"I never thought about the NHL," Jets' Prospect Zach Wooten Is Living His NCAA Dreams Out While Pursuing The Pros

Almost every young hockey player thinks about suiting up in the NHL and emulating their favorite players. However, Winnipeg Jets prospect Zach Wooten wasn't too focused on the pros. Rather, Wooten spent his childhood aspiring to reach the NCAA, a dream which he is living out at the University of Wisconsin. 

"It's pretty surreal being able to actually play in NCAA." Wooten said.  "As a kid, I never thought about playing in NHL growing up. I always thought about playing college hockey."

Coming from Minnesota's Eastview High, Wooten didn't immediately take off. He spent part of 2024-25 playing for the USHL's Omaha Lancers where he had just five points in 13 games. In December of that season, Wooten was traded to Green Bay and his production bumped up following the move. Bit by bit, Wooten acclimated to junior hockey, which he acknowledged. 

"I had a rough go my first my first year in the league," Wooten said. It's not easy to adjust, especially coming from Minnesota High School to straight to the USHL. "Coming back for another year was huge for me and taking that next step in my development."

Rather than just take a step forward in 2025-26, Wooten skyrocketed onto NHL Scouts' radars. He led the Gamblers with 35 goals and 62 points in 61 games as an alternate captain and was named to the USHL 2025-26 All-USHL First Team The Winnipeg Jets capped off Wooten's remarkable season by taking him in the 4th Round (116th Overall) of the 2026 NHL Draft. As an Apple Valley, MN native, the geographic proximity of Winnipeg to his hometown was a plus for Wooten and his family.

"It's a long ways away, but I mean, Winnipeg being one of the closest teams to Minnesota was pretty cool, and I know all my family think it's pretty cool too."

That family includes younger brother Sam, who is following in Zach's footsteps of the USHL. Sam is a forward for the Des Moines Buccaneers in his own first year of junior hockey. When I spoke with Zach, he outlined the wisdom he is passing on to Sam.

"I think the biggest thing, is just kind of cliche, but just stick with it," Wooten explained. "I've kind of told him to just enjoy it, and it's a process. Have fun with it, and it'll all come."

Zach has carried on producing for Wisconsin in his freshman year, living out his childhood dream. He has accumulated three points (1 goal + 2 assists) across four games, scoring his first goal on Oct. 10 against Minnesota State Mankato. Wooten broke down the moment for me and how he shared it with the Badger faithful.

"(JJ) Wiebusch made a nice pass to me, and I just tried to get it on and off my stick as quick as possible, and next thing I knew, it was like in and out of the net," Wooten said.  "I didn't even know what to do, and then I circled around, and there was a lone Wisconsin fan standing up and cheering. So it just felt right to point to him. That was a great experience."

Away from Kohl Center, Wooten likes to unplug from hockey and be just a normal college kid. "When I get away from the rink, I kind of like to be away from it and not think too much about hockey," Wooten said. "I'm definitely a big golfer and like to wake surf here and there."

While Wooten may not have thought about NHL, the Winnipeg Jets came to him this summer. His mindful performances are helping No. 2 Wisconsin toward a National Championship and could see this young Minnesotan reach the professional level. Not bad for someone who wasn't focused on the NHL growing up.