With college and junior hockey seasons winding down, the spotlight is brightening on four top under-21 prospects who are making waves and capturing considerable NHL interest. Jacob Fowler, Gavin McKenna, Nick Lardis, and Anton Frondell are all showcasing their exceptional skills, drawing attention as they gear up for futures steeped in potential.
First on the list is Jacob Fowler, goaltender for Boston College. Over the course of 32 games this season, he has recorded 24 wins, boasting a remarkable 0.941 save percentage and 1.62 goals against average. His outstanding performance led him to unanimously win the Hockey East Goalie of the Year award on March 13, 2025. Fowler’s accolades don’t stop there; he has been recognized throughout his junior hockey career, gathering MVP awards and championship rings at every level he’s competed. His .941 save percentage this year is the second-highest among college players, trailing only 24-year-old Alex Tracy, who holds .944. With every season bringing him closer to making the leap to the NHL, his calm and collected demeanor prove he’s ready for the next challenge.
Next up is Gavin McKenna, center for the Medicine Hat Tigers, who has continued his scintillate play throughout the season. Over 53 games, he has notched 34 goals and 80 assists, racking up 114 total points with a dazzling +51 rating. Perhaps most impressive is McKenna's active scoring streak, which has reached 37 games as of March 14, 2025, tying him with Sidney Crosby for the second-longest point streak among CHL players since the 2000-01 season. McKenna is widely projected to be the first overall pick for the upcoming 2026 NHL Draft, thanks to his playmaking skills and ability to handle physical games adeptly. He’s certainly established himself as the star player of his age group, leading the line for Medicine Hat even without key teammates like Columbus Blue Jackets prospect Cayden Lindstrom.
Nick Lardis has been lighting up the ice as well, with numbers to prove it: 63 games played, 71 goals, and 44 assists for 115 points. His performance places him just one goal behind John Tavares’ all-time record for goals in a single OHL season, making his 71 goals the second-highest since 2000. Lardis’ scoring prowess lies not only within his skill but also his positioning and hard-nosed approach to puck battles. His synchronization with teammate Marek Vanacker makes them formidable for opposing defenses, which has opened up scoring opportunities this season. The Chicago Blackhawks are lucky to have Lardis among their prospects as they look to build for the future.
Finally, Anton Frondell, who plays for Djurgardens IF, is another player to keep an eye on. Despite injuries hampering him this season, Frondell has come alive recently, accumulating 14 points over his last eight games. He has tallied 11 goals and 14 assists, showcasing his ability to impact the game significantly when healthy. With the 2025 NHL Draft on the horizon, Frondell's performance could catapult him higher on teams' draft boards. If he maintains this form at the upcoming World U18 Championships, starting April 23, 2025, he could solidify his ranking as one of the top prospects available.
Overall, these four prospects not only highlight individual talent but represent the future of hockey. Their performances are pivotal, not just for their teams but also for shaping recruitment strategies as NHL teams prepare for future drafts. Jacob Fowler, Gavin McKenna, Nick Lardis, and Anton Frondell are steering the conversation about the next wave of hockey stars, and their upcoming appearances, especially at the World U18 Championships, will be closely monitored by scouts and fans alike.
With the season's end fast approaching, these young athletes are determined to leave their mark. The spotlight is on them, and they are rising to the occasion, ready to influence the NHL's future.