As the NCAA season winds down, NHL clubs shift their attention to college free agents who look ready to make the jump to the pro ranks.

The Bruins, having spent the past several seasons dealing away draft picks in pursuit of a Stanley Cup and leaned heavily on the college free‑agent market to help replenish a prospect pool thinned by those all‑in runs, but refilled last season. How they approach this free agent period is unknown.

The Bruins now boast the strongest prospect pool of the Don Sweeney era, easing the urgency that once drove their search for the next undrafted gem in the mold of Torey Krug.

The Bruins still have clear organizational needs, even with a deeper prospect pool. They could use a goaltending prospect with legitimate NHL upside, more defensemen who project to the league—particularly on the right side, and additional scoring punch to balance out the system.

Of course, they could find most of that at the 2026 Draft where they have nine picks – including two first rounders (depending on what happens to the Leafs) – if you are willing to wait up to four years for them.

My list is built around players I would personally target, though it’s admittedly light on defensemen. That’s by design — I firmly believe the Bruins are better off addressing that need through the draft, especially if they hang on to the Toronto Maple Leafs’ first‑round pick this year.

GOALTENDERS

Jan Spunar – University of North Dakota

SEASON	TEAM	CONFERENCE	W	L	T	GAA	SV%
2025-26	North Dakota	NCHC	18	3	1	1.93	.915

Yes, he’s only logged one year of college hockey, but the Czechia native turns 22 on May 30. The freshman has made that limited runway count — he’s a finalist for both the NCHC Rookie of the Year and the Mike Richter Award, given to the top goaltender in the NCAA.

Spunar projects as a poised, technically mature goaltender whose game is built on efficiency rather than flash. The University of North Dakota standout plays a calm, economical style, staying compact in his stance and beating plays with strong positioning and controlled edges. His reads are advanced for his age — he tracks pucks cleanly through traffic and rarely overcommits, forcing shooters to beat him clean. Spunar’s rebound management is a clear strength, turning dangerous chances into one‑and‑done looks, and his composure under pressure has been a defining trait throughout his breakout season. While he’s still refining his puck‑handling and post integration, the foundation is that of a pro‑ready netminder with upward trajectory.

At this point, the only real question is whether he’s ready to turn pro or if he prefers another year at North Dakota.

Albin Boija – University of Maine

Boija attended Boston’s Development Camp in 2025 and Detroit Red Wings in 2024.

Boija was on my list a season ago when he had two years of NCAA eligibility remaining.

SEASON	TEAM	CONFERENCE	W	L	T	GAA	SV%
2023-24	University of Maine	Hockey East	10	6	1	2.01	.916
2024-25	University of Maine	Hockey East	23	8	6	1.82	.928
2025-26	University of Maine	Hockey East	10	7	3	2.59	.899

Boija has been tied to the Bruins for a while now, and his appearance at their Development Camp last summer only strengthened that connection in the eyes of many. Opting not to turn pro at that point may have stung for the 22‑year‑old Swede, and this season hasn’t helped his case — he’s struggled by his own standards, losing starts as a result.

Boija profiles as an athletic, technically driven goaltender whose game leans on quick feet and sharp compete level. The netminder plays an aggressive style, challenging shooters above the crease and relying on strong lateral explosiveness to seal off back‑door plays. When he’s dialed in, Boija tracks pucks well and can string together momentum‑shifting saves, though his game can drift when his reads get rushed or his positioning widens. Rebound control remains a work in progress, but the raw tools give him a foundation worth monitoring. With refinement and consistency, he has the ingredients to push for a pro look. However, he lacks the size a lot of teams covet in their goaltenders.

Max Lundgren – Merrimack College

SEASON	TEAM	CONFERENCE	W	L	T	GAA	SV%
2024-25	Merrimack College	Hockey East	8	13	0	2.90	.909
2025-26	Merrimack College	Hockey East	18	15	2	2.70	.914

The 23‑year‑old Swede doesn’t boast eye‑popping numbers, but that’s hardly the measure to use. He’s routinely one of the busiest goaltenders in the country, often facing heavy shot volumes and keeping Merrimack competitive on nights they have no business being in games. He’s been their most consistent performer all season, to the point that he earned a nomination for the Hobey Baker Award.

Lundgren has emerged as Merrimack’s backbone, a composed, high‑workload goaltender whose game is defined by competitiveness and technical steadiness. The 23‑year‑old Swede handles heavy shot volumes with poise, relying on strong positioning and disciplined routes to the puck rather than relying on desperation saves. His tracking is a clear asset — he stays locked on releases through traffic and rarely loses structure, even during extended defensive‑zone shifts. While his raw numbers don’t always reflect his impact, Lundgren consistently gives Merrimack a chance, turning chaotic sequences into controlled stops and showcasing the mental resilience of a goaltender who thrives under pressure. He profiles as a late‑blooming netminder capable of pushing for pro attention.

At 6’5” he has the size NHL teams drool over. Someone might just take a chance on him.

DEFENSEMEN

Jake Livanavage – University of North Dakota

Attended Detroit Red Wings Development Camp (2025) and Arizona Coyotes (2022)

SEASON	TEAM	CONFERENCE	GP	G	A	PTS
2023-24	North Dakota	NCHC	40	5	24	29
2024-25	North Dakota	NCHC	38	4	24	28
2025-26	North Dakota	NCHC	35	5	20	25

Back in 2023 when the Bruins had two draft picks in the seventh round, Livanavage was on my list of players the Bruins should target. Instead, the Bruins took Casper Nassen and Kristian Kostadinski. Today, Livanavage might be one of the most sought-after free agent defensemen from the NCAA.

Livanavage is a poised, puck‑moving defenseman who has steadily carved out a meaningful role on North Dakota’s blue line. His calling card is his composure under pressure—he processes the game quickly, keeps his feet moving, and consistently makes the first pass that starts UND’s transition game. Livanavage isn’t the biggest defender, but he compensates with sharp reads, clean exits, and an ability to distribute with pace. His vision stands out in the offensive zone, where he walks the blue line confidently and finds seams that many defenders at this level don’t see.

Defensively, Livanavage relies on positioning and stick detail rather than physicality. He closes space early, angles well, and rarely gets caught chasing. There’s still room for growth in his strength and net‑front battles, but his hockey sense allows him to stay ahead of plays more often than not. Skating is an issue, but under the guidance of pro coaches, that could change.

Livanavage has one more year of NCAA eligibility remaining.

FORWARDS

T.J. Hughes – University of Michigan

Hughes was on my list a season ago when he had a year of NCAA eligibility remaining.

Attended New York Rangers Development Camp (2025) and Tampa Bay Lightning (2024).

SEASON	TEAM	CONFERENCE	GP	G	A	PTS
2022-23	University of Michigan	Big-10	39	13	23	36
2023-24	University of Michigan	Big-10	41	19	29	48
2024-25	University of Michigan	Big-10	36	15	23	38
2025-26	University of Michigan	Big-10	35	18	30	48

Several teams tried to convince Hughes to turn pro last year, and all he’s done since is elevate his stock. At this point, he should be one of the more sought‑after names on the market despite being one of the older players available. His path to this point has been an unconventional one.

Hughes brings a polished, pro‑ready toolkit to Michigan’s lineup, blending high‑end hockey sense with a reliable two‑way presence. He’s a cerebral forward who processes the game quickly, supports play in all three zones, and consistently puts himself in scoring areas without needing the puck to run through him. Hughes’ hands are clean in tight, his release is deceptive, and he shows a knack for arriving at the right moment to finish plays. What elevates his projection is the maturity in his details — he tracks back hard, wins small‑area battles, and plays with the kind of pace and competitiveness that translates well to the next level. With his continued upward trajectory, he profiles as a smart, versatile forward capable of carving out an NHL role.

Christian Fitzgerald – University of Wisconsin

Attended Toronto Maple Leafs Development Camp (2021), Vancouver Canucks (2023) and Dallas Stars (2025)

Fitzgerald was also on my list a season ago when he had a year of NCAA eligibility remaining.

SEASON	TEAM	CONFERENCE	GP	G	A	PTS
2022-23	Minnesota State	CCHA	38	16	13	29
2023-24	U of Wisconsin	Big-10	37	7	17	24
2024-25	U of Wisconsin	Big-10	37	6	11	17
2025-26	U of Wisconsin	Big-10	35	15	14	29

The Maple Leafs had Fitzgerald circled long before he logged a single USHL shift, let alone an NCAA minute. Toronto’s scouts were early believers, drawn in by a breakout BCHL campaign that was abruptly cut short by the COVID‑19 shutdown. After a strong freshman year at Minnesota, Fitzgerald followed his head coach and associate coach to Wisconsin, continuing a trajectory that had already put him on NHL radars.

Fitzgerald brings a pace‑driven profile to Wisconsin’s lineup, blending quickness, touch, and hockey sense in a way that consistently tilts play toward the offensive zone. He’s a fluid skater who attacks with speed, manipulates defenders with subtle delays, and shows the vision to distribute through seams or create off the rush. What elevates his game is his adaptability—he can drive a line with the puck or complement skill by arriving in space and finishing. His competitiveness shows up in retrievals and small‑area battles, and his timing away from the puck continues to sharpen as his role expands. Fitzgerald projects as an energy player with some offense at the next level.

Owen Michaels – Western Michigan University

Attended Toronto Maple Leafs Development Camp (2025)

SEASON	TEAM	CONFERENCE	GP	G	A	PTS
2023-24	Western Michigan	NCHC	38	2	5	7
2024-25	Western Michigan	NCHC	42	18	18	36
2025-26	Western Michigan	NCHC	37	12	13	25

After a standout sophomore campaign, Michaels’ numbers dipped slightly this season, but there’s little cause for alarm. The offense has been distributed differently this year, and his role has shifted accordingly.

Michaels brings a reliable two‑way presence to Western Michigan’s forward group, blending a sturdy frame with a competitive motor that shows up shift after shift. He’s at his best when he’s driving play north, using strong edges and a direct approach to pressure defenders and create space for linemates. While his offensive production has fluctuated year to year, his underlying habits—responsible routes, smart support, and a willingness to battle in the hard areas—give him a translatable floor. Michaels projects as a dependable depth forward with the potential to carve out a larger role as his puck touches and confidence continue to grow.

JJ Wiebusch – Penn State

Attended New York Rangers Development Camp (2025)

SEASON	TEAM	CONFERENCE	GP	G	A	PTS
2024-25	Penn State	Big-10	40	14	19	33
2025-26	Penn State	Big-10	36	16	20	36

Already two strong seasons into his Penn State career, Wiebusch doesn’t need to turn pro for another two years, but he’s drawing significant NHL interest — and there may not be a better window than now for him to choose his destination.

Wiebusch profiles as a smart, detail‑oriented forward whose game leans on pace and responsibility rather than flash. He reads the ice well, supports low in the zone, and stays connected to the play, which makes him a reliable option in all three zones. With the puck, he shows poise and vision, favoring quick, clean distribution and give‑and‑go sequences over forcing plays through traffic, but he can still finish when he gets inside ice. His skating is efficient and competitive, allowing him to stay on top of checks, pressure pucks on the forecheck, and track back with purpose. Combined with his situational awareness and willingness to do detail work away from the puck, Wiebusch projects as a bottom- six versatile, coach‑trust forward who can move up and down a lineup.

Wiebusch has two years of NCAA eligibility remaining.

Hank Cleaves – Dartmouth College

Attended New York Rangers Development Camp (2025)

SEASON	TEAM	CONFERENCE	GP	G	A	PTS
2024-25	Dartmouth College	ECAC	32	5	16	21
2025-26	Dartmouth College	ECAC	32	17	21	38

Cleaves doesn’t generate much buzz on the free‑agent front, and his intentions about turning pro remain unclear. But at 22, you have to think he’s giving the jump serious consideration.

Cleaves is a competitive, north‑south forward who brings pace, energy, and purpose to every shift for Dartmouth. He plays a straight‑line, pro‑style game built on forechecking pressure, second‑effort puck retrievals, and a willingness to drive the interior. Cleaves shows good touch in tight spaces, using quick hands and strong body positioning to extend plays and create looks around the net. His skating has enough pop to separate in transition, and he complements it with a motor that rarely dips, making him a reliable presence on both sides of the puck. With his blend of work rate, physical engagement, and improving offensive instincts, Cleaves projects as a versatile depth forward who can carve out a role by doing detail work and pushing the pace. And he has size!

Cleaves has two years of NCAA eligibility remaining.

Dylan Hryckowian – Northeastern University SIGNED WITH DALLAS STARS

Attended Dallas Stars Development Camp (2025)

SEASON	TEAM	CONFERENCE	GP	G	A	PTS
2023-24	Northeastern University	Hockey East	34	7	27	34
2024-25	Northeastern University	Hockey East	36	17	19	36
2025-26	Northeastern University	Hockey East	30	15	22	37

Hryckowian will be one of the most sought‑after forwards on the market after averaging a point per game or better in each of his three seasons at Northeastern despite his smaller frame.

Dylan Hryckowian has developed into a dependable two‑way winger for Northeastern, pairing a relentless motor with sharp situational awareness along the walls. He excels in puck‑pressure scenarios, using quick feet and strong stick detail to force turnovers and extend possession. Offensively, he thrives in a complementary role, driving play through smart routes, timely support, and a willingness to attack the interior when lanes open. His game is built on consistency and competitiveness rather than flash, making him a trusted piece in matchup situations. As his confidence with the puck continues to grow, Hryckowian projects as a versatile, system‑friendly winger capable of elevating a line’s pace and reliability.

Felix Trudeau – Sacred Heart University

Attended Montreal Canadiens Development Camp.

SEASON	TEAM	CONFERENCE	GP	G	A	PTS
2022-23	University of Maine	Hockey East	28	3	5	8
2023-24	University of Maine	Hockey East	24	3	2	5
2024-25	Sacred Heart	AHA	39	15	23	38
2025-26	Sacred Heart	AHA	35	24	19	43

Trudeau found his stride after transferring to Sacred Heart, transforming from a depth piece at Maine into a bona fide point‑per‑game force. His final campaign didn’t go unnoticed, earning him Atlantic Hockey Player of the Year honors.

Trudeau has emerged as one of Sacred Heart’s most dynamic offensive drivers, blending a pro‑ready frame with a smooth, attacking skill set that thrives in motion. A natural finisher with soft hands and a quick release, he consistently finds pockets of space and turns small openings into scoring chances. His game took a significant step forward after transferring in, showing improved pace, confidence, and play‑driving ability as he evolved into a point‑per‑game threat. Trudeau’s combination of size, touch, and offensive instincts gives him clear upward trajectory, projecting as a winger who can impact a middle‑six role if his pace and off‑puck detail continue to round out.

Europeans

Vitali Pinchuk – Dinamo Minsk – KHL

Unquestionably the top free agent anywhere in the world that will draw attention from every NHL team. He has already been linked to the Bruins – but that was all but denied. I shared my thiughts earlier here.

Alexander Smolin – Metallurg – KHL

A year ago, the Bruins dipped into the same well when they signed goaltender Simon Zajicek. He’s delivered solid results in Providence, but a six‑week injury absence has raised fair questions about how smoothly his development has tracked. If Boston is looking to pivot or add another layer of insurance, Smolin stands out as an intriguing alternative.

SEASON	LEAGUE	GP	W	L	T	GAA	SV%
2024-25	KHL	27	14	6	2	2.03	.927
2024-25	VHL	3	2	0	1	1.30	.962
2025-26	KHL	35	23	8	2	2.33	.915

Alexander Smolin is a poised, technically sound Russian goaltender who leans on structure and economy of movement to stay ahead of plays. He tracks pucks cleanly through traffic, holds his edges well, and rarely overcommits, forcing shooters to beat him rather than giving them openings. Smolin’s calm demeanor stands out—he absorbs pressure without scrambling and manages rebounds with maturity beyond his age. While he’s still refining his post integration and lateral quickness, the foundation is strong: good size (but not quite what NHL teams look for), sharp reads, and a composed presence that projects toward a steady pro trajectory as his athletic elements continue to round out.

Jere Lassila – JYP HT Jyvaskyla – SM-Liiga

Lassila has taken noticeable strides over three seasons in Finland’s top league, emerging as a legitimate offensive threat. He currently ranks sixth in points, seventh in assists, and thirteenth in goals, and at just 22 years old (as of March 8), he’s still firmly in the developmental sweet spot. Fans may remember his breakout on the international stage at the 2024 World Junior Championship, where he posted three goals and eight points in seven games for Finland.

SEASON	LEAGUE	GP	G	A	PTS	PIM	+/-
2023-24	SM-Liiga	45	6	20	26	28	+5
2023-24	WJC	7	3	5	8	2	-5
2024-25	SM-Liiga	58	9	26	35	38	-11
2025-26	SM-Liiga	60	20	38	58	26	+4

Lassila has emerged as one of the more polished young forwards in Liiga, showcasing a blend of pace, vision, and competitive detail that translated well at the (Finnish) pro level. He’s a versatile offensive driver who thrives in motion, using sharp edges and quick reads to slip into soft ice and create chances off the rush or through sustained possession. Lassila’s playmaking touch stands out—he distributes with confidence, anticipates pressure well, and consistently elevates the players around him. Add in his strong World Junior showing for Finland, where he proved he can impact games against top peers, and you get a forward with clear upward trajectory. As he continues to add strength and refine his off‑puck routes, Lassila projects as a modern, pace‑driven winger capable of fitting seamlessly into a skill‑oriented top‑nine role.

Canadian Hockey League

Many of the CHL’s top overagers have already committed to NCAA programs for next season, hoping the college route can open a clearer path to the pro ranks. A handful of notable names remain on the board, though it’s hard to see the Bruins going down this road:

Matthew Sop – Kitchener Rangers – OHL

Marco Mignosa – Soo Greyhounds – OHL

Mitch Young – Sarnia Sting – OHL

Luke Mistelbacher – Brandon Wheat Kings – WHL

Grayson Burzynski – Brandon Wheat Kings – WHL

Bryce Pickford – Medicine Hat Tigers – WHL

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