Storylines on path to Frozen Four: Can Boston College star cement status as a top NHL pick?

2. Can James Hagens prove he's the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NHL Draft?

Boston College's top line features American-born Hagens centering Perreault and Leonard. Hagens is considered a possibility for the top pick in the 2025 NHL Draft. He has been solid with 35 points (10 goals, 25 assists) in 35 games during his freshman season, but he's facing a steep challenge to go first overall thanks to big performances from Ontario Hockey League prospects (Matthew Schaefer, Michael Misa and Porter Martone). This tournament is a chance for Hagens to solidify his position in the 2025 NHL Draft. 

3. Will an NHL team make Denver's David Carle an offer he can't refuse? 

Carle, 35, is the youngest coach in NCAA history to win two championships. His trademark defensive structure led to Denver only allowing three goals during last season's tournament run. He's also fresh off his second gold-medal victory at the World Junior Championships coaching Team USA. Chris Peters of Flo Hockey said Carle might be a once-in-a-generation coaching prospect. 

The question now is whether Carle is ready to make the jump to the NHL. He has made it clear that an NHL team must make a Godfather offer to get him to leave what he views as one of the five best hockey jobs on the continent.

4. Is Michigan State back?

The Spartans fell on hard times after their win in the 2007 tournament, only finishing .500 or better four times from 2008 to 2022. Former U.S. National Team Development Program coach Adam Nightingale has rejuvenated the program. Despite losing star defenseman Artyom Levshunov, the No. 2 overall pick in 2024, to the Chicago Blackhawks, the Spartans were even better this season on the road to a Big Ten regular-season and postseason championship and the No. 2 overall seed in the tournament. 

Tampa Bay Lightning prospect Isaac Howard leads the Spartans (and the NCAA) with 51 points (26 goals, 25 assists) in 36 games.

 5. Can a goalie steal the show?

All four candidates for the Mike Richter Award, given annually to the top goalie in men's NCAA Division I hockey, are in this tournament and in different regions. Michigan State's Trey Augustine (Detroit Red Wings) and Boston College's Jacob Fowler (Montreal Canadiens) are among the best known. University of Maine standout Albin Boija (undrafted) has competed well (.930 save percentage).

But it's Minnesota State's Alex Tracy (undrafted), leading the NCAA with a .945 save percentage while playing in 37 of 38 games, who offers the most intrigue in the tournament for a Mavericks team looking to knock out Western Michigan, the lowest-rated No. 1 seed, in the opening round.

The tournament begins Thursday at 2 p.m. with Ohio State facing Boston University in Toledo. Find the tournament schedule here (h/t: ESPN).