Top five NHL prospects to watch in the NCAA hockey tournament

The 2024 NCAA hockey tournament begins on Thursday with opening-round matchups that feature No. 2 seed Boston University and No. 3 seed Denver.

The 16-team bracket is loaded with future NHL talent, both players who’ve already been drafted and 2024 draft hopefuls. The Frozen Four begins on April 11 in St. Paul, Minnesota, and concludes on April 13 with the national championship game.

Here is a look at some of the top players in this year’s tournament.

Seamus Casey, D, Michigan (New Jersey Devils)

The No. 2 prospect in the Devils organization according to The Athletic, Casey has had a breakout 2023 in which he’s scored seven goals and 45 points in 38 games and ascended to the top of the NHL’s hottest defensive prospects. One of the top puck-movers in the country, Casey is the prototypical power-play quarterback who attacks pucks and creates plenty of scoring chances off the rush.

Cutter Gauthier, C, Boston College (Anaheim Ducks)

Traded from the Philadelphia Flyers to the Ducks in early January, Gauthier has drawn a lot of attention this season. He’s tallied 35 goals and 59 points in 37 NCAA games, leading the country in goal scoring. Gauthier is a physical forward who drives to the net and generates plenty of offense — all the things that make a prospect must-see.

Lane Hutson, D, Boston University (Montreal Canadiens)

The 20-year-old Hutson puts up a lot of points for a blue-liner, logging 13 goals and 36 points in 35 games and making some serious strides in his defensive game as well as his awareness. He was a standout at Canadiens rookie camp during the offseason. Hutson and 2023 first-round pick David Reinbacher give Montreal a strong future one-two defensive punch.

Gabriel Perreault, RW, Boston College (New York Rangers)

One of the most dynamic scorers in the country, Perreault’s offensive prowess translated nicely from the U.S. National Team Development Program to college. He scored 18 goals and 57 points in 32 games during his freshman year. His shot generation, quick release, deceptive shooting ability and nose for the net make him a nightmare for opposing goaltenders to deal with.

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

The fourth overall pick in the 2023 draft, Smith is one of the best and fastest processers on the ice who’s an excellent passer and excels at creating scoring chances. He had 23 goals and 67 points in 37 games as a freshman, and he should be one of the top point producers in the tournament.

Honorable mention

Macklin Celebrini, C, Boston University (2024 draft eligible)

Celebrini is expected to be the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 NHL Draft, and after a dominating freshman season, it’s easy to see why. The 17-year-old center totaled 31 goals and 59 points in 35 games on top of putting up four goals and eight points in five games during the 2024 IIHF World Junior Championship. Celebrini has scored at every level, and he’s arguably the most offensively dynamic player in the NCAA.