NHL Rumors: Dalton Bancroft Drawing Heavy NHL Interest as Top College Free Agent

Saturday, March 29, 2025 , , , ,
Dalton Bancroft, a 24-year-old forward from Cornell University, is quickly becoming one of the most sought-after undrafted free agents in college hockey. 

A late bloomer with a gritty, north-south style, Bancroft has drawn interest from at least five NHL teams, including the Edmonton Oilers, Boston Bruins, Pittsburgh Penguins, Winnipeg Jets, and Tampa Bay Lightning. 

Standing at 6-foot-3 and 207 pounds, the Madoc, Ontario native brings an appealing combination of size, physicality, and offensive skill. Through 35 games this season, he’s tallied 15 goals and 11 assists, helping Cornell win a second straight ECAC Championship and reach the NCAA Tournament's regional final.

Teams view Bancroft as a potential impact player, especially with his ability to play a physical game while contributing offensively. 

“He’s got that rare power-forward package that so many teams covet these days,” one NHL source told RG. “He’s big; he’s not afraid to drive to the net or dig deep in the corners, and he can skate.” Bancroft, who attended Boston’s development camp in 2024, reportedly made a strong impression with how hard he worked and the versatility he brought.

While his offensive production is solid, NHL teams are especially intrigued by his willingness to embrace a pro-style role, possibly in a bottom-six capacity to start.

Bancroft’s journey has been pretty unique, bypassing the OHL despite being a 12th-round pick, and instead carving a path through the OJHL and GOJHL before arriving at Cornell in 2022. 

His breakout came late, but his competitive fire and leadership have made him a central figure in Cornell’s postseason success. “I love laying guys out just as much as I like putting the puck in the net,” Bancroft said. “When you get to the NHL level, you have to adjust and find a role… and I think that will be a big part.” 

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