From October to March, the greater Boston area is filled with college hockey games. Last weekend, the University of Michigan Wolverines traveled east to face the fifth-ranked Boston University Terriers. In a live match I attended on Friday, Michigan bounced back from a 1–0 deficit, scoring five goals in the third period to win 5–1. The Wolverines maintained their momentum with a 5–4 overtime victory on Saturday, completing a weekend sweep.
This series was a significant challenge for both teams, and I was particularly interested in watching Ryan Greene, a prospect for the Chicago Blackhawks and the 57th overall pick in the 2022 NHL Entry Draft, on Friday. Also noteworthy were BU’s highly regarded freshman Cole Eiserman, the New York Islanders’ 20th overall pick in 2024, and Michigan’s Michael Hage, a 21st overall pick to the Montreal Canadiens—players some Chicago Blackhawks fans believe General Manager Kyle Davidson should have selected instead of Sacha Boisvert, whom he picked 18th overall in June.
Starting with Greene, his positioning was impressive during Friday’s game. While he may not be a high-scoring player at the NHL level, he clearly fits as a center. He plays responsibly on both ends of the ice, effectively kills penalties, and is a key member of the Terriers’ first power-play unit. As captain, he recorded 36 points in 40 games for the 2023–24 season, contributing to the Terriers’ Frozen Four appearance. Greene likely projects as a third- or fourth-line center focused on puck control and defensive reliability. While he may offer some offensive contributions, he struggled in the faceoff circle over the weekend, particularly in his own zone—an area he needs to improve for future NHL success. Nonetheless, he is a solid prospect with potential.
Eiserman, on the other hand, experienced a drop in his draft stock this time last year after initially being projected as a top-two pick. Following his selection by the Islanders, some speculated that Davidson missed out on an offensive talent that could complement Connor Bedard in the future. During Friday’s game, Eiserman showcased his skills by scoring a power-play goal and displaying his electrifying offensive abilities. However, he struggled defensively while on the ice, contributing to BU being pinned in their zone. Notably, he took an unnecessary slashing penalty while Michigan was ahead, which led to another goal against. His future in the NHL is still uncertain; he has the potential to score heavily, but his red flags may concern teams looking for a balanced player.
Michael Hage, a Chicago Steel prospect, was also intriguing for the Hawks when they selected at 18th. Standing at 6 feet 1 inch and weighing 190 pounds, he possesses a solid frame and a powerful stride, winning draws and playing in various game situations. Whether the Hawks missed out with this pick depends on Hage’s development and that of other prospects, including Boisvert.
As for Boisvert, I haven’t closely followed his play yet, but he has accumulated seven points in seven games for North Dakota, which is a positive start. A real test awaits him soon with competitive games against Minnesota Duluth and the top-ranked Denver Pioneers, which will provide more insight into his abilities. Additionally, checking out other Hawks prospects in these matchups could be beneficial. Adam Gajan, a Slovak netminder drafted 35th overall in 2023, holds a 3–3 record with the UMD Bulldogs, while Aidan Thompson, a Chicago third-round pick in 2022, currently leads the country in scoring for the Pioneers.
The Blackhawks have several noteworthy prospects in the NCAA, and although some selections may pan out while others may not, Davidson’s careful drafting reflects diligent research. Overall, the Hawks’ pool of prospects appears to be promising and well-rounded, particularly in collegiate hockey.
