2026 NHL Draft: Top 10 NCAA players you need to know

Mar 20, 2026, 09:56 EDTUpdated: Mar 20, 2026, 09:57 EDT

2026 NHL Draft: Top 10 NCAA players you need to know

Credit: Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK vi

With the NCAA allowing players with major-junior experience to make the move, the college hockey talent pool has never been deeper.

Seriously. Two of the top three projected players in this year’s draft – Gavin McKenna and Keaton Verhoeff – made the move to college to face tougher competition. It’s not crazy to think that four players within the top 10 could be taken from the NCAA this year.

While many 2025 first-rounders ultimately made their way to the NCAA, only one (James Hagens) was taken in the top 10, while four were taken in the first round. Given that college is typically for players aged 18-24, that’s not surprising. But between CHLers making the jump and others getting head starts as 17-year-olds, that number will grow over time.

After checking out NCAA free agents earlier this month, let’s look at 10 2026 NHL Draft prospects worth keeping an eye on – especially with the Frozen Four drawing closer each week:

1. Gavin McKenna, LW (Penn State University)

McKenna has been on an absolute tear since coming back from the World Juniors, registering 33 points in his past 18 games. An eight-point effort against Ohio State definitely inflated things, but he’s still an extremely important member of a Penn State team that has often struggled against some of the top teams in the country. But when he’s hot, he’s unstoppable. McKenna is the most exciting player in this draft class, bar none. He’s skilled, he thinks the game at a true difference-making level, and he plays with a lot of confidence. There’s still the “He’s not big” crowd, and he can lack a bit of intensity away from the puck. But give him a reliable two-way center to work with and he’ll be a star.

2. Keaton Verhoeff, RHD (University of North Dakota)

Vehroeff still has the most potential of any defenseman in this draft class – and perhaps the most runway, given he only moved from the crease a few years ago. Instead of sticking in the WHL, Verhoeff elected to chase minutes against older competition at the University of North Dakota – and it was definitely the right move. He’s been productive while playing anywhere in the 16-20 minute range. He doesn’t have many bad games – the floor is still quite solid. Verhoeff is a smart two-way defenseman who skates well for a 6-foot-4 dude. He takes up a ton of space and is willing to hit you hard while also making many high-end passes in the offensive zone. Some scouts aren’t as convinced that he’ll be the first defender off the board, but many still love the raw potential.

3. Tynan Lawrence, C (Boston University)

Lawrence’s college campaign didn’t go to plan, with the highly touted forward finishing with just two goals and seven points in 18 games. He did save some of his best hockey for the stretch run, which is promising. Given that he only went to college in January and missed a large chunk of the season due to injury, it wasn’t surprising. The former Muskegon Lumberjacks forward has shown he can dominate shifts with his relentless attack, solid hockey sense and strong physical play. Lawrence will have an opportunity to be a leader at BU in his first full campaign next year. Next up (potentially): a leading role with Canada at the U-18 World Championship.

4. Oscar Hemming, LW (Boston College)

Hemming didn’t have a team for the first half of the year and then came out flying with Boston College. But he slowed down a bit in recent weeks, at least on the scoresheet. Still, the translatables are fascinating. At his best, the 6-foot-4 forward is an absolute menace who can beat you with size, speed and skill. There isn’t an area of the ice where he isn’t chasing after someone and trying to steal the puck from someone. He’s intimidating, especially physically. Hemming’s missed time didn’t help his draft stock, but his combination of size, hockey sense and raw skill will keep him in the top-10 conversation as June draws closer.

5. Ilia Morozov, C (University of Miami)

Morozov’s numbers stabilized a bit near the end of his season. But after playing 20 minutes a night on an underdog Miami team and putting up 20 points in 36 games, Morozov showed some real promise. Being 6-foot-3 and 205 pounds also helps. Morozov commands attention, and he’s an absolute pain-in-the-rear-end to try to contain. Many NHL clubs could use some extra center depth, and Morozov absolutely should be in the conversation here because he’s so difficult to steal the puck from. The Russian forward might not be a big-time producer at the next level, but he’s shaping up to be a solid middle-six center, at the very least.

6. Adam Valentini, C (University of Michigan)

From a pure skill perspective, Valentini is tremendous. Valentini is so energetic that he can chase the whole game without losing much pace. He can be a bit of a pain in the ass around the net because you can almost never keep up with his footwork. I like how his game has progressed in college, but he needs to add more muscle. With the puck, though, Valentini brings so much to the table. I’m not worried about his ability to create damage with the puck on his stick. But is he versatile enough? Is he too small? Always bet high on skill.

7. Dakoda Rhéaume-Mullen, LHD (University of Michigan)

The first re-entry option on this list, Rhéaume-Mullen received plenty of attention last year. Scouts were worried the six-foot defender was too small last year, but he looks physically stronger than in his freshman year at Michigan. We even saw his production nearly double while earning a spot on USA’s World Junior team, too. DRM is best when defending against skilled players who try to make quick, flashy moves, because he never seems to fall for them. His game with the puck isn’t great, though, which has hurt his stock a bit this year. The ceiling isn’t high here, but Rhéaume-Mullen plays strong enough defensively to take a chance on him as a re-entry prospect.

8. Lincoln Kuehne, RHD (Arizona State University)

Kuehne was one of just a handful of players to return to the USA Hockey National Team Development Program for a couple of games after already playing two years. Kuehne took part in the CHL USA Prospects Challenge in the fall, where he showed just how mature his game is already. He’s positionally sound, plays with confidence and doesn’t make many mistakes under pressure. ASU had a rough year, but Kuehne seemed to play his best hockey when he was given more ice time.

9. Landon Nycz, LHD (UMass)

When watching Nycz, his mobility is the first thing that stands out. The former Waterloo Black Hawks prospect isn’t going to wow you with his offense – three points in 34 games won’t excite you all too much. His ice time has fluctuated quite a bit this year – he frequently played under 10 minutes a night but also skated in as high as 19-20 on multiple occasions. Defensively, he’s solid, but it felt like he was often sheltered from tougher opponents. In flashes, Nycz has the athletic ability to be a difference-maker. I do wonder if he should have spent another year in the USHL before making the move to college. But I still think the basis is there for him to be a decent prospect down the line.

10. Luka Radivojevič, RHD (Boston College)

At 5-foot-10, the odds were always against Radivojevič. But, man, you can’t deny the skill. Radivojevič has already played in three World Juniors for Slovakia and was one of the best blueliners at this year’s tournament. He also played his first year at Boston College, where the playmaking blueliner finished with 16 points in 33 games. With the puck, few NCAA defenders get it where it needs to be as consistently as Radivojevič. Build-wise, he still leaves a lot to be desired, but he did seem more physically involved this season compared to his draft year. Radivojevič isn’t as dynamic as, say, Lane Hutson, which will likely prevent him from becoming an NHL defender one day. But as a late-round pick, why not take a flyer on a guy with legit talent?

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