The flood of NCAA players signing their entry-level NHL contracts has begun.
The Frozen Four begins on April 10, so we should see a couple more players signing after then, but a handful of prospects are jumping from the NCAA to the NHL right now after being eliminated.
Some of the most promising and exciting prospects in hockey have come through the NCAA pipeline in recent years. This year’s crop of signees will be effective on teams that are either securely in the playoffs, pushing for a wild-card spot or sitting near the bottom of the league and looking forward to the future.
Let’s look at some of the most promising entry-level signings from the NCAA in recent days.
Ryan Leonard, LW, Washington Capitals
The bull in a china shop that is Ryan Leonard has been one of the most physically dominant players in the NCAA over the past couple of years.
His speed, strength, and legitimate skill make him a player who can play up and down the lineup at the NHL level. He was the engine of Boston College’s top line alongside 2025 top NHL draft prospect James Hagens and Gabe Perreault, who’s expected to sign with the New York Rangers.
Leonard should slot into the Capitals’ middle six forwards and provide some energy and scoring punch down the lineup for their playoff run. Even if his offensive game takes a minute to get going, his speed and tenacity should make him a valuable part of the lineup.
Gabe Perreault, RW, New York Rangers
The Rangers announced they officially signed Perreault at 5 p.m. ET on Monday.
Perreault is one of the premier play connectors who came through the NHL draft in recent years. He’ll be playing with new linemates for the first time in three years – he won’t have either Leonard or Will Smith alongside him as he did going back to his days in the USA Hockey National Team Development Program.
Perreault isn’t the fastest, most skilled or strongest player, but his value comes from his intellect and cerebral playmaking ability.
Perreault is highly effective as an off-puck attacker who can make a quick pass or get himself into a scoring area with ease. Whether he makes a one-touch pass or waits the extra half-second to allow a lane to develop on a zone entry, Perreault is such a smart player who allows his teammates to play to their strengths.
Top 25 NHL Prospects In Future Watch 2025Some players make the NHL as teenagers, but many prospects take three, four or even five years to break through.
Oliver Moore, C/W, Chicago Blackhawks
Already getting into one NHL game with Chicago, Moore is a speed demon who plays hard at both ends of the ice.
He’s consistently played a steady middle-six game whenever he’s been asked, but he’s skilled enough offensively to drive results when asked to play up the lineup. Moore is a fantastic fit for this Blackhawks team, which is looking for some added team speed.
The rest of the Hawks’ season means little in the standings, but Moore could make a strong case for a roster spot next year with a good run of play.
His versatility could see him stick on the wing for now, but Moore’s two-way game and pace make him more of a fit at center. Either way, Moore should be a fixture in the middle six for Chicago for years.
Matthew Wood, C/W, Nashville Predators
Although Wood didn’t become a dominant player during his two-year college run, he joins the Predators as they play out the stretch of a lost season.
Wood is a big-bodied forward who is an excellent off-puck finisher. He’s grown as a playmaker in the NCAA. His last month of the season with the University of Minnesota was as good as he’s been in college, and it should give him confidence heading into the NHL.
While he shouldn’t be expected to hit the ground running, especially on a Preds team where nothing has gone right this year, Wood should be a nice addition that provides a glimpse into the future. The 6-foot-4 Albertan could play down the lineup as a center or a left winger.
Wood has the skill and shooting talent to score some goals. He just needs someone to help him get the puck in good positions.
Jimmy Snuggerud, RW, St. Louis Blues
After setting career highs in goals and points in the NCAA, Snuggerud joins the Blues in the thick of a playoff race.
He doesn’t necessarily drive play, but he is an excellent Robin to someone’s Batman. He plays with speed and energy, finds open space in the offensive zone and helps make life easier on his linemates by doing a little bit of everything.
Snuggerud is slated to line up on the third line for the Blues, which could give them the depth scoring they need to pull away in the playoff race.
Snuggerud has always found a way to elevate his game as the stakes get higher, whether it’s the World Junior Championship or the NCAA tournament.
Sam Rinzel, D, Chicago Blackhawks
Like Moore, Rinzel got into his first NHL game already, and he looked quite solid. He has size, skating ability and some skill, which immediately makes him one of the Hawks’ more intriguing blueliners.
Rinzel has the kind of reach and mobility that it takes to play a solid defensive game and the passing and skill to play well enough in the offensive end.
Rinzel will make some mistakes, but the experience he gains in this season’s final days could spur him on to being a regular in the lineup in the fall. His raw tools have always been incredibly intriguing, and his development in college has been encouraging. Getting a glimpse of pro hockey will be integral as he heads into a summer training to be a full-time pro.
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