Its that time of year. The NCAA hockey season has come to a close and conference tournaments are in full swing. NHL teams are now salivating at the chance to sign the top undrafted college free agents as their teams play their final games of the season.

These prospects don’t always have an impact at the NHL level, but the chances of finding a diamond in the rough ala players like Matt Read, Danny DeKeyser, Chris Kunitz, Andy McDonald, Dustin Penner, Tyler Bozak, Matt Gilroy, Cory Conacher, Jason Garrison, Ben Scrivens, Torey Krug, and others who have been uncovered in recent years is always a chance that NHL teams seem willing to take. At worst they give out an Entry Level contract, pay a player to play for their minor league club for a couple years, and then let them go. At best they get a player who can contribute at the NHL level, for a relatively low cap hit, without using a draft pick, or trading other assets. These players are low risk/big reward and so the competition to sign them will be fierce.

With that said, who are the top Free Agents available? I’ve listed them in alphabetical order by last name for ease of reference.

I will be handling this over the weekend in four parts, with 10 players in each part.

Justin Baker, Defence, St. Lawrence University (6’2″ 190 lbs) Signed an ATO with the Hartford Wolfpack (AHL affiliate of the New York Rangers): The 22-year-old senior has put up eight goals and 24 assists for 32 points in 36 games so far this season. The Toronto area native has previously attended a summer camp with the Toronto Maple Leafs. As a right-handed defenceman, with good size, and some offensive flair, he should be in demand as soon as his season is complete. He has a very good shot from the point, with the ability to keep it low and on net. He also shows good poise with the puck on his stick, and makes smart heads up passes on the powerplay. Baker is a strong skater. He has an smooth stride, good acceleration, and very good edgework, giving him the mobility to keep up at the next level. He will need to continue to work on his overall defensive awareness though, and may blossom after some time in the AHL.

Mat Bodie, Defence, Union (6’0″ 170 lbs) Signed with the New York Rangers: The 24-year-old formed a solid one-two punch with Flyers prospect Shayne Gostisbehere on the Dutchman defence putting up 29 points in 25 games. He is a strong puck mover, and is a very solid skater with good speed, acceleration, and the ability to change directions extremely quickly. He is also a good puckhandler, and his vision and passing skill makes him a strong playmaker. His defensive game is based on strong positioning and a good stick. However he does need to bulk up and gain more muscle mass to handle pro level forwards, or he will be overpowered at the next level.

Andrew Calof, Center, Princeton (5’10” 174 lbs) Signed an ATO with the Utica Comets (AHL affiliate of the Vancouver Canucks): I’ve mentionned a number of players who are good skaters, but Calof might be the best of the bunch in all four parts. He is absolutely lightning quick out there and has outstanding acceleration and edgework. Calof is deadly off the rush as defenders must back off and respect his speed or he is capable of taking them wide and driving to the net. When they do this Calof is fully capable of unleashing an accurate wrist shot or setting up a play for a teammate. His skill set makes him extremely difficult to defend in the transition game. He has put up 21 points in 22 games this season, as he had injury issues earlier in the year, but has played extremely well when healthy.

Colin Campbell, LW/RW, Lake Superior State (6’1″ 201 lbs) Signed with the Detroit Red Wings.: This 22-year-old winger has put up 14 goals and 29 points in 31 games so far this season. He is a thick and powerful forward, who protects the puck extremely well down low, and is very hard to beat in board battles. A wide skating stride gives him excellent balance, and the ability to fight through hooks, holds and checks and keep the puck away from defenders. When he sees an opening, he is able to cut to the net for a scoring chance, or make a good pass to a teammate. He also has a strong defensive game. His skill level doesn’t wow you, but he’s a hard worker, and a powerful forward who could be a candidate for a third or fourth line role in the NHL.

Greg Carey, LW, St. Lawrence (5’11” 195 lbs) Signed with the Phoenix Coyotes: Carey had an incredible 28 goals and 51 points in 38 games for the Saints in 2012-13. He has followed that up with 16 goals and 54 points in 36 games season. Carey is a pure goal scorer blessed with one of the best wrist shots in the NCAA and a great release. He really could put up even better offensive numbers if he had a setup man to play with and a bit better supporting cast, instead while the goals are down this season without a good setup man, he’s become more of a playmaker for others. He is absolutely lethal when he gets the opportunity and seeing his shot, its easy to see how Carey put up 72 goals in 48 games to set the OJHL record in his last season with the Burlington Cougars. Greg Carey works well with his brother Matt has put up 18 goals and 18 assists as a freshman on his line.

Matt Carey, C, St. Lawrence (6’0″ 185 lbs) Signed with the Chicago Blackhawks: The younger brother of Greg Carey, Matt skates extremely well. He has the ability to control the puck and make plays at top speed. Like his brother, he’s got an outstanding wrist shot and release. Is just a freshman, so he may go back for another year, but there are rumours he could come out with his brother. Has played in the OJHL for some time so is now 22 years old.

Ryan Carpenter, Centre, Bowling Green (6’1″ 180 lbs) Signed with the San Jose Sharks: A broken finger, followed up by a broken foot upon his return has set back the 23-year-old this season. When he has played, he has scored 11 points in 12 games for the Falcons. The Florida native started off playing roller hockey before switching to ice hockey. Eventually as his hockey career progressed he moved to Michigan in his sophomore year of high school to pursue playing better competition. He attended a prospect camp with the Boston Bruins last summer. He is a hardworking, grinding type of player who battles hard in the corners and in front of the net. Once he gets the puck, Carpenter can score goals with a good wrist shot and lightning quick release.

Daniel Carr, LW, Union (6’0″ 194 lbs): The 22-year-old left winger has put up 108 points over three seasons playing playing on the Dutchmen top line. Union has lost a ton of offensive firepower after last season, but taking his game to the next level, Carr hasn’t missed a beat with 17 goals and 36 points in 31 games. Carr is a sniper with an excellent wrist shot and one timer. He’s got decent skating, which is aided by his good positioning and hockey sense. Carr finds holes in the defence and sets up where he can unleash his accurate and powerful shot. He also has decent vision and playmaking skill for a winger. He has attended NHL prospect camps the last two summers, and should sign with someone shortly after the end of his senior season.

Doug Carr, Goalie, UMass-Lowell (6’2″ 194 lbs) Signed an ATO with the Abbotsford Heat (AHL affiliate of the Calgary Flames): One of the new breed of bigger goalie (6’2″) who takes up a lot of net and cuts down angles well. Carr has very quick legs and takes away the bottom of the net well. A quick glove hand takes away the upper portions of the net. He’s also got very good puck tracking skills and lateral movement. The 25-year-old senior had a 1.80 GAA and .936 save percentage this season. He could step in immediately and challenge for a starting position on many AHL teams, where it goes from there is anyone’s guess.

Jake Chelios, Defence, Michigan State (6’2″ 192 lbs) Signed an ATO with the Chicago Wolves (AHL affiliate of the St. Louis Blues): The son of Hockey Hall of Famer Chris Chelios, Jake has had a solid senior season for Michigan State. The 23-year-old has 19 points in 33 games for the Spartans. He attended prospect camp with the Chicago Blackhawks last summer. Chelios has a good point shot and keeps it low and on the net. The strength of his game is his defensive ability. He is strong in the corners and in front of the net, and plays a very gritty and chippy game on the back end. While he obviously doesn’t have his father’s skill, he does take some elements of his physical and chippy game.

Austin Czarnik, Centre, Miami-Ohio (5’9″ 165 lbs): Perhaps the most purely skilled player in this class, Czarnik has had an incredible year for the Miami-Ohio Redhawks with 43 points in 31 games as a junior. With soft hands, a good shot and release, and strong skating ability, there is little doubt that Czarnik has offensive skills. His best asset is his outstanding playmaking ability and vision. Czarnik is a top notch playmaker in the NCAA. However, generously listed at 5’9″ and 160 lbs, size has always been a concern for him, and is the main reason he has gone undrafted, as his offensive skills were apparent with both the US National Team Development Program, and the the Green Bay Gamblers in the USHL during his junior career. Now finishing his junior season, he should be highly sought after this spring if he decides to leave school.

The other parts are now posted. Click here part 2, Part 3, and Part 4 in case you missed them.

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