By: Chris Nosek

After reviewing ten other players worth watching this NCAA season, the NHL preseason is officially underway. Let’s finish our countdown with the top-5 players in the NCAA who you should be watching during their entire season.

5. Dean Letourneau

After his first season at Boston College, some in the Boston area have started to call Letourneau a “bust.” Posting only 3 assists over 36 games would normally cause a panic. However, in situation, there are a number of factors that need to be accounted for. First and foremost, Letourneau should have been playing for the Sioux Falls Stempede, in the USHL. He joined Boston College by taking the last roster spot available. This opportunity arose because Will Smith signed his ELC with the Sharks. This alone made his freshman year a season of significant adjustments.

When the season ended, it was revealed that the 6’7″ center had been playing with a broken hand. He had been dealing with the injury for most of the season. This season, Letourneau will know exactly what to expect in his second NCAA season. He will also be healthy to start the season. He will need to take on a larger role for the Eagles. Several key players from last season opted to turn pro. While fans will focus on his scoring, Letourneau needs to prove where he fits into this BC lineup. Adjusting to the higher level of play will make Letourneau’s season interesting to watch. Especially given that BC will be looking to compete for a National Championship.

4. Porter Martone

Porter Martone was a name that kept being discussed as the 2025 NHL Draft approached. Martone is a player who often finds himself in good positioning. He seems to always know where his teammates are. During his 117 games with the Steelheads, first in Mississauga and later in Brampton, he scored 70 goals. He also made 99 assists. This scoring touch earned him a 6th overall selection by the Philadelphia Flyers. Committed to Michigan State University, Martone could possibly only see one season in the NCAA. Physically he is built for the next level as he measures in at 6’3″ and 209 pounds. Some thought he could have turned pro this season, but he will certainly benefit from a year in the NCAA. Martone should be able to help provide a big push for the Spartans. Michigan State will be a contender for the National Championship – making them a must watch all season.

3. Keaton Verhoeff

Verhoff plays a premium position. Many will be watching him as he prepares for the 2026 NHL Entry Draft. Gavin McKenna is the consensus number one pick. However, Verhoeff will be a top name. He could shift the rest of the draft. Under the right circumstances, he could even shift the top of the draft.

Unlike others in the draft class, Verhoeff could physically play in the NHL. He measures in at 6’4″ and 212 pounds. He plays a very strong defensive game and is a very strong skater. The fact that he is a right-shot plays to his advantage as well. Last season he scored 21 goals and posted 24 assists over 63 games for the Victoria Royals. This season will essential in determining how NHL-ready Verheoff is as he joins the North Dakota Fighting Hawks.

2. Cayden Lindstrom

He started slow when he first joined the Medicine Hat Tigers as he went scoreless in his first six games. However, over his next 93 games, he scored 88 points. He was well over a point-per-game pace when he suffered a back injury. The injury would keep him off the ice for over a year. Upon returning in the postseason for the Tigers, he scored 4 points over 4 games. This performance showed he still had his scoring touch. As a 6’3″ center, Lindstrom weighs in at 220 pounds. He will be looking to help Michigan State University compete for a National Championship. More importantly, the 2024 4th overall pick of the Columbus Blue Jackets will be looking to prove he is healthy.

1. Gavin McKenna

Yup. This one is obvious. Currently, Gavin McKenna is the consensus number one overall pick for the 2026 NHL Entry Draft. He is the most electrifying player we’ve seen in several seasons. During his time in the WHL he held a 1.83 point per game pace. He carried that over to international competition. Over 7 international games, he scored 10 goals and provided 10 assists. Meanwhile, with the Medicine Hat Tigers, he finished with 244 points over 133 games.

Over the past few seasons, we have seen some smaller players enter the NHL. They still play at a very high level. Most notably, last seasons Calder Trophy winner. Lane Hutson is only 5’9″ and 162 pounds. McKenna measures in a little bigger. He’s 6 feet tall, but still weighs around 165 pounds. Watching how much of his scoring carries over to the NCAA will be must watch. He will also be looking to help Penn State compete with both Michigan and Michigan State. His first NCAA will provide the insight into his trajectory as an NHL prospect.