Leading NCAA Prospects to Watch in 2026 NHL Draft

As college hockey season comes to a close, many talented prospects are emerging, particularly those expected to shine in the 2026 NHL Draft. This year has seen several standout players making their mark across various college programs. Here’s a look at some leading NCAA prospects to monitor as the 2026 NHL Draft approaches.

Key NCAA Prospects for the 2026 NHL Draft

Gavin McKenna – Penn State

Gavin McKenna has become a focal point at Penn State, flashing remarkable skills on the ice. He had an outstanding performance on February 20, contributing eight points against Ohio State. McKenna’s season totals include 13 goals and 30 assists over 28 games, leading to an impressive average of 1.54 points per game. His ability to excel on the power play, with four goals scored, underscores his offensive prowess.

Keaton Verhoeff – North Dakota

Keaton Verhoeff is a prominent defenseman projected as a top-five pick in the upcoming NHL Draft. Standing at 6 feet 4 inches and weighing 215 pounds, his physicality and skating ability make him a valuable asset to North Dakota’s defense. He has tallied 18 points, consisting of six goals and 12 assists, in 28 games and is noted for his defensive reliability.

Tynan Lawrence – Boston University

Joining Boston University midseason, Tynan Lawrence aims to elevate the team’s performance. Despite being only 17 years old and facing tough competition, he has made an impact with one goal and an assist in 13 appearances. Lawrence’s development is expected to progress as he gains experience, particularly adapting to the challenges of Hockey East.

Oscar Hemming – Boston College

Oscar Hemming is the youngest player in college hockey this season and is making strides in his gameplay after overcoming initial contract issues. He’s showcased his physicality and net presence, accumulating one goal and seven assists in 14 games. Hemming’s average ice time is around 15 minutes, and he has established himself on the top line.

Ilia Morozov – Miami

Ilia Morozov, anticipated to be a late first-round pick, has displayed remarkable versatility as a freshman at Miami. His contributions on both the power play and penalty kill underline his all-around skill set. In 32 games, Morozov has achieved seven goals and 11 assists while averaging 19 minutes of ice time.

Adam Valentini – Michigan

Adam Valentini has been integral to the success of the Michigan Wolverines, with nine goals and 15 assists in 32 games. His ability to pressure opposing defenses and create scoring opportunities on the power play has marked him as an early-round draft prospect. Valentini averaged 14:39 of ice time and continues to show promise as his role within the team evolves.

Additional Prospects to Keep an Eye On

• Lincoln Kuehene (D), Arizona State: Recently scored his first NCAA goal, totaling two points in 28 games.
• Landon Nycz (D), UMass: With one goal and two assists, he is another promising mid-to-later round prospect.

This season’s NCAA hockey landscape is rich with elite talent, providing a glimpse into a bright future for the sport. As the competition intensifies, the skills showcased by these prospects are bound to attract significant attention ahead of the 2026 NHL Draft.