The Frozen Four, a thrilling culmination of the NCAA men’s ice hockey tournament, is just around the corner, with teams battling it out for college hockey supremacy. As the excitement builds for the Final Four, NHL teams are already looking ahead to the future, scouting for potential talent to bolster their rosters. For the Montreal Canadiens, a team in the midst of a rebuilding phase, the upcoming wave of unrestricted free agents emerging from the college ranks could provide key opportunities to strengthen their prospect depth.
While the Canadiens have several promising prospects in their pipeline, Sam Harris is the only one currently in the Frozen Four, giving Montreal fans a unique reason to tune in as he looks to help Denver capture the NCAA title. The Habs’ fifth-round pick in 2023 has been solid for Denver, scoring 23 goals and adding 12 assists in 42 games this season.
Now, let’s take a look at three potential unrestricted free agent (UFA) players competing in the tournament that the Canadiens should target:
Matt Davis, Goaltender
The two-time national champion with the University of Denver has yet to sign to be affiliated with any NHL team, and it is safe to say teams will be lining up to sign the senior netminder. Matt Davis’ poise under pressure is evident in his consistent performances throughout the season, and his ability to make clutch saves in high-stakes moments has earned him a reputation as a reliable goaltender for Denver. During Denver’s 2024 championship, Davis was named the Frozen Four’s most outstanding player.
The Calgary native has been the team’s number one goalie for the last two seasons. In 93 starts for Denver, Davis has put up a 63-16-4 record. He also recorded an impressive 2.13 goals-against average (GAA) and .921 save percentage (SV%). The 23-year-old attended the Colorado Avalanche’s development camp last summer as an invitee. Safe to say they will be seen as a solid option for the Denver product.
While Jacob Fowler, who signed his entry-level contract on Friday, is seen as Montreal’s future number one, teams never have enough prospects between the pipes. Davis could be a solid option, potentially starting with the Laval Rocket in the American Hockey League in 2025-26.
Carter King, Forward
The 95th captain in Denver’s history is also a UFA that will come out of college in the next few weeks. The fifth-year senior just recorded his best season with Denver in 2024-25. In 43 games, King scored 21 goals and added 22 assists to be at a point-per-game. Never drafted, he will have plenty of options following the Frozen Four.
King has been Denver’s first-line center for much of the season. He has played alongside Hobey Baker finalist and Panthers’ seventh-round pick in 2022, Jack Devine, and Blackhawks’ third-round pick in the same year, Aidan Thompson. King is looking to lead Denver to its third National championship in four years.
Since King will turn 24 in August before the Sept. 15 deadline, he will only be eligible for a one-year entry-level contract starting in the 2025-26 campaign. King was also not on a team’s reserve list before the NHL trade deadline. He won’t be eligible to play for the team that signs him in the regular season.
Quinn Hutson, Forward
I could not make this list and not put the older Hutson brother on it. Unlike his brothers Lane and Cole, Quinn Hutson is a forward that also plays for Boston University. The 23-year-old junior also went undrafted in the NHL Draft but has since put up solid numbers in every season. In 115 games with BU, Hutson scored 56 goals and tallied 114 points. Safe to say, he has nothing else to prove at the collegiate level.
This season, Hutson recorded 50 points in 36 games. His 1.39 points per game were good for second only behind Tampa Bay Lightning prospect Isaac Howard. Even with such high offensive production, he was not named a finalist for the Hobey Baker.
Hutson’s connection to Montreal comes through his younger brother, Lane. The success and development of Lane in Montreal could create a natural connection and potentially make Quinn an even more appealing target for the Habs. By bringing in Quinn, the Canadiens would not only be adding a highly skilled forward with an elite hockey IQ, but they would also be creating a unique synergy within the organization.
Related: Canadiens Rookie Hutson Having Season for the Record Books
Bringing in NCAA free agents is a smart strategy for the Canadiens as they continue to build and strengthen their prospect pool. With young, untapped talent emerging from top college programs, the Canadiens have a unique opportunity to add players who are not only skilled but also have the maturity and readiness to transition into the NHL quickly.
