to 21 goals and 59 points this year while showing a pro-level shot and hockey IQ. All he does is produce offense, doing so much in tight spaces while utilizing his quick hands. A fourth-round pick by Carolina in 2021, Blake is the driving force behind the Fighting Hawks’ offense, putting up 19 more points than Owen McLaughlin throughout the season. If North Dakota is going to make it out of the regionals, they’ll need Blake to step up big.

Jack Devine, RW, University of Denver (Florida Panthers)

Devine’s NCAA success isn’t too shocking to anyone that followed him early in his career. He was outstanding during his U-17 season with the USA Hockey National Team Development Program but lost a step the following year after injuries limited him to just 30 games. Frankly, there was no reason for him to fall to pick No. 221 in 2022 – fifth last in the draft. Now a junior with Denver, Devine was one of the NCAA’s premier forwards all season long, heading into the regionals with 27 goals and 55 points in just 40 games. He’s Denver’s shiny trophy.

Gavin Brindley, RW, University of Michigan (Columbus Blue Jackets)

Named Big Ten Player of the Year earlier this month, it’s hard not to call Brindley one of the biggest steals of the 2023 NHL Draft so far. After a solid 38-point freshman season, he exploded for 24 goals and 51 points as Michigan used him in more prominent roles this season. Add in his incredible performance at the World Juniors and nothing has slowed down the 19-year-old winger. Brindley is a battler through and through, and while Michigan isn’t a favorite to go far, I fully expect the Blue Jackets prospect to shine.

Rutger McGroarty, LW, University of Michigan (Winnipeg Jets)

McGroarty just edged out Brindley for first in scoring on Michigan despite missing time with an injury prior to the World Juniors. He had 52 points in 33 games, making him one of the most productive forwards in the NCAA. They really missed his presence when he was out – McGroarty just does so much with the puck, driving the play so consistently, that you really need him healthy out there. He’s one of Winnipeg’s best forwards, and he’s someone many think should be ready for pro hockey quite soon.

Frank Nazar, C, University of Michigan (Chicago Blackhawks)

Nazar needed a big season after missing most of 2022-23 due to injuries. Mission accomplished. The Blackhawks prospect had more than a point per game while also contributing extensively in his own zone. That’s the thing – Nazar can score, and he’s a great setup guy. But he can also block shots and work his tail off in front of his own net. Nazar is a team player you can throw in any situation and be happy about, and he was a big part of Michigan’s attack this year. He was Michigan’s best player in the Big Ten title game against Michigan State over the weekend, scoring twice in a 5-4 loss. They’ll need more performances like that from Nazar – and, frankly, a few others – if Michigan will advance out of Missouri.

Lane Hutson, D, Boston University (Montreal Canadiens)

Are we close to seeing Hutson in a Montreal Canadiens uniform? Given BU is the second-ranked team, it seems unlikely. The Terriers can beat anyone on any night, and Hutson – sitting at 46 points in 35 games – wants to be a big part of that. He’s one of the most dynamic young defenders in college hockey, beating players with just pure skill alone. In fact, Hutson has played some of his best hockey of the season as of late, putting up 11 points over the past 10 games. Most expect him to turn pro once his college season is over and get into some games with Montreal – so, Habs fans, would you rather that be soon, or would you rather see him try his hand at a national title?

Jimmy Snuggerud, RW, University of Minnesota (St. Louis Blues)

Think Snuggerud might want revenge? After losing in overtime of the national title game last year, Snuggerud returned to Minnesota despite the departures of linemates Logan Cooley and Matthew Knies. So Snuggerud’s numbers don’t look as attractive this time around, but with 21 goals in 37 games, he still knows his way around the net. He’s one of Minnesota’s most valuable forwards once again, and they’ll need him to have the best few games of his career if they’re going to make it out of the Sioux Falls regional.

Trey Augustine, G, Michigan State University (Detroit Red Wings)

It’s been a remarkable season for Augustine, who has a 22-8-2 record with three shutouts in 33 games. It’s so difficult for a freshman to be so important for a college contender, but Augustine was rock solid, showing he has a great head on his shoulders. Augustine also had a perfect record en route to gold at the World Junior Championship, his second year as starter. Michigan State is in a tough group in Missouri, but if Augustine can stand tall, they could book a spot in the Frozen Four next month.

Other notables: Massimo Rizzo, C, University of Denver (Philadelphia Flyers), Oliver Moore, C, University of Minnesota (Chicago Blackhawks), Jacob Fowler, G, Boston College (Montreal Canadiens), Isaac Howard, LW, Michigan State University (Tampa Bay Lightning), Shai Buium, D, University of Denver (Detroit Red Wings)

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