The NCAA Division I men’s ice hockey tournament has started, and all eyes will be on several standout college players who are ready to shine on one of the biggest stages in amateur hockey.

Many of these players are NHL prospects, including elite scorers, defensemen, and goaltenders.

The NCAA Division I men’s ice hockey tournament is the national championship for college hockey in the United States. Every year, the tournament provides a glimpse into the future of the NHL, and this season is no different. 

Players to Watch in the 2026 NCAA Tournament Featuring Trey Augustine

Here are some of the players to watch out for:

1. Trey Augustine, G, Michigan State University

Trey Augustine is considered one of the top young goaltenders in college hockey and a key figure for Michigan State heading into the 2026 NCAA Tournament.

The Detroit Red Wings selected him in the 2023 NHL draft (second round). In the 2025–26 NCAA season, he is 23-8-1 with a .929 save percentage and a 2.09 goals-against average.

The Big Ten Goaltender of the Year, Augustine, is also a finalist for the Mike Richter Award, presented to the top goalie in college hockey. Trey will be one of the key players to watch this season. 

2. Gavin McKenna, Penn State University

Gavin is also one of the top prospects for the NHL and will be one to watch in the NCAA 2026 season. He has performed as expected after moving to college hockey.

In 34 games, he has scored 51 points, including 15 goals and 36 assists. He was named the Big Ten Freshman of the Year and is a Hobey Baker Award Top Ten Finalist. 

3. Jake Livanavage, University of North Dakota

He is one of the rising defensemen in college hockey. Jake Livanavage is known for his strong positioning and ability to contribute offensively.

With his consistent performances, he has grabbed the attention of scouts, with expectations high for him this season. In 36 games, he scored 5 goals and had 20 assists, earning 25 points overall. 

4. Johnny Hicks, University of Denver

Hicks played in Victoria in the Western Hockey League (WHL) and British Columbia-based leagues during the 2024–25 season. He stepped into the lineup after Miller’s injury. He finished 12-0-1 with a .958 save percentage and a 1.14 GAA. 

His leadership and experience could play a crucial role as Denver aims for a deep postseason run.

5. Joey Muldowney, University of Connecticut

Joey Muldowney is a key offensive forward for UConn. He is known for his scoring ability, strong skating, and consistency in the attacking zone.

Muldowney recorded 28 points in 33 games during the regular season. That includes 17 goals and 11 assists. He will look to carry that momentum into the NCAA Tournament.

These are some of the top players to watch in the upcoming NCAA event. As the tournament unfolds, these players will not only compete for a national championship but also for the attention of NHL teams.

Read more at NHL Fan Central!

Written by

Kapil Manghnani

Edited by

Shraabona Sengupta