Leading NHL Suitor Named For Top College UFA Collin Graf

 

Top college free agent Collin Graf is getting closer to making his decision on where to begin his NHL journey. According to insider Michael Russo, the 6-foot Quinnipiac forward is down to "a handful of finalists and could make a decision today or tomorrow".

Russo indicated that no less than 25 teams have pursued the two-time Hobey Baker nominee. He whittled the list down and conducted Zoom calls with about six teams in recent days and weeks.

The 21-year-old scored 22 goals and 49 points in 34 games this season and in 112 NCAA games, Graf has 54 goals and 76 assists for 126 points. 

Insider Frank Seravalli of Daily Faceoff calls Graf "undoubtedly the No. 1 NCAA free agent to be signed." He adds that it looks certain that he will be signing with an Eastern Conference team, and names the Boston Bruins as the likely landing spot.

"Graf is from Massachusetts, he’s a Boston Jr. Bruins player so that makes a lot of sense," says Seravalli. "Some sources are speculating the Boston Bruins. Don Sweeney and the Bruins executive staff were at the game yesterday in Providence to watch these two teams. They got a first-hand viewing."

Collin Graf is still available for NHL teams to pursue

*Cough cough* #NHLBruins

Quinnipiac’s Collin Graf:

Center
21 years old
6’0” 170Lbs

112 Games Played (NCAA)
54 Goals
76 Assists
126 Points

Sneak peak into the shenanigans he can bring on a nightly basis @BruinSomethin pic.twitter.com/FYKZb6VNDk

— Michael Sullivan (@_MikeSullivan) April 2, 2024

But Seravalli adds that there are a number of other teams still in pursuit as well, and "it’s probably easier to list the teams who haven’t been in on Graf. A lot of Western Conference teams (are involved) as well, like the Colorado Avalanche, Arizona Coyotes, and San Jose Sharks. The Edmonton Oilers have spent a long time watching Graf and another team in the East is Pittsburgh."

It's coming down to the wire, and we'll find out in the next day or so where Graf is headed.

Photo: Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports