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NCAA DI Men's Hockey

James Hagens Leads List Of 25 Most Intriguing Freshmen In College Hockey

James Hagens Leads List Of 25 Most Intriguing Freshmen In College Hockey

Top NHL Draft prospect James Hagens and Montreal Canadiens pick Michael Hage are among 25 of the most intriguing freshmen in men's college hockey this year.

Oct 11, 2024 by Chris Peters
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The men’s college hockey season started last week, but many more of the top teams in the NCAA will be getting things going this weekend. 

Each year, college hockey welcomes a new batch of players and they very quickly become among the biggest starts in the NCAA ranks. That is very likely to continue this season with a number of first-round picks from the 2024 NHL Draft as well as a few players that will hear their names called early in 2025.

Some players have a real chance to change the trajectory of their programs, while others can help teams build toward legitimate title contention. With that in mind, here's a look at 25 freshman that are particularly notable for one reason or another, but all of whom should have a noticeable impact on their teams this season.

James Hagens, C, Boston College (2025 NHL Draft Eligible)

The top prospect for the 2025 NHL Draft, Hagens is coming in with a lot of hype and expectations. BC is going to put him in a position to make good on those claims with Gabe Perreault (NYR) and Ryan Leonard (WSH) likely flanking Hagens as his wings. The 18-year-old Long Island native has electric skill and playmaking ability, which should serve him well in a high-octane offense.

Cole Eiserman, LW, Boston University (NYI)

It didn’t take Eiserman long to do what he does. The high-end goal scorer scored in his first official collegiate game with BU, on a patented right-circle one-timer. BU has a lot of scoring to replace this season with Eiserman’s former Shattuck-St. Mary’s teammate Macklin Celebrini off to the NHL. After setting the NTDP’s record for career goals, Eiserman will be looked to, to fill the nets at BU.

Michael Hage, C, Michigan (MTL)

A four-point weekend to open his NCAA scoring account last week was about as good a start as Hage could have hoped for in a weekend split for Michigan. He got his first NCAA goal on a move he used plenty in the USHL last season. With Hage’s speed and skill, and with all of the talent Michigan lost to the NHL, he’s going to be a centerpiece to their offensive attack.

Sacha Boisvert, C, North Dakota (CHI)

Boisvert is such a natural fit into the way North Dakota plays. He has some edge to his game and a good work ethic, but Boisvert can also score as he showed in the USHL last year with the Muskegon Lumberjacks. That’s just what the Fighting Hawks will need from him, too. The 6-foot-2 center is going to be heavily involved in the offense and likely plays an outsized role in what UND will hope is a season of positive momentum.

Trevor Connelly (VGK), LW, Providence

The centerpiece of arguably the best recruiting class Providence has had in a long time, Connelly is possibly the most skilled player to ever put on the Friars jersey. Selected in the first round by Vegas, there were rumblings Connelly could sign early, but he’s sticking with Providence and should be a significant offensive contributor from Day 1. He had 78 points in 52 games for Tri-City in the USHL last season and has the ability to take over a game.

Logan Hensler, D, Wisconsin (2025)

A potential top-15 pick for the 2025 NHL Draft, Hensler will begin his NCAA career this weekend in a series against Lindenwood. The athletic defenseman is a brilliant skater and can take care of his own end, while moving pucks effectively. He won’t blow you away with his skill, but he has many of the traits NHL teams are looking for in a two-way defenseman. He can help prove that with a strong freshman campaign under the guidance of Mike Hastings who may be working with one of the most naturally talented defensemen he’s had in his NCAA coaching career.

E.J. Emery, D, North Dakota (NYR)

A 6-foot-3, right-shot defenseman who can absolutely skate, Emery is still growing into his big frame. He can move pucks adequately and there’s probably more offense in his game than he has shown so far in his young career. Either way, North Dakota has a player that it can rely on in any situation and he’ll only get better as he develops over the next few years.

Dean Letourneau, C, Boston College (BOS)

Originally slated for Sioux Falls in the USHL this year, Letourneau was called in early when Will Smith departed for the NHL. He will be one of the biggest forwards we see in college hockey this season, coming straight into the NCAA from St. Andrew’s College in Ontario. The 6-foot-7 forward dominated the prep ranks last season, but this is a huge jump to be an NCAA contributor. I think there might be a bit of a slow start for him, but as Letourneau develops his game and adjusts to NCAA pace, he could be a force.

2024 Arizona State vs Air Force - Men's


Cullen Potter, C, Arizona State (2025)

After accelerating his schooling to get into the NCAA a year early, Potter already has his first NCAA goal under his belt. He scored in Arizona State’s raucous 8-1 win over Air Force on opening night, seen right here on FloHockey. Potter’s speed and skill has never been in question, but he is a bit undersized and as one of the youngest players in the college ranks this year, there could be growing pains. If there were nerves in his first game, though, he didn’t show it. Potter is likely ASU’s highest-profile recruit and if he excels this season, it will dramatically improve his chances of being a first-round selection.

Hampton Slukynsky, G, Western Michigan (LAK)

Originally committed to Northern Michigan, Slukynsky flipped to Western Michigan after Northern’s entire coaching staff departed the program. Slukynsky was the USHL’s Goaltender of the Year and helped Fargo win the Clark Cup. He’s also likely going to be on Team USA’s roster for the World Juniors. Slukynsky may have to split time with Cameron Rowe, who is the incumbent starter, but there’s little doubt that Slukynsky is ready to be a contributing player at this level.

Cole Hutson, D, Boston University (WSH)

Cole Hutson has heard plenty about filling older brother Lane’s shoes, but he’s simply continued playing his own game and finding his own way. As a result, he became the NTDP’s highest-scoring defenseman over his career there and was drafted earlier than Lane was, getting selected 43rd overall by Washington in the last draft. Cole Hutson already has an NCAA goal under his belt, scoring in his debut, and that is one thing he has traditionally done better than Lane. He gets pucks to the net and can score. He might not replicate Lane’s freshman point total, but he is going to put up numbers.

Adam Kleber, D, Minnesota Duluth (BUF)

The Minnesota Duluth recruiting class is really excellent and Kleber may be one of their most important additions. The big defenseman can defend, but he has great mobility for his size and can get pucks up ice. His offensive game continues to round out, but he’s hard to play against the defensive zone and a difficult guy to get around. He should log serious minutes for the Bulldogs this year.

Sascha Boumedienne, D, Boston University (2025)

Another draft-eligible who will be intriguing to watch, Boumedienne is a projected first-rounder for 2025. The Swedish national has size and fluidity in his skating while exuding poise in all situations. He’s the youngest player in college hockey this year and will have his work cut out for him to log significant enough minutes to earn that lofty draft pick. He had some great flashes with the Youngstown Phantoms last year.

Mac Swanson, C, North Dakota (PIT)

The USHL’s Player of the Year last year and Clark Cup Playoffs MVP knows how to impact the game. Swanson is undersized, but he competes and has enough skill to produce. He improved his rookie USHL scoring total by 22 points last season, finishing the year with 77, but he shone brightest in the playoffs with 17 points in 12 games. North Dakota needs someone with that kind of pedigree and the Alaska native will bring it.

Teddy Stiga, LW, Boston College (NSH)

All of the focus will be on the first-rounders, but Teddy Stiga can be a sneaky important player for BC this season. The winger has an unrelenting motor and showed last year that he can score. He had 79 points in 61 games for the U.S. Under-18 Team last season including 11 points at the World U18 Championship. He will be an important middle-of-the-lineup player for BC.

Noah Powell, RW, Ohio State (PHI)

An explosive 43 goals in the USHL last season put Powell on the map and got him drafted by the Philadelphia Flyers. Now he’s headed to Ohio State and has a chance to be part of Team USA at the World Juniors. Powell is a hard-nosed player with a high-end shot and an ability to play a physical game. He’s an aggressive forechecker and can be a disruptive presence.

Adam Gajan, G, Minnesota Duluth (CHI)

The first goalie taken in the 2023 NHL Draft, Gajan’s draft-plus-1 season was very uneven. He had an .893 save percentage in 43 games with the Green Bay Gamblers, which wasn’t what anyone was expecting. Now he has to earn his crease with the Bulldogs and prove that he is more of the goalie from the last two World Junior championships than what most of last season showed.

Alexander Zetterberg, C, Boston University (Undrafted)

A dynamic, shifty young player, Zetterberg was passed over in last year’s draft likely due to his size. As a Swedish U18 national team player, the 5-foot-8 dynamo was dominant with 20 goals in 24 international games. He scored in his debut with BU showing that this transition from Sweden to U.S. college hockey is something he can manage.

Chris Pelosi, C/W, Quinnipiac (BOS)

A high-profile recruit for Quinnipiac, Bruins fans will be able to keep close tabs on Pelosi while he’s in Connecticut with Quinnipiac. A standout performer in the USHL last season, Pelosi has high-end skating ability and a good work ethic away from the puck. He also proved he could score last season, averaging nearly a point per game with Sioux Falls in the USHL. A U.S. World Junior hopeful, Pelosi has plenty to play for this season.

2024 Quinnipiac vs Holy Cross - Men's


Beckett Hendrickson, C/W, Minnesota (BOS)

Minnesota’s recruiting class isn’t star-studded, but Hendrickson is an effective addition to the team. The talented forward has size and NHL bloodlines and also showed he can be a factor in big games. A mid-season move from Sioux Falls to Dubuque in the USHL allowed Hendrickson to compete for a title, though the Fighting Saints fell just short. He had seven points in 11 games during that postseason. Now playing at home for the first time in three years, Hendrickson’s game should flourish.

James Reeder, C, Denver (LAK)

Part of that loaded Dubuque team in the USHL last season, Reeder was one of their do-everything players. He had 60 points in 53 games and another five in 11 postseason contests. Now he’s part of the defending champion Pioneers roster and made a quick impact with a goal in his second NCAA game at Alaska Anchorage. He’s an under-the-radar player, but the kind that Denver always seems to get the most out of.

John Mustard, C, Providence (CHI)

If you want speed, Mustard’s got that. He’s got goals, too. Mustard had some first-round buzz for a bit last season, but it cooled as his scoring slowed down a little and he went in the third round. The quick winger has a goal-scorer’s shot however, and he put up 29 goals with Waterloo last season. He’s another very skilled addition to Providence’s lineup, which has traditionally been more of a lunch pail, grind-it-out team. Mustard has a chance to make an impact with that skill-speed combo.

Colin Ralph, D, St. Cloud State (STL)

Big and athletic, Ralph is one of those raw prospects that excites NHL scouts because there’s so much to work with. St. Cloud State will be charged with getting the most out of the 6-foot-5 blueliner who had previously looked like he might spend a year in the USHL after spending last season with Shattuck St. Mary’s. Instead, he’s making the big jump from U18 hockey direct to NCAA.

Logan Sawyer, RW, Providence (MTL)

One of the very best players in Canadian Jr. A hockey last year, Sawyer played his way into being selected in the third round by Montreal. He has good hand skills that allow him to create separation and gets to the middle of the ice very well. With the Brooks Bandits in the AJHL and later BCHL last season he had 59 points in 39 games and 19 in 20, respectively, before going on a tear in the postseason. Like Mustard and Connelly, he adds a necessary dose of skill to Providence’s group.

Trevor Hoskin, C/W, Niagara (CGY)

One of the big recruiting wins for any team in Atlantic Hockey America this year was the Niagara Purple Eagles landing Hoskin. Drafted by the Calgary Flames out of the OJHL as a re-entry last summer, Hoskin led the OJ in scoring with 100 points off of 42 goals and 58 assists. The 6-foot-1 Belleville, Ontario native stuck with his commitment to Niagara and will be one of the more anticipated recruits in the conference in recent memory.

2024 Niagara vs Robert Morris - Men's


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