Ranking the Top 10 NCAA Men's Hockey Players at the Start of the 2026-27 Season

Key Points:

• The new college hockey season starts Friday, featuring a diverse range of players from top NHL draft picks to older undrafted players still pursuing professional careers, highlighting the NCAA's growing appeal as a development path.
• Top players to watch include Dean Letourneau (Boston College), who showed significant improvement last season and combines size with mobility and offensive skill, and Keaton Verhoeff (University of North Dakota), a defenseman adjusting to the NCAA after moving from the WHL.
• Caleb Malhotra (Boston University), son of former NHLer Manny Malhotra, is noted for his all-around game and NHL potential, while Max Plante (University of Minnesota Duluth), the reigning Hobey Baker Award winner, returns to play alongside his brothers.
• Other key prospects include Wyatt Cullen (University of Minnesota), a versatile forward recovering from injury; Michael Hage (University of Michigan), who surprised by returning for a third college season; and Carson Carels (University of North Dakota), known for his physical play and strong two-way skills.
• Highly anticipated players also include projected 2027 top pick Landon DuPont (University of Michigan), offensive defenseman Chase Reid (Michigan State), and Ethan Wyttenbach (Quinnipiac University), last season's top freshman and a potential Hobey Baker candidate.