Devils’ 2026 second-round pick (37th overall) Matias Vanhanen has committed to Boston College in 2027-28. He will return to Everett for 2026-27. By doing so, Vanhanen became the first player from the Western Hockey League to commit to the Eagles’ program.
Vanhanen’s 24 playoff points (12G 12A) helped Everett to the 2025-26 Ed Chynoweth Cup as WHL playoff champion, and a berth in the Memorial Cup Championship for major junior hockey supremacy. Vanhanen continued to shine in the Silvertips’ runner-up finish for the Memorial Cup, as he posted 8 points (4G 4A) in 5 games in Kelowna. His points total was good for second-most in the tournament, earning him a place on the Memorial Cup all-star team.
The Vanhanen commitment really caught my attention, as I felt he was one of the best players I saw at the Memorial Cup. His ability to read the play in transition and create numerous offensive chances is elite.