Some of the most coveted players in the NCAA were passed over at the NHL Draft! As more programs get eliminated from tournament contention, NHL teams look to add to their repertoire ahead of the Stanley Cup Playoffs or to bolster their prospect pool. I break down five of the best remaining undrafted free agents remaining in college hockey. Denver’s Kent Anderson Named 2025-26 NCHC Senior Scholar-Athlete Award Winner [http://nchchockey.com/images/2026/3/17/Senior_Scholar_Athlete.png?preset=large.storyimage] Denver’s Kent Anderson Named 2025-26 NCHC Senior Scholar-Athlete Award Winner Pioneers team captain and defenseman carries a 3.9 GPA while majoring in finance [https://nchchockey.com/news/2026/3/17/mens-ice-hockey-denvers-kent-anderson-named-2025-26-nchc-senior-scholar-athlete-award-winner.aspx] Kent Anderson, Defenseman, University of Denver (NCHC) Anderson is a guy I've had my eye since his days with the USHL's Green Bay Gamblers. He is a big strong, defensive defenseman coming in at 6 foot 3, 205 pounds, that does the little things right on the back end. Denver's captain uses his size and large wingspan to disrupt offensive possessions, seeing the game at a deep level. Add Anderson's IQ to his physical gifts and NHL teams have a young third paring defenseman ripe for the picking. Wisconsin center Grady Deering (17) handles the puck with pressure from Western Michigan defenseman Zach Bookman (37) in the Kwik Trip Holiday Face-Off championship game Monday, December 29, 2025, at Fiserv Forum in MIlwaukee, Wisconsin. [https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/post-images/f883784c-1b74-4656-9327-32c8c316984c.jpeg] Wisconsin center Grady Deering (17) handles the puck with pressure from Western Michigan defenseman Zach Bookman (37) in the Kwik Trip Holiday Face-Off championship game Monday, December 29, 2025, at Fiserv Forum in MIlwaukee, Wisconsin. Zach Bookman, Defenseman, Western Michigan University (NCHC) The Broncos got an absolute gem when Bookman transferred over from Merrimack this season. Bookman makes use of time and space to draw multiple opponents to him in all three zones. His skating is some of the best I've seen from a defenseman this season. Specifically, Bookman's shifty crossover move makes opponents look silly. Despite his offensive power, Bookman is not a defensive liability. There are certain instances where he tries to do too much with the puck, but that is something that the professional game can easily smooth out. I could see him signing with a playoff bound American Hockey League team after Wester Michigan's season before getting a shot at the NHL next year. Mar 7, 2025; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Michigan Wolverines forward T.J. Hughes (13) passes against Penn State during a Big Ten Tournament quarter final game at Yost Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images [https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/post-images/b9e6329f-5978-4aa6-9667-e2378db0a687.jpeg] Mar 7, 2025; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Michigan Wolverines forward T.J. Hughes (13) passes against Penn State during a Big Ten Tournament quarter final game at Yost Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images T.J. Hughes, Center, University of Michigan (Big Ten) Michigan's captain is the biggest undrafted free agent in college hockey by far. Hughes is a pure offensive talent. The Hobey Baker Finalist has led the Wolverines in scoring three seasons running including 19 tallies this year. Offense is great, but consistent offense is even better. Hughes is the later, being held without a point in only five of his 36 games in 2025-26. Through his active five game point streak, Hughes has 7 points (4 goals + 3 assists). I see some similarities between Hughes and Quinn Hutson of the Edmonton Oilers, organization both of whom had great years following their draft eligibility. It wouldn't shock me if Hughes lands in same professional destination as Hutson. Eight Of The Top 2026 NCAA Free Agents [https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/post-images/fed90f8c-a9be-4fbf-8428-cabc89fc730f.jpeg] Eight Of The Top 2026 NCAA Free Agents Sometimes, NHL teams can get lucky in finding a gem among NCAA free agents. Here is a list of eight NCAA free agents that teams could be taking a look at in the near future. [https://thehockeynews.com/news/latest-news/eight-of-the-top-2026-ncaa-free-agents] Jake Livanavage, Defenseman, University of North Dakota (NCHC) Livanavage is an undersized defenseman, which is why I believe he was passed over in the NHL Draft. Still, he skates well and has produced efficiently, notching 82 points in 113 games through three seasons at North Dakota. The junior looked well while at the Spengler Cup on the United States Collegiate Select Hockey Team. It is absolutely worth any NHL team signing him to an American Hockey League contract. Max Lundgren, Goaltender, Merrimack College (Hockey East) I was surprised Lundgren wasn't drafted from the USHL's Des Moines Buccaneers back in 2023. Lundgren is having an insane year, playing 2,214 minutes (1 day, 12 hours, 54 minutes) this season. Through that large timeframe, he has a 20-15-2 record a .917 save percentage and 2.60 goals allowed average. The Swedish junior has plenty of NHL suitors and is still deciding whether to return [https://x.com/bridgetteproulx/status/2035142008142987608] for his senior season. Lundgren recently confirmed his attendance [https://x.com/MarkDivver/status/2035141063661195601] at this year's Boston Bruins Development Camp. With a win in tonight's Hockey East Championship versus University of Connecticut tonight, Merrimack will head to the NCAA Tournament. Expect professional interest to increase if that happens.
