Four Prospects to Watch in the 2024 NCAA Men’s Ice Hockey Tournament

The NCAA Men’s Ice Hockey Tournament is always an exciting time of year. This year’s tournament is especially thrilling due to the abundance of talent in college hockey. Players like Macklin Celebrini and Cutter Gauthier have dazzled fans this season, and their efforts should be even more impressive come playoff time. Here are four prospects to watch in this year’s tournament.

Image Credit: University of North Dakota Athletics

Jackson Blake (University of North Dakota)

This 20-year-old forward is no stranger to the lifestyle of an NHL player. Jackson's dad, Jason Blake, was a 40-goal scorer for the New York Islanders in 2006. Jackson has made a name for himself in the NCAA, currently tied for second in points this season. Blake was selected in the fourth round of the 2021 NHL draft by the Carolina Hurricanes. As one of the older players on this list, Blake appears to play with maturity. He elevates the performance of his North Dakota team and consistently distributes the puck effectively.

Image Credit: University of Denver Athletics

Zeev Buium (University of Denver)

There is a lot of high-end talent on defense in the 2024 NHL Draft, yet Buium stands out among the crowd. Buium ranked fourth on the NHL Central Scouting's midterm ranking of North American skaters for the NHL Draft and leads all defenseman this season in points with 48. The 18-year-old defenseman plays in a modern style, unafraid to create his own offense. Paired with his fellow talented teammate Jack Devine, the University of Denver team has forged an attack that can be effective both up close and back at the blue line.

Image Credits: Boston College Athletics

Cutter Gauthier (Boston College)

Gauthier appears to be the future of the Anaheim Ducks. The 6’2 forward has showcased his scoring prowess this season, leading the league with 35 goals. Teamed up with his teammate Will Smith, who leads the league in points this season, this Boston College team appears to be stacked heading into the tournament.

Image Credit: Boston University Athletics

Macklin Celebrini (Boston University)

Celebrini is the front runner for the number one selection in this year’s NHL Draft, and it is easy to see why. The 17-year-old forward is tied for second in points, with Jackson Blake and Cutter Gauthier, at 59 so far this season. Celebrini is the lone runner-up in goals with 31, slightly bested by Gauthier’s 35 goals. While Celebrini’s Boston University Terriers don’t have much outstanding talent on their roster aside from Celebrini, expect to see a lot of Macklin during this tournament.