Continuing on from NCAA Prospects Update – Part 1, I am rolling out Part 2 on the NCAA talent pool, highlighting prospects who are making serious noise at the collegiate level. Some may be on the cusp of an NHL debut, ready to take the plunge, while others still need time to round out their game. Whether they are future stars or just starting to scratch the surface, there is always plenty to unpack, so let's get into it!

Jimmy Snuggerud – RW

University of Minnesota – St. Louis Blues

Snuggerud is quickly solidifying himself as one of college hockey's top prospects. He has stepped into the spotlight for the University of Minnesota, leading a top-three ranked NCAA squad. Through 34 games, he's piled up 20 goals and 21 assists, driving the Golden Gophers' offense. On an international level, he has suited up for Team USA at the 2023 World Juniors (wining bronze) and also captured the gold in Sweden in 2024. From an NHL perspective, he is shaping up to be a key prospect for the St. Louis Blues. While his arrival alone will not fix the Blues' depth-scoring issues, his skill set will definitely help and make an impact on the team. He can score from anywhere, thrives on the power play, and brings a dynamic offensive presence, something St. Louis could certainly use.

Bombs away 💣

Jimmy Snuggerud tees off for his first of the season! pic.twitter.com/WLwktUKC9H

— Minnesota Men's Hockey (@GopherHockey) October 20, 2024

SNUGGS GOES BAR DOWN! Jimmy Snuggerud (#stlblues) unloads a rocket to get USA back within one 👀 #2024IIHFWorldJuniors pic.twitter.com/I6K2jjqgsB

— Elite Prospects (@eliteprospects) January 4, 2024

While there is some uncertainty if he will get called up near the end of this season, trade rumors have been swirling around players like Jordan Kyrou and Pavel Buchnevich leading up to the deadline. Depending on how things shake out, Snuggerud's path to a major role in the Blues' lineup could become clearer. The transition from college to the NHL always comes with challenges, but his floor as a player looks rock solid. Even with a conservative projection, he has the tools to be a 25-goal, 35-assist player at the NHL level. Comparisons to Alex DeBrincat aren't far off—Snuggerud's game mirrors DeBrincat's in many ways.

Last night, the Brodie Ziemer-Erik Påhlsson-Jimmy Snuggerud line combined for 12 points, the most by a #Gophers line since the Blake McLaughlin-Sammy Walker-Scott Reedy line had 12 points in a 10-0 win over Arizona State on Jan. 21, 2021.pic.twitter.com/z5HQxiT61l

— Gopher Game Notes (@GopherGameNotes) February 1, 2025

As we look ahead, Snuggerud could be gearing up for his final collegiate season, and it has the potential to be his best yet. A 30-goal, 55-point campaign would put him firmly in the Hobey Baker conversation. If he signs his entry-level deal after this season, he could hit the NHL as early as 2025, possibly sooner, depending on St. Louis' moves at the deadline. At his ceiling, he has potential 40-goal upside. Even if he falls short of that mark, his elite shot, high-end hockey IQ, and playmaking ability make him a difference-maker in key moments. If you're a Blues fan, or if you have him stashed in a fantasy keeper league, you should be excited. Snuggerud is inching closer to the NHL, and when he gets there, he will be ready to make an impact.

Ryan Leonard – C

Boston College – Washington Capitals

Leonard is making a name for himself as one of hockey's most dynamic young talents in USA men's hockey. He finished his freshman season with 31 goals and 60 points in 41 games, which is top five in NCAA scoring. As a product of USA NTDP, Leonard has some international accolades. He was the captain of Team USA leading them to back-to-back gold medals at the World Junior Championship (WJC). His MVP performance in this year's tournament with five goals and five assists in seven games only strengthened his reputation as a big-game player.

Ryan Leonard is a dawg pic.twitter.com/Lp4SDRhhpf

— Dimitri Filipovic (@DimFilipovic) January 5, 2024

Leonard's game is built on a mix of skill, physicality and he is persistent on the forecheck while also being smart defensively in high-pressure moments. At the WJC, he led by example alongside linemates Gabe Perreault and James Hagens as the trio combined for 29 points over the course of the tournament.

The 2023 Capitals prospect has quickly become their top prospect. This current sophomore season at Boston College has only reinforced that case. Despite missing time for the WJC, he has been an offensive threat, posting 23 goals and 12 points in 27 games while taking on a bigger leadership role following Will Smith's departure to the San Jose Sharks. The Eagles are national championship contenders once again, and Leonard is at the heart of their success.

His mix of strength and relentlessness brings flashes of Chris Kreider to mind. Leonard's game leans more heavily toward goal-scoring rather than playmaking, so expecting him to put up point-per-game numbers early on feels like a stretch. He plays with an edge, using his strength to protect the puck and muscles past defenders to create plays and put the puck in the net. I think it is safe to say that he will land as a top-six forward with the Capitals considering they also have Andrew Cristall, Terik Parascak, and Ivan Miroshnichenko in the mix. Leonard is exactly the kind of prospect the Capitals hoped for: gritty, skilled, and built for the big stage. It's just a matter of time before he's bringing that energy to the NHL.

This Ryan Leonard goal to complete the hat trick is so gorgeous… 🥵

The @Capitals have something special in their 2023 eighth overall pick.

(🎥: @BC_MHockey) pic.twitter.com/mXAbNKznpb

— NHL (@NHL) February 1, 2025

Aiden Fink – RW

Penn State University – Nashville Predators

Fink is quickly etching his name into Penn State hockey history. The second-year sniper is having a great season, earning his second straight nomination for the Hobey Baker Award all while leading the Nittany Lions in every offensive category. This year he has recorded 21 goals and 20 assists for 41 points in just 28 games. His 1.46 points per game ranks second in the Big Ten and third nationally, making a case for his status as a high-end offensive threat. He is also the first player in Penn State program history to start his career with back-to-back 30-point seasons and with 75 points in 62 NCAA games (1.20 PPG), Fink is on pace to shatter the university's all-time scoring record of 140 points – provided he remains with Penn State.

Aiden Fink is 1️⃣ of just 3️⃣ Nittany Lions all-time to hit 40 points & 20 goals in the same season joining Casey Bailey (2014-15) & Alex Limoges (2018-19)!

Fink's 21 goals are the 4th-most in a season in Penn State history while his 41 points rank 5th!#WeAre #HockeyValley pic.twitter.com/WNIVRyZQgW

— Penn State Men's Hockey (@PennStateMHKY) February 13, 2025

This season has been a highlight reel for the 2023 Nashville seventh-round draft pick and he continues to prove he was a steal. So far Fink has put together a career-best seven-game point streak and has become the first player in Penn State history to record multiple hat tricks.

#Preds Aiden Fink is on a goal-scoring tear this season. He has 11 goals in his last ten games, and 19 goals across his 26 games played for @PennStateMHKY.

Fink, the 218th pick in 2023, plays at a high tempo, has an immense motor, and rips pucks with his whippy release. pic.twitter.com/L2NC5lkroV

— Daniel Gee (@DanielGScouting) February 5, 2025

At 5-9, he is not the biggest player on the ice, but his elite skating, high-end hockey IQ, and deceptive shot make him a challenge for the opposition. His development path suggests he could fill a bottom-six NHL role, but he does have all the makings of pushing himself up the lineup. From leading the AJHL in scoring to earning Big Ten All-Rookie honors, Fink's rapid rise is no fluke. As the engine of Penn State's offense, he's cementing his legacy as one of the program's all-time greats.

Aydar Suniev – LW

Calgary Flames

Since his days lighting up the BCHL with Penticton, where he racked up over 50 goals and 100 points across the regular season and playoffs, Suniev's development has been nothing short of impressive. Despite playing on the second line and away from top-tier talent like Bradley Nadeau, he still put up dominant numbers. He is continuing that same trend at UMass, where he wasted no time making an impact, finishing second in scoring among forwards as a freshman. Now in his sophomore season, Suniev has taken things up a notch. He's producing at over a point-per-game pace with 14 goals and 27 points in just 23 games, ranking among the top offensive players in the NCAA. He currently sits tied for sixth in goals and 13th in total points, proving his ability to drive play at a high level.

Aydar Suniev – Good development for a 3rd rounder for sure. Suniev might make it or at least get some NHL games in but unlikely to be a future star for the Flames. https://t.co/QUN2dssBTL pic.twitter.com/BJFYyuB3i4

— Byron Bader (@ByronMBader) December 30, 2024

At 6-2 and 200 pounds, he already has pro-ready size, and his skill set has grown right along with it. His quick-release wrist shot and lethal one-timer keeps opposing goalies on edge, and he attacks defenders with confidence, consistently driving the slot and creating scoring chances. He is also a force along the boards and a weapon on the power play, where his blend of size and skill makes him a matchup nightmare.

Aydar Suniev UMass Edition pic.twitter.com/kn8qIVpz8G

— Drew (@ajayissock) January 20, 2024

His skating is still a point of contention. His stride can be a bit sluggish at times, but there has been clear improvement this season, and if he continues refining his speed, he has legitimate middle-six NHL potential as a two-way, goal-scoring winger. Suniev's trajectory is trending up, and as he keeps developing, he looks like a future impact player at the pro level.

Thanks for reading! See you next week. For more content/fantasy hockey analysis, or if there’s a prospect, you’d like me to cover, follow and message me on X @Punters_hockey.