Relatively unheralded New York Islanders d-man prospect Xavier Veilleux (2024 6th round, 179th overall) of Cornell University was named the East Coast Athletic Conference’s Defenseman of the Month for January, garnering 11 points (3G 8A) in 10 games for the Big Red. With attention normally paid to highly-drafted prospects such as d-man Kashawn Aitcheson and forward Victor Eklund, the Islanders continue to demonstrate they have forged one of the league’s deeper prospect pools. The 19-year-old Veilleux has 23 points (5G 18A) in 25 games, and has been instrumental in helping the 11th-ranked team in the country to most likely reach the NCAA tournament.
St. Louis goalie prospect Love Harenstam (2025 6th round, 179th) is having an excellent season in HockeyAllsvenskan (Sweden’s 2nd-tier pro league). Harenstam began the season at the J20 level, then quickly rose to the professional ranks following an excellent start with his junior team. Since then, Harenstam has posted a .919 save percentage to go with a 1.85 goals-against average in 26 games with Sodertalje SK. He also went 6-0-0 with a .911 save percentage in backstopping Sweden to a gold medal at this season’s World Junior Championship.
Detroit forward prospect Carter Bear (2025 1st round, 13th overall) continues to excel for Everett of the WHL. The left-shot forward is following up an 82-point campaign with a team-leading 57 points (27G 30A) in 41 games, good for a 1.39 points-per-game average. With his entry-level contract in hand, Wings fans should look to see him sooner rather than later.
Boston forward prospect James Hagens (2025 1st round, 7th overall) is very close to joining the professional ranks, according to those close to the organization. After being drafted by the Bruins this past summer, Hagens returned to Boston College for his sophomore year, and has been lights out for the Eagles. He has amassed 34 points (17G 17A) in 26 games so far this season, was named MVP of the prestigious Beanpot Tournament, and is a recent Hobey Baker Award nominee. With a roster re-tool featuring younger players well underway, many look for Hagens to join the Bruins this spring for a playoff run.
Philadelphia forward prospect Denver Barkey (2023 3rd round, 95th overall) is quickly becoming a full-time NHL player. During his current 22-game stint with the Flyers, the 20-year-old Newmarket, Ont. native has 9 points (2G 7A). While those stats are not eye-popping, he is averaging 1.44 points per 60 even-strength minutes. The eventual arrival of Porter Martone and more productivity from Matvei Michkov presumably will assist in furthering his development.