Buffalo Sabres: Owen Power, D, Michigan; Devon Levi, G, Northeastern
The Sabres have an embarrassment of riches in their prospect system and have a number of quality players in this tournament. That includes No. 1 overall pick Owen Power, who has been excellent in all facets of the game when he’s been available. He went to the world juniors and the Olympics, which cost him eight games of action. His numbers don’t jump out at you, but he’s averaged nearly a point per game and dominates play pretty much every time he’s on the ice.
Meanwhile, I couldn’t write about the Sabres prospects and not include Devon Levi. Acquired from Florida in the Sam Reinhart trade, Levi is currently having the best season by an NCAA goalie since Ryan Miller won the Hobey Baker in 2001. Levi has an insane .952 save percentage over 31 games, 10 shutouts and a 1.52 goals-against average. He is a Hobey Baker top-10 finalist, and I personally think he should win the award, but I don’t get a vote.
Other Sabres prospects: Ryan Johnson, Minnesota; Aaron Huglen, Minnesota; Matteo Costantini, North Dakota; Erik Portillo, Michigan
Calgary Flames: Matt Coronato, RW, Harvard
After a so-so start to the season, Coronato has been on fire of late and is now Harvard’s leading scorer with 35 points in 33 games, including a team-best 18 goals. Coronato scored the game-winning goal in overtime of the ECAC championship game to put Harvard into the NCAA tournament. In five games during the conference playoffs, Coronato had 10 points.
Other Flames prospects: Jake Boltmann, Notre Dame
Carolina Hurricanes: Scott Morrow, D, UMass
One of the top-scoring defensemen in the country as a true freshman, Morrow has far exceeded preseason expectations. He has 33 points including 13 goals, which is second for UMass in both categories. He has incredible skill but is still prone to the big mistake that can cost his team. Still, you’d have to say the good has outweighed the bad in his rookie collegiate season.
Other Hurricanes prospects: Massimo Rizzo, Denver; Lucas Mercuri, UMass; Jake Kucharski, AIC
Chicago Blackhawks: Wyatt Kaiser, D, Chicago Blackhawks
Kaiser is one of the most polished young defensemen in college hockey. His mobility and defensive sense are top notch. Additionally, his puck-moving and offensive know-how have come a long way in the last two years. He has 17 points in 32 games but logs insane minutes as UMD’s top defenseman.
Other Blackhawks prospects: Ryder Rolston, Notre Dame; Slava Demin, UMass; Connor Kelley, Minnesota Duluth
Colorado Avalanche: Sean Behrens, D, Denver
The Avs dealt away two of their top defensive prospects but managed to hold on to Behrens who has really taken off this year. He has 28 points in 33 games as a freshman, logs power play time and can play in all situations. He’s a good skater and high-end puck mover who can take over a shift when needed.
Other Avalanche prospects: Nick Lievermann, Notre Dame; Taylor Makar, UMass
Columbus Blue Jackets: Kent Johnson, LW, Michigan
One of the most purely skilled players anywhere, Johnson has really improved in getting inside and maximizing his offensive sense. Despite missing 10 games this season, he is fourth for Michigan with 35 points in 29 games. He is probably the best playmaker in college hockey and while he only has eight goals this season, he is still a dangerous scoring threat, too.
Dallas Stars: Ben Brinkman, D, Minnesota
The Stars don’t have a ton of top-end college prospects and neither of the defensemen they have in the tournament are surefire NHLers. However, Brinkman has settled into a regular role on Minnesota’s loaded blueline and provides a physical element as a senior. He moves well and when he does lower the boom, it can be devastating.
Other Stars prospects: Jack Bar, Harvard
Detroit Red Wings: Carter Mazur, RW, Denver
A third-round pick as a re-entry in the last draft, Mazur has continued his strong play as a freshman at Denver. The NCHC all-rookie selection had 35 points in 37 games and played in all situations for the Pioneers. He has a good mix of speed, grit and skill to make him an especially versatile top-six forward for one of the nation’s top offensive teams.
Other Red Wings prospects: Shai Buium, Denver; Antti Tuomisto, Denver; Cooper Moore, North Dakota; Jack Adams, Notre Dame; Kyle Aucoin, Harvard
Edmonton Oilers: Carter Savoie, LW, Denver
One of the best goal-scorers in college hockey over the last two seasons, Savoie is part of the NCAA’s most dangerous scoring line with Bobby Brink and Cole Guttman. He had 20 goals and 42 points in 35 games this season. Savoie is a shifty player who has good one-on-one skills, which opens up ice for him.
Other Oilers prospects: Skylar Brind’Amour, Quinnipiac
Florida Panthers: Mackie Samoskevich, RW, Michigan
A speedy forward with skill, Samoskevich gets overshadowed on the loaded Wolverines roster. He was rumored to be a potential piece in the Claude Giroux trade, but the Cats held onto the freshman and certainly have high hopes for him. He had 28 points in 37 games for Michigan this year. He’s down their lineup but likely plays a huge role in the future.
Other Panthers prospects: Michael Benning, Denver
Los Angeles Kings: Brock Faber, D, Minnesota
One of the best pure defenders in college hockey, Faber is an elite skater who is starting to find a little more of his offensive game as he progresses. He can change the course of a shift with the way he plays in his own zone and can get pucks up the ice. There’s nothing flashy about Faber’s game, but everything he does is efficient.
Other Kings prospects: David Hrenak, St. Cloud State; Andre Lee, UMass-Lowell; Ben Meehan, UMass-Lowell; Alex Laferriere, Harvard
