Top NHL Prospects Compete at Frozen Four Tournament

Scouts eye future stars at college hockey's biggest stage in Las Vegas

Apr. 9, 2026 at 1:07pm

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A fractured, cubist-style painting depicting the chaotic energy of a college hockey game, with players and the puck fragmented into overlapping geometric shapes in shades of blue, green, and red.The Frozen Four tournament showcases the next wave of NHL talent, with scouts closely watching the action on the ice.Las Vegas Today

The Frozen Four, the NCAA Division I men's ice hockey championship tournament, is taking place this weekend in Las Vegas, Nevada. The event is drawing scouting attention from across the NHL as top draft-eligible prospects showcase their skills on the big stage.

Why it matters

The Frozen Four is a crucial event for NHL teams looking to identify and evaluate the next generation of hockey talent. Many future NHL stars have made their names at this tournament, making it an important showcase for up-and-coming players to boost their draft stock.

The details

Some of the top NHL draft prospects competing in the Frozen Four include forward Liam Hage from the University of Minnesota, defenseman Jasper Verhoeff from the University of North Dakota, and forward Nolan Pohlkamp from Boston College. These players have been standouts for their respective college teams throughout the season and will look to impress NHL scouts with their performances this weekend.

  • The 2026 Frozen Four tournament is taking place from April 10-12 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

The players

Liam Hage

A forward for the University of Minnesota who is considered one of the top NHL draft prospects competing in the Frozen Four.

Jasper Verhoeff

A defenseman for the University of North Dakota who is also viewed as a top NHL draft prospect in the tournament.

Nolan Pohlkamp

A forward for Boston College who has had a standout season and is expected to be a high draft pick.

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What they’re saying

“The Frozen Four is always a must-watch event for NHL teams. You get to see the best young talent in the college game all in one place, competing at the highest level.”

— Jim Nill, General Manager, Dallas Stars

“These players have been dominating at the college level all year, and now they have the chance to showcase their skills on the big stage. It's an exciting time for these prospects and the NHL teams scouting them.”

— Kyle Dubas, General Manager, Toronto Maple Leafs

What’s next

NHL teams will be closely monitoring the performances of top prospects at the Frozen Four, as strong showings could significantly boost a player's draft stock ahead of the upcoming NHL Entry Draft.

The takeaway

The Frozen Four is a premier event for NHL teams to identify and evaluate the next generation of hockey talent. With many top draft-eligible prospects competing, the tournament provides a valuable opportunity for these players to elevate their status and improve their chances of being selected early in the NHL Draft.