By: Chris Nosek

We’ve looked at some of those who will be in the crease this coming NCAA season. However, there are a lot more skaters. Let’s look at the top-15 players you should keep your eye on throughout the upcoming NCAA season! The first group includes a few players we know can play in the NCAA. They are looking to take another step toward the NHL. Seeing if they can take that step will be the reason you keep watching the NCAA this season.

15. Luke Misa – C/LW – Penn State

Luke’s brother, Michael, was just drafted 2nd overall by the San Jose Sharks. However, that’s not the reason Luke makes this list. Luke was a 5th round selection of the Calgary Flames back in 2024. Now, he’s making the jump to the NCAA after four seasons in the OHL. At only 19 years old, Luke is poised to be a great example for player development. Over his first three seasons in the OHL, all with the Mississauga Steelheads, he scored 150 points over 192 games. This included a whopping 81 points over 66 games in his final season. His final season was even better as he showed his scoring ability by adding to his goal total. The extra goals brought his point total to 85 points over 67 games.

As Luke makes his transition to the NCAA, his game still has work. However he’s already shown an abilities to score himself or set up his teammates. Now, he needs to prove his size won’t be an issue. As the game gets more physical, players he’s playing against get physically larger. Luke measures in at 5’10” and 185 pounds, which may give many pause. At Penn State, he will be with 2026 draft phenom Gavin McKenna. If those two get put on the same line, the offense would be extremely fun to watch.

14. Sascha Boumedienne – D – Boston University

Kicking off a trio of kids who will be playing at Boston University this fall is Sascha Boumedienne. The 6’2″ left-shot defenseman will be playing his second season with the Terriors this fall. He was selected by the Winnipeg Jets 28th overall during the draft. He stood out for team Finland during the World Junior tournament, helping them capture a silver medal. He received over 24 minutes in average ice time last season. He aims to build on his strong season this fall. Boumedienne will likely continue to fly under the radar. Most of the defensive spotlight will fall on Cole Hutson. Boumedienne will also have to deal with playing a new defensive partner as Tom Willander should be in Abbotsford.

13. Cole Eiserman – LW – Boston University

Last season, Eiserman burst onto the college hockey scene pretty much as expected. He notched 25 goals and 11 assists over 39 games. He gained confidence throughout the season and his game continued to grow. He only had seven games in which he was held to one or fewer shots on goal. Eiserman has an excellent release to his shot. This makes him an elite goalscorer. He probably could have turned professional after his freshman season. Returning for another season was certainly the best call for both parties. This decision was likely due to the state of the New York Islanders. Despite his amazing season, BU fell short to Western Michigan in the finals. He has the ability to put the puck in the net. He also has the drive to take home a National Championship. These factors put Eiserman in a position to have a historic season.

12. Cole Hutson – D – Boston University

Cole Hutson rounds out the list of our BU Terriers. All three Hutson brothers faced questions about their size heading into their NCAA careers. Cole has proven that his size will not hinder him in the NCAA. Like his brother Lane, despite being only 5’10” and 165 pounds, Cole excels in his performance. Last season, the Washington Capitals 2024 draft pick recorded 48 points over 39 games. When BU’s season was over, he proceeded to score 11 points in 7 games at the World Junior tournament. This only added more eyes to him heading into the fall. Hutson is the top defender for the Terriers and will be on the ice more than anyone else. Lastly, it will be worth noting whether there are any changes in his game. This season, he will have a new goaltender behind him as Jacob Fowler has turned pro for the Montreal Canadiens. Fowler took home the Mike Richter Award last season as the best goaltender in the NCAA.

11. James Hagens – C/LW – Boston College

Last season Hagens played as a 17-year-old freshman for Boston College. He played at a point-per-game pace, then followed up with 9 points in 7 games at World Juniors. Hagens has talent that is undeniable, however some still claim his success was mostly due to his linemates. He spent most of his time with Ryan Leonard and Gabe Perreault. Both of whom turned to their pro teams after the season. Hagens posted 26 assists last season, 18 of which contributed to goals score by Perreault or Leonard. This claim will help add motivation for Hagens as he enters his sophomore season. Adding to that drive, will be the fact that 6 teams passed on him at the 2025 NHL Entry draft. He wants to make the NHL, and this year he will have to prove his game is ready for it.