Last year we were treated with a pretty good freshmen class featuring Adam Fantilli, Logan Cooley, Ryan McAllister, Jimmy Snuggerud, and Lane Hutson, to name a few. But this year’s NCAA hockey freshmen class may blow last years out of the water.
We will run down a list in four parts of the best freshmen coming into the college hockey season starting with the top 6 through 10 freshmen forwards in the NCAA.
6.) Bradley Nadeau RW/C, Maine, CAR
Bradley Nadeau is a special player in my opinion. Coming from the BCHL is a different type of development but the way he played for the Penticton Vees, there is a reason why the Carolina Hurricanes drafted him in the first round last year.
Nadeau recorded 45 goals and 113 points in 54 games for the Vees. Nadeau also played with his brother Josh, who will play alongside Bradley at Maine. Josh recorded 44 goals and 110 points in 54 games and is someone to look out for this year as well.
The Hurricanes draft pick led the entire BCHL in points and scored 17 goals in 17 playoff games last season for Penticton. The BCHL superstar's major strength is his shot and he showcases it very well, the puck just explodes off of his stick, it's incredible.
7.) Jayden Perron RW, North Dakota, CAR
Another Carolina Hurricanes draft pick, Jayden Perron was taken in the third round by the Canes with pick No. 94 in the 2023 draft. Perron's biggest strength is his skating mixed with his playmaking ability.
Perron's strong passing ability and the way he can finish his chances with a wicked shot, help separate him from others. The 5-foot-9 forward notched 24 goals and 72 points in 61 games last season for the Chicago Steel of the USHL.
He is a great playmaker and stick handler but needs to work on his defensive game. He will do that on a good North Dakota team alongside former Hurricanes draft pick, Jackson Blake.
8.) William Whitelaw C, Wisconsin, CBJ
The native of Minnesota, shot up the draft rankings last year after he carried the Youngstown Phantoms to the Clark Championship where he notched five goals and nine points in nine playoff games helping the Phantoms win the Championship.
Currently at Wisconsin, Whitelaw recorded 36 goals and 61 points in 62 games before he was drafted by the Columbus Blue Jackets in the third round of last year's draft. Whitelaw thinks the game at a high level which will help the Badgers a lot. His shot and skating ability are great too as he makes for a freshman forward to keep an eye on.
9.) Danny Nelson C, Notre Dame, NYI
Another Minnesota native, Danny Nelson is set to skate in his freshman season with Notre Dame after being drafted by the New York Islanders in the second round of the 2023 draft.
Nelson showcased his knack for pursuing the puck during his time with the USNTDP and his impressive showing during the WJC-18 where he notched four goals and seven points in seven games.
The 6-foot-3 forward wasn't talked about enough during his time with the USNTDP and that was likely because of the other superstars in that program that you will see being talked about in Part 2. But Nelson was still able to showcase his strong offensive play with 21 goals and 47 points in 62 games for the NTDP.
10.) Cole Knuble C, Notre Dame, PHI
Just because he is last on the list doesn't mean he shouldn't be talked about as much because Cole Knuble is a good player. Knuble played for the Fargo Force last year where he notched 30 goals and 66 points in 57 games.
The Philadelphia Flyers' fourth-round draft selection from the 2023 draft is a physical center who also shows good playmaking abilities along with skating. His transition to the NCAA will be something to watch out for.
But Knuble will be a good second-line center on a good Notre Dame team. The 5-foot-11 forward should have a good year for the Fighting Irish.