Top NHL Prospects Shine at 2026 NCAA Frozen Four

Scouting eyes from across the league will be fixed on the action in Las Vegas this weekend as the top college hockey talent takes the stage.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 11:45am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A cubist, geometric painting depicting the action of a college hockey game, with sharp, overlapping planes of color representing the players, the ice, and the energy of the event.The 2026 Frozen Four tournament in Las Vegas will showcase the next generation of NHL talent, with several players poised to make an immediate impact at the professional level.Ann Arbor Today

The 2026 Frozen Four tournament in Las Vegas features several top NHL prospects, including potential early first-round draft pick Keaton Verhoeff of North Dakota and Hobey Baker finalist Eric Pohlkamp of Denver. Michigan, North Dakota, Denver, and Wisconsin all have players who could make an immediate NHL impact after the tournament.

Why it matters

The Frozen Four is a crucial showcase for NHL teams to evaluate top college hockey talent. Many of the players competing this weekend are expected to sign NHL contracts and potentially make their professional debuts in the coming weeks, providing a glimpse of the future stars of the league.

The details

Michigan's T.J. Hughes, Michael Hage, and Malcolm Spence are among the Wolverines' NHL-affiliated talent expected to make an impact. North Dakota's Keaton Verhoeff is a projected early first-round pick, while teammates EJ Emery and Cole Reschny also have NHL potential. Denver is led by Hobey Baker finalist Eric Pohlkamp and James Reeder, while Wisconsin's Ben Dexheimer and Quinn Finley could earn AHL deals.

  • The 2026 Frozen Four tournament takes place on April 10 and 12 in Las Vegas.
  • The 2026 NHL Draft is scheduled for June.

The players

T.J. Hughes

A Hobey Baker nominee and the top college free agent this season, Hughes is expected to sign an NHL contract and potentially make his NHL debut after the Frozen Four.

Michael Hage

The Montreal Canadiens prospect is expected to sign with the team and potentially contribute in the NHL playoffs after the Frozen Four.

Keaton Verhoeff

The North Dakota defenseman is a projected 2026 NHL Draft lottery pick and has the potential to be a top-pairing NHL defenseman and foundational player for a contender.

Eric Pohlkamp

The Denver defenseman and Hobey Baker finalist led all NCAA blueliners in scoring this season and is the Sharks' best defensive prospect on the right side.

Quinn Finley

The Wisconsin winger has blossomed into a consistent collegiate scorer and is expected to sign with the New York Islanders, who will likely assign him to the AHL for further development.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

The 2026 NHL Draft is scheduled for June, where several of the top Frozen Four prospects are expected to be selected, particularly Keaton Verhoeff of North Dakota.

The takeaway

The 2026 Frozen Four in Las Vegas will showcase the next generation of NHL talent, with several players poised to make an immediate impact at the professional level after the tournament. This event is a crucial scouting opportunity for NHL teams as they look to build their rosters for the future.