The NCAA season is soon to be over. With conference tournaments underway, teams’ seasons will be ending, and we’ll start seeing college players trickle into the NHL.

We already saw the Philadelphia Flyers get active, signing a draft pick, Noah Powell, to an entry-level deal on Wednesday. As for NCAA free agents, that is a market that could be explored soon.

Where things stand now, the Flyers have three contract spots open until the new league year starts on July 1st. It’s safe to assume one of the three spots will be used by Porter Martone when Michigan State’s season comes to an end. Cole Knuble seems likely to join the organization now that Notre Dame’s season is over as well.

The rest, well, that is a little more up in the air. Jack Berglund could be an interesting thought, but he is still under contract through next season. If Breglund does not happen now or waits until the summer, the Flyers, in theory, would have one more contract to give out.

So, could the Flyers look to sign an NCAA free agent? Last season, they signed Karsen Dorwart at the end of the season. If the Flyers are looking to tap into this season, here are five players who could be on the market this year.

Read More: Flyers Ink NCAA Prospect to Entry-Level Contract

T.J. Hughes, C, Senior, Michigan (Big Ten)

It feels like after every season of his collegiate career, T.J. Hughes was impressive enough to warrant conversation about being a potential NCAA free agent signing. His freshman season was his only non-point-per-game season, where Hughes had 36 points (13G 23A) in 38 games.

Since then, Hughes has combined for 52 goals and 134 total points in 112 games over the last three seasons. This year, he is donning the “C” for Michigan and is a point away from breaking his career best.

Hughes will likely have a hot market. He plays a pro-style game, has a lethal shot, and can drive play at the NCAA level. His skating needs some work and will likely limit his immediate ceiling. However, Hughes could be a solid bottom-six player and is worth taking a swing on.

And no, he is not related to the other Hugheses that went to the University of Michigan.

J.J. Weibucsh, RW, Sophomore, Penn State (Big Ten)

J.J. Weibusch does not have to leave Penn State this season. Penn State may give him reason not to leave, especially if they do not accomplish their goals this season. But Weibusch, despite being a sophomore, is 22 years old. He may want to capitalize on two excellent seasons at PSU.

He scored 14 goals as a freshman and has 16 in his sophomore campaign. Weibusch also has 35 total points in 35 games played this season.

He is a player I have watched closely over the past two seasons. His shot is gross, and he can score from crazy angles. He is a quick skater with a good motor, and while two-way isn’t something I’d use to describe his game, I would not say Weibusch is a defensive liability either.

I do think Weibusch is a guy that would need some time in the AHL first, but he could pay off.

Owen Michaels, RW/C, Junior, Western Michigan (NCHC)

Last year, I had the privilege of going to the Frozen Four to cover Penn State’s run. However, with Alex Bump playing for the eventual National Champion Western Michigan Broncos at the time, I paid some attention to their games.

One player I remember being absolutely everywhere was Owen Michaels. He really stood out then, but played the wing. This year, he played some center and had another stellar year for the Broncos.

Michaels scored 12 goals and 13 assists for 25 total points in 36 games played.

His skating is a little limiting for his pro ceiling, which could just be a very good AHL skater with potential. But still, the Flyers have to fill the Phantoms, too. Maybe Alex Bump has some good things to say about John Snowden and company to his former teammate.

Viking Gustafsson Nyberg, LHD, Junior, UConn (Hockey East)

What more do I have to say other than he is 6’6″ and his name is Viking? That’s a pretty good selling point.

The lanky UConn blueliner has also spent time at Northern Michigan. Nyberg possesses the skills to be a shutdown defenseman at any level and has done that for UConn. He also has some offensive tools, though his offensive reads are much slower than they can be at the pro level.

Nyberg could help balance out the Phantoms defense, which is very heavy on the right side right now. Signing a guy like Nyberg would be great for the Phantoms, but I think he has some potential to be a bottom-pair NHL defenseman at some point.

Again, his name is Viking. That just sounds like an NHL name.

Josh Fleming, G, Freshman, Penn State (Big Ten)

Josh Fleming emerged as the top goaltender in his freshman season in the NCAA. The 21-year-old freshman has a .924 SV% and a 2.54 GAA in 18 games played this season.

It’s rare to see freshman goaltenders leave college after just one season, but as an undrafted kid, he may generate some buzz. Aleksei Kolosov is an RFA at the end of the season, so the Phantoms may need a tandem partner for Carson Bjarnason soon.

Fleming was one of the best goalies in college this season and certainly earned himself some NHL looks. If Penn State can ride him to a successful run in the Big Ten/NCAA Tournament, I can see many teams lining up for the goalie, and the Flyers should be one of them.

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