With the college hockey season coming to a close, let’s take a look at some of the top free agents that the Islanders could target. If you want to know what the Islanders college prospects were up to this season, you can take a look at this article. If you would like to learn more about the undrafted free agent process, you can click here and see how one of the league’s most intriguing rules takes shape.

Bobby Trivigno, F, University of Massachusetts

Bobby Trivigno is an already-named target for the Islanders, as the New York Post’s Mollie Walker reported that the Islanders are in his top group along with the Rangers, Predators, and Panthers.

The 2021 Frozen Four MVP for UMass run and 2021 First Team All-American, Trivigno has participated in NHL development camps before as the Penguins had him in camp in 2019, and the Rangers invited him to camp in 2021, but he couldn’t attend since his college classes resumed. A Setauket native who grew up a Rangers fan, he scored 20 goals and 49 points, both career highs, in 37 games.

The 5-8, 162 pound forward is a fast, 200-foot player who is great at creating turnovers. He also has a good enough shot to be able to make an impact at the professional level. He is serving as the captain for UMass this year and has been key to continuing the success that the Minutemen have had at UMass since the departures of players like Cale Makar.

Ben Meyers, F, University of Minnesota

Ben Meyers is clearly the most NHL-ready player among college free agents. He has had a lot of options to sign a contract the past two seasons, but he chose to return to Meyers has had a long list of suitors for the last two years. Teams had hoped he would agree to a deal after last season, but Meyers opted to return for his junior season.

Meyers is 5-11, 200 pounds, and will be likely be the most highly-touted college free agent once Minnesota’s season is over.

Ethen Frank, F, Western Michigan University

Ethen Frank definitely took advantage of his extra year of eligibility granted by NCAA due to the coronavirus pandemic. As an alternate captain for Western Michigan, he is currently the leading goal scorer in college hockey. With 26 goals in 38 games this season, he doubled his previous career-high while also setting career-highs in assists and points, too, with 13 and 39, respectively.

The 5-11, 185 pound forward from Nebraska is a speedy skater who is a weapon in the transition game and can put pressure on opposing defenses, no matter if the puck is on his stick or not.

Western Michigan was one of the NCAA’s top teams this season, and Frank was one of the main reasons why they were up there, alongside another player that is mentioned further along in the article. At 24, he might not be as big of a priority for teams, but his goal-scoring and skating ability will likely be desired in this market.

Jake Livingstone, D, Minnesota State University

Jake Livingstone is a 6-3, 201 pound right-shot defenseman for Minnesota State. In his second season for the Mavericks, he has become one of the top blueliners on one of the NCAA’s top teams who are traveling to the Frozen Four for April 7 and 9.

He has set career-highs in goals (nine), assists (21), and points (30) in 42 games this season, with at least one more guaranteed on the 7th against Minnesota.

Livingstone is only a sophomore at Minnesota State, but is already 22 years old after spending a few extra years in the BCHL before heading to Mankato. He could go back to school if he chooses to do so, but he will be in high demand to sign following the Mavericks’ season finishing up that he will likely sign rather than return. He has a hard point shot and can defend well enough for his size. He isn’t the fastest player on the ice, but the lack of quickness gets balanced out by the rest of his game.

Nick Blankenburg, D, University of Michigan

Nick Blankenburg is serving as the captain of the University of Michigan in his fourth season for the Wolverines. In a roster full of NHL-drafted talent including former first-overall selection Owen Power, he has been the stand-out player this year.

With 14 goals and 15 assists for 29 points in 37 games this season with at least one game left this season against the University of Denver in the Frozen Four, he has set career-highs at the NCAA level for his offensive statistics.

The 5-9, 175 pound defenseman gains significant ice time on the Wolverines’ power-play and is a key member of the offensive game for Michigan this year. His defensive game needs a little bit of work, but the 23-year old has room for development.

Brandon Bussi, G, Western Michigan University

Brandon Bussi, like Frank, was one of the key difference-makers for the Western Michigan Broncos this year, turning them into one of the country’s top teams.

In his junior year, the Sound Beach, New York native set career-highs in games played (39), wins (26), goals against average (2.55), and save percentage (.912) at the collegiate level.

Bussi is certainly a bigger goaltender at 6-5, 220 pounds, which definitely puts some extra eyes on him as a potential free agent target for teams. He does not have the most eye-popping numbers or even a clean game, but he is a very athletic goaltender that is continuing to improve year after year. His athletic figure may not translate to the NHL game completely, but he is definitely worth the gamble for some teams that might want to try and continue developing his game.

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