Best NCAA Free Agents That Will Hit the Open Market

On August 15th, some NHL prospects will see their rights expire. If they have an AHL deal, an NHL deal would trump that. Or, for some, just an ELC with a new team is a fresh start for some of these players. I’ve noted a few here that I think are the best of the bunch remaining for NCAA Free Agents. 

Best NCAA Free Agents Remaining on the Board

John Farinacci

This Harvard star is the best of the bunch. He can play center or wing. He has a good hockey I.Q. and some offensive ability. In some big games, he’s been a clutch scorer. He’s a NJ-born player who has spent a lot of time in Massachusetts. A potential third-line NHLer. He’s only 22. The Bruins should try and get him.  

Jay O’Brien

He can play center or wing. O’Brien is a good all-around forward who had a fine career at BU. He can playmaker and occasionally score. He can possibly be an NHL depth player. The Bruins do collect former first-round picks. The Rangers too. He’s overcome some injuries and could help an AHL team for sure. 

Jonny Tychonick

He did everything well enough and showed he still has some scoring in his game at the ECHL level last season. He’s signed with the Marlies, but a team could get him if he is offered an ELC; he might go for it. A mobile defenseman who can move might be of interest to the Penguins and Kyle Dubas, who brought him into Toronto. Could be an NHL depth defenseman.  

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Jake Wise

A center who is probably better on the wing had a nice final season with Ohio State. He was with the NTDP.  He has a decent two-way game and did a nice job during his AHL debut last season. I can see the Florida Panthers signing him. He played for Charlotte last season and was born in Naples. He lived most of his life in Massachusetts, plus he could be yet another target for the Bruins. Wise played for David Quinn and BU, and he really likes him, so the Sharks are a possibility too. 

Jared Moe

A 6-foot-4 goalie who is just 24. Things didn’t click in Wisconsin, but that was the case for a lot of players there. He’s a battler and had a 91% save percentage in breakaway saves, according to InStat. Who needs prospect goalies? A lot of teams. The Blackhawks, maybe the Avalanche, are two hunches.