By: Chris Nosek

The first part of our list included some familiar names who stood out last season. The rest of the will highlight a number of players who are new to the NCAA. All of these players have the potential to stand out significantly. All of these players could help change how NCAA schools do their recruiting. Schools may need to make a greater effort to appeal to players with “one-and-done” potential. Watching the journeys of each of these players will be exciting for any hockey fan.

10. Will Zellers

Overall, Zellers was flying under the radar as a prospect in the Colorado Avalanche system. He was their third round pick, 76th overall, back in 2024. However, Calum Ritchie had most of the spotlight in the Colorado farm system. Zellers’ performance in the USHL last season caused many to shift their focus on him. He became the core piece used to acquire Charlie Coyle from the Boston Bruins. With the Green Bay Gamblers, he scored 44 goals and 27 assists in only 52 games. He took home accolades as both USHL Forward of the Year and USHL Player of the Year. He has also won a gold medal at the World Junior Championships and a Bronze at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup. This season, Zellers is joining the University of North Dakota with several other great players. He should add a nice scoring touch with some other hefty offensive weapons. He will work with Calgary draft pick Cole Reschny as they look to lead the Fighting Hawks in the NCHC. A successful season for Zellers would also shoot him up the pipeline in the Bruins system.

9. William Horcoff

Horcoff is on this list more because of his importance to the Pittsburgh Penguins. The 6’5″ center was selected by the Penguins in the first round of the 2025 draft. He weighs in at 203 pounds. He plays a solid two-way game and is a skilled play-maker. He’s had some trouble landing on the scoresheet, and will be looking to change that this season. The Penguins urgently need young talent in the coming seasons. They want to stay competitive once Sidney Crosby finishes playing. Horcoff is entering his first full season at the University of Michigan. He will be looking to show he’s part of their future. Last season, he saw 18 games and notched 4 goals and 6 assists. This came after 35 games split between the NTDP (National Team Development Program) and USHL. Over those 35 games, he scored 17 total points. Watching Horcoff adjust to the NCAA full-time is intriguing. He will face the pressure of meeting the Penguins’ needs.

8. Cole Reschny

Reschny will be joining Will Zellers at the University of North Dakota in the Fall. This will make North Dakota an extremely fun and interesting team to watch. Reschny is an excellent and efficient passer which will pair well with a scorer like Zellers. Reschny was the 18th overall selection, made by Calgary, in the 2025 draft. The 5’11” forward is joining the Fighting Hawks after just over two seasons with the Victoria Royals in the WHL. During his time with the Royals, he posted 48 goals and 104 assists while playing in 127 games. Both, Reschny and Zellers, are capable of driving their own lines. Seeing how Head Coach Dane Jackson utilizes his two left shot forwards will be interesting. The offense these two can bring should be electric. North Dakota should be able to compete with the best in the NCHC this season.

7. TJ Hughes

TJ Hughes is one of the players many thought would field several professional offers after last season. If he did receive any, he decided to return to the University of Michigan for his senior season instead. The 23-year-old undrafted forward has put together a solid NCAA career for himself. He continues to show growth in his game year over year. So far, he’s played 116 games over his three-year career at Michigan. He has scored 122 points over those 116 games. In each of his first two seasons, the Wolverines saw their season end in the Frozen Four. As a senior, Hughes will be looking to make one final run at a National Championship. As Captain, he will guide the team. He will support newcomers like Will Zellers, Malcom Spence, and Cole McKinney as they begin their NCAA journeys.

6. Michael Hage

Returning to the University of Michigan, with Hughes, is Michael Hage. Last season, Hage contributed 34 points over 33 games. His two seasons prior were both with the Chicago Steel in the USHL. During those two seasons he played 67 games and totaled 85 points. Now in his second NCAA season, Hage should have a massive chip on his shoulder. Despite being a #1 seed entering the tournament last year, the Wolverines lost in the first round to Cornell. Hage, along with others, will use that as motivation as they push for a National Championship this season. He will also be looking to show the Montreal Canadiens that he can fill their need at center. Hage has a lot to play for this season, and it could be his last in the NCAA. So it’s definitely a must watch year for the 19-year-old from Mississauga, Ontario.