Freshman classes are insanely stacked this year, but who has the best, and what will these classes look like from the top teams?
The freshman classes in college hockey have been simply unreal over the last couple of seasons, and that will likely continue. This year, so many classes are stacked, but which ones stand out as the best freshman classes in the country, and how much of a difference will these players make?
Boston University
The Terriers’ freshman class is amazing, and considering how their season went last year, it should help make them one of the best teams in the country. Headlined by third-overall pick Caleb Malhotra, who will likely play a top-six role for them this season and will be one of the best offensive producers in the nation.
The class also has Chicago Blackhawks second-round pick Xavier Villeneuve, who fits an archetype that’s worked at BU before. He’s a smaller, shifty defenseman who makes players miss and can push the pace offensively.
They’re also bringing in high-end players like Niklas-Aarom Olsen, Viktor Norringer, Haoxi Wang, and goaltender Sartaj Dhami.
University of Michigan
Michigan’s freshmen are led by projected first-overall pick Landon DuPont, who is one of the best defensemen in college hockey before playing a single shift.
They’re also bringing in first-rounders Cameron Reid, who just won the Memorial Cup in Kitchener, J.P. Hurlbert, and the six-foot-five Jack Nesbitt.
The class also has players like Kieren Dervin, Nic Sima, and Brandt Harper.
University of Denver
The 2026 national champions rebuilt their blueline with some elite freshmen. Fourth-overall pick Daxon Rudolph will be the offensive driver, Seattle Kraken prospect Blake Fiddler will be a shutdown guy, and first-round pick Ryan Lin will blend both of those playstyles. They also added Ben MacBeath, a great skater who will be a positive on his ownUp front, they brought in the highly skilled Mikey Berchild, San Jose Sharks draft pick Max Heise, and shutdown center Jack Pridham.
Michigan State
The Spartans brought in the most first-round talent in college hockey this year and will be leaning on this freshman class heavily.
Seventh-overall pick Chase Reid will play a similar role to Daxon Rudolph and will be a huge point producer for them all year. They’re also adding first-round picks Tommy Bleyl, Ethan Belchetz, Jack Hextall, Mason West, and netminder Joshua Ravensburgen.
They’re also adding Pittsburgh Penguins draft pick Brady Peddle, Diego Johnson, and goalie JJ Salajko.
This class is filled with elite freshmen, and Michigan State will have to hope they can adjust to the college game fast.
