The NHL trade deadline has passed, which means that we now set our sights toward one of the more intriguing phases of the hockey calendar: NCAA free agent tracking.
As college seasons wind down and the Frozen Four looms, NHL teams turn their attention to undrafted collegiate talent, hoping to unearth the next hidden gem. While the odds of a college free agent blossoming into an NHL star are slim, success stories like Drew O’Connor and Max Sasson — both navigating within the Vancouver Canucks system — prove it’s possible.
Last season, we had three names at the top of our CanucksArmy list, all of whom notched NHL deals, and all three have been thriving within their systems. Collin Graf was our top 2024 free-agent target. He has been thriving within the San Jose system, lighting up the AHL and even playing well with the Sharks themselves.
Lleyton Roed inked a deal with the Seattle Kraken and has posted a respectable 13 goals and 13 assists in 50 AHL games with the Coachella Valley Firebirds. Meanwhile, Jacob Quillan has been a steady presence for the Toronto Marlies, even earning his NHL debut with the Maple Leafs.
Now, we set our sights on the 2025 crop. Admittedly, this group is slated to be far less star-studded. While there are still names that bring intrigue, it lacks the firepower we’ve seen over the last few seasons — Colin Graf, for example.
But that doesn’t mean you can’t take stabs at the upside. Here at CanucksArmy, we will provide a few lists of names that have caught our eyes and could show potential for NHL deals in just a few weeks.
With Vancouver’s defensive depth stabilizing and a crowded goaltending pipeline, our focus narrows to forwards, particularly right-shot players — a glaring need within the Canucks’ system, from Vancouver to Abbotsford.
Returning targets from our 2024 list
T.J. Hughes, University of Michigan
Position: Center/Right Wing | Shoots: Right | Height/Weight: 6-foot, 185 pounds | Age: 23
Perhaps it’s a subconscious habit of gravitating toward a Hughes in this Vancouver market, but T.J. Hughes will once again be a key target in our 2025 list.
After all, it’s hard to overlook a right shot centre with a decent frame and natural three-zone talents. Hughes may not possess eye-catching, elite-level attributes, but his game is that of a versatile, high-IQ player and one we think could carve out a solid pro career.
He capitalizes on scoring opportunities using his intelligence, work ethic, and eye for the game. Furthermore, he’s often commended for his high level of maturity and has garnered tons of praise from his bench bosses.
Now a junior with the Michigan Wolverines, he’s posted 37 points (13 goals, 24 assists) in 35 games this season, the sixth highest among the undrafted NCAA forward group. Across his 115-game NCAA career, he’s averaged over a point per game (47 goals, 121 points), showcasing consistency and versatility.
Hughes thrives in all situations — power play, penalty kill, and even-strength — often lining up on the half-wall for one-timers or digging pucks out as the bumper. His faceoff prowess (career averages of 58.9%, 60.7%, and 52.2% this season) adds to his appeal as a bottom-six projection with sneaky offensive upside.
Scouts praise his maturity and work ethic, which could ease his transition to pro hockey. After attending Tampa Bay’s development camp last summer, Hughes opted to return to Michigan, but his junior year might be his last before an NHL deal beckons.
Joey Larson, Michigan State University
Position: Right Wing | Shoots: Right | Height/Weight: 6-foot-1, 196 pounds| Age: 23
Joey Larson’s numbers have dipped slightly as a junior (26 points in 38 games), but his knack for shooting the puck remains undeniable. The Michigan State Spartans’ forward has topped 100 shots in each of the last two seasons, boasting a lethal release that makes him a goal-scoring threat in all areas of the ice.
For those who appreciate goal-scoring prowess, he’s a great option.
His freshman year at Northern Michigan earned him a spot on the CCHA All-Rookie Team (13 goals, 27 points in 36 games), and last season, he helped Michigan State claim the Big Ten title.
Standing at 6-foot-1, 196 pounds, the right-winger not only brings a high level of offensive skill but also carries a frame that can project to the pro level—likely as a middle-six winger with scoring potential.
Before transitioning to the collegiate level, he played Junior hockey in British Columbia, suiting up for the Chilliwack Chiefs in the 2019-20 campaign.
New faces to watch
Ryan Kirwan, Arizona State University
Position: Left Wing | Shoots: Left | Height/Weight: 6-foot-2, 205 pounds | Age: 23
Ryan Kirwan might be our crown jewel of this year’s forward crop. Whether in Abbotsford or Vancouver, the organization needs production, and not many in this free agent crop shoot the pill quite like him.
Transferring from Penn State to Arizona State last summer, the senior has exploded for 23 goals (second nationally, tied with several others) and 36 points in 36 games as a point-per-game player. Kirwan managed these totals, despite averaging just 16 minutes per night — roughly three minutes less than most of the top producers.
His 167 shots rank third in the NCAA, underscoring his heavy, dangerous release and ridiculous hunger to find scoring opportunities. Across 134 career games, he’s tallied 57 goals and 103 points.
It’s not just the release, either. Kirwan shows solid vision, and while goalies must respect his shot, he pivots quickly to find linemates with crafty dishes.
Kirwan’s blend of size, skating, and skill screams pro potential. No, he’s not right-handed, but the skillet seems like a tremendous bet for any organization to make for a college try. His physical tools and scoring prowess could see him slot into a middle-six role with power play upside.
Like Collin Graf was last year, Kirwan is on the top of our watch list regarding offensive forwards.
Jack Williams, Northeastern University
Position: Centre/Right Wing | Shoots: Right | Height/weight: 5-foot-11, 185 pounds | Age: 23
Captain of the Northeastern Huskies, Jack Williams, brings the complete two-way package and checks off a list of boxes perfectly tailored for the Canucks’ depth chart. From a production, responsibility and leadership stance, he just seems like the type of kid you want in your lineup.
Thanks to a blend of speed, two-way play, and clutch scoring, the former teammate of Aidan McDonough has enjoyed a fruitful three-year collegiate career.
With 15 goals and 38 points in his junior year, Williams has surpassed the point-per-game clip for a consecutive season, marking new career highs in just 34 games.
At 5-foot-11 and roughly 185 pounds, Williams offers tons of intrigue as a right-handed pivot focusing on a 200-foot game. One of Northeastern’s go-to options, he’s contributed in all situations — power play, penalty kill, and even strength — earning three Hockey East Player of the Week nods this year.
He’s taken the second most faceoffs among all skaters in Hockey East while maintaining a 51-percent success rate.
His speed and IQ stand out, though he could add muscle and shot power to elevate his ceiling. Projecting as a bottom-six energy forward with a penalty-killing upside, he’s a fit for Vancouver’s need for right-shot depth. Expect suitors to line up as the Huskies’ season wraps.
Quinn Hutson, Boston University
Position: Right Wing | Shoots: Right | Height/Weight: 5-foot-11, 170 pounds | Age: 23
Vancouver fans tracking prospect Tom Willander at Boston University have heard a lot of noise about the Hutson brothers, with Lane and Cole taking — or stealing? — the majority of the top defensive deployments over the last two years.
But did you know there was a third brother? Quinn Hutson, the eldest, is the forward of the three.
Unlike his dynamic younger brothers, Quinn lacks elite flash but compensates with relentless production from all over the ice surface. As a junior with the Terriers, he’s erupted for 46 points (18 goals, 25 assists) in 32 games, ranking fourth nationally while setting new personal bests in all areas.
Having recently eclipsed the 100-point mark in his NCAA career, he’s just one point shy of reaching point-per-game (53 goals, 57 assists) status through his three-year tenure.
Without the dynamism shown from his brothers, Quinn’s game is built on hockey sense and a nose for the net, whether via long-range snipes or crafty finishes in tight. However, his skating lags behind most elite edges, potentially capping his ceiling as a pro. Still, his right shot and scoring instincts make him an intriguing flyer — perhaps as a bottom-six forward with offensive flair.
Karsen Dorwart, Michigan State University
Position: Forward | Shoots: Left | Height/Weight:6-foot-1, 194 pounds | Age: 22
Karsen Dorwart’s name is buzzing, with insider Elliotte Friedman hinting that the Toronto Maple Leafs are among the teams in pursuit. A junior at Michigan State alongside Joey Larson (mentioned above), Dorwart has notched 87 points (36 goals, 51 assists) in 108 NCAA games.
His game isn’t flashy, but his two-way reliability, solid skating, and pro-ready frame make him a safe bet to translate to the next level. He plays in all situations, which includes being a solid penalty killer for the Spartans.
Scouts see Dorwart as a bottom-six forward with penalty-killing ability and subtle offensive contributions. His lack of dynamic skill might limit his ceiling, but his versatility has drawn widespread interest. Some scouts have pegged him as “the closest thing” to an NHL-ready free agent this year.
Lucas Wahlin, University of St. Thomas
Position: Forward | Shoots: Right | Height/Weight: 6-foot, 170 pounds | Age: 23
As captain of the Unniveristy of St. Thomas, Lucas Wahlin has quietly built a compelling case for a pro contract. His senior season has seen career highs across the board — 16 goals and 29 points in 36 games — capped by a February surge (five goals, four assists) that earned him CCHA Player of the Month honors.
Across 119 NCAA games, he’s amassed 74 points (36 goals, 38 assists).
Wahlin is a right shot and can play up the middle and kill penalties. He skates like the wind and shows a good motor in battle situations. Despite a slighter frame, his steady improvement and two-way play suggest a bottom-six projection.
That’s our initial list, showcasing a few of our favourite forwards so far. As mentioned, there is a long list of players, so feel free to leave a player in the comment section who has caught your eye and stay tuned for more!
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