Quinnipiac University Bobcats‘ graduate defenseman Zach Metsa(73) just put himself in a really good position to net an NHL entry level deal after grabbing an assist in all 3 goals for the 3-2 overtime NCAA Division 1 National Championship win.
The 5’9″ 181 lbs. blue liner put up a college best 28 assists and points tying his 37 mark with a +34 rating.
He is consistently a 20+ assist player, even through his BCHL and USHL junior frames.
At 24-years old, we think the Delafield, WI is ready.
He twice scores 7 goals, but last season posts a monumental 39 assists in 69 AHL games, which he turns into a 2-year deal to stay a Sabres.
After splitting time between the 2 leagues last season and serving as captain of the affiliate Rochester Americans, he is signed to another 1-year deal starting 2027/2028.
Boston College Eagles‘ senior captain center Andre Gasseau(24) was a point-per-game player last season, scoring 6 goals and 17 assists in 23 games.
The 6’4″ 225 lbs. forward is a Boston Bruins‘ 7th round pick in the 2021 NHL draft (#213 overall), but was traded to San Jose Sharks almost on completion of his college years.
He signs a 2-year entry level contract, as his rookie season 2026/2027 approaches and will likely be sent to affiliate San Jose Barracuda to start.
From Garden Grove, CA, the 24-year old came up through the USNTDP system, then did 1 USHL season before school.
Johnstown Tomahawks‘ 1st year right wing Sean Leetch(22) had 10 goals and 23 assists in 55 NAHL games that he is taking to a 2026/2027 commit at Salve Regina University Seahawks.
The 6’1″ 194 lbs. 20-year old forward from New York, NY has played all of his youth hockey and high school hockey in the Boston area, so choosing this school keeps it close.
SUNY Canton Roos‘ junior defenseman Cory Liu(24) must have not been particularly thrilled with school, leaves a year on the table to sign a 1st pro deal for his rookie campaign with Macon Mayhem in 2026/2027.
The 6’1″ 196 lbs. blue liner did 3 scattered sessions at juniors.
From Markham, ON, the 23-year may find some luck in the SPHL.
Lewiston MAINEiacs‘ 1st year Lithuanian-born net minder Daniil Cepov(33) commits to Nazereth University Golden Flyers for 2026/2027.
The 6’1″ 185 lbs. goalie came over early for youth hockey in the area.
We look for the 20-year old to find himself some success.
Plymouth State University Panthers‘ sophomore left wing Luca Rea(18) skates a college hockey high 25 games, scoring a new best goals of 5 that he takes into the transfer portal to next head to play at Buffalo State University Bengals in 2026/2027.
The 5’11” 165 lbs. forward did 3 years of OJHL juniors before school.
From Burlington, ON, the 23-year old will likely produce well for his new club.
University Of Alaska-Fairbanks Nanooks‘ sophomore defenseman Noah Barlage(4) skates a college hockey high 31 games, scoring a new best 4 assists, but decides it’s not really for him and signs a pro deal for his rookie year, 2026/2027 with the new to the ECHL New Mexico Goatheads.
The 6′ 185 lbs. blue liner did 3 years with hometown SJHL Humboldt Broncos before coming down for 1 USHL before school.
From Humboldt, SK, the 23-year old should do ok in his new league.
Mercyhurst University Lakers‘ 2022/2023 commit, 2nd year Johnstown Tomahawks‘ defenseman Dustin Geregach(26) is definitely on his way to junior high marks, already grabbing a best 5 goals and 19 points with a +9 rating in just 28 NAHL games.
The 6′ 181 lbs., 20-year old blue liner has definitely put up points in the past through high school and youth hockey clubs, so may restart that in a bigger way as he heads into Atlantic Hockey play, but staying accountable is huge as well.
He signs a deal with Greenville Swamp Rabbits upon tourney completion and goes on to score 2 goals and 11 assists in 18 ECHL games.
This is easily good enough to earn an invite to join the team for his official rookie season, 2025/2026.
An early trade last season sent him to Orlando Solar Bears and the result is points like he score late in college hockey, thus getting a new deal to stay for 2026/2027.
University Of Denver Pioneers‘ sophomore defenseman Zeev Buium(24) stays only 2 years before the Minnesota Wild 1st round pick in the 2024 NHL draft (#12 overall) signs a 3-year entry level deal.
The 6′ 185 lbs. blue liner had point-per-game numbers through 2 seasons with 10+ goals and 30+ assists each frame.
In 18 games this season, he has 3 goals and 5 assist with a -10 rating he needs to work on.
From Laguna Niguel, CA, the 19-year old did 2 years of USNTDP, but really popped scoring, when he arrived at school.
In maybe the explosive 2025/2026 trade, he moves to help build the future of Vancouver Canucks.
Heading into 2026/2027, he signs a massive 8-year deal worth $9.38M AAV to stay a Canucks.
Northeast Generals‘ 2nd year returning center Richard Rucireto(27) scored 11 goals and 13 assists in 19 games.
The 5’9″ 161 lbs. forward commits 2026/2027 to Oswego State University Lakers.
From Staten Island, NY, the 21-year old should score well SUNYAC.
