College hockey is leaving an increasingly bigger footprint in the National Hockey League. A good amount of the young guns in the NHL are coming through the college ranks and I could not be more excited for this trend to continue.
Here are my picks for the NHL’s all-NCAA alumni team. I’m not looking for the best players, I’m looking for the right ones.
I’m well aware I probably looked over your favorite player.
Center
Jack Eichel, Boston University, United States
Hobey Baker winner with the Terriers, one of the best players in the Eastern Conference. Unreal player all-around.
Dylan Larkin, University of Michigan, United States
He’s pretty much a shoe-in as the next captain for the storied Detroit Red Wings. Fast as hell, developing captain-level maturity at a young age.
Kevin Hayes, Boston College, United States
The pride of Dorchester.
Sean Kuraly, Miami University, United States
Great guy to have anchoring a fourth line, big dude that is strong on the puck.
Just Missed
Blake Coleman (Miami University, United States), Tyler Bozak (Denver, Canada)
Left Wing
Johnny Gaudreau, Boston College, United States
Johnny Hockey, Hobey Baker winner with BC. Budding star in the show.
Erik Haula, Minnesota, Finland
One of the most exciting players in the league. Our only European player on the list.
Zach Hyman, University of Michigan, Canada
certified ‘real gud pro’ plays hard, goes to the places you don’t want your skill guys going. Plays in the crowded top-6 in Toronto’s group of forwards.
Jordan Greenway, Boston University, United States
Has Olympic experience, big guy, good shooter.
Just Missed
Jaden Schwartz (Colorado College, Canada), Jake Guentzel (Nebraska-Omaha, United States)
Right Wing
Brock Boeser, North Dakota, United States
Alex Tuch, Boston College, United States
New seven-year contract with Vegas, he’ll be a stud for years to come.
Clayton Keller, Boston University, United States
He can play any position on offense. Future of the Arizona Coyotes.
Phil Kessel, Minnesota, United States
Phil the Thrill never stops.
Just Missed
Zach Aston-Reese (Northeastern, United States), Reilly Smith (Miami University, Canada)
Defensemen
Zach Werenski, University of Michigan, United States
Big part of why the Blue jackets are now a tough team to play against.
Duncan Keith, Michigan State, Canada
Gotta have at least one guy to lead the kids. Three-time Stanley cup champ with two Olympic gold medals. Two Norris trophies ain’t bad either.
Jake Gardiner, Wisconsin, United States
The haters and losers (idiots) will tell you he sucks. What they won’t tell you is that he’s developed into one of the best offensive blue-liners in the league. any team would kill to have this guy.
Charlie McAvoy, Boston University, United States
Captained a remarkable US team to World Junior gold. Already an important part of Boston’s blue line.
Noah Hanifin, Boston College, United States
Developing into one of the best young defensemen in the league.
Brady Skjei, Minnesota, United States
Shutdown D-man that the Rangers could have used when they were legit contenders a few years ago.
Just Missed
Nate Schmidt (Minnesota, United States), Jacob Trouba (University of Michigan, United States), Brett Pesce (New Hampshire, United States), Jaccob Slavin (Colorado College, United States)
Goalies
Connor Hellebuyck, Umass Lowell, United States
Has emerged as a great goalie after being a Vezina finalist last year. Could be a good option in net for the United States if he progresses.
Andrew Hammond, Bowling Green, Canada
I honestly put him here because he’s the Hamburglar. The burger, the goalie mask. 2015 was a much simpler time.
