NCAA men’s hockey teams are set to kick off game action this weekend, marking the start of a new, exciting era.

This will be the first full season where players with CHL – and in some cases, pro hockey – experience will be permitted into the top level of college hockey. We’ve seen a host of top young prospects make the move over, starting with top 2026 NHL Draft prospect Gavin McKenna. For reference, of the top 10 players listed below, five of them played in either the OHL or WHL last year, including the top-rated player.

So, it’s a big deal. And that’ll make watching the NCAA so exciting this year.

After looking at the top 20 prospects out of the 61-team Canadian Hockey League last week, it’s time to look at 20 of the best players chasing an NCAA national title in 2025-26:

1. Porter Martone, RW, 18 (Michigan State University)

NHL Team: Philadelphia Flyers

There’s a good chance teams will regret letting Martone fall to No. 6 in 2025. He had arguably the best vision in the entire class and has some of the best offensive IQ, too. While his skating might lack and some scouts wish he’d be more physical, everyone agrees that he’s one of the smartest players in this draft class. He just understands the game and how to exploit opportunities. Martone will probably need to line up with a play-driving center to continue producing at the next level, but his ability to absolutely dominate with the puck – and impact the offensive zone without it – makes him so lethal. Michigan State is going to be good for his development – even if it’s just for one year.

2. James Hagens, C, 18 (Boston College)

NHL Team: Boston Bruins

Hagens is one of the best prospects in hockey, and he has a chance to be a leader at BC this year, perhaps reuniting with his USNTDP linemate in Nashville Predators prospect Teddy Stiga. Scouts love Hagens for the way he skates and distributes the puck, allowing him to absolutely dominate shifts at points. Hagens has built a reputation for being so deceptive, with and without the puck, making it difficult for defenders to figure out his next move. He’s always looking up, and his teammates just know to get themselves into a scoring position whenever they can. Hagens has all the makings of a No. 1 center in the next few years.

3. Cole Eiserman, LW, 19 (Boston University)

NHL Team: New York Islanders

Expectations were high for Eiserman last year. He built a reputation as having one of the best shots in his age group, having decimated goalies for two years while with the USA Hockey National Team Development Program. The competitive winger had a massive year with Boston University, and we know he’s always involved in the offense when he dons his nation’s colors. He scored 25 goals and registered 36 points as one of the top college freshmen, and he had another seven points en route to gold at the World Juniors with USA. Eiserman will spend the next year in college, but don’t be surprised to see him challenging for a top-six role with the Islanders come 2026-27. I know he’s still raw away from the puck, but the things he does with it are special.

4. Cole Hutson, LHD, 19 (Boston University)

NHL Team: Washington Capitals

Hutson is coming off one of the most impressive seasons by any defensive prospect. He became the first defenseman to lead the World Juniors in scoring after tallying 11 points a year ago. He showed so much swagger and confidence with the puck, and his play reminded some of his brother, Lane Hutson. Cole is the USNTDP’s all-time defensive scoring leader and has led every single IIHF tournament he has participated in in points. He’s a medal magnet, too, with his worst international tournament showing being his silver at the U-18s. Give him another year in college and he’ll be ready for top-four minutes and a run at the Calder Trophy. But first, look for Hutson to challenge for the Hobey Baker Award.

5. Michael Hage, C, 19 (University of Michigan)

NHL Team: Montreal Canadiens

Hage was one of the primary reasons to watch Michigan last year. He finished second in team scoring with 34 points in 33 games, earning him Big Ten rookie of the year honors. The two-way center has been productive at every level, and there’s no reason to believe he won’t take that up another peg this coming season. Michigan might not have benefited from the CHL like other programs around college hockey, but that just means Hage will have even more opportunities to put himself in the spotlight. I love his game, always have, and I see him as a potential No. 2 center behind Nick Suzuki one day.

6. Trey Augustine, G, 20 (University of Michigan)

NHL Team: Detroit Red Wings

Augustine is a proven winner – someone who doesn’t crack under pressure. Fresh off becoming the most successful American goaltender in World Junior Championship history, the 20-year-old was also one of the top NCAA keepers, as well. He’ll have one more year in college before likely turning pro and starting in Grand Rapids – hopefully taking over for Sebastian Cossa, who deserves a promotion sooner rather than later. He’s about half a foot shorter than Cossa, but Augustine has been a star at every level. I don’t expect that to change in the future.

7. Roger McQueen, C, 18 (Providence College)

NHL Team: Anaheim Ducks

Could McQueen become the biggest steal from the top 10 of the 2025 draft? The Ducks certainly hope so. McQueen played just 20 games between the regular season and the playoffs. But he was productive, physical, and showed so many flashes of skill. McQueen has a big 6-foot-5 frame but moves like someone significantly smaller and lighter – in the best way possible. He can shoot, pass, and intimidate all in one shift. A back injury is a tough one to overcome fully, but his pure talent is undeniable. If he can hit the ice at full speed next year with no issues, the Ducks could have another home-run pick on their hands. Providence is lucky to have McQueen, someone who should be an absolute force this year.

8. Cayden Lindstrom, C, 19 (Michigan State University)

NHL Team: Columbus Blue Jackets

It was a difficult year for Lindstrom, who didn’t make his season debut until the WHL final. He had four points in four games but struggled to generate much at the Memorial Cup. Lindstrom has had issues with a herniated disc, so he has had a lot of catching up to do. Assuming he’s fully healthy and ready to go this coming year at MSU, he’ll have a perfect opportunity to spend time in the weight room, focus on getting stronger and use that to his advantage against tougher competition in college. Lindstrom’s combination of speed, size and skill makes him so fascinating. If he can stay healthy and get back to the pre-draft hype, Lindstrom is going to be so important for the Blue Jackets moving forward.

9. Jackson Smith, LHD, 18 (Penn State University)

NHL Team: Columbus Blue Jackets

One of the top blueliners from the most recent draft, Smith plays a physical game while showing tremendous mobility for a 6-foot-4 defenseman. I also think his hockey sense is great, allowing him to get creative en route to his 54-point sophomore season with the Tri-City Americans. Smith gives the Blue Jackets another legitimate puck-moving threat, and while I’d like to see him clean up the mistakes under pressure, I really like where his game is right now. I expect Smith to play big minutes out of the gate for Penn State while manning the top power-play unit.

10. Cole Reschny, C, 18 (University of North Dakota)

NHL Team: Calgary Flames

Reschny’s ability to produce no matter the situation makes him so intriguing. He’s not huge, but he makes up for it with explosive speed and elusiveness, making him a tough player to contain on the rush. He’s an outstanding playmaker, maybe one of the best in the 2025 draft class. Reschny’s competitive nature will take him far, and he has proven internationally he can be an offensive catalyst with other high-end prospects. Reschny’s penchant for creativity will make him a great fit alongside a high-end shooter one day. Reschny was one of Canada’s best players at the recent World Junior Summer Showcase, so don’t be surprised if he starts the season off hot at UND.

11. Mikhail Yegorov, 19 (Boston University)

NHL Team: New Jersey Devils

Yegorov had an incredible glow-up last season. He was one of my favorite goalies in the 2024 NHL Draft but didn’t have the stats to back it up. That’s because he had to do so much heavy lifting for Omaha of the USHL, whom he eventually left halfway through the year. He then put up some outstanding performances at Boston University, with many crediting him for being one of the biggest reasons why BU advanced to the national title game. The 6-foot-5 goaltender has a great frame, and scouts love his mental toughness. Watch him shine next year in his first full year of college hockey – I see a guy with the potential to become a No. 1 goaltender one day.

12. Cullen Potter, C, 18 (Arizona State University)

NHL Team: Calgary Flames

Potter made the bold move to leave the USA Hockey National Team Development Program a year early – but it’s now something a few others have since followed suit with. He played around 20 minutes a night at ASU last year, and scouts were impressed with his play-driving abilities. I like his commitment to playing in all three zones, and he anticipates plays and gets himself where he needs to be better than most of the draft class. I think his ceiling is high, but he needs to show he can handle the physical challenges as a 5-foot-9 forward. I think he’ll be one of the smaller players who make it, especially if he continues to make big steps this year.

13. Logan Hensler, RHD, 18 (University of Wisconsin)

NHL Team: Ottawa Senators

Hensler was one of the top defensemen selected in 2025, providing the Senators with a safer option in their own zone compared to the high-flying Carter Yakemchuk. Hensler is a 6-foot-3, mobile blueliner who has a good reach and can rough guys up. He’s even better in his own zone. You won’t confuse him for a puck-rushing offensive defenseman, though. I think there’s a good chance he becomes a second-pairing defenseman who plays a safe defensive game, but I’d like to see him take more chances with the puck. I think he’s going to have very few issues adjusting to the pro game once he leaves Wisconsin in another year or two.

14. Michael Hrabal, G, 20 (University of Massachusetts)

NHL Team: Utah Mammoth

I’ve had my concerns about Hrabal’s consistency in the past, but I feel much better about him after this past year in college. Between his more consistent play at the World Juniors, his improved coverage down low and his great numbers at UMass, Hrabal is coming off an excellent season as a 19-year-old. Now, headed back to Massachusetts for a third year, the focus will likely be on refining his movements, his speed and not having to rely on his frame to make big stops. Regardless, I still see him as a future starter.

15. Aiden Fink, RW, 20 (Penn State University)

NHL Team: Nashville Predators

Fink was one of the top players in the country last year. He’s been so productive throughout his NCAA career, which was highlighted by him becoming a top 10 Hobey Baker finalist last spring. 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. You have to wonder how long it will be until the Preds give him a chance. He’s not as well-rounded as others on this list, but he’s going to put up a lot of points this year – especially if he plays alongside McKenna.

16. Ryker Lee, LW, 18 (Michigan State University)

NHL Team: Nashville Predators

You’re always hoping the smaller players will have a late growth spurt, and that’s exactly what happened to Lee. He said he was 5-foot-3 at 15 years old and was listed at 5-foot-7 prior to this season. Now at 6-foot-1, who knows how much more growing he has left in him? Lee was one of the best players in the USHL last season, utilizing his quick hands and excellent hockey IQ in the offensive zone to win numerous battles. He kicked off the World Junior Summer Showcase in style, playing some excellent hockey in a leading role early on for USA. Next up: college. A good start at MSU should help him make USA’s World Junior team, and I wouldn’t bet against a national title run with Lee being a key component.

17. Sascha Boumedienne, LHD, 18 (Boston University)

NHL Team: Winnipeg Jets

Boumedienne didn’t have explosive numbers as a freshman, but I expect that to be a bit different this year. Just based on his play from late February and onward (especially at the U-18s), Boumedienne seems to have really honed in on his puck skills. You match that with his speed and his penchant for making high-risk, high-reward plays and there’s a ton to love. Boumedienne has high-end attributes that teams love, but he just needs to calm down and play at his own pace. If he can do that, he’ll be excellent. Expect him to have a big year at BU.

18. Jack Ivankovic, G, 18 (University of Michigan)

NHL Team: Nashville Predators

NHL teams are all about big goaltenders. But the Predators have bet high on smaller goalies in the past – does Juuse Saros ring a bell? Could Ivankovic, a 5-foot-11 keeper, be the next? The athletic keeper does an excellent job of tracking shots and is as competitive as they get in the crease. His save percentage wasn’t great in the OHL last year, but he was left hung out to dry a bit too often. I don’t expect that to be an issue for him at Michigan, though. If he could grow to 6-foot-1, I’d have almost no real concerns with his game. I’m a big believer in Ivankovic, but he has a big hill to climb still.

19. Will Horcoff, C, 18 (University of Michigan)

NHL Team: Pittsburgh Penguins

Horcoff is back for what should be a solid sophomore campaign at Michigan. He plays a big, strong game, and he’s an immovable object in front of the crease. By all accounts, he’s a prototypical power forward. Horcoff can shoot, make plays and hit. But while he’s a good passer, he can be caught trying to slow games down too much and not making the right moves to take advantage. If he could figure out how to play with pace, watch out, because he’s got the intensity element locked in already. I fully believe he’ll be an effective NHLer, but he has a few more years of college ahead of him.

20. Hampton Slukynsky, G, 20 (Western Michigan University)

NHL Team: Los Angeles Kings

Between the World Junior gold (as a backup) and the NCAA national title (as a starter), it was quite the season for Slukynsky. It felt like he was always underrated – partly because he was playing high school hockey in his draft year and then dominated the USHL two seasons ago when most other top prospects had already gone to the NCAA. But throughout it all, Sluknysky was an absolute star, and he was a huge reason why Western Michigan won the national title this year. He was downright dominant at times down the stretch, and he did a tremendous job of staying calm, cool and collected whenever he needed to be.

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1. Porter Martone, RW, 18 (Michigan State University)

2. James Hagens, C, 18 (Boston College)

3. Cole Eiserman, LW, 19 (Boston University)

4. Cole Hutson, LHD, 19 (Boston University)

5. Michael Hage, C, 19 (University of Michigan)

6. Trey Augustine, G, 20 (University of Michigan)

7. Roger McQueen, C, 18 (Providence College)

8. Cayden Lindstrom, C, 19 (Michigan State University)

9. Jackson Smith, LHD, 18 (Penn State University)

10. Cole Reschny, C, 18 (University of North Dakota)

11. Mikhail Yegorov, 19 (Boston University)

12. Cullen Potter, C, 18 (Arizona State University)

13. Logan Hensler, RHD, 18 (University of Wisconsin)

14. Michael Hrabal, G, 20 (University of Massachusetts)

15. Aiden Fink, RW, 20 (Penn State University)

16. Ryker Lee, LW, 18 (Michigan State University)

17. Sascha Boumedienne, LHD, 18 (Boston University)

18. Jack Ivankovic, G, 18 (University of Michigan)

19. Will Horcoff, C, 18 (University of Michigan)

20. Hampton Slukynsky, G, 20 (Western Michigan University)

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