NHL Teams' Strategic Scouting of NCAA Hockey Talent
Each spring, as college hockey seasons conclude, National Hockey League (NHL) teams intensify their focus on scouting and signing undrafted National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) players. This scouting aims to bolster their prospect pipelines with older, more developed talents who can potentially contribute to their NHL or American Hockey League (AHL) rosters. The 2025 NCAA men’s national hockey tournament, featuring 16 teams, serves as a prime opportunity for NHL scouts to evaluate these prospects under pressure.
The Allure of NCAA Free Agents
NHL teams are often looking for players that can potentially help the depth of their lineup or at least find some new, older prospects for their farm system. The appeal of NCAA free agents lies in their low acquisition cost. These players are typically signed to Entry-Level Contracts (ELC), which are capped at under $1 million if they make the NHL roster. If the player ends up in the AHL, the cost is significantly lower. The 2024-25 college free agent class is relatively shallow. There are fewer players than normal that NHL teams are going to significantly pursue. Even with that in mind, NHL teams are eager to make this low-cost additions to fill some of the gaps that may exist in their prospect system.
Furthermore, these players are generally older and more seasoned than those available through the NHL Entry Draft. This maturity provides NHL teams with a clearer understanding of a player's capabilities and potential. While most undrafted free agents don't become long-term NHL players, success stories like Torey Krug, Chris Tanev, Brandon Tanev, and Collin Graf demonstrate the potential value of these signings.
Key NCAA Prospects to Watch
Several NCAA players have garnered significant attention from NHL scouts due to their exceptional performance and potential. Here's a closer look at some of the top prospects:
Trey Augustine (G, Michigan State Univ.): Fresh off becoming the most successful American goaltender in World Junior Championship history, Augustine has continued his trek to becoming the top goaltender in the NCAA this year. Augustine has continued his trek to becoming the top goaltender in the NCAA this year. He registered a seven-game winning streak from mid-October until the end of November to help push MSU near the top of the standings. He hasn’t lost consecutive games at any point this year, and while having a good team helps, he routinely is forced to make 30-plus saves against quality opponents. The youngest starting goalie in college hockey was a First Team All-American and Big Ten goalie of the year in 2024-25.
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Zeev Buium (D, Univ. of Denver): There’s an argument to be made that Buium is the best prospect in hockey right now. He’s truly a remarkable defender, and his stock his sky-high right now. Since Jan. 2024, Buium has won two World Junior Championships with USA and a national NCAA title with the University of Denver. And Buium has been a key part of all of that, playing important minutes while establishing himself as a play-driving, all-around defender. He’s so effective at both ends of the ice, and he’s a truly remarkable skater. Buium isn’t particularly big or strong, but many scouts aren’t worried because his hockey IQ and pure skill are so high-end already.
Jack Devine (RW, Univ. of Denver): If Denver goes far, Devine is going to be a big reason why. The 21-year-old set a career-high 56 points last year and entered the NCAA playoffs this season with 54. He has a good shot, but he’s more dangerous as a playmaker, as shown by his 41 assists in his first 39 games. Devine has been one of the NCAA’s most effective wingers the past few years and is a repeat Hobey Baker top 10 finalist after earning recognition in both 2024 and 2025. Devine is a speedy, energetic forward who just makes things happen.
Karsen Dorwart (C, Michigan State): The player many viewed as the No. 1 prospect in the college free agent market did not last long. The 22-year-old is 6-foot-1 and nearing 200 pounds. He is strong and can be physical, creating space and winning battles in the hard areas of the ice. His offensive skill is average, but he is able to outwork the opposition and has enough hand skills to produce in a depth role.
Aiden Fink (RW, Penn State Univ.): Fink might not play on a powerhouse college team, but Fink was one of the top players in the country this year. He’s been so good, in fact, that he sits at 86 points in 71 games over two years - that’s good for seventh among all players. A finalist for the Hobey Baker award, Fink has 15 multi-point games to his credit this year while also being a dangerous power-play producer. The Preds selected the 5-foot-10 forward in the seventh round in 2023, and while he’s a little undersized and his skating is still underwhelming, his work with the puck is tremendous.
Kyle Fowler (G): It was a bit surprising not to see Fowler’s name on the Hobey Baker top 10 finalists lists. He is one of just three NCAA goaltenders boasting a save percentage above .940, and he has played some of his best hockey against other high-end programs. Fowler is listed as 6-foot-2, but he covers the net so effectively. He’s positionally solid, mentally strong and rarely gives up a bad goal. Year after year, no matter the level or event, Fowler finds ways to come out on top.
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Cooper Gay (RW, St. Thomas): Cooper Gay has been on an upward trajectory for each of the last four seasons and had his most productive campaign in 2024-25 with STU. He posted 30 points in 35 games including 19 goals. The 23-year-old is 6-foot-4 and over 200 pounds, with an abilityh to get to the interior and make plays in tight.
Isaac Howard (LW, Michigan State Univ.): After an underwhelming freshman season at the University of Minnesota-Duluth in 2022-23, Howard made the move to Michigan State University for the following year - and it has looked like a genius decision. Playing under former USA Hockey National Team Development Program coach Adam Nightingale, Howard had a point per game through 36 games last year as he helped get himself firmly back on track (he won gold with USA at the World Juniors for good measure). This year, though, has been a true breakthrough season for Howard, who needed just 24 games to tie his output from last year while leading the entire NCAA in scoring. The sharpshooter looks as confident as ever with the puck, and he’s physically stronger, too.
Ryan Leonard (RW, Boston College): DFO’s Frank Seravalli has called Leonard the Capitals’ biggest trade deadline piece - as in, they didn’t need to bring in any help because it’s coming. But first, Leonard is looking to cap off his stellar college career with his first championship. Boston couldn’t get the offense it needed to go the distance last year, but Leonard has shown the ability to dominate in big games. He was instrumental in USA’ consecutive gold medals at the World Juniors in 2024 and 2025 and even took home tournament MVP honors in January.
Gabe Perreault (C, Boston College): Perreault has been one of the most consistent players in the NCAA over the past two years, registering 107 points in 71 games. While this year hasn’t been as explosive compared to his 60-point freshman season, Perreault has been better away from the puck. We’ve seen a lot of positive development over the past two years, so much so that there’s a real belief that he can be an impact NHLer right out of the gate next season.
Isak Posch (G, St. Cloud State): When healthy, he was lights out for St. Cloud State who really faltered without them. Posch is a 6-foot-3, 209-pound goaltender with good mobility and a high level of competitiveness. He posted a .923 save percentage in 22 appearances with two shutouts.
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Sam Rinzel (D, Univ. of Minnesota): Rinzel is having a fantastic sophomore season - and if he has his way, he’ll make it last a few more days. The 6-foot-4 defender has obvious size, but he also has 31 points in 39 games. The fact he has 10 goals while playing all situations and dealing with tough matchups for Minnesota is remarkable. He’s a minute-muncher, playing more than 22 minutes a night in most games (his season high was 30:29 in mid-December). Defensively, Rinzel is smart, and he’s much better with the puck than scouts gave him credit for ahead of the 2022 NHL Draft.
**Jimmy Snuggerud (RW, Univ. of Minnesota (St. If the Blues make the playoffs, Snuggerud could become a nice piece of the puzzle. But first, he’ll chase his first national title after previously coming quite close a few years ago. The two-time Hobey Baker top 10 finalist just fell short of the 50-point mark, but 49 points in 39 games on a team where he was the primary offensive weapon is still impressive. He has good overall strength, high hockey IQ and a good shot release. Combine that together and he should be a solid top-six NHLer in the near future.
Callum Tung (G, UConn): Tung is one of the more intriguing signings of the free agent class so far. In the 15 games Tung played this year, he posted a .933 save percentage and picked up 10 wins. He also appeared in 38 games last season with the BCHL's Alberni Valley Bulldogs, posting a .917 in the regular season before a .940 mark in 18 playoff games. At 21 years old, he has a chance to get into the Rangers system and play right away. He also has the size teams covet at 6-foot-3, 198 pounds. He's extremely quick and athletic, too.
Tim Washe (C, Western Michigan): Wash's stock rose and rose throughout his breakout season as a fifth-year senior. He captained Western Michigan to their first national championship and was an all-tournament selection at the Frozen Four. Washe had 16 goals and 38 points to finish second on the team in scoring. He also played a lot of the tough matchups, killed penalties and according to his coach was "the greatest leader in college hockey." At 6-foot-3, 215 pounds, he plays a heavy game with some abrasiveness. Meanwhile, he showed improved offensive touch. He skates well, can be relentless on the forecheck and is not afraid to play an especially physical game. He's remarkably versatile and despite playing five years of college hockey, he's still only 23.
Recent Signings of College Free Agents
Several players have already signed with NHL teams or their AHL affiliates, including:
Noah Beck (D, Arizona State): The 24-year-old is a 6-foot-3, left-shot defenseman who has shown enhanced puck-moving skills, solid defending and good mobility to go along with pro-level strength.
Dalton Bancroft (RW, Cornell): A 6-foot-3, 207-pound right-shot winger with some bite, Bancroft has a chance to play an NHL depth role down the road. He has the size and physicality to make things challenging for opposing defensemen on the forecheck and has the power and strength to get to the interior.
Damien Carfagna (D, Ohio State): A talented puck-mover, Carfagna had a career year with the Buckeyes. The 22-year-old, left-shot blueliner posted 28 points in 38 games as Ohio State reached the Big Ten championship game and NCAA tournament.
Carter King (C, Denver): The University of Denver's captain and two-time NCAA champion Carter King is going home. The Calgary native signed with the Flames on a one-year deal that starts next season. This season, King had a career year with 21 goals and 43 points while leading Denver back to the Frozen Four. He is a tenacious forward with good pace and an ability to get on the opposition quickly and get behind defenders.
Joey Larson (RW, Michigan State): After three highly-productive collegiate seasons, 24-year-old Joey Larson landed a one-year deal with the Isles. The 6-foot-1, 196-pound winger is a right-shot who plays an energetic style and can make plays on both sides of the puck.
Caleb MacDonald (D, North Dakota): A physical blueliner, he spent his first year at Alaska Fairbanks before transferring to North Dakota, where he played against a lot of top competition as a top-four defenseman. He can block shots and play well in his own zone, but points are not going to come in bunches.
Quinn Hutson (LW, Boston University): Quinn was among the top scorers in college hockey this season, posting a team-best 50 points for BU, leading them to the national championship game. Quinn is a 5-foot-11 forward who has excellent vision and offensive sense.
Factors Influencing NHL Scouting Decisions
NHL scouts consider various factors when evaluating NCAA players, including:
- On-ice performance: Scoring ability, playmaking skills, defensive prowess, and overall impact on the game.
- Physical attributes: Size, skating ability, strength, and agility.
- Hockey sense: IQ, decision-making, and anticipation.
- Character and work ethic: Leadership qualities, coachability, and dedication.
- Age and experience: Maturity level and potential for further development.
The USHL as a Development Ground
The United States Hockey League (USHL) plays a crucial role in developing NCAA talent. During the 2024-25 season, USHL alumni held over 50% of NCAA Division I roster spots, and over 25% of NHL players had USHL experience. The USHL's 16 teams are committed to being the world's leading 16-to 20-year-old junior hockey league.
The Evolving Landscape of NCAA Eligibility
The NCAA's eligibility rules have evolved, allowing players who have skated in one of the three CHL leagues (WHL, QMJHL, and OHL) to play NCAA hockey. This change has opened new avenues for players like Gavin McKenna, the projected generational superstar, to pursue the NCAA route.
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